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. Originally I wore regular sunglasses, but after trying Goodr I am never going back!

The no slip and no bounce sunglasses really make a difference when hiking. You don’t need to choose between catching your falling sunglasses or catching yourself! With Goodr you can keep your hands free and your sunglasses in place!

Plus there are so many different fun prints and colors. I love the national parks collection. As a big fan of the Utah parks I went with the Zion NP sunglasses as I also loved the design. While I am not sporting them at Zion, I am on one of the many beautiful hiking trails in Utah near SLC.

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 that also works well as a windbreaker. I definitely needed it on this windy walk to a lighthouse in Maine.

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.

I’m wearing the fleece while hiking at Arches NP in November.

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. The HyperAxis Fleece is currently not available so I linked a similar one (without the extra zippered chest pocket), the Flash Hyperstretch Fleece.

I’m wearing the fleece at Canyonlands NP in November.

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. It is made out of polyester and spandex for plenty of stretch. The moisture wicking material helps to keep you warm when it’s cold and cool on hot days.

I can’t get enough of the fall hiking in Salt Lake City. Long sleeved base layers are perfect up in the mountains in late September and early October.

At first glance you’ll think I am sharing the same long sleeved shirt twice. Made of merino wool, the top has a softer feel without being itchy. Yet unlike cotton it is also quick drying and moisture wicking. 

It was a great base layer to wear in November at Capital Reef NP.

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. 

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. 

Like the base layer above it can go under a fleece jacket, but as a hoodie it also works well to layer over a tank top. I did this while hiking to Avalanche Lake, one of the many gorgeous Glacier hikes. 

I was immediately drawn to this bright fuchsia light weight long sleeved hoodie. It looked like the perfect quick dry piece to add to my list of favorite hiking attire pieces. When I saw it was called Crater Lake I knew I had to have it. I was headed to that very national park the next week. It looks pretty great against the brilliant blue of Crater Lake, doesn’t it!? Sadly it isn’t available in that color anymore. Regardless of the color, the UPF 50+ protection works well on sunny days when you want sun protection without adding a heavy layer.

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 Duluth. The quick drying, stretchy fabric includes UPF 30 sun protection.

I’m pictured hiking here through one of the very green hiking trails near Atlanta.

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. It was the perfect piece to conquer Pacaya Volcano in Guatemala.

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!

It contrasted perfectly against the fall leaves along Yellowstone River at Yellowstone NP.

I love the fit, style, and material of this tank. It’s a slight racerback which is helpful for movement, but the added coverage helps for additional sun protection. It’s not skin tight, but also doesn’t look baggy. Unfortunately it does snag easily. It doesn’t influence the comfort or fit, but it is something to be aware of.

It was the perfect top for exploring Colorado National Monument during a Southwest Colorado road trip.

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 like this lake hike in Glacier NP.

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! They come in handy when I want to  point to the lake I just climbed up from (it was much steeper in person)!

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! Fellow hikers are always jealous of my gloves!

They are very useful when crawling through slot canyons in southern Utah.

The Women’s Armachillo Cooling Briefs are my go to underwear not just for day hikes, but for every-day. You’ll have to trust me that I wear them everywhere! 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 comes 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.

They worked perfectly while hiking through the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon NP.

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.

Here I’m taking a rest in Mariposa Grove in Yosemite NP.

The REI running 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 flawlessly 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.

I was struggling on the South Kaibab hike at Grand Canyon, but not because of these shorts!

These shorts are very similar to biker shorts, but they are shorter. With two side pockets, they are just as handy. The pockets sit a little higher on your outer thighs, but I haven’t had any issues with having my phone in one of the pockets.

With a shorter length they are a tad cooler, but still are comfortable and prevent your inner thighs from rubbing together. They stay in place fairly well and provide plenty of coverage, despite the shorter length.

They were perfect for a very hot day of hiking at Colorado National Monument on a Southwest Colorado road trip.

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.

They came in handy when scrambling up some red rocks in Sedona on a Phoenix to Grand Canyon road trip.

I love my Salomon 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, like hiking through the spectacular sandstone terrain of Valley of Fire State Park in NV, they clean well too.

The linked boots are the newest version of the ones I wear.

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/or 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 or sandy trail it’s nice to have hiking shoes as they get dirty quickly. Hiking at Indiana Dunes NP on a Northern Indiana road trip was the perfect time for hiking shoes.

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 ensure your feet stay 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.

Here is a close up of both my hiking boots and hiking socks in Saguaro NP in Tucson.