This post will show you cute hiking outfits, plus how to dress for style and function.
It’s time to hit the trails — in style, of course!
Hiking is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle, experience nature, and move your body, but if you love fashion, you may be wondering how to incorporate your sense of style into your hiking outfits. Well, we’ve got you covered!
When it comes to hiking gear, functionality is going to be the number one concern, but you don’t have to sacrifice your style, either. We’ve scoured the web to find hiking clothing, shoes, and accessories that are as practical as they are stylish so that you can hit the trails in outfits that will have you looking, feeling, and performing your best.
So whether you’re an avid hiker or taking a Hot Girl Walk through your local woods, read on for cute hiking outfit ideas, with tips on what (and what not) to wear.
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Hiking Outfit Tips
First, let’s cover some hiking outfit basics. These are the Do’s and Don’ts you’ll want to keep in mind when putting together a hiking outfit.
Hiking Outfit Do’s
- Wear the right footwear. While regular athletic sneakers may work for easy hikes that don’t involve rugged terrain, they are not ideal for all hikes (and, in some cases, can be dangerous, as some sneakers have slippery outsoles). It’s best to wear hiking sneakers or lace-up hiking boots that are specifically made for uneven surfaces with extra traction, stability, and support. This will help prevent any slipping and sliding that can lead to injuries.
- Layer, layer, layer! Mastering the art of layering is a must because it will allow you to adapt to the weather and environment with ease throughout the duration of your hike. You may start off feeling a chill in the air, but end up working up a sweat by the end of your hike, which is why layering is key. Start with a lightweight, tight-fitting base layer and add onto it with items like a pullover, vest, windbreaker, jacket, etc.
- Be prepared for the elements. You probably don’t want to get caught off-guard in a sudden rainstorm, which is why it’s often a good idea to bring a water-resistant outer layer with you; bonus points if it is also wind-resistant. This way, you’ll be able to keep your base/inner layer dry!
Hiking Outfit Don’ts
- Avoid wearing light colors like white, beige, and nude. Since you’ll be out exploring nature, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter dirt (or mud) and other elements that can stain your clothing, which you can offset by wearing darker colors.
- Don’t pack too much — keep your accessories minimal and bring only what you’ll truly need. By sticking to the necessities, you won’t overload your body with unnecessary weight that can build up in your backpack, crossbody bag, and/or pockets.
- Avoid wearing delicate fabrics. This includes silk, satin, chiffon, lace, etc., which can easily snag and tear. Denim also isn’t ideal. Instead, go for fabrics that are sweat-wicking and will be more resistant to abrasions, which you’ll find below!
Hiking Outfits and Clothing
Find outfit inspiration for your next hiking adventure with the cutest—and most functional—hiking clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Water-Resistant Vest
A vest is one of the best items to wear on a hike since it works in nearly all seasons and makes for the ultimate lightweight layer. Wearing a vest will allow you to move comfortably through your hike since you won’t have to deal with a jacket’s puffy sleeves getting in the way, and it will still keep your body warm thanks to its filled interior.
This lightweight, water-resistant vest is perfect for hiking since it repels water and creates a barrier from wet conditions to keep you dry while also looking stylish. It also has plenty of pockets for both warming your hands and stashing small items while you’re on the move. Plus, this vest is designed with wide armholes (so you can layer it over heavier clothing, like sweaters and sweatshirts) and has a drawcord hem that can be cinched for a flattering fit.
Abrasion-Resistant Jogger Pants
When it comes to bottoms, jogger pants are a top option for hiking. But not just any joggers — a pair is abrasion-resistant, which means that their material is created to resist snags and tears. When hiking, there’s a good chance you’re going to encounter scratchy branches, rocks, etc., and wearing a pair of joggers that are abrasion-resistant means there’s a better chance of them holding up over time (and multiple hikes).
In addition to being abrasion-resistant, these joggers are also breathable, sweat-wicking (they pull sweat away from the body to the surface of the fabric so it can evaporate), and quick-drying. They’re also UPF 50+, giving you protection against the sun’s rays, so whether you’re hiking rain or shine, you’ll be covered.
They come in a few different colors and can be worn with both sneakers and boots, depending on your preference.
Hiking Tank Top
Wondering what a hiking tank top is? Well, it’s one that is specifically designed for hiking, with capped sleeves and strategic seam placement on the shoulders to reduce chafing from backpack straps. So clever! (That’s why you’ll want to wear this with your hiking pack for ultimate comfort.)
