Hiking Clothing Chosen by Women for Women.
- Julia Sheehan
- May 27, 2021
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 23, 2021
As my thru-hike of the CDT nears, I find myself constantly looking into new apparel. I have survived and thrived on many of the clothing choices I have made, but I have also suffered but to my clothing choices. For instance, I suffered through hundreds of miles on the AT in running shorts that had NO stretch and ended up tearing them mid stride, in the middle of nowhere.
So let's not make it one of those long blog posts where I talk about making a recipe for my betrothed and how much he raved about it, before actually giving you the goods 1000 words down the post. Let's get to the recommendations.
I asked YOU LADIES what articles of clothing worked for you and I wanted to compile and share it with you all. I will list the top brands recommended by you gals, a photo and what I currently wear.
Feel free to click links and find your newest hiking wardrobe!
Let's start with the basics. The undergarments...
UNDERWEAR
An overwhelming percentage of you gals stated that you LOATHE wearing undies on trail, and I can totally see why that works! I may give it a go here in the near future, but until then, let's dive into what other recommendations you ladies shared.
the biggest thing you ladies look for when purchasing undies for hiking is lightweight, antimicrobial and fast drying....
1. ExOfficio Give n Go Sport Brief (Womens) $20.00
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
This was hands down the number 1 recommended pair of undies, and this is currently what I wear on my thru-hikes. They are comfy, quick drying and don't give you the massive undie line if that's is something you care about. (XS-XL)
2. ExOfficio Mens Give n Go Boxer $19.50
Tied for second is the ExOfficio Men's Boxer. So many ladies shared that they love these because they don't ride up and they prevent chaffing, which is something that any woman with thighs that touch has dealt with!
3. Patagonia Barely Bikini $22.00
Patagonia's website summarizes these udies: Soft, featherweight 89% nylon (66% recycled)/11% spandex fabric wicks and breathes, with HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control. Has a Narrow, seamless waistband lies flat and won’t roll or bind. Quick drying. (XS-XL)
Not top 3, but honorable mentions:
Smartwool Merino 150 undies $30.00
Quick drying and antimicrobial (XS-XL)
Underarmour Mesh Bikini $19.00-30.00
Quick dry and lightweight (XS-XL)
Icebreaker Merino Wool $26.00-37.00
Made of merino wool (XS-XL)
Boody Bikini $10.00
Ethically sourced and created and very affordable (XS-XL)
VS Seamless Cheeky $15.00
the OG VS seamless cheeky. A couple people swear by these. (S-L)
Branwyn Bikini $32.00
Made specificly for active women and of merino wool to boot! (XS-XL)
PERIOD EDITION
Hands down THINX was your #1 choice here. What better way to be able to hike with your period without the fear of leak throughs. These undies are a GAME CHANGER. ($22.40 XXS-3XL)
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BRAS
Moving on to the bouncing girls. This is something that I have struggled with a lot due to having a larger bust, but disliking heavy support. I want something mid range support but full coverage and usually end up with a target or TJMAXX bra. Please remember that there are so many various and equally lovable sizes and shapes of breasts and each has their specific needs.
1. Patagonia Barely Bra $49.00
This was HANDS DOWN the overwhelming pick for the boulder holder of choice and it is easy to see why. Lightweight, quick drying and medium support.
The downside: reviews stating that this is not a great choice for larger busts... hold on ladies, we will get to the big titty committee soon! (XS-XL)
2. Icebreaker siren bra $37.50-50.00
Obviously this bra is very similar to the Patagonia barely bra at slightly cheaper price. The differences is this bra does not have a racerback and is made of 87% merino wool, and we know the benefits of wool vs synthetics.
This bralette is also NOT recommended for larger busts. (XS-XL)
3. REI Active Bra $24.50
This was also high on the list with you ladies. With the similarities to the others listed above it makes sense that this was also on the list.
REIs Website: Stretchy polyester mesh is constructed with barely-there seams and trim details for comfort . Moisture wicking and quick drying. Antimicrobial treatment reduces odor buildup. Thick bottom band keeps everything in place and secure.
