Throughout the years, I’ve tried MANY pieces of hiking clothing. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found my favorite items that I always pack with me on our hiking trips. I tend to reach for these essentials because they perform well, are comfortable, and have lasted for many years. This guide lists the best women’s hiking clothing that I personally love!
Best Women’s Hiking Clothing
Women’s Hiking Tops
Tank Tops
Tanks tops are my go-to shirts. I prefer the breeziness and arm mobility of tank tops over sleeved shirts, especially on hot days. When packing for a hiking trip, I always grab my Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top (Race Length) and Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Tank.
The Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top (Race Length) is very breathable and dries quickly, which makes it excellent for high exertion or hot days on the trail.
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback Tank Top – Race Length (Lululemon)
The Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Tank feels like soft and casual cotton, but it’s actually a technical fabric with quick-dry and moisture-wicking features! This tank is a good combination of comfort and performance.
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Trail Tank (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
Short-Sleeve Tops
I typically wear tank tops, though shorts sleeves are great for extra sun protection on the shoulders. My favorite short sleeve hiking top is the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt. The sleeves are Raglan style for improved range of motion, which is especially important for those with broad shoulders. The fabric is the same as the Capilene Cool Trail Tank – it has performance features while still feeling soft and comfortable.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
Long-Sleeve Tops
Long-sleeve tops are ideal for sun protection on the trail. The features I look for in long-sleeve shirts are quick-drying technical fabric, a quarter-zip neckline for neck coverage, and thumb holes for hand coverage. My go-to long-sleeve hiking top has been discontinued, but the Brooks Women’s Dash 1/2 Zip and Patagonia Seabrook Zip-Neck are good options that I will look to purchase once my current shirt has worn out.
Brooks Women’s Dash 1/2 Zip (Amazon | REI)
Fleece Jackets
For cooler days on the trail, I like to pack a cozy fleece jacket. A fleece jacket is an insulating layer that’s breathable, which helps prevent overheating. My favorite fleece for hiking is my Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket. The full zip allows for easy on and off on the go. There is a 1/4 zip option as well.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
Insulated Puffy Jackets
Insulated puffy jackets are great for chilly hikes. Warmth, breathable sides, and arm mobility make the Women’s Arc’teryx Atom Jacket (previously know as the Atom LT) my favorite insulated layer. The Atom is constructed with synthetic down so it’s still functional even if it gets wet.
Arc’teryx Women’s Atom Jacket (Amazon | REI | Arc’teryx)
When I need some serious warmth, I pack my Patagonia Down Sweater. The Down Sweater is made with 800-fill down which makes it very warm and lightweight. Keep in mind that down needs to stay dry in order to maintain it’s warmth. Be sure to use the Down Sweater during dry conditions or bring a rain shell to layer over top of it.
Patagonia Down Sweater (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
I’ve tried many insulated puffy jackets to figure out which are the best ones for various uses. If you’re looking for more jacket options to try, check out our post that compares the best insulated puffy jackets.
Rain Jackets
My current rain jacket has been discontinued. When I need to replace it, I have my eye on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L or the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket. These rain jackets offer a great balance of performance and cost, and both rain jackets have pit zips!
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
The Arc’teryx Beta LT and Beta AR are also very popular rain jacket options. The Arc’teryx gear that I own has had excellent performance so I have no doubt their rain jackets would be excellent as well, though the cost of these rain jackets is very steep compared to other options.
Women’s Hiking Bottoms
Shorts
Quick-dry, lightweight shorts are my favorites. Lululemon Speed Up Shorts (High-Rise 2.5″) are perfect for hiking in hot weather and even for taking an impromptu swim!
Lululemon Speed Up Shorts – High Rise 2.5” (Lululemon)
Leggings
Leggings provide comfort, sun protection, and some brush protection on overgrown trails. For a very lightweight feel, I love the Lululemon Align Leggings. My favorite budget alternative to the Aligns are the CRZ Yoga Women’s Naked Feeling Leggings. For more technical leggings, check out the Eddie Bauer Women’s Trail Tight Leggings.
