As women, we have a hard enough time trying to figure out what to wear. Then you become a hiker, and you try to combine comfort and style. With the hobby growing rapidly and more and more brands becoming available, it’s easier than ever to find the right hiking clothes for women, that will offer durability and ease of use.
When starting out, it’s best to work your way into this hobby. Try out some short trails, in fair weather. Get a feel for how far you want to push your body, how your clothes feel, and where you draw the line on weather conditions. It’s important to pay attention to how you feel while you’re out there, so you can adjust if necessary. Things like fluid intake, healthy snacking, the right shoes, sunscreen, it all comes down to being prepared.
Hiking is one of the greatest ways to explore this planet we call home, and you can experience places you don’t see everyday. It can be enlightening, relaxing and educational, but it can also turn dangerous quickly if you aren’t prepared for anything. Which is why we’d like to share some of the best ways to keep yourself comfortable when hitting the trails.
Oh La La
When getting dressed, you usually start with undergarments, so that’s where we’ll begin. Sports bras are the most popular for hikers, as they offer support but aren’t as restricting as regular bras and most lack an underwire. If an underwire is needed for extra support, they also have ones with them. Overall though, avoid wearing regular metal clasp bras and stick to something stretchy, yet supportive.
Your underwear are also important. You won’t want something that rides up all day long, so stick with women’s briefs or compression shorts. These shorts are also great for increasing circulation and reducing muscle fatigue, so they provide added value.
Socks are fairly simple, in the summer you’ll want to choose socks that are breathable, stretchy and don’t retain moisture. Something that is cushy enough to barricade your ankles from blistering, but airy enough to keep your from hiking around in damp socks.
In winter, thermal socks are recommended, and try to find ones that are made of a water resistant material to help deter the snow from soaking the inside of your shoes. Extra socks and underwear should both be packed with the rest of your supplies, you never know when you’ll need them.
Shoes Are A Girl’s Best Friend
The shoes you choose will also be something you need to weigh heavily. For summer, hiking boots and shoes are always a safe bet, but some women think hiking boots are clunky and hot, so they opt for the shoes or even hiking sandals. Hiking sandals are designed to be just as safe and secure as shoes, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
The only down side to hiking sandals is they leave your feet exposed to nature, so some people add socks. If that’s not your style there’s plenty of hiking shoes or even running shoes that will suffice. If you plan on going off course or deeper into the snow, snowshoes are an important purchase.
Flexible Fanny
The pants you choose need to reflect the activities you’ll be doing, so no jeans or restricting materials. Hiking pants are a perfect option, since they unzip and can convert to shorts if necessary, but if you don’t think those are stylish you can opt for leggings or gym pants.
Even in summer it’s safe to say that long pants are better, they keep you from getting eaten alive by critters, especially in heavily wooded areas. In winter you’ll want to wear long underwear and have another layer of a waterproof material to protect your legs from the elements.
Whatever the case, be sure you have an unrestricted, wide range of motion and you can trek comfortably for a long period of time without limitations or chafing.
Cover Up
As for shirts, it depends on the weather, but whether its hot or cold you’ll want a breathable base layer to start with. Your shirt should be made of some type of breathable material like nylon, polyester, or merino wool.
Cotton is never a good idea for base shirts, it will retain moisture and heat. In winter retaining heat might sound nice, but not if you don’t dry out completely, then you’re at higher risk for hypothermia. Whether it’s summer or winter, long sleeves are recommended to deter bugs and insects and harmful rays.
If you are a winter hiker, additional layers are required. First, your base layer should be something a little warmer than what you might choose for summer, but still not cotton. (We don’t hate cotton, we just don’t recommend it for hiking.) Then you’ll want something warm, an insulating layer, like fleece or flannel. Usually lined sweaters work quite well.
Then if that doesn’t cut it, you’ll want to invest in a decent windbreaker. Something waterproof and durable to protect you from the elements and retain body heat. This might be the most important winter layer, as it will keep you from being exposed when weather takes a turn for the worse.
Pack For The Party
And last but most certainly not least, your backpack. This is your best friend and home base while you’re out there. This is where you’ll keep all your extras. Extra change of hiking clothes, your supplies, snacks, etc. You don’t necessarily need to go out and buy anew one, but be sure whatever backpack you use will give you the space and organization you’ll need for however long you’ll be gone.
Regardless of what you choose to wear, there’s no shortage of women’s hiking attire, so don’t short yourself on your trek. Remember it’s important to be comfortable, flexible and seen. Yes, seen.
We know becoming one with nature is the goal here, but wear colors that will be noticed by other hikers, and especially hunters. During hunting season you don’t want there to be any confusion, so make yourself noticeable, and have fun!