Best Hiking Gear and Clothes for Women
Whether you are a beginner hiker or a backpacking pro, this list of women’s hiking clothes and gear will introduce you to quality-made items made specifically for women who love hitting the trails.
After hiking and backpacking across North America to SE Asia I’ve been able to round up the best hiking gear from clothing, boots, packs, trekking poles, watches, and even must-have hiking apps.
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Best Hiking Gear for Women
When hiking, my go to attire is a sports bra, sweat-wicking shirt, lightweight jacket, stretchy shorts or pants, and a pair of trail runners or hiking boots (depending on the terrain).
Hiking Clothes —
I have 3 favorite hiking jackets in my lineup that I rotate throughout the year.
A rain jacket that is lightweight and packable is going to be the most important and most likely to be used throughout the year.
I highly recommend the Black Diamond GTX rain jacket for the lighest and most durable rain jacket or the REI XeroDry GTX Jacket that is more affordable. Both are made with Gore-Tex (ultra wind-proof and waterproof).Insulated Jacket: the Outdoor Research SuperStrand Jacket is ultralight, water-resistant and windproof, making it perfect for backpacking. I’ve successfully tested it down to 30F and love how it layers comfortably.
Down Jackets that are lightweight yet warm is essential for cold mornings or winter hiking. I swear by the O.R. Helium Down Hoodie because of how lightweight yet warm it is.
While down jackets are great for keeping you extra warm, they usually make you feel like a marshmallow, but this lightweight jacket is cut for a women’s body. It can also pack down into its own pocket to fit nicely inside your pack when it starts to heat up on the trail.
➥ More Options: 12 Hiking Jackets (tested & reviewed)
Hiking Shirts
Now days, the best hiking gear has anti-stink formula built into the clothing.
Hands down, lululemon has the best anti-stink formula compared to Patagonia or other merino wool clothing. Their Silverescent™ technology inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric and I can get about 2-3 hikes or workouts out of this top before it starts to smell. These tops also layer very well!
lululemon Swiftly Tank Top | Longsleeve
If you want a loose-fitting shirt that is also antimicrobial then the Patagonia Capilene line is the best on the market. Plus, the graphic prints they design are really cool!
Patagonia Capilene Cool T-shirt | Longsleeve
➥ more options: 10 Best Women’s Hiking Shirts
Hiking Bras —
After testing dozens of high-end and Amazon brands, I always grab for this bra or fitted crop with a built in bra.
lululemon Like a Cloud Bra: perfect balance of soft, sweat-wicking material that keeps you dry for the entire hike. Between the bra straps and cups, it really does feel like it moulds to my chest. I honestly could wear this bra all day.
Beyond Yoga Crop: when you don’t need a ton of support, this is an excellent longline bra that still layers under shirts and long-sleeves well.
➥More options: 8 Best Hiking Bras [A to DD+]
Hiking Pants —
In summer or warmer conditions when you need full coverage the North Face Aphrodite Pants and the Athleta Headlands II Tight are my go-to pants. They’re extremely lightweight but engineered with increased abrasion and snag resistance.
When hiking in cooler temps or backpacking, there is no better hiking pants on the market than the Arc’teryx Gamma pants. The material is a durable, lightweight soft-shell fabric that can withstand snags and is also water and wind-resistant.
They have the perfect mid to high-rise waist with a built-in belt to really dial in the fit. The relaxed fit is ideal and the right amount of stretch to move with you for multiple days in the backcountry without getting baggy.
→ More Options: 7 Amazing Women’s Hiking Pants
Hiking Shorts —
My favorite hiking shorts, the CRZ Yoga Shorts, are high rise with a roomy 3.5” inseam, abrasion resistant, and have 4 pockets.
I also have (finally) converted to hiking in biker shorts, but only like how the lululemon Wunder Train 6” fit and dry quickly.
➥ Related: 7 Incredible Women’s Hiking Shorts
Hiking Socks —
No matter the brand of socks, make sure they are merino wool. It is the most sweat-wicking, anti-microbial and comfortable for your feet.
My absolute two favorite brands are Darn Tough and Smartwool.
In Smartwool socks, I prefer the targeted cushion style for my trail running shoes and everyday boots.
With DarnTough, I wear the ultra-lightweight cushion socks with Altra Lone Peaks and the micro-crew lightweight socks with hiking boots.
Plus, Darn Tough has an unbeatable lifetime guarantee - if these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, they will replace them no questions asked.
Hiking Hats — Women’s Hiking Gear
If you are hiking in high UV rays the Outdoor Research Oasis Hat is a must-have. With a UPF rating of 50, a removable chin strap, and an ultra-wide brim, this hat is ideal for hikes in the hot summer sun.
If you’re looking for a stylish, and comfortable hat the Tilley Western Hemp Hat is made out of breathable hemp that is naturally antimicrobial.
Lastly, my favorite ball cap to wear that’s ultralight and sweat-wicking is the lululemon ponytail run hat.
➥ Related: 10 Perfect Hiking Hats for Women
Hiking Shoes - Women's Hiking Gear
Trail Shoes -
Altra Lone Peak 9
It’s been 5 years of wearing Altra’s and they are still my favorite for hikes up to 10 miles.
Altra’s are known for their ultra-wide toe box and “zero-drop” design that refers to the heel to arch drop being 0mm, whereas most shoes are around 8-12mm.
