Best Womens Hiking Gear: What to wear day hiking

As someone who has consistently been hiking since I was five (yes, my first camping trip was in Yosemite as a kindergartener) it is absolutely wild to me to see photos of myself hiking in blue jeans because wow, that is NOT comfortable! But don’t worry, in the years since, I’ve had ample experience to figure out what the best women’s hiking gear is. While you may be *able* to go hiking in whatever clothes and with whatever gear you already have, your experience will likely be better when you have fantastic gear. Read on for the best women’s hiking gear so that you, too can feel great while on the trails!

Hiking gear for women checklist

Obviously, what you wear and bring will heavily depend on the season you’re hiking, but let’s start out with a comprehensive list of all the gear you may need for your day hiking checklist, and then we will get into specifics.

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Hiking gear for women: what to wear hiking

• Moisture wicking athletic shirt (short sleeve, long sleeve, tank top)
• Comfortable athletic shorts
• Sports bra
• Sun hoodie
• Sun hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Wool hiking socks
• Hiking boots, hiking shoes, or hiking sandals
• Fleece jacket
• Rain jacket
• Down vest
• Down jacket
• Hiking leggings
• Wool baselayer
• Wool beanie
• Waterproof mittens

Hiking gear for women: what you should carry for day hikes

• Hiking backpack with rain cover
• Hiking poles
• Water reservoir
• Bear spray
• Sunscreen
• Pee cloth
• Emergency bivy
• Navigation
• Headlamp
• Personal location beacon
• Hiking microspikes
• Snowshoes

Now, let’s break it down a bit further.

Best women’s base layers: a hiking essential

Depending on the season, you will need a solid base layer as your first top. In warm weather, I recommend a simple athletic t-shirt or tank top. Ensure that your base layer is made of synthetic material or wool, because cotton will not wick (remove) the moisture of your sweat from your body. In order to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, it’s critical to have a base layer that wicks! For hikers on a budget, stick to synthetic base layer tops. If you want something a little more luxurious, definitely try a wool base layer. 

In cooler months, it’s best to have a merino wool base layer top. I personally adore my Smartwool layers (both the lightweight 150 and the heavier 250 zip up). These are expensive pieces, but if you take good care of them, they will last you years and keep you very comfortable while hiking. The Smartwool 150 is great for spring and fall hikes when it’s chilly but not freezing, whereas the Smartwool 250 is perfect for frigid winter hikes.

Your base layer is your foundation for comfort on your hike, because no matter what the weather is, you’ll be wearing one. Make sure you pick something that you will feel good in, and hopefully look good in, too! 

I personally love getting colorful clothing so you’ll often see me sporting brightly colored base layers (honestly brightly colored all layers!).

Best women’s hiking midlayers

Your midlayer is something you will need for cooler hikes and possibly even summer hikes depending on where you are located (mountain passes can get chilly even in summer!). The purpose of your midlayer is to keep you warm, so the general advice is to use a fleece sweatshirt or jacket for this. 

Some of the best fleece layers are the Patagonia fleeces or alternatively the Columbia fleeces for a budget-friendly option. I’ve had one of each for over 5 years (not joking) and I still wear them both regularly. 

Note: you may want a sun hoodie as a second layer when you’re hiking in the summer/in warmer climates, especially on exposed trails. This is 100% my most prized hiking clothing, and I literally have worn it every time I go hiking in summer since I bought it. It is extremely lightweight and offers excellent UPF protections. The REI sun hoodie is another alternative but for me personally it is too heavy for hot days whereas the Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie is not. However, the down side of the Outdoor Research hoodie is that it is not as durable as the REI Sahara sun hoodie so be mindful when washing.

Best women’s hiking outer layers 

In colder hiking seasons, you will need outer layers for your hikes. This looks like a down jacket and/or a rain jacket, depending on the season and what you need. I took the plunge and bought a Cotopaxi down jacket that is absolutely amazing and I wear it on hikes and in the city. The functionality is stellar, and the color options are fantastic. I’ve also loved my Northface down jacket. 

When you’re buying a down jacket, there are a couple of main considerations: length, hood, and fill power and weight. I recommend a jacket that hits around your hips, as hiking with a parka or longer down jacket may be uncomfortable. I also recommend a hood as this will help you stay warmer. Finally, consider how warm and how lightweight you need your jacket to be. A jacket with higher fill power can keep you warmer with less material (meaning it will weigh less and compress better). You can learn more about fill power and weight here.

Alternatively, on days that are chilly but maybe not as freezing, I highly recommend a down vest. They will keep you warm but help you not overheat. I don’t see them recommended nearly enough! I love wearing my down vest during shoulder season.

For rain jackets, note there is a wide range of water proofing, from water resistant to impermeable/water proof. We are likely going to see serious changes in rain gear with the move away from PFAs (“forever chemicals” used to create truly waterproof material), so expect to see reduced efficacy in rain gear starting in 2025 as the laws change and retailers work on alternatives. Patagonia has been developing non-PFA rain gear for many years so they may be your best bet once Goretex is no longer an option. In the meantime, I love my Marmot Goretex jacket and would recommend. I also have the Outdoor Research Ascent rain jacket that has been great for wet hikes, too.

