Finding the right clothes for exploring outdoors isn't always easy. I spent years hiking in any old leggings or shorts and cotton t-shirts before finding clothes that I love!
I'm sharing some of my favorites that I've used over and over on adventures short and long. My priorities when getting out in nature are functionality, comfort, and style -- in that order.
These opinions are all my own and come from years of spending time wearing these exact items. I've put them through the wringer with hiking, backpacking, camping, and rock climbing.
Here are links to my favorites in each category to get you started:
Sports Bra: MusesOnly Quartet Sports Bra
Cropped Tank Top: MusesOnly Glory Crop Tank
Cropped Short Sleeve: ENERBLOOM Open Back Crop Top
Long Sleeve Sun Protection: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Crop Top
Insulating Mid-Layer: Autumn Orb Half-Snap Fleece
Cold Weather Puffy: REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie
Shorts: YOAKUKA 2 in 1 Running Shorts
Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Trailsmith Jogger Pants
Climbing (or cool weather hiking) Pants: Wondery Outdoors Isabel 3.0 Pants (use code APRILB for 20% off your entire purchase!!)
Leggings: Hereafter SweatFlow Leggings
Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest Hiking Boots
Hiking Liner Socks: Injinji Liner Crew Socks
Thick Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
Water Shoes: Teva Original Universal Sandal
Day Backpack: ALPS Mountaineering Hydro Trail 17 Pack
Fanny Pack: Mountainsmith Vibe Lumbar Pack
A quick disclaimer -- I don't have a huge number of recommendations here for a few reasons:
I tend to wear my clothes until they're no longer usable. Many of the items I still love are no longer available, so I won't be sharing them here.
I have no shame around wearing the same piece all the time, even back to back days. I'm a proud outfit repeater. That means I haven't tried out thousands of things over the years.
I value having a manageable closet size and try not to hoard clothes. I only keep a small number of pieces that I truly love.
I'm only sharing items with you that I actually love and have put to the test!
Note: I've included some affiliate links in this article, which means I may get a small commission when you purchase through those links -- at no additional cost to you! Thank you for your support! 🫶🏻
What I Look for in Hiking Clothes
I'm pretty simple when it comes to my wardrobe. I don't like to spend a lot of my time shopping and try to keep my closet to a minimum.
I want to be able to get dressed or packed for a trip quickly, so I avoid buying colors or patterns that don't easily coordinate with the rest of the clothes I own. When I find something I like I'll buy in multiple colors, usually black, green, or brown. You'll catch me in the same few pieces nearly every time you see me.
Hey -- I know what I like and I stick to it! Enjoying my time outdoors is what's important and clothing is a tool to help me do that.
Here's what I look for:
UPF: I look for pieces that will protect me from the sun and from scratches.
Nylon, polyester, or wool: Moisture-wicking materials are a must. Avoid cotton!
Pockets: The extra storage is great to have, especially if the pockets have closures.
Comfortable: Range of motion is important for scrambling over rocks and fallen logs.
Durable: I expect my clothes to last years and through many adventures.
And a fun pattern or cute color never hurt anyone. 😉
Hiking Tops
As someone who easily overheats when I exercise, I'm always on the lookout for breezy tops to stay cool while hiking. These are the tops I wear all the time for hiking, backpacking, and climbing. They stay in place all day and don't hold onto all that sweat.
Sports Bras
MusesOnly Quartet Sports Bra: A medium-high impact sports bra that I use often for climbing and hiking. Love the strappy back!
Tank Tops
MusesOnly Glory Crop Tank: My go-to for everything. I love how supportive and comfortable these are and have multiple colors.
Redquenting Longline Sports Bra: A more affordable dupe for the tank above. I'm tempted to get the white one!
Mippo Open Back Tank Top: Perfect for showing off your strappy sports bras while still covering your stomach.
Short Sleeves
ENERBLOOM Open Back Crop Top: Supportive and airy with the open back. Very cropped though and the bra pads often need adjusting. The black is my favorite one.
Aoxjox Short Sleeve Twist Back Crop Top: Super cute and slightly longer crop. I have the Fudge Coffee color, which does show sweat but dries quickly.
