I’m always surprised by how many people don’t wear sunglasses. I can’t imagine how uncomfortable that would be hiking into the sun for hours, but it isn’t healthy for your eyes either. Special hiking or sporty sunglasses aren’t needed. As long as there is 100% protection from UVB and UVA rays you’re good. Unlike most of my hiking attire, I don’t recommend a particular pair of sunglasses, but one that fits you and has the look you want!

A lightweight rain jacket doesn’t provide a lot of warmth, but it does protect you from the elements. It’s a perfect layer that doesn’t weigh down your day pack, but you’ll be grateful for it during any wet or windy hikes.

Columbia sells a variety of rain jackets. The linked jacket is similar to the one I use.

I don’t do a lot of hiking in cold weather, but when there are chillier temperatures I prefer to layer my clothes and wear a fleece zip jacket. You’ll notice a lot of my favorite hiking attire for women comes from Duluth. I can’t get enough of the fleece zip jackets from Duluth. I only have two, but I wear them all the time!

It makes the perfect layer over a tank top or long sleeved top, depending on the weather. The two front zip pockets are handy for my cell phone, kleenex, or anything else I want within quick access.

When my hiking attire isn’t from Duluth, it is probably from REI! This fleece jacket is very cozy and warm. The soft inside provides extra warmth on chilly hikes. Unlike the Duluth Fleeces above it also has a hood to keep you even warmer. The four way stretch and moisture wicking fabric allow easy movement. In addition to the two zippered hand pockets, there’s also a smaller zippered chest pocket.

Every hiker should have a collection of base layers in their wardrobe or suitcase. This lightweight long sleeved top from REI is one of my favorites. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection. The moisture wicking material helps to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool on hot days.

I’m not one to wear a lot of expensive clothes. I much prefer that my money goes towards my adventures and not what I wear on my adventures. If I am going to splurge on apparel it’s going to be my hiking attire though! This Vuori hoodie is the perfect example. While the base layer above I wear under a fleece jacket, this hoodie I layer over a tank top.

In the store I couldn’t stop petting the hoodie as it is so soft. I knew I had to have it! It’s a very versatile piece. As it is so soft it’s the perfect lounging piece, but also casual enough for any daytime exploring. The 4 way stretch and moisture wicking fabric makes it ideal for hiking too. 

If you are planning a lot of hikes in warmer weather, the best women’s hiking attire also includes a lot of t-shirts and tank tops. Even in temperate weather you’ll want a t-shirt or tank top as hiking warms you up quickly. If it is a little cooler, I choose a t-shirt like this one from REI. The quick drying, stretchy fabric includes UPF 30 sun protection.

My hiking tank tops get a lot of use. One of my favorites is this one from REI. It is very light weight and dries quickly. As a full-time traveler I love how small it rolls up in my suitcase too.

Another one of my favorite hiking tank tops is Under Armour’s mesh back tank. I typically prefer looser tank tops as they fit better and don’t feel as hot. This tank is fitted on the top so it stays in place, but looser on the bottom so it’s more breathable. Of course it is made of moisture wicking material like all the good hiking attire!

Depending on the weather and the activity you may need more heavy duty rock climbing gloves or heavier winter gloves. As I mentioned I usually don’t go hiking in freezing temperatures, but my hands do get cold before the rest of my body. I always bring my North Face etip gloves on colder hikes.

With touchscreen capabilities, I don’t need to take them off for all the hundreds of photos I take! Plus they are fitted and grippy. There’s no struggle hanging onto my phone, water bottle, or a rock with these gloves!

If it’s not cold and your hike will include some rock scrambling, bring a pair of rock climbing gloves. As the North Face gloves are pricey, I don’t like to wear them out with too much rock scrambling. A cheaper pair of grippy gloves does the job for some easy rock scrambling and saves your hands! Some fellow hikers were jealous of my gloves on my last hike!

The Women’s Armachillo Cooling Briefs are my go to underwear not just for day hikes, but for every-day. The moisture wicking material is perfect for sweaty hikes to cool you down and limit odors. 

Hikes are challenging enough, you don’t want the added challenge of keeping your underwear in place. The full coverage underwear stay in place, but still come in cute prints! The quick drying underwear also come in handy if you need to hand wash and air dry them for another wear on your hiking trip.

Long underwear isn’t as convenient as layering on the top. It’s harder to take off if you do warm up. I avoid bulky jackets when hiking so wearing some long underwear or leggings underneath my hiking pants is helpful on cold hikes.

Cuddle Duds is known for their cozy base layers. I wear this thermal top and bottom set frequently. The top is a great base layer under one of the fleece jackets above. This set is stretchable, breathable, and moisture wicking…..I know, isn’t everything in this hiking attire guide!?

These North Jogger pants from Athleta are loose enough in the legs to fit a tight pair of leggings underneath. The drawstring waist ensures the pants fit comfortably slightly below your waist. The cuffs at the ankles are perfect for fitting into hiking boots.

Would you be surprised if I told you the fabric is moisture wicking? Not to mention it provides UPF 50+ sun protection. Plus the fabric was designed to resist tears and snags. Trust me out on the trails my pants have taken a lot of wear and tear. Every-time I wash them they look brand new! The zipped pockets are nice too.

I also wear the REI Co-op Swiftland Running Pants. Sadly they are no longer available, but a similar variety looks no different. All the features that I like in my pants are available in the hybrid version including the adjustable drawstring. The tapered pant leg and slim fit works well with hiking boots.

The REI training shorts look like biker shorts, but I love them for hiking. If you have ever had your sweaty thighs rub together on a hike, you can imagine why! They fit perfectly and stay in place without any chafing. Phones fit perfectly in either of the side pockets. There are no zippers, but the snug fit ensures your phone won’t easily fall out, yet it is very handy.

These running shorts are also optimal for hiking. The two layers include a tight inner layer and a stretchy outer layer. While the snug inner layer prevents any chafing, the looser outer layer ensures your shorts don’t look skin tight. It’s the best of both worlds! The moisture wicking and water repellent material keeps you dry.

I love my Saloman hiking boots! If you are new to hiking boots, the ankle support takes a bit to get used to. As I have had numerous ankle injuries, I love the extra support. Plus my foot doesn’t move as much which means my toes don’t get pinched on steep downhill hikes. 

The waterproof boots have great treads and are very durable. After each adventure they clean well too.

Many hiking experts say to use hiking shoes unless you really need boots. I use both and choose based on the hike. Now you know why I have to carry so much luggage!

Hiking shoes are great for hikes without a lot of uneven, rocky terrain and rock scrambling. I use them when I think the footing will be a little easier, but I still want the extra tread of hiking shoes. Plus I like to keep my sneakers clean. Even for a flatter, gravel trail it’s nice to have hiking shoes as they get dirty quickly.

I wear Ahnu hiking shoes. Ahnu has now been bought out by Teva. Merrell hiking shoes are very similar to the ones I wear.  I recommend a style like the Moab 3 that is like mine with mesh on the top to keep your feet cool and waterproof leather to get your feet dry.

The best fabric for hiking socks is merino wool. The moisture wicking fabric keeps your feet dry which prevents chafing and blisters. They are cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Darn Tough’s merino wool seamless hiking socks are the most comfortable. They come in a variety of lengths. I use the micro crew with my hiking boots and the quarter size with my hiking shoes. Within each length you can choose from a variety of fun colors and patterns.