The best ladies hiking clothes: Hiking outfit idea!

If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen I’ve got really into hiking. I live on the border of North Wales and Cheshire, two incredible places for hiking and I feel so lucky to call this home!

I’ve had loads of questions about ladies hiking clothes and hiking outfit ideas for ladies so here’s what I’ve been wearing and loving recently…

Ladies hiking clothes

This is my favourite ladies hiking outfit at the moment. I’ve linked to all of the products below the photo…

• Walking boots - Danner Mountain Light (I’ve had these for years and they’re showing no signs of wear so they’re worth the investment)
• Hiking socks - Darn Tough Socks
• Trousers - Acai Thermal Skinny Trousers (These are fleece lined and water resistant)
• Crz Yoga Vest with built-in bra (v. supportive)
• Sports t-shirt
• Thermal long sleeve zip top
• Acai Go Explore Hoodie (Water resistant and really warm)
• Osprey Tempest 20L backpack
• 2L hydration bladder
• Hat
• Thermal gloves

Walking boots

The first and most important part of any hiking outfit is your footwear. I’ve been through lots of hiking boots over the years and these Danner boots are the only pair I’ve had to last over 8 years. 

Not only have they lasted well but they still look gorgeous, they’re so comfy, totally waterproof and are showing no signs of wear and tear, so I’m pretty sure I’ll still be wearing them in another 8-10 years!

I know they’re really expensive but when you think about cost-per-wear they’re worth it (that’s me convincing myself!)

When buying women’s hiking boots look for:

1. Comfort
2. Are they waterproof?
3. Durability
4. Style

In that order!

I’ve got a full review of my Danner Mountain Light Cascade here.

Hiking socks

Again, I think it’s worth spending more on hiking socks because they last longer and end up being better value. I’m currently lovely Darn Tough Socks. They feel like they’re hugging your feet in all the right places!

If you think you’ll get blisters then I recommend wearing two pairs of socks and placing mole skin plasters in any places where your boots rub.

Women’s hiking trousers

I found it difficult to find decent women’s hiking trousers because they’re either ugly and unflattering or ridiculously expensive!

I eventually came across the brand Acai and fell in love with all their trousers!

In the winter I like the Thermal Skinny Trousers because they’re fleece lined and water resistant. For warmer weather I like the Max Stretch Outdoor Trousers which are very similar, just without the fleece lining.

If you’re hiking in the UK then you’re best having water resistant hiking trousers because, let’s be honest, it probably will rain. Having water resistant trousers also gives me a little extra confidence to go hiking no matter what the weather is doing. There’s no, ‘Oh it might rain at 2pm so I better not go’. I just go regardless and I love that my hiking gear gives me that confidence.

If I’m going hiking on a gorgeous, sunny day and I know it definitely won’t rain then I’ll wear leggings or running shorts. I like the CRZ Yoga Butterluxe leggings and the CRZ Yoga running shorts but I’ve got my eye on the Acai shorts!

CRZ Yoga Vest

I love this yoga vest. It has a supportive built-in bra and it’s really flattering and comfortable. I wear it all the time, whether I’m hiking or exercising or just day-to-day. The whole CRZ Yoga range is buttery soft and at a great price too.

Sports T-Shirt

I don’t get too technical with sports t-shirts. I’ve never found one brand to be better than another, I just wear whatever I can find to be honest! I like them to be light-weight, moisture wicking and quick to dry so just hop onto Amazon and search for sports t-shirts and find one you like!

Thermal long sleeve zip top

My thermal long sleeve zip top was actually from M&S about 10 years ago. They don’t sell it anymore but I’ve found a very similar one on Amazon.

Water-resistant hoodie

It’s not very often you find a water resistant hoodie so I was really pleased I found this one. The Acai Go Explore Hoodie is water resistant and really warm. It’s a nice alternative to wearing a bulky jacket and it looks really nice too.

Hiking backpack

I’d recommend going to a shop to try on hiking backpacks, even if it’s just to figure out what you like and don’t like.

I have the Osprey Tempest 20L and I really like it.

I like to be able to wear a backpack snugly on my hips, so I carry the weight on my hips rather than my shoulders. I also want large side pockets for a flask and water bottle and a pocket on the waist band for my phone. I also like to have a special pocket for my hydration bladder.

Hydration bladder

OK, this isn’t hiking attire for ladies but I thought it was a really important one to include! A hydration bladder makes it easier to consistently take small sips of water while you hike. It’s also lighter than a bottle. In the summer months I like to freeze mine so I’ve got chilled water all day.

Hat

Like with my t-shirts, I’m not too technical when it comes to hats. I tend to just choose a beanie or a cap that matches the rest of my outfit!

This Beechfield Beanie comes in 34 colours and is only £3.64 with free delivery on Amazon Prime. 

Gloves

I should probably wear water-resistant gloves but I really love a thick, furry pair and these ones are so cosy and warm! If it starts raining then I just put my hands in my pockets.

Where to find the best female hiking clothes?

It took me a while to find the best places to buy female hiking clothes. Women’s hiking gear is expensive and I often find it’s unflattering and isn’t stylish at all. I know we’re walking in the mountains, not along a catwalk, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to look good.

My favourite places to buy hiking gear is Acai for my main items such as trousers, jackets and hoodies. Crz Yoga on Amazon for the basics like sports bras, tops and t-shirts and then specific brands for the big items like walking boots and backpacks. I love my Osprey backpack and my Danner boots!

How to put together hiking outfits for ladies

My main tip when putting together your hiking outfit is to stick to a colour palette. 

As you can see from my outfit above, most of my clothes are black and green. Pick two colours for your hiking outfit and everything will match together.

Don’t forget that you’ll probably take lots of layers off so even your base layer can match!

Water resistant vs waterproof ladies hiking gear

Should you get water resistant or waterproof hiking clothes?

I’ll be honest and thought ‘water resistant’ was a bit of a waste of time. If it’s raining, you want it to be properly waterproof, right?

But since getting my ‘water-resistant trousers’ and ‘water-resistant hoodie and pop-over’, I never ever put my proper waterproofs on. I’ve been carrying them in my backpack for months and I didn’t put them on so I’ve stopped taking them with me now.

I’ve got a North Face waterproof jacket and Craghoppers waterproof over-trousers but they haven’t seen the light of day since getting my Acai gear.

Are stylish hiking clothes even possible!?

Yes! Over recent years there’s been a real shift in the women’s hiking clothes department.

There was a time when everything was shapeless and pink! It was like it was all designed by a man in his 50s. Thankfully, things have changed and there are so many gorgeous, stylish hiking clothes.

Other than Acai, my other favourite brands are:

Passenger clothing

Patagonia