What Clothes to Wear for Hiking | My Favorite Women’s Outdoor Clothing

When I first started hiking, I was wearing hand-me-down cotton sweaters and rain jackets that did anything but keep me dry. And let me tell you, being uncomfortable in the wrong clothes while hiking is the quickest way to ruin an otherwise enjoyable trip. Been there, done that! 

I spend the majority of my time in hiking clothes. I might wear the same outfit for days at a time in the backcountry (once you’re stinky, you’re stinky!). I’ve tested all different types of hiking pants bushwhacking, climbing, and rolling around in the dirt across all corners of the globe. 

If you’re new to hiking or looking for a fresh new lineup of hiking clothes, I’m sharing a few of my tried-and-true pieces that you’ll find in my bag for nearly every outdoor trip, whether it's a day hike in Montana or a multi-day backpacking trip across Patagonia. 

These pieces have yet to disappoint and have been tested in the toughest conditions. I hope you love them as much as I do: 

What Clothes to Wear for Hiking: My Top Picks

Best Hiking Pants: Title Nine Recycled Clamber 2.0 Hiking Pants

There are two main things I look for in a hiking pant: durability and comfort. I’ve spent wayyyy too much money in the past on very expensive hiking pants that wouldn’t last an entire summer or gave me excessive wedgies on the trail (not fun). Title Nine Recycled Clamber 2.0 hiking pants have yet to fail. This summer alone, I’ve done over 50 miles of trail in them and climbed numerous mountains. And I’ll be packing them on every upcoming backpacking trip! 

Best Packable Puffer: The North Face Ciraloft Quarter-Zip Insulated Pullover 

This puffer has been through everything with me. We’ve been around the world together - from the summit of Mount Fuji to surviving a bear attack in British Columbia. I’ve taken this one jacket to over 20 countries. The bad news is…this exact jacket is no longer available on The North Face website. However, this Helly Hansen Banff Hooded Insulator is very similar and packs almost exactly like the Ciraloft I have, and I might be ordering my own. 

Best Sports Bra: Title Nine Open Lane Sports Bra

Built by female runners who know the needs of high-impact sports bras, the Open Lane Sports Bra should be a hiking gear staple for all women. I had the hardest time finding good hiking bras. They were all either WAY too constricting or didn't have enough support. This sports bra is comfortable enough to sleep in while still giving all the support that I need on long days. One of my all time favorite pieces of hiking gear!

Best Hiking Shirt: Title Nine Upland Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

Sun protection is one of the most important elements when it comes to hiking. A long-sleeve sun shirt or sun hoodie should always be part of your hiking gear. Having a lightweight, breathable, sun-protected shirt is key to being comfortable and protected. I recently wore this shirt to the tops of a bunch of 14ers in Colorado, and it was the perfect additional layer and protection. Some sun shirts feel too hot and too suffocating, but this one is perfectly breathable and my new go-to. 

Best Rain Jacket: Baleaf Packable Rain Jacket

This extremely affordable rain jacket from Amazon is packable and lightweight. I wore this while doing the O Trek in Patagonia, an 85-mile thru-trek in Torres Del Paine National Park, which is widely known for its unpredictable and harsh weather. 

On one particular rainy day on the trek, this rain jacket kept me dry and warm, while others in our group who had rain jackets from The North Face, REI, and other major retailers were soaked to the bone. It was that day I knew this was my go-to jacket for backpacking and hiking! 

Best Everyday Pant: Title Nine Recycled Clamber Cargo Pants

Another favorite from Title Nine, these pants have been worn from the trendy streets of Florence to biking trips to backcountry campsites. They are lightweight and breathable, making them among my most-worn summer pants. I like that they are so versatile; I wear them for everything, from gabbing coffee in town to making coffee in the backcountry! I am in love with their light blue style. 

Best Hiking Boots: Timberland Waterproof Hiking Boots

I buy the same pair of hiking boots every few years, and they are the Timberland Waterproof Hiking Boots. They’ve been with me at the summit of Mount Rainier, the top of Mount Fuji, the summit of Mount Toubkal in Morocco; the list goes on and on. It’s another staple favorite. They typically wear out every 3 years, but I’m putting hundreds of miles on them every summer. 

Best Everyday Shirt: Title Nine Jett Graphic Tee

I really like loose-fitting shirts for easier day hikes in the summertime. The Jett Graphic Tee is a new addition to my hiking clothing this year…but I’ve already worn it at least a dozen times this summer. I’m ordering the same style in infinity blue because once I love a piece of clothing…I’m notorious for ordering it in every color. 

Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Merino Wool 

Merino wool socks can be a bit pricey, but they offer many advantages that make the investment worthwhile. They help keep feet dry and comfortable when hiking long distances. But the real secret is in the stink. Taking off Merino Wool Socks is a lot less painful than regular socks, as they naturally neutralize stinky feet odors. A true win after a long hike! 

Best Active Dress: Title Nine Bia Dress

I really love hiking clothes that I use in a variety of circumstances. If I’m going on a hike near town and dinner after…I don’t want to change. Active dresses like the Bia Dress are the perfect mix. I even recently went whitewater kayaking in this dress, and it was perfect. Another summer staple. Also bonus: POCKETS!

Best Quick-dry Shirt: Columbia PFG Tidal Tee Hoodie

Columbia's quick-dry, UV-protective shirts are a warm-weather staple. I see these shirts everywhere, which I think attests to their versatility. I typically wear these on the beach or paddleboarding. And I always love the colors Columbia releases, which is probably why I buy 1-2 styles of this shirt every year. Nearly everyone I know owns this shirt, including my aunt, whom I took to Norway last year! Here she is above Reine after our midnight hike: 

How I Layer My Hiking Clothes 

When it comes to hiking clothing, layering is key. Mornings are cool, afternoons are toasty. It can be 70 degrees in the valley and near freezing on top of a mountain. When it comes to any typical day with temperature and weather variations, my hiking outfit typically consists of 

• Long Pants
• Short Sleeve/Tank Top Base Layer 
• Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt 
• Packable Puffer Jacket (with hood) 
• Hiking Boots
• Ballcap & beanie 
• Packable Rain Jacket (if a chance of rain is forecasted) 

Here is an example of the full fit: 

I think half my wardrobe is hiking clothing. Trust me when I say I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the overpriced, and the hidden gems. And it can be so hard to find clothing that feels like it’s made by women for women. I know you probably understand the struggle. I’ve learned shopping at women-owned and operated companies like Title Nine can make a massive difference in finding hiking clothing and gear that I actually like. 

If you’re struggling with finding the right clothes to wear for hiking, don’t hop right into basics that are “made for everyone.” That can be a huge mistake, especially for women. Women-led brands such as Title Nine put focus on things that matter for US, like comfortable waistbands, all-over stretch, and durable fabric that feels fresh longer. Those small details make the biggest difference. 

If you’re looking to go beyond hiking into the realm of backcountry & camping, here is an additional list of my favorite travel & backpacking gear. 

Shop Title Nine Women’s Active Clothing.

This post is in partnership with Title Nine. As always, all thoughts and reviews are my own!