One of the most important things to decide on when hiking is what to wear. Checking the weather before a hike no matter the length is absolutely necessary as it will show you exactly what to wear. Will it be hot or cold? Will it rain? Will I need to bring a jacket and/or a hat with me? If you're wondering what hiking accessories and clothing you should wear, here are must-have hiking clothes for women, men, and children.
Hiking Pants And Shorts
1. Women's REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
Convertible pants are a great addition to anyone's hiking wardrobe. If you start a hike in the morning when it's cooler out, pants may be necessary. Then, as time goes on and you work up more of a sweat and start to feel hot, you can take off the bottom parts of each pant leg and the pants now become shorts! Genius, right? And, of course, REI has a great selection like these Sahara Convertible Pants in four different colors.
Shop Women's Convertible Pants On REI
2. wendunide Women's Cargo Shorts
These affordable Bermuda shorts with pockets are ideal for hiking, especially in the summer months. And with eight colors to choose from, you can get several pairs! The waist is elastic with a drawstring and the fabric is lightweight. You'll love these shorts!
Shop Women's Cargo Shorts On Walmart
3. Men's REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
REI Co-op not only has Sahara Convertible Pants for women but also for men. These pants are lightweight and breathable with several pockets and UPF 50+ sun protection. These are a must-have for serious hikers.
Shop Men's Convertible Pants On REI
4. Men's KUHL Renegade Rock 9" Shorts
I am a big fan of KUHL products, and for men, these Renegade Rock Shorts by KUHL aren't just functional but stylish, too. The fabric is soft, almost like cotton, breathable, and water resistant. And with UPF 50+ sun protection, these are among the best hiking shorts you can get.
5. Kids' Cresta Hiking Zip-Off Pants
These comfy L.L.Bean Cresta Hiking Zip-Off Pants are perfect for children who love hiking as much as their parents do. The fabric is both lightweight and durable, and the zip-off legs are perfect for any weather or temperature changes they may encounter on the trails.
6. Kids' Stowaway Shorts
The lightweight fabric of these shorts is also water-resistant and quick-drying. They are both versatile and durable, perfect for the rugged outdoors! Kids can choose from four different colors.
Shop Kids' Shorts On L.L. Bean
Hiking Tops
7. Women's Mountain Hardwear Yuba Trail Cami Top
As an active woman, I wear several layers, especially for a hike. My hiking outfit will start off with something like this cami top. It's a great base to have. This particular one by Mountain Hardwear gives support, is UPF 50+ to protect against UV rays, and quick-drying.
8. Women's Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Graphic T-Shirt
A great second layer is always a t-shirt. And Patagonia makes some high-quality tees with unique graphics. This one is so comfortable made with soft, quick-drying fabric, perfect for a long trek on the trails!
Shop Women's Patagonia T-Shirt On REI
9. Men's Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Short-Sleeve Shirt
Keep it cool in the summer months with this Capilene Cool Daily Short-Sleeve Shirt by Patagonia. This shirt comes in seven colors, so why not get a few for the gym or the trails?
Shop Men's Patagonia T-Shirt On Backcountry
10. Kids' L.L.Bean Trail Tee
Let your little ones hike in style with a Trail Tee from L.L.Bean. With lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, your kiddos will stay as cool as possible while exploring the great outdoors. It comes in three colors and in sizes 4-18.
Shop Kids' Trail Tee On L.L.Bean
Hiking Layers
11. Women's Patagonia Long-Sleeve Midweight Fjord Flannel Shirt
Another layer to add, especially in the fall or winter, is a flannel. These cozy shirts not only keep you warm but they look good, too! This Long-Sleeve Midweight Fjord Flannel Shirt by Patagonia is made of organically-grown cotton and it's oh-so-soft.
Shop Women's Patagonia Flannel Shirt On REI
12. Women's Elijo Rain Jacket
If rain is in the forecast for your hike, you should bring a rain jacket with you. From vuori, the Elijo Rain Jacket is perfectly packable and won't take up too much space in your backpack. When you wear it, there's a lined hood with a drawstring, a storm flap, and a bungee hem, all of which will help protect you from inclement weather.
Shop Women's Elijo Rain Jacket On vuori
13. Men's Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hooded Shirt
This Patagonia long-sleeve hooded shirt is lightweight and will keep you cool and dry as well as protected from the sun during the summer. There's even a hood for extra protection from the elements.
Shop Men's Patagonia Hooded Shirt On Backcountry
14. Men's The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie
Made of 100% recycled fabrics, this North Face rain jacket isn't just eco-friendly but functional too. The fabric is wind-proof, breathable, water-repellent, and has a drawstring hem you can adjust. There's a choice of three color combinations as well.
Shop Men's The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie On REI
15. Kids' Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Did you know that Patagonia also makes hiking wear for kids? This Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket offers three layers of waterproofing to keep kiddos dry. The hood has three panels for extra protection in inclement weather allowing kids to keep enjoying time outdoors no matter the weather!
Shop Kids' Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket On REI
Hiking Hats And Accessories
16. Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat
I love Cotopaxi products for their style, their functionality, and the company's sustainability practices. This hat is a patchwork of fabrics with a soft-structured brim and will keep the sun out of your face on a hike.
Shop Cotopaxi Tech Bucket Hat On REI
17. Storm Valley - Ladies Anti-Blister Cotton Hiking Socks with Padded Sole
If you're going to go hiking, you also have to have a good pair of socks for your hiking shoes or boots. This particular sock is anti-blister and has a padded sole for the ultimate comfort on the trails. These socks come in a three-pack so you should definitely pack an extra pair in your backpack.
Shop Ladies Anti Blister Cotton Hiking Socks On Walmart
18. Men's Mildsown SUNSIOM Sun Hat
This bucket hat has a wide brim and offers UV protection but can also protect you from the rain. This hat comes in six colors and is offered at a bargain price. You'll want to buy a few!
19. Buff CoolNet UV+ MFL Headwear
I have a few Buffs and they always come in handy on a hike. You can wear them on your head, around your neck, or even on your wrist to easily wipe away sweat from your forehead. Another thing I like to do when it's hot out is soak a Buff in water and place it on my head. This is such a versatile accessory to have for hiking.
20. Kids' HEEHIPOO Nylon UPF 50+ Sun Hat
A kid should also be wearing a hat when playing or hiking outdoors. It will shield the sun from their eyes and this particular one will also protect the skin on the neck with its brim that's longer in the back. And with all the cute designs, your kid won't mind wearing one!
Now you know what must-have hiking clothes to get for your hiking adventures. And if you're curious about other gear you'll need, take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List. Happy hiking!
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