Best Hiking Clothes for Women-Detailed review
Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an experienced backpacker, this guide introduces you to high-quality hiking equipment and clothing designed especially for women who enjoy hitting the trail.
Fortunately, there are plenty of companies out there who specialize in designing products for women’s bodies.
After traveling through North America to Southeast Asia, I’ve rounded up the best outdoor equipment for clothing, footwear, packs, trekking sticks, watches, and even essential must-have travel gadgets.
As far as I’m concerned, I buy better quality products at a higher price because they’re worth it.
With that said, there’s no need to spend lots of time and effort trying to get a name brand if an alternative product can be found at a lower cost.
Best hiking clothes for women-Best Hiking Jacket for Women
There is no need to purchase an entire new wardrobe, but there is some hiking clothing that provides maximum warmth and may help you cover those extra few miles!
If you are curious about the male versions. You can check out our full review about the best hiking jackets.
CAMEL CROWN Women’s Waterproof 3-in-1 Ski Jacket
If you don’t want to carry two separate outerwear items when you go out for a hike, then the CAMEL CROWN Womens Waterproof 3-in 1 Ski Jacket combines the functions (or features) of a waterproof rain jacket with a lightweight fleece.
It has a waterproof outer shell and an inner fleece lining for extra warmth. You can wear either one alone if you want.
It has an excellent range of uses, from hiking to skiing, camping, and even everyday wear. The outer shell is great for springtime walks and the inner layer can be used by women as a walking fleece.
Buy here the best hiking clothes for women CAMEL CROWN Women
Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Shell Jacket
The Little Donkey Andy women’s water resistant rain jacket is a light weight and waterproof shell that works well for traveling, hiking, camping, and fishing.
It has a good value for its price point, but it doesn’t hold up well against competitors at a similar price point. It comes with seam tape to keep water out and to ensure you stay drier.
Buy here the Little Donkey Andy Women’s Waterproof Rain Shell Jacket
Best Hiking Pants for Women
North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
These are my favorite hiking pants. They’re incredibly light, but they’re designed with increased abrasion/snag resistant properties.
There are plenty of pockets, and a zipper pocket for money or keys.
The bottoms of the pants have a cord that you can pull tight to cinch them up and tuck into the boot tops so they don’t become soaked.
One thing I don’t like about these pants is that they come with a drawstring in the waist line which can get twisted and tangled quite easily. So be careful when tying them up. If you want to know more about women’s clothing check out our article about the best hiking leggings.
Buy here the best hiking clothes for women North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
prAna Kanab Pants
These new Kanab shorts from prAna are definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something different than the typical hiking pant.
prAna makes its hiking pants for comfort and durableness when it come to hiking anywhere from the woods to jungels.
While the Halle jogging pants look more like regular running shorts, I prefer the Kanab jogging pant with the elastic waist band and more stretch throughout the legs.
Also, I prefer the ankle cuffs to keep mosquitos out.
It has an abrasion-resistant outer shell with a double-layered knee pad for those who also climb outdoors.
Buy here the prAna Kanab Pants
Best Hiking Socks for Women
Smartwool Merino Wool Crew Socks
While Smartwool hiking boots are expensive, all durable Merino Wool hiking boots are more expensive than cotton hiking boots, so why not spend an extra few dollars and get the most comfortable pair.
These are the softest and comfiest socks for every day wear.
For my trail running shoes and every day boots, I usually wear the “hike light” or “targets cushioned” styles.
Buy here the Smartwool Merino Wool Crew Socks
Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
If you want amazing shoes that support an amazing company, then check out Darn Tough Shoes.
These socks provide the perfect cushion for your feet and the best chance at avoiding blisters in those rugged walking shoes.
For summer hikes, I prefer wearing the ultra-light weight with cushioned socks with my Altra Lite and the light to mid-weight socks with my hiking boots.