Best women’s hiking pants/leggings/shorts

One of the greatest debates for women’s hiking gear is should I wear hiking pants or hiking leggings? Generally I am a hiking leggings kind of woman. I think I just like how easy it is to move in something that is form fitting but stretchy. Some of my favorites include the Eddie Bauer trail tights (these are a little less stretchy, and the compression is great. They are very durable and a little thicker than most leggings, which I value for the rugged aspect) and the Athleta Rainier tights (very flexible, and good in colder weather because they are fleece lined). When it’s really cold, I like my Smartwool leggings.

Hiking pants can be nice for a few reasons. One, they can be imbued with UPF protection and bug repellant. Two, hiking pants can be layered with wool or synthetic base layers for very cold days. Three, they are looser than leggings, and sometimes that is the vibe you want! 

In the summer, I almost exclusively hike in biking style shorts. Why? Because they are comfortable (no thigh rub!) and cool (no fabric below the knee). I used to hike mainly in ¾ leggings which are also still a solid option, but for the hottest days there’s no comparison to bike shorts.

Best hiking boots for women

Okay, that title is slightly misleading, because I don’t think there is one “best” hiking boot for women. If someone tells you otherwise, they are lying! Feet are so different it would be impossible to identify a shoe that would work well for everyone.

That being said, there are a few considerations I’d recommend when selecting hiking boots or hiking footwear. Most importantly, what type of hiking footwear works best for you? There are boots, shoes, and sandals that are all made for hiking. 

• Hiking boots can be more rugged and provide ankle support, and might be better for colder and wetter temperatures. 
• Hiking shoes are lightweight, dry out faster, and are a popular option for people who hike longer trails or thru-hikers.
• Hiking sandals are another possibility for hikers in warmer climates, but personally I prefer to use my hiking sandals for activities other than hiking like rafting, lake days, and camp time. Pro tip: Get Chacos, not Tevas (they are much sturdier) and get ones with the toe loop for increased stability while hiking.
  
  

  

I’d recommend finding waterproof boots or shoes, no matter which option you go for, because you will likely be getting your feet wet in creek crossings or on rainy or snowy hike days. I have loved my Vasque hiking boots. 

Best womens hiking gear accessories

Wool hiking socks are a must year-round. Wool socks will help your feet stay comfortable through their body temperature regulating properties, and they will wick your sweat. You may want to opt for a thicker pair in the winter and a lighter pair in the summer. 

In warm weather, a sun hat is an essential. I recommend broad brimmed safari style hats for summer hiking. They provide much more protection than baseball caps and they can be folded up/scrunched up and gotten wet and they will be no worse for the wear. Get a super cool safari style sun hat here.

In cold weather, you will want a wool beanie or a wool headband and waterproof mittens. Mittens are better than gloves because they will keep your fingers warmer.

Winter-specific womens hiking gear

Hiking microspikes: If you’re hiking in the winter where you may encounter ice or snow, you’ll need traction devices or snowshoes. Microspikes, also known as snow cleats, are great for icy conditions on packed snow. They are like crampons, but with much smaller teeth. You strap them to your hiking boots and they increase your stability and reduce risk that you will fall on your booty. You will marvel at how different it feels to hike with them versus without them, if you’ve been on icy hikes! I recommend the very popular Kahtoola microspikes, but I also have a pair from Amazon that works just fine too.

Snowshoes: If you’re hiking in areas with deeper snow, you will want to have a pair of snowshoes. Hiking in snow without them is quite miserable as you will posthole (read: sink deep into the snow), so definitely grab yourself a pair of snowshoes now. We once made the mistake of hiking at the Paradise area of Rainier in the winter without snow shoes and found ourselves occasionally sinking thigh-deep into the snow.

Other important womens hiking gear

Hiking poles
Hiking poles are my top recommendation for other critical hiking gear. Hear me out, young women who think you don’t need these: they will help preventatively protect your knees and joints from damage when you’re older, and they are amazing for balance and preventing falls too. You don’t need to be middle aged or elderly to benefit from poles. And moms, I would personally not hike without these while child carrying! Get a highly rated pair here.

Hiking backpack
What to look for in a womens hiking backpack: You’ll need a backpack to carry your supplies, no matter what season it is. I recommend a backpack with a mesh back and one that has a structure. My Gregory backpack is wonderful because the suspension in the structure of the backpack keeps me cool and distributes the weight better.

What size should your womens hiking backpack be? For day hikes, the recommendation is generally between 20-32 liter packs, depending on how much gear you want to carry. I like the larger end so I have space for my layers, camera gear, snacks, water, and other supplies. Osprey has great options too; check out this Osprey women’s hiking backpack.

Don’t forget to get a rain cover for your backpack if it doesn’t come with one! There is nothing worse than wet gear, and it can be downright dangerous in cold temperatures if your extra warm layers get wet in your backpack. 

Water reservoir: Get an Osprey water reservoir and thank me later. These are high quality, easy to use, and make drinking water on the trail way easier. I recommend at least 2 liters but I personally prefer having 3 liters.