Again, NOT for the BUSTY ladies. (XS-XL)
Not top 3, but on the list:
Senita Sarah Bra $26.00
Great suport and has a pocket for your phone (in town built-in purse anyone?) (XS-2XL)
Lululemon $50.00-70.00)
Boogie but lovable (B-D cup)
ExOfficio Give n Go Bra $11.00-30.00
light and quick drying (XS-XL)
Any Active Bra from Target $16.00-30.00
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
Affordable mid support options galore! (XS-4XL)
BIG BUST OPTIONS
As a woman with a larger bust, all the options above are not really going to work. Wearing one of the above mentioned bras would cause nipple slips and double boob action.
1. SHEFIT Ultimate Bra $69.00
The ULTIMATE BOUCE TAMER. This was the number 1 recommendation for the busty gals! (XS-6Luxe)
2. Target High Support Bonded Bra $30.00
Full Support is HERE YA'LL and its super affordable! (SX-4XL)
Holy size inclusive here. While combing the site for a full support bra, it was easy to see why this brand is growing so quickly. Every single bra on their site included a woman with a larger bust rocking their merch and it made me smile! (XXS-6XL)
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SHORTS
Hiking shorts and bottoms are where I struggle to find something that works for me. With thicker thighs that indeed touch and have chaffed in the past, finding a pair of shorts to spend 5 months wearing day in and day out can be a challenge. But you ladies came in hot with suggestions!
1. Patagonia Barely Baggies / Patagonia 5" Baggies $55.00
The Pattagucci baggies stole the show! Between the barely baggies and the 5in baggies, or any other baggies, these overwhelmed my inbox.
Many of you ladies loved how light they were, and how they were made to actually fit a woman's body!(XS-XL)
2. Nike Women's Dri-fit Tempo Shorts $28.50
The ladies LOVED how fast these shorts dried and how lightweight they are!(S-L)
3.Patagonia Women's Strider Shorts $49.00
With the built-in undies that you ladies seem to love (I always cut mine out before, but might try to keep them and nix the actual undies) and lightweight design you gals couldn't get enough of these shorts as well. (XXS-XL)
Honorable mentions:
Oiselle Rogas Shorts $58.00
Many length options availbable and super cute colors and designs (2-22)
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
Does have built in undies, lightweight, comfy and quick dry with waist drawstring (XS-XL)
Lightweight and super fast drying fabric and super affordable (XXS-2XL)
Lululemon $58.00
So many options ad lengths, you gals just love lulu all the way (0-14)
A bit pricey but highly recommended (XS-XL)
A more classic look with quick drying fabric (XS-3XL)
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PANTS
Most women choose leggings on trail, and that it something that I admit I bring with me to sleep and chilly mornings as well. Recently I have discovered the art of hiking pants and wanted to ask you ladies what you thought of hiking pants! Here are your recommendations.
1. PrAna Halle Pants $65.00
You guys slammed my inbox with these pants. Hands down by a landslide you guys recommended these. Not only are the stretchy, lightweight and have upf 50+ and are quick drying but those demonic mosquitos can't bite through them! Hallelujah! (0-18)
2. Mountain Hardware Dynema/2 Ankle Pants $56.19
Lightweight nylon/spandex fabric offers stretch for easy mobility; durable water repellent (DWR) finish on fabric resists moisture and stains. UPF 50+ fabric shields you from harmful UV rays. 2 deep hand pockets and a low-profile zippered security pocket stash your essentials. (XS-XL)
3. Kuhl Free Flex Roll Up Pant $89.00
Luxuriously soft and ultra-comfortable, KÜHL’s FREEFLEX™ ROLL-UP Women’s Pants are equipped with impressive stretch and rebound so they maintain their form over time. Lightweight, moisture managing, and quick drying, the FREEFLEX™ ROLL-UP will quickly become your go-to for everyday comfort. Maximum sun protection (UPF 50+).(2-16)
Notable Options:
Baleaf Cargo Hiking Pant $33.99
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
Light weight, strechy, drawstring ankles and water resister with 50+UPF (XS-3XL)
Carhart stretch leggings $59.99
Durable and Versitile with pockets! (XXS-3XL)
As the name says stretchy pants for trail (2-24)
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SHIRTS
Now we are on to the upper body clothing and I realize that finding a shirt shouldn't be rocket science, but as women we have more challenges to finding what works with our bodies. So let's see what you ladies love!
