Here’s What’s Trending in the World of Women’s Hiking Gear

3. Trendy and functional designs

Another exciting 2024 trend in women’s hiking apparel is the growing popularity of more trendy, fashion-forward designs that don’t skimp on functionality. Two brands providing a masterclass in elevating the aesthetic of women’s hiking clothing are Hikerkind and Seniq.

Launched in 2021, Hikerkind paved the way for elegance being infused into hiking apparel. The brand’s small but curated selection places a premium on clean lines and a minimal aesthetic, while making sure the clothing can hold its own in the wild. Chic button-downs, lightweight hiking pants and classically-designed midlayers are the brand’s specialty. Even newer on the block, Seniq was launched in early 2024 and specializes in functional, beautiful outdoor apparel that can transition easily from trail to town.

Additional brands bridging the gap between aesthetics and functionality include Wondery Outdoors, Earth Studies, Halfdays, and Pa’lante Packs. The through-line that unites all of the aforementioned brands is an emphasis on form, neutral colorways that can be mixed and matched (with the exception of Seniq’s hot pink offerings) and a premium placed on comfort and style. Each of these brands also incorporates UPF protection in its apparel, as well as other functional and eco-friendly details.

4. Review of top brands and their offerings

While there’s certainly a cohort of young brands shaking up the women’s hiking apparel and athletic clothing space, we’d be remiss not to mention the biggest players in the space. Established hiking apparel brands include Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, as well as REI Co-Op, Columbia, Kuhl and more.

While each brand has its specialty when it comes to women’s hiking apparel, there are a few broad takeaways to be had when it comes to more established brands and general outdoor activity. Patagonia is known for well-made and quality clothing that places a premium on sustainability, but Arc’teryx is still king of the mountain when it comes to technical apparel. The North Face is widely available and easy to find, but won’t come close to Arc’teryx or other more specialized brands. Mountain Hardwear has been known for its high-alpine technical apparel for years, but is now venturing down the mountain, so to speak, into warmer hiking territory (and enhanced UPF protection). REI Co-Op, Columbia and Kuhl won’t break the bank, but they’ll lack some of the more advanced features and construction of other, competing brands.

While no choice is a wrong choice when it comes to any of these brands, which you’ll choose is dependent on your budget, activity level and experience.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/2024s-top-trends-in-womens-hiking-apparel-and-gear