Long Sleeves
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Crop Top: I live in crop tops and love this UPF shirt for a more stylish option. I have the black and white checkerboard ones.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie: A classic! Perfect for when you want more coverage and a hood.
Insulating Mid-Layer
Autumn Orb Half-Snap Fleece: As of now, I'm the only review for this jacket and it still stands true today. This has become my signature fleece and I wear it a little too often in the colder months. 😅
REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket: I have an older version of the REI Co-op fleece, but it looks almost exactly like this one. I wear mine around the house all the time or as a mid-layer on cold outdoor adventures.
Cold Weather Puffy
REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie: I believe mine is the 2.0 version, but they're super similar. A great deal on a nice puffy that's warm enough for 90% of my adventures! I love the color, fit, and length.
Hiking Pants and Bottoms
Pants can be trickier than tops since they really need to fit just right. Tops can be a little loose and still work fine for low impact activities. These are the pants, shorts, and leggings I've put through the wringer -- including with rock climbing!
Pants
REI Co-op Trailsmith Jogger Pants: These are my favorite outdoorsy pants. I own the black and rust colors. Pretty sure I'm still the "most helpful" review for these!
Wondery Outdoors Isabel 3.0 Pants: I own these in Pine and Brew. They're perfect for climbing (my main use) and hiking in cooler weather. The pockets are amazing. They run a bit big! Use my link or code APRILB for 20% off your purchase!!
REI Co-op Sahara Guide Convertible Pants: Super comfortable and lightweight. These zip off into shorts! Perfect for water crossings or changes in temperature.
Shorts
Under Armour Play Up Shorts: These are the updated version of the shorts I've been wearing for five years -- and still going strong! They're the perfect slightly thicker material without being too warm.
Under Armour Fly By Running Shorts: Same as above, these are the updated version of a pair I've loved for five years. My go-to lightweight short that magically doesn't ride up or expose my booty during activities. I will gladly repurchase these when mine eventually give out -- and they're crazy cheap!
YOAKUKA 2 in 1 Running Shorts: I went a little overboard when I got into running and bought a 3-pack of these running shorts. I love the two layers, but it would be nice if they had pockets of any kind. Suuuper cute though!
MusesOnly Rendezvous Shorts: A comfortable option with surprisingly deep pockets and a nice, thick waistband.
Leggings
Hereafter SweatFlow Leggings: I can't remember a single backpacking trip I've gone on where I didn't wear these leggings. They're fast-drying and bacteria resistant, meaning they stay clean(ish) on the trail for days at a time.
Footwear
Shoes
Salomon Quest Hiking Boots: The only hiking boots I've ever owned and I still love them to this day. I bring these out for any hikes that require more stability or waterproof shoes.
Teva Original Universal Sandal: Admittedly, I wear these 95% of the time when I'm not hiking, but they're also perfect for easy hikes, around camp, and for water crossings.
Socks
Injinji Liner Crew Socks: I rave about Injinji socks to anyone that'll listen. These prevent the blisters I used to always get on my toes during hikes.
Injinji Liner Mini-Crew Socks: A shorter version of the sock above. I usually wear these when I'm hiking with sneakers or trail runners.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks: These are a thicker hiking sock that I usually wear for sleeping or if I'm going somewhere extra cold.
Darn Tough Hiker Quarter Cushion Socks: These are a shorter cut for when you don't want your socks to be visible above your boots. Just as comfy as the pair above.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks: A thinner version of these socks that I wear hiking, usually paired with the Injinji Liner Crew Socks. I also wear these to sleep during the warmer months.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks: A slightly more budget-friendly Merino wool sock option. I was surprised how thick and comfortable these are. I usually wear them for sleep, but occasionally wear them for hiking too!
Getting outdoors doesn't require the craziest, most expensive gear and I hope this list gave you some inspiration for where to get started. The most important thing is to find pieces you love -- then head outside!
I hope to see you out there. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know about hiking clothes. I'd be happy to help :)
Happy adventuring,
A
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