Other stuff to bring hiking

• Bug spray: especially in the summer, this is crucial. Options with DEET work exceptionally well and this is generally what I use. If you want something a little more family friendly/less chemical, try the picaridin option. This one is highly rated and I can attest that it works pretty well.
• Sunscreen: I like a spray bottle sunscreen for lightweight coverage, and because it feels gross to rub in a thick sunscreen to sweaty skin after you’ve been outside for a couple hours. The Alba Botanica sunscreen spray has a nice scent and works fantastically; it’s my default option. If you may be swimming in the ocean on your hike, I recommend a mineral based sunscreen to protect the sea life. Chemical based sunscreens, even those that say “reef friendly”, are generally NOT reef friendly. Only zinc based options are.
• Pee cloth: If you don’t want to drip dry when peeing on the trail, a pee cloth is a good item to pack for your day hike. It’s a reusable pee cloth that will allow you to wipe without having to pack out toilet paper. And, it’s more environmentally friendly! Win win.
• Bear spray: Some areas, bear spray is required (looking at you, Glacier National Park). However, I like to carry bear spray on every hike, even if there is a low likelihood of encountering a bear. It helps me feel safer knowing I have a weapon in case I encounter any animal (like a cougar) or even dangerous people. As a woman who sometimes hikes solo or with my child, this is especially important.
• Navigation: it’s important to have a way to locate your trail, particularly if you’re going on a less popular trail, or if you’re hiking in low visibility or snowy conditions. AllTrails Pro is what I use and recommend for route finding. However, the best way to prevent issues with route challenges is to stick to well-trodden trails and to not go out in dangerous conditions.
• Emergency blanket/bivvy: A cheap item that is small and easy to carry too, an emergency bivy will provide warmth should you need it and also is a way for rescuers to help find you (they are bright orange). I carry this one.
• Headlamp: You never know if you may get caught in the dark. Sometimes hikes take longer than you expect, and having a headlamp will save the day. You don’t want to end up praying your phone battery doesn’t die from using your phone flashlight while hiking out in the dark (spoken from personal experience). Get this highly rated headlamp here.
• Personal Location Beacon: This is an item I am planning to buy for the upcoming summer. It’s pricey, but in case of emergency it will save your life. You can send satellite text messages and also send out an emergency call for help which will be routed to local emergency services. I’m buying the popular Garmin Mini InReach; get yours here.

Luxury items: best womens hiking gear for extra comfort

So you don’t really need these items to have an enjoyable day hike, but these are some recommendations I have if you want to level up your hike:

• Z seat: this is super clutch for having a comfortable place to sit for lunch, especially in cold or wet weather. It’s also lightweight.
• Hammock: if you’re going to somewhere like a lake or a forested area, a hammock is a great way to enjoy your hiking destination. We have an ENO double hammock and absolutely adore it. Highly recommended.

• Backpacking “stove“: for cold hikes, it is PEAK luxury to be able to make a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate on your hike. Or even to heat up a hot meal like chili or soup. I once enjoyed a cup of coffee with cream and sugar on the top of Mt. Washington in the snow, and let me say, it was one of the best coffees of my life.

How to save money on the best womens hiking gear

We’ve come a long way from jean shorts and cotton tee shirts! But, that also means that you will probably be spending a chunk of money getting outfitted for hiking comfortably. You don’t have to break the bank to get incredible hiking gear. Here are some recommendations for keeping costs low.

• Watch for deals and promotions: Some retailers offer excellent deals. Eddie Bauer has massive promotions regularly. You can frequently find gear for 20-40% off. 
• Look for lower cost brands: You don’t need top of the line gear for everything; there are plenty of perfectly good outdoor brands that aren’t Arcteryx and the North Face. Columbia generally has lower price points for totally adequate gear. You can also look for outlet versions of the outdoor retailers you like to save more. I’ve bought random brands on Amazon that have held up for a few years’ of use, too, like these bike shorts I wear all summer.
• Buy used: check out your local thrift stores, or better yet, the REI Garage Sale. You can get used gear as an REI coop member at a serious discount. Patagonia also has an initiative called Worn Wear where they resell used gear. Finally, try OfferUp, FB Marketplace, and other online platforms for getting used gear. This is especially great for things like backpacks and outer layers.
• Check discounted gear websites: There are some retailers that often have bigger price discounts on items where you can still snag some of the best womens hiking gear. It may be that they are stocked with last year’s or the previous year’s inventory, but it is still new! My favorites are Steep & Cheap, Sierra, and Moosejaw. You can find seriously discounted outdoor gear at these places, just know that you will likely have to peruse the sites often if you have particular things you’re looking for.

Final thoughts on best womens hiking gear

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, you CAN hike without a ton of nice gear. But, when you have high quality hiking gear, you will likely enjoy your outdoor adventures a little bit more. Build up your closet (and gear) bit by bit and eventually you’ll be fully outfitted for fantastic hiking and outdoor trips!

Psst. Are you looking for gifts for outdoorsy moms in your life? Don’t miss my post all about gifts for outdoorsy moms here.