What to Wear Hiking: A Women’s Guide For All Types of Weather

Figuring out what to wear hiking was one of the biggest learning curves I faced when I first hit the trails 11+ years ago.

With so many different hiking clothes, footwear, and accessories to choose from, it can be really difficult to decide exactly what you need and when to wear it all.

Do you choose a sun hoodie or a tee? What type of base layer is best, and when would you wear one on trail? Do you need a fleece or an insulated jacket or both? Should you wear trail runners, hiking boots, or sandals? Do you need microspikes or snowshoes for winter hikes?

If you have any or all of these questions, don’t worry; you’re in the right place!

girl hiking the brushy mountain trail in rain gear

girl standing by step falls in old stone fort state archaeological park in tennessee in the winter

In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly what to wear hiking in all types of weather and conditions. We’ll go piece by piece, from head to toe, so you can understand what to look for when shopping, who should wear it and when, and which hiking clothes, footwear, and accessories I personally recommend.

Then we’ll put it all together with head-to-toe outfit examples for every type of weather, including hot, cool, cold, rainy, and snowy conditions.

By the end, hopefully you’ll feel confident and know exactly what to wear on your next hike!

Happy hiking!

Table of Contents

What to Wear Hiking: A Women’s Guide For All Types of Weather

hiking the split rock trail in joshua tree national park

hiker standing in front of stinging fork falls

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks so much for your support!

Hiking Tops / Base Layers

hiker wearing backcountry tahoe sun hoodie at needles campground in canyonlands national park — Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie

two girls standing by the trillium gap trailhead sign and pointing at the mount leconte summit — Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie

When it comes to hiking tops, the options can be overwhelming.

After all, there are tanks, tees (both short- and long-sleeve), sun hoodies, and classic cool/cold-weather thermal base layers.

To further confuse everyone, there are all kinds of materials on the market – wool, synthetic, polyester, nylon, etc.

So which is the best kind of hiking top, and what should you look for when buying one?

I’m going to dive into each below!

Sun Hoodies

girl eating dehydrated tacos at devils garden campground in arches national park — Wearing the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie – Gearhead Green, Size S

When it comes to hiking tops, my go-to for warm-weather (and sometimes even cool-weather) hikes is a trusty sun hoodie.

Sun hoodies are perfect for warm-weather hikes because of their breathability, soft, lightweight materials, and SPF capabilities.

When shopping for sun hoodies, look for ones with SPF 50+ protection, thumbholes, and made of lightweight, moisture-wicking, stretchy materials like polyester.

My absolute favorite sun hoodie is the Backcountry Tahoe Sun Hoodie. I own two colors, but I need them all! Haha.

A good budget option that my wife wears and loves is the REI Sahara Shade Sun Hoodie.

Short-Sleeve Tees

Short-sleeve tees are a good option for warm-weather (or even cool-weather) hikes, as well.

While they don’t offer protection from the sun, bugs, or brush, short-sleeved tees can be a great choice for certain conditions, such as cloudy days, heavily forested trails, or well-maintained trails where sun and brush aren’t big concerns.

Some hikers prefer short-sleeve tees over sun hoodies because, though sun hoodies are breathable, there’s nothing more breathable than exposed skin.

I started off hiking in tees and still sometimes opt for one, depending on the hike.

The best short-sleeve tees for hiking are merino wool because they dry quickly, are soft and breathable, and stay odor-free – like this Icebreaker Merino 125!

For a good budget-friendly choice, you could go with polyester or nylon fabrics, as they are easier on the wallet and still great at wicking sweat and drying quickly. Like the REI Sahara Shade!

Long-Sleeve Tees

standing at overlook on spruce flats falls trail

girl standing on rocky river looking at bridge in eldorado canyon state park

Long-sleeve tees are also a good choice for warm and cool-weather hikes. They can provide sun protection and bug protection, and a little more coverage than a short-sleeve tee.

Think sun hoodie without the hood. Long-sleeve tees have the same benefits as sun hoodies (bug and sun protection), minus the hood.

Again, opt for tees that dry quickly and are moisture-wicking. Just like with sun hoodies, the best long-sleeve tees are polyester. Like this REI Sahara Shade!

If you don’t need sun protection and want something softer and more comfortable, but still wicks sweat and keeps you dry, try this Smartwool Classic All-Season merino wool long-sleeve shirt. It can be worn as a standalone for warm or cool-weather hikes, or layered for cold-weather hikes. Very versatile!

Tanks

girl hiking on andrews bald in june next to the flame azaleas

Tanks are a perfectly fine choice for warm-weather hikes when you want the maximum airflow.

But beware – the backpack straps can rub against your shoulders, causing blisters. I’m speaking from experience!

Look for merino or polyester tanks. Both materials are great at moisture management, but merino is better at odor-blocking.

This Marmot AirExchange tank (polyester) is a bit form-fitting and super flattering.

If you’re looking for something more flowy, I love my Smartwool High-Neck Tank (merino).

Thermals (Cool and Cold-Weather Base Layers)

pouring hot water for tea into stanley mugs at elkmont campground — Smartwool Base Layer (thrifted)

two girls clinking mugs inside glamping dome in madisonville tennessee in the winter — Smartwool Base Layer (thrifted)

While all of the options above – tanks, sun hoodies, and tees – are considered base layers because they rest closest to the skin, thermals are the most common base layer for cold-weather hikes.

These layers are meant to be tighter and “hug” the skin so that they can wick sweat (which is the primary goal of a cold-weather base layer).

They can be worn alone or layered, so they’re quite versatile for cool and cold-weather hikes!