Plan to break them in on 1-2 mile hikes to start as your Achilles will need some time adjusting to the additional flexion it will gain.
Salomon Speedcross 6
I would recommend these shoes if you need extra grip when hiking or running as the lugs are deeper than most trail runners (they felt similar to my old soccer cleats).
They provide the best support for those with a normal width foot and high arches.
The quick-lace system can be difficult to like at first, but don’t let that stop you from trying them out for a few weeks to get used to it.
Hiking Boots
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
These were my first pair of hiking boots, and I still constantly grab for them when going on longer or more technical hikes.
They are very sturdy and waterproof, but still breathable. The grip on these is also the best I’ve ever hiked in.
I’ve hiked plenty of multi-day backpacking trips and these Salomon boots have made it so I don’t have any hip and or back pain!
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
They are the most expensive on this list, but for good reason. They are very durable, extremely waterproof, and offer one of the best cushion linings for your feet.
A great option for your long, multi-day back packing trips.
The best part about these boots is that they are ready to go out of the box, where most other hiking boots need to be broken in first. It’s up to you if that is worth the additional price tag though.
Trekking Poles
Hiking and trekking poles can be as cheap as $20 or expensive as $200. Overall it is best to keep 4 things in mind: weight, material, packability, and extension system.
I prefer a level lock that opens and closes securely versus a twist and lock pole that tends to budge in height while hiking.
If you’re a serious hiker, the Black Diamond Distance FLZ poles are absolutely incredible! I love how lightweight they are and how quick I can deploy the poles and then put them back as I tend to do this a lot when hiking.
If you’re on a budget, the Foxelli Carbon Trekking Poles are what I used for years and highly recommend. They’re lightweight at 7.6oz per pole and the cork padding is very comfortable and sweat-wicking.
Hiking Packs - Women's Hiking Gear
I prefer a hydration pack that is 15-22L. This size is very versatile and can carry 2-3L of water, an array of hiking gear, and plenty of food for one day.
Osprey Tempest 22L Hydration Pack
I’ve been using this pack since 2017 and it’s still my favorite. It fits snug and the vented, padded back breathes extremely well.
It has pockets galore and the hip straps make it very comfortable by dispersing the load off the shoulders.
My favorite detail is the hiking pole strap in front so I can quickly slide my poles in without having to take my pack off.
You will want to buy a 2L hydration bladder, but there is a specific sleeve for the bladder to secure into.
Additionally, Osprey has a lifetime guarantee and they will fix it or replace it at no extra charge!
Osprey 6 Hydration Vest
This has become my favorite hydration pack for summer and lightweight needs as it still stores 1.5L of water (bladder is included), snacks, rain jacket, and poles for hikes under 3 hours.
Hiking Accessories for Women
Goodr Polarized Sunglasses
You won’t find better quality for the price than Goodr. They have so many styles and have 100% full-spectrum UV protection.
These lens aren’t expensive enough to be scratch resistant so I highly recommend keeping them in a cloth case when not in use.
Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
I am a huge fan of this antimicrobial pee cloth. It’s discreet, reusable, and stays clean all on its own! I clip it to the outside of my pack and people just think it’s a rag.
Kula started this trend, but they sell it for $20 and this $14 knockoff from Amazon has worked perfectly for me.
Garmin Venu 3 GPS Watch
I never hike without my Garmin watch. The Garmin Venu 3 is more stylish and sleek than the Apple watch, and I get 7 days of normal use before I have to charge it.
Garmin states it will last 7 hours in GPS mode when hiking and 10 days in the battery-saver mode.
My favorite features: I can download music from Spotify to my watch and run without a phone, extremely detailed fitness stats, the hiking app, and it’s waterproof without having to click any extra buttons.
Honey Stingers
This is the best quality, quick source of energy and perfect for hikers.
I have a very sensitive stomach, especially once I’m working out, and I can eat half a pack of these without any cramps or stomach issues.
They’re gluten-free and certified Organic.
Hiking Apps —
All Trails
AllTrails is the most popular trail app and the one I always use.
The free version allows you to find trails, view maps online, read reviews, and follow routes while online.
The premium version is $36 annually, and worth it if you hike in more remote areas as it gives access to save routes offline and follow the correct path even with no service.
Cairn
Cairn has been called ‘the ultimate hiking safety app’.
It is essential for solo-hikers as it uses real-time tracking and automatically alerts your selected contacts where you’re headed and when you intend to return.
Cairn also crowdsources cell coverage spots by carrier and shows you where others have found coverage on the trail.
Even if you’re not hiking solo, the premium version allows you to download maps offline and calculates your ETA by using your speed, trail distance, and elevation change.
Buying Tips - Women’s Hiking Gear
Since most of us are buying our gear and clothing online now, I highly recommend reading reviews first on REI or Backcountry.
These websites will give you reviews from people who are most likely outdoor enthusiast and who have tried other comparable brands.
I also find that REI & Backcountry reviewers aren’t “paid reviewers” like how most of the reviews on Amazon are nowadays. Watch out for the plugin though that shows reviews that are directly from the seller’s website.
Also, I can’t recommend enough becoming an REI Co-op member as well! There is a one-time fee of $30 for your entire lifetime and it works for everyone in your household.
I’m always looking for new gear to test out so let me know in the comments below your favorite must-have hiking clothes and gear to help me decide what to try out next!