Alot of you gals said cheapo stuff from TJMaxx and thrift stores. I hiked 1000 miles of the AT in a shirt I got from Family Dollar for $1.50. In the event you don't shop at dollar stores here are some goodies.
1. Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt $55.00-69.00
Not only does Patagona repair and replace your gear FOR LIFE, you gals loved this top. We have another landslide winner. And it is made of wool, we all love wool. (XS-XL)
2. Smartwool 150 Merino Wool T-Shirt $50.00-75.00
I'm sensing a trend here. Wool, and cool! Seamlessly knit Merino wool for enhanced next-to-skin comfort. Mesh knit throughout body for breathability (XS-XL)
3. Women’s PFG Bahama™ Long Sleeve Shirt $33.76
Switching it up with a sun shirt for the desert adventurers! Omni-Shade UPF 30 provides maximum protection for long hours in the sun. Hidden venting at mid back keeps the cool air flowing through. Quick dry fabric for functional performance on the water
(XS-XL)
Honorable Mentions:
Lightweight, moisture-wicking nylon & UPF 35 sun protection (XS-XL)
Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie $40.00-70.00
Quick drying, UPF coverage and a hood to keep the sun off your neck (XS-XL)
BALEAF Sun Shirt $25.00-23.00
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
UPF 50, quick drying and the most affordalbe shirt on this list (XS-3XL)
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DRESSES
For the ladies that want to wear dresses and skirts we've got some great recommendations.
1. Purple Rain Adventure Skirt $71.99 +
(ROCKETS CHOICE)
Purple Rain Adventure Skirts has everything you need and this is a garage brand which is something we ALL LOVE SUPPORTING! Purple Rain offers skirts and dresses all of which can be custom made! But a lot of you know this already because you all suggested this skirt/dress brand.
2. LightHeart Gear $60.00-98.00
Another highly recommended brand is LightHeart Gear. They make skirts and dresses for the backpacking woman. They might seem a bit pricey but they are wash and wear, super lightweight and ready for your next adventure!
(XS-2XL)
3. L.L. Bean Women's Comfort Trail Skort $59.95
A lot of ladies recommended this skirt because of how comfy it is and how it has sizes ranging from 0 to 22.UPF 50+. Adjustable inside tabs for a custom fit. Redesigned interior short for ease of motion and less bulk.Quick drying and moisture wicking. Contoured waistband is lined with moisture-wicking mesh.Lightweight and breathable for year-round wear.(0-22)
Not top 3, but still on the list:
Wrinkle resistant and UPF 50+ (2-16)
Columbia Women's Saturday Trail Skort $30.00-50.00
Omnishield stain resistance and super stretchy comfort (2-16)
The most affordable skirt on the list and a brand that I always buy from (XS-2XL)
If you have a tight budget, any old synthetic dress from Goodwill will do, just as long as you're comfy!
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SIZE INCLUSIVE BRANDS
If you have made it here, congratulations. this list is long but I feel it is one that we need because women don't have a lot of resources for hiking clothing, but here we are. I also wanted to make a general area with links to size inclusive websites for women to check out.
Other than listing the sites I wanted to offer their sizing limitations and if they include women of all sizes in their images on their site, as seeing all body types of women wearing clothing you may purchase is important.
GREGORY PACKS - Size inclusive images on website
ALDER APPAREL - 6XL -Size inclusive images on website
SUPERFIT HERO - 7XL -Super size inclusive images on website
GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE - 6XL - YES WE LOVE THE SIZE INCLUSION
OLD NAVY - 4XL - Size inclusive images on website
LLBEAN - 3XL - Size inclusive images on website
DULUTH TRADING CO - XXL - Size inclusive images on website
BRAWNYN - XL - Size inclusive images on website
REI - XL/16 - NO size inclusive images on website
EDDIE BAUER - 2XL/22 - NO size inclusive images on website
UNDER ARMOUR - XXL - NO size inclusive images on website
NORTHFACE - 4XL - NO size incisive images on website
COLUMBIA - 2XL - NO size inclusive images on website
I never thought of men’s boxer briefs for those of us who loathe shorts due to legs rubbing. BRILLIANT!
Love this!! It's so hard to find gear recommendation posts that aren't just links of sponsored items; I appreciate that this is an honest list of the gear that has been genuinely loved and used for many, many miles!