How to Choose the Best Women’s Hiking Clothes For Any Climate

How to Layer Women’s Hiking Apparel

Wherever you’re hiking, you’ll want to wear well-made, flexible women’s hiking pants that will protect legs from the sun and obstacles on the trail, including branches, sticks, rocks, bugs and more. Opt for either a hiking pant (which often feature pockets and an adjustable waistband, a huge plus) or if you’re really into leggings, make sure the pair you pick are designed for hiking, durable enough to handle the rigors of the trail, and moisture wicking. The best hiking pants and hiking leggings will be fitted with mobility-minded features. Some popular styles include the Outdoor Research Ferrosi, the Arc’teryx Gamma and Patagonia Quandary Pants.

You’ll want to wear a baselayer as well, and while it needs to be moisture wicking regardless of the material, there are a few options you can choose from here: if you’re into natural fibers, opt for wool—merino or alpacka are my favorites. If you’d rather throw on a synthetic layer, make sure it’s UPF rated and breathable. Sun shirts in the summer are acceptable as a baselayer swap and encouraged, since most have a hood that will protect your neck and scalp from the sun’s rays. Whether you’re in winter hiking clothes or summer-minded attire, moisture wicking is key when it comes to baselayers.

After baselayers, you’ll want to consider a midlayer. Most midlayers are fleece or fleece-like, and don’t typically feature waterproof or even water-resistant materials, although there are some that do, in case you’d really like that. Midlayers are meant to be worn in, well, the middle of your layering system, and so water-resistance isn’t crucial with these garments. Just make sure yours can dump heat, is comfortable, and can fit under your rain shell or warmer jacket. Which brings us to our next layer: outerwear.

If you’re going to be hiking warm, wet trails, a rain jacket will suffice as your outerwear. If you’re on a winter hike or hiking anywhere chilly or potentially chilly, lightweight hiking jackets for women are a must. You should opt for a jacket that is warm, waterproof and packable. Synthetic materials and insulation will be your friends in wetter environments, while down insulation is fine if you’re in cold, dry climes. It’s important for a good experience hiking to make sure you’re prepared for the environment you’re trekking in. Brands we’d recommend for quality hiking clothes and daypacks for hiking include Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and Arc’teryx, among others.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/womens-hiking-clothes-how-to-choose