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We get it… knowing what to wear hiking can make your head spin. What the heck is Gore-tex? Don’t trekking poles make me look lame?? (spoiler: no).
To be honest, the best hiking gear is often what you already own and hike in. Your trusty, broken-in hiking boots. That quick-dry workout t-shirt you’ve owned since 2012.
But, in case you’re looking for guidance on buying new hiking clothes or don’t have a clue how to choose a daypack, we’ve got ya covered.
To help you prepare for your hiking adventure, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hiking gear — these are Explorer Chick guide tested and approved.
But be sure to refer to your Travel Guide for your full trip packing list!
P.S. a Word about Cotton: It’s bad for hiking. Cotton retains water and sweat keeping it close to your body, which can cause chafing and blisters. Instead, you’ll want to wear synthetic or wool fabrics.
NOTE: Explorer Chick participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers. We independently choose all products and stand behind our recommendations. When you buy from product links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thanks for your support!
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When picking out the perfect hiking shirt, choose one with moisture-wicking properties and quick-drying fabrics to keep you fresh and comfortable, even when the trail gets tough. If you want to protect your skin from the sun, opt for a lightweight sun hoodie.
Lightweight, breathable materials (like synthetic blends or merino wool) are your best friends for regulating temperature — just don’t wear cotton which will make you a hot, sweaty mess. We also recommend skipping the tank tops, because bare shoulders + hiking pack = chafed and sunburnt shoulders. Ouch.
PRO TIP: Choose bolder colors over white since lighter colors show dirt more.
When choosing hiking pants, prioritize durable, quick-dry materials that have a bit of stretch. Convertible hiking pants can be a great option, allowing you to easily switch between pants and shorts, adapting to changing temperatures on the fly.
If you choose leggings, prioritize thicker fabrics that won’t snag as easily (although, leggings are always a snag risk with rogue tree branches or scoochin’ on your butt down a rocky surface 😉) .
Layers aren’t just practical— they’re your secret weapon for a comfortable, enjoyable hike, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Layering allows you to adjust your clothing to maintain an optimal body temperature, whether it’s by adding layers to retain heat or shedding them to cool down.
The layers you’ll need vary based on the weather conditions — typically only cold weather hiking requires base layers, while we pretty much always have a packable lightweight jacket in our daypack. Always check the weather and prepare for the worst.
NOTE: You know your body and layering needs more than anyone else. Please pack clothing accordingly.
Rain gear is essential for tackling the unpredictable weather while hiking. Staying dry is not just about comfort— it’s a safety measure, as getting wet can lead to hypothermia, especially in cooler conditions.
With the right rain gear, you can keep exploring even when the skies open up, turning potential misery into an adventure. We always recommend packing a hooded rain jacket (it doubles as a windbreaker!) and packing rain pants for particularly rainy destinations.
When buying a rain jacket, look for one with pit zips which helps regulate your temperature.
Choosing the right hiking boot can make or break your hike. It’s no fun to be halfway up a mountain with your feet screamin’ due to hot spots, blisters, and stiffness. Be sure to wear sturdy, broken-in hiking boots — this is not the trip to bring brand-spankin’-new boots!
We’ve written a comprehensive hiking boot guide based on our Explorer Chick team’s favorites to help you pick out the right hiking shoe.
Every foot is unique so it might take some time to find the right pair for you. We’d suggest trying on different pairs in-store to find what feels good and breaking them in around the house and on walks around your neighborhood.
The right socks can also make or break your hike — you want a snug-fitted sock made out of wool or synthetic materials. Again, cotton is your enemy here. We are huge fans of Darn Tough (which have a LIFETIME warranty!)
If you’re going to be hiking through water or want a hiking sandal with solid grip, we recommend the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.
We recommend carrying a 20-30L daypack on most hikes — plenty of room for layers, snacks, water, and personal items. Look for a women’s fit, which has extra-padded hip belts and narrower shoulder straps.
Some daypacks include a rain cover, but if it doesn’t, you’ll want to pick one up to protect your gear in case of inclement weather.
Accessorizeeeeeee! 💅 Here’s our list of what we use on the trail (or stash in our pack). Most of these are must-have’s, but some are trip-specific (like microspikes). Always refer to your packing guide to see what you need!
Backpacking, Gear, Hiking
It’s getting hot in here! Check out our top picks for hot weather hiking clothing so you can have an easy-breezy adventure without overheating.
Backpacking, Camping, For women, Hiking, Review
Learn how to layer for cold weather so that you can keep climbing those mountains and scaling those rock walls. We don’t let winter slow us down!
Clothes, Gear, How To, Survival, Winter