Have you noticed how much of a difference your clothes make when hiking? If you’re someone who doesn’t pay much attention to what you wear, you’re setting yourself up for an uncomfortable hike. But the proper apparel seriously helps. It keeps you dry when it rains, warm when it’s cold and lets your skin breathe when it’s hot.
And the best thing is, you can still look super cute and stylish in your outfit, because there are so many great styles to choose from. Just make sure to pick comfy women’s hiking outfits that suit your personality and make you feel your best.
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What Should a Woman Wear When Hiking?
Aside from carefully picking your hiking gear, your clothes are honestly the most important thing. They’re what set you up for a good hike.
With that said, women’s hiking attire should consist of a good base layer like a breathable tee, an insulating mid-layer, like a long-sleeve shirt or blouse, weather-resistant hiking pants for cooler or rougher tracks, and shorts for when it’s warm. As for your feet, grab a pair of solid hiking boots or even hiking sandals if it’s hot. And don’t forget the socks. A good pair can seriously change your whole hike.
Start With Moisture-Wicking Base Layers
Okay, the first thing you’ll want to do when it comes to hiking clothes is start with a good base layer. And you won’t have any trouble picking the right layers since there is a huge range of women’s hiking outfits that make a great base and set the tone for the rest of your apparel.
This is why it is important to look specifically for clothes made for hiking, as they are usually made from moisture-wicking materials that make all the difference. They are made to pull sweat away from your skin so your body stays cool and dry even when you’re sweating too much, and this is such a game-changer, especially when you’re out for hours.
These t-shirts are usually made from synthetic materials like spandex and polyester, which are super comfy, quick drying, and a lot of them also help with odour control. Those t-shirts made to resist smells are honestly so helpful if you’re sweating too much.
Also, don’t forget to choose hiking clothes for women that have UV protection built in. Look for those made with UPF 50 because that’s basically like a sunscreen built into your clothes.
So, not only do base layers keep you dry and comfy, but they protect your skin too, which is always a bonus. And once you’ve got that layer sorted, it’s easy to build the rest of your apparel.
Insulating Mid-Layers
So, after the base layer, the next thing to look for is an insulating mid-layer. This will be your warmth provider layer that will keep you warm and cosy without getting sweaty.
There are a lot of great options out there for mid layers, and one great choice is a long-sleeved shirt made from a quick-drying poly-cotton blend, which is a great pick for comfort and fit. Also, many hiking shirts are made from an insect bite-proof fabric, which is a great thing if you’re hiking in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes. The fabric makes it tough for mosquitoes and other insects to bite through.
Also, what you’ll really love about these hiking shirts is that a lot of them come with a sun-protective collar so your neck stays safe from sunburn, especially during long hikes under the sun.
And if shirts are not your thing, you can always go for a long-sleeved blouse. It’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and what your personal preferences are. Either way, it’s always smart to pack an insulating mid-layer, just to be ready for sudden weather changes, and they help protect you from insect bites, too.
Weather-Resistant Outer Layers
Australian weather can be so unpredictable. One minute it’s sunny and hot, and the next minute the wind picks up or it starts pouring. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or windbreaker. You don’t want the jacket to be bulky. Find something that’s easy to throw on and that’ll keep you dry and stop the wind from cutting through your clothes.
Also, look for jackets that let your body breathe, otherwise you’ll feel all sweaty inside. And if you’re hiking up in the mountains, look for something windproof. Overall, having a good outer layer makes your whole hike way more comfortable.
Bottoms for the Trail: Hiking Pants or Shorts
When it comes to bottoms, whether you choose pants or shorts, it depends on where you’re going and what the weather is like. If you’re going somewhere with lots of bushes or the temperatures are cooler, pants would be a good choice. Look for those that stretch as you move, that feel lightweight and can roll up so you can cool off if the weather gets warmer during the day.
But if it’s hot outside, shorts are such a lifesaver. Look for ones that dry fast and are made to move, so you don’t feel restricted.
Footwear and Socks
Let’s not forget shoes and socks, it’s something that can make or break your hike. Now, depending on the terrain and weather, you can either go for boots or hiking sandals. Regardless of what you choose, make sure they have that extra support, help with stability and provide decent grip and comfort. They should feel super comfy and make your hike just a bit easier.
As for socks, merino wool blends are the best pick. They keep your feet warm if it’s cold, but still breathe really well, so they don’t get sweaty. Also, merino wool helps fight off the smell, which is great if you’ll be hiking for a couple of days.