When it comes to thermals and cold-weather base layers, there are three types of weights, so it’s important to consider which one you might need: lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.

Lightweight base layers like this one are best for moderate to cool temperatures.

Midweight base layers like this one are best for cold temperatures.

Heavyweight base layers like this turtleneck one and this non-turtleneck one are best for below-freezing temperatures.

Notice all of my recs are Kari Traa because I truly believe they are the best in the base-layer game! They are cozy, warm, soft, odor-resistant, and insanely flattering! I find myself wearing these not just on hikes and backpacking trips, but at home, on glamping trips, road trips, and camping.

Hiking Bottoms

Moving on to bottoms! Similar to hiking tops, you have several options. You must decide between shorts, pants, or leggings, and your decision will likely come down to which you feel most comfortable in and what the conditions/weather are.

I’ll dive into each option below!

Shorts

hiking in saguaro national park west — Wearing basic athletic shorts

Shorts are ideal for warm hikes and for anyone who doesn’t like fabric brushing against their legs.

Personally, I’m a big fan of shorts; I find them super comfortable. And I love the airflow! Shorts are what I wear most on warm, summer hikes!

An overwhelming number of shorts decisions exist though. Biker shorts or baggy shorts? Inseam size? Length? It can be a lot!

But truthfully? You can get away with wearing any kind of athletic or biker shorts. Any pair that dries quickly and allows you to move comfortably will work beautifully.

In fact, most of my hiking shorts are just workout shorts that I owned before I ever started hiking. They’re not name-brand, hiker-specific, or anything fancy – just basic athletic shorts!

If you want something more durable that protects you from cuts and scrapes and has sun protection benefits, you might consider something like the Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts. I plan on snagging a pair of these soon.

Hiking Pants

Hiking pants are great for every season, which is why you may see many hikers wearing these no matter the weather or conditions.

A good pair of hiking pants can protect you from the sun, keep out the bugs, protect your legs from cuts, scrapes, and brushy plants, keep you somewhat dry in light rain, and, when layered with a pair of fleece or base layer leggings, keep you warm in cold temperatures.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants check all the boxes!

Leggings

girl sitting with leashed dog beside dry falls in highlands north carolina

Leggings are another great choice for every season! But the type of leggings you choose might differ depending on the weather.

Most basic leggings (like workout/yoga leggings) are comfortable to hike in and allow ultimate mobility, while fleece-lined or thermal leggings have the same comfort and mobility benefits but add a warmth factor for those colder hikes.

Leggings are my preferred bottoms for cool and cold weather hikes. I wear regular leggings for cool (shoulder season) hikes and fleece leggings for cold (winter) hikes.

For hikes where I need extra protection from the cold and wet elements, I will wear a pair of base-layer bottoms under hiking pants or fleece-lined leggings.

The Backcountry Destination leggings are great for warm-weather hikes, but honestly, you can get away with any pair of athletic leggings that you might already own.

These Beyond Yoga Pacer fleece-lined leggings are great for cool or cold weather hikes and can be layered underneath hiking pants for extra warmth.

These Kari Traa Rose base layer bottoms are also great for cool or cold weather hikes. Layer these beneath hiking pants or fleece-lined leggings to get added warmth.

PRO TIP: If you’re going to be hiking in cool or cold wet weather, like snow or rain, make sure to pull a pair of hiking pants over your leggings (or rain pants in a downpour).

Rain Pants

Rain pants are terribly uncomfortable to hike in, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing them unless you’re in a downpour or you’re on a multi-day backpacking trip where you can’t afford to get your pants wet.

Most of the time, I find that quick-drying shorts or pants do the trick in light to medium rainfall.

The Outdoor Research Stratoburst would be my choice of rain pants if the conditions demanded I wear them.

Mid-Layers

A mid-layer is the insulating layer between your base layer and your outer rain shell. Its main job is to trap your body heat to keep you warm.

Whether you’re wearing a fleece or insulated jacket on trail, or stowing one or two in your pack just in case conditions worsen, a mid-layer is a significant piece of gear to have in your closet.

Commonly, mid-layers are fleece sweaters or down or synthetic puffy jackets. And whether or not you need one or two will depend on conditions.

Let’s break down mid-layer choices below!

Fleece Sweaters

girl standing in front of triple falls in tennessee — Wearing Patagonia Better Sweater

Fleece sweaters serve as mid-layers in harsh conditions, but also as top layers in cool (shoulder season), dry weather.

A fleece is something I’d recommend everyone have in their pack, even if they’re on a warm-weather hike, because you never know when conditions can change on a dime.

My absolute favorite day hiking fleece is the Patagonia Better Sweater. I own three colors because I love it so much! I wear this sweater underneath rain shells on cold, wet hikes and wear it without a rain shell on cool, dry hikes.

The Patagonia R1 Pullover is a better choice for backpacking because it only weighs about 8 ounces, making it super packable.

Insulated Jackets

girl hiking the deep creek waterfall loop in the smokies — Wearing Outdoor Research SuperStrand Synthetic Puffy

girl standing in front of machine falls in tennessee in the winter — Wearing Outdoor Research SuperStrand Synthetic Puffy

Insulated jackets are the better mid-layer choice for cold weather hikes. Or, in tandem with a fleece, this two-mid-layer combo is unstoppable.

When it comes to insulated jackets, you have two options: down or synthetic. Both have their pros and cons. And since I’ve tested them both, I’ll share my honest thoughts.

Down puffy jackets have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio, meaning they are warmer, lighter, and more compressible than their synthetic counterparts. They are also more durable.

However