Buy here the Best hiking clothes Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
Best Hiking Hats for Women
Outdoor Research Sombrero Hat
It’s the best outdoor cap for protecting yourself from the sun and having so many small details that make a real difference.
If you are hiking in the desert or in high UV rays this is a must-have.
With a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50, a detachable chin strap, and an extremely wide brim, this hat is ideal when hiking in the hot sun.
If you don’t want to wear a hat with an added neck covering, then this is the best coverage you can get for now.
Buy here the best hiking clothes Outdoor Research Sombrero Hat
Women’s Ponytail Wide Brim Hat
A wide brim hat with a pony tail hole is available at Amazon.
This wide brim hat provides more protection against the heat and less chance of burning yourself when you hike for hours in the hot summer days.
It has a removable visor, provides UV protection, and allows air flow through its side vents. You can easily adjust the size of the brim by adjusting the length of the elastic band at the back of the cap. Check out our full review about the best hiking hat in 2022.
Buy here the Women’s Ponytail Wide Brim Hat
Tilley Western Hemp Hat
If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable hat for hiking, I recommend the Tilley Hemp Hat
It’s made from breathable, natural fibers that are naturally anti-microbial to help prevent odor build up and it has a wicking sweat band to keep you cool and drier.
- UPF 50+ rating offers defense against UV rays
- Made of breathable hemp with a wicking felt sweatband
- Chin cord can be tucked away for added convenience
Buy here the Tilley Western Hemp Hat
Best Hiking Shoes – Women’s Hiking Gear
There are so many types of hiking shoes available, it can be hard to decide which ones are best for your body, the trails, and the season.
Here are three types of hiking shoes for women that are best suited to different terrains. Here are the best hiking sandals for women.
Hiking Sandals for Women
Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
My Chacos are so comfy I wear them even when they’re not hiking! They are super comfy and easy to put on and take off.
They’re great for hiking up to five (5) mile distances in warm or wet terrain.
They’re waterproof, breathable, and keep feet warm even when wet. Unlike traditional wool socks, they don’t shrink, pill, or fall apart after just one wear.
Buy here the Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals
Merrell All Out Blaze Hiking Water Shoe
If you’re looking for something that offers more protection than an open-toe sandal, then I’d recommend the Merrell water sandals over the Chacos.
You may sometimes come across rocks in the river or on the path and no one would want a broken foot.
These Merrell‘s are designed for wet trail walking or river bed use and provide support for longer walks.
Buy here the Merrell All Out Blaze Hiking Water Shoe
Trail Shoes for Women
Brooks Cascadia 16
After using the Cascadia shoes for five years straight, I noticed that they were starting to wear out after putting hundreds of miles of use on them.
They’re incredible trail shoes and they’ll last you for years!
They’re comfortable enough for walking or running a variety of trails, but are still very stable.
Buy here the Brooks Cascadia 16
Altra Lone Peak 6
After my Cascadia‘s wore out, I switched to the Lone Peaks. And I never looked back!
Altra shoes are known for their ultra wide toe boxes and zero-dropped designs. You either love them or hate them.
Zero-degree refers to the angle between the shoe’s sole and the ground being zero degrees, whereas most shoes are usually between eight and twelve degrees.
My personal favorites are Altra’s, and they’re my go-to trail shoes for shorter walks (less than seven miles).
You should plan to break them in on one-two mile walks to begin as your Achilles tendon needs some time adjusting to the extra flexibility it will get from running.
Buy here the Altra Lone Peak 6
FAQ
Are jeans good for hiking?
Let’s take a look at some common questions for beginners.
You know they’re comfy because you’ve worn them every day for years.
But they will work against you on the trail.
The thicker seam lines will chafe your skin when they rub against your most sensitive parts.
Why is cotton bad for hiking?
Cotton absorbs moisture against your skin. It doesn’t want to let go of it.
Wet cotton is heavy and soggy because it has absorbed water.
It doesn’t seem so bad when you’re doing something fun at home or on a short jog around a nearby park.
You can change into something else in no time at all!