Lululemon Align Leggings (Lululemon) CRZ Yoga Naked Feeling Leggings (Amazon) Eddie Bauer Women's Trail Tights (Amazon)
Pants
Prana Women’s Halle Pants are always in my bag when I pack for hiking trips. They are stretchy, water-resistant, and fit wonderfully.
Prana recently redesigned the Halle pant and updated the fabric and cut. I’ve tried the updated Halle II version and still prefer the old style for my fit.
Prana Women's Halle Pants (Amazon | REI | Backcountry | Prana)
Women’s Hiking Shoes
Hiking Boots
The Salomon Women’s X Ultra GTX Hiking Boots have been my favorite hiking boots for years. They are very supportive and comfortable, and they keep your toes from getting squished on downhills! The waterproof GORE-TEX version is the most versatile in case of rain or water crossings on the trail.
Salomon Women's X Ultra GTX Hiking Boots (Amazon | REI | Backcountry)
Trail Running Shoes
For hikes that don’t require ankle stability, I like to wear trail running shoes since they are lighter than hiking boots. I’ve worn the Salomon Women’s Speedcross Trail Running Shoes for years and love them for their combination of traction and agility.
Salomon Women's Speedcross Trail Running Shoes (Amazon | REI | Backcountry)
Camp Shoes
When car camping in cool weather, I always bring along my Women’s Teva ReEMBER Camp Slippers. For warm weather, I bring my Chaco’s or Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandals.
Women's Teva ReEMBER Camp Slippers (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sport Sandals (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Chaco Women's Z/Cloud 2 Sport Sandal (Amazon | REI | Backcountry | Chaco)
When backpacking, shoes made of EVA are my favorite camping shoes because they are lightweight and don’t absorb water. They also make great shower shoes. I love my Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals. Crocs and Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals are other good EVA options as well.
Teva Hurricane Drift Sandals (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Crocs Classic Clog (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA (Amazon | REI | Backcountry)
Water shoes
For day hikes with many water crossings, I wear Keen Women’s Whisper Closed-Toe Sport Sandals. I love the toe protection for rocky and watery hikes like The Narrows in Zion National Park.
Keen Women's Whisper Closed-Toe Sport Sandals (Amazon | REI)
Women’s Hiking Undergarments
Socks
A good pair of hiking socks can make or break a hike when it comes to blisters and foot comfort. Darn Tough Hiking Socks and Smartwool Hiking Socks are both excellent. Both brands are available in various lengths including crew, mid, and low.
Darn Tough Quarter Hiking Socks (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks (Amazon | REI | Backcountry) Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Low Ankle Socks (Amazon | REI | Backcountry)
Sleep Socks
In cold weather, I wear Acorn Fleece Socks around camp and for sleeping. These socks are warm, soft, and outrageously comfortable.
Acorn Fleece Socks (Amazon)
Underwear
Under Armour’s Pure Stretch Thong Underwear has no-show edges, is quick-dry, and is reasonably priced compared to many athletic underwear options. There’s also a hipster cut version for more coverage.
Under Armour's Pure Stretch Thong Underwear (Amazon | Backcountry)
Sports Bras
I like the no-fuss, minimalistic design of the Lululemon Flow Y Nulu Bra. The straps are comfortable under a hiking backpack. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the CRZ YOGA Y Back Sports Bra. If you are looking for a more supportive option, the Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra is very comfortable and breathable.
Lululemon Flow Y Nulu Bra (Lululemon) CRZ YOGA Y Back Sports Bra (Amazon) Patagonia Switchback Sports Bra (REI | Backcountry | Patagonia)
Women’s Hiking Hats
Hiking Hat
The simplicity of a small, lightweight running hat is perfect for hiking. An older style of the Brooks Chaser Hat is my favorite, but that version has been discontinued. When I need a replacement, I’ll be checking out the Athleta Ultra Light Run Cap.
Athleta Ultra Light Run Cap (REI | Athleta)
Beanie
A beanie is a small item that makes a big difference for keeping warm in cold temperatures. I love North Face beanies for their classic styles.
The North Face Sweater Faux Paca Beanie (Amazon | REI)
That wraps up our guide to the best women’s hiking clothing. I hope this guide helps you find clothes that you will love to wear out on the trails for many years to come. Happy trails!
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