Hiking Gears for Ladies 2022
BEST WOMEN’S GEAR for hiking
Whether you are a beginner hiker or a backpacking pro, this list will introduce you to quality-made hiking gear made specifically for women who love hitting the trails.
Thankfully, there are a plethora of brands now that focus on making gear tailored to women’s shape and comfort levels from the best hiking shorts for women to the best women’s hiking packs.
After hiking and backpacking across North America to SE Asia I’ve been able to round up the best hiking gear from clothing, boots, packs, trekking poles, watches, and even must-have hiking apps.
I wholeheartedly believe in buying better quality items that may be more expensive but will last longer. With that said, I also don’t believe in wasting money on a name brand, when another brand can make the same quality item for a more affordable price.
Top-Rated Hiking Clothes for Women
While there is no need to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe, there are a few pieces of clothing specific for hiking that I think to offer a great addition and may help you go that extra few miles because you’ll feel so comfortable! These are all my staple items from head to toe.
Best Hiking Jacket for Women
Top-Rated Hiking Clothes for Women
While there is no need to go out and buy an entirely new wardrobe, there are a few pieces of clothing specific for hiking that I think to offer a great addition and may help you go that extra few miles because you’ll feel so comfortable! These are all my staple items from head to toe.
REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket
If you want a versatile everyday jacket for wind, rain, and keeping warm down to 40°F this is your jacket! I take this jacket with me on almost every hike during cooler months or sunrise hikes.
I’ve tested the gore-tex liner and I give it 5 stars for being both waterproof and wind-proof up to 35mph. For being lightweight, it keeps me incredibly warm in the cold wind and it’s nice that it can easily pack down into my day pack when the sun starts to come out on the trail or the inclines get harder.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
If you’re on a budget but still want quality made jacket that is thick enough to hike in during fall and spring, I suggest going with the 650 down jacket from REI.
This jacket is both water-repellent for light rain and snow and is wind-proof. It’s also a great backpacking jacket for when you get higher in elevation and nights start getting colder, but still thin enough to pack down into your day pack when it warms up.
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
If you’re ready to invest in a quality-made jacket that will be your go-to for years to come look no further than the Patagonia Down Sweater. I swear by this jacket because of its warmth, fit, and durability. While down jackets are great for keeping you extra warm, they usually make you feel like a marshmallow, but this jacket actually is cut and hemmed specifically for a women’s body.
Not to mention the lightweight jacket packs a punch with its sustainability sourced 800 fill down that will keep you toasty on most cold days and the durable water repellent will reflect lighter rain and snow. It can also pack down into its own pocket to fit nicely inside your pack when it starts to heat up on the trail.
Swiftly Tech Racerback 2.0
I love the Lululemon tops that have the Silverescent™ technology because it inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric so you’re not smelling funky on those long hot hikes. They are also extremely comfortable since the swiftly tops are seamless. I highly recommend these tops to wear in the summer or layer under your long sleeve in case you want to start shedding layers.
Pro-tip: Order one size bigger than you normally would. I’m a solid M in most workout tops, but with Lululemon I like to order a size 8-10.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt
One of the best lightweight and protective shirts is from the Patagonia Capilene line. From the tank top to the long sleeve, these shirts are extremely comfortable, flattering, wick-sweat, and have a UPF rating of 50. To top it off they also have an odor control that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Additionally, Patagonia uses recycled material and is one of the top-rated B corp brands for sustainability so your putting your money not only into a quality-made shirt, but a great company.
Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0
This is my go-to long sleeve when hiking. It also has the Silverescent™ technology and I can get about 2-3 hikes or workouts out of this top before washing it.
Just make sure to never dry the swift tech tops so they can keep their quality. This long sleeve is thin but it keeps me warm enough and allows me to easily wick sweat once I start climbing hills. Make sure to size up one size.
Best Hiking Pants for Women
North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
These are my favorite, go-to hiking pants. They are very lightweight but engineered with increased abrasion and snag resistance for extreme durability.
There are plenty of pockets and a zipper pocket for money or keys. The bottom of the pants has a drawstring that you can tighten to cuff up and tuck into your boots so they don’t get wet.
My only negative is the drawstring in the waistband can get twisted and tangled easily so make sure to tie the waistband into a bow before putting it into the wash. Seriously the most comfortable hiking pants ever!
prAna Halle Straight Pants
Every gal and her dog loves the prAna Halle pants for hiking. They are a cult favorite for hiking pants and there is a reason for that.
prAna Halle is made for comfort and durability when it comes to hiking anywhere from the backwoods to jungles. The fabric is abrasion-resistant, durable water repellent, quick-drying, and UPF 50+ to shield you from harmful UV rays. Not to mention, you could also wear them for everyday living and no one would know they were meant for hiking.
The Halle Pants come in both a straight leg and a wider leg version.
Best Hiking Shorts for Women
Athleta Trekkie North Short
These are my absolute favorite shorts! It’s why they are the only ones on the list. These shorts are high rise with a 3.5” inseam and a 2-way stretch that never bunches up while I’m hiking. They also have 4 pockets so I can store anything from my phone, keys, or snacks.
The best part is they are abrasion resistant, rated UPF 50+, quick-drying, and sweat-wicking. And yes, they really do all of those things! I promise you will love these shorts for hiking. Bonus- you can wear these with your everyday outfits too!