This lightweight tank top is best for hikes during the spring and especially the hot summer since it is breathable and sweat-wicking. It can be paired with shorts, leggings, and joggers, and it even has a hidden zippered pocket so that you can stash small valuables like a credit card.
Zip-Off Pants
With these innovative zip-off pants, you’re basically getting three bottoms in one! They have not one but two sections you can zip off, turning them into capris and shorts. Not only does this mean that you can wear them all year round, but you can adjust them during your hikes. Let’s say you’re hiking and start feeling too hot — simply unzip them into shorts and toss the remaining sections into your backpack.
They also have a ton of pockets and are super durable, being both wind and water-resistant. Wear them as pants with hiking boots and a jacket when it’s chilly, as capris with a long-sleeve top and/or vest during the spring and fall, and as shorts with a tank or t-shirt in the summer. Their color-block design keeps them looking stylish and fresh all year round.
Packable Puffer Jacket
A lightweight, packable puffer jacket that turns into a travel pillow? Yes, please!
Available in a ton of fun, fashionable colors, this dual-tasking jacket has an oversized fit to allow for motion during outdoor activities and features cuffs that can snap closed to keep the wind out or unsnap to accommodate thicker layers underneath, making it perfect for layering. It’s also made from 100% recycled PET bottles and has reflective trims for safety.
You can just as easily wear this jacket to grab a coffee on campus as you can on your next hike, and since it can snap to a backpack or slide over suitcase handles, it’s amazing for travel, as well.
Packable Water-Resistant Jacket
When hiking outdoors, you never know what kind of conditions you may encounter, which is why I almost always opt to bring a hooded waterproof jacket with me on the trail — ideally, a packable one!
This light-as-air jacket packs down into itself so that you can conveniently keep it in your bag in case of rain, with a packable hood, too. And, while this jacket is super functional, it also features stylish design details like ruched sleeves, an adjustable drawstring waistband, and trendy color options to keep you looking fashionable on or off the trail.
Seamless Long-Sleeve Top
When hiking during colder weather, you’ll want to find a balance between dressing warmly and still feeling like your clothing is breathable and suitable for activity. That’s where this seamless, merino wool-blend long-sleeve top comes in. Its wool fabric is going to help you stay warm, yet it allows for airflow, and its chafe-free fabric stretches with your every move.
You can layer it over a tank top and/or under pullovers, vests, and jackets. And with its bright color, it will help you stand out on the trail.
Layer-able Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are a major fashion trend right now, so why not wear them on the trail? They are as practical as they are cool, especially this nylon pair that is versatile enough to take you from hiking to hanging out with ease.
These cargos are loaded with functional design features: water repellency, wind resistance, utility pockets, an adjustable waist, zippered leg openings, and a zippered, seam-sealed right thigh dry bag for protecting your valuables in various conditions.
In addition to wearing these on their own, you can also layer them over leggings and bike shorts, adding to their versatility.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
When it comes to footwear, it’s best to invest in a pair of boots or sneakers that have been created specifically for hiking, as these will keep you the safest by helping to prevent injury. Often, these shoes will have a lace-up design with a shaft that extends over your ankles to keep them secure, with added traction on the outsoles for extra grip on uneven terrains.
These boots check all of those boxes, plus they are waterproof so that you can wear them in all weather. They are lightweight and lined with a breathable fabric. They have even been treated with a responsibly sourced peppermint-based antimicrobial that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria, making them an excellent (and cute) option.
Hiking Accessories
Like your clothing, your hiking accessories should enhance your hikes by serving a purpose. For example, this isn’t just a regular baseball hat — it’s a waterproof cap with a moisture-wicking sweatband and seam-sealed taping to repel moisture so you can focus on the trail ahead.
Pack your gear in a durable backpack like the one above, which is made with abrasion-resistant fabric and is very lightweight, so you won’t be bogged down with added weight.
Finally, when hiking during colder months, keep warm with a fleece-lined neck warmer that is a small, easy layer to help you retain heat. (During summer months, a lightweight neck gaiter can help protect your neck from the sun and keep you cool).
What do you think of our hiking outfits guide?
Did you find this guide helpful? Will you be wearing any of our hiking clothing picks? Leave a comment and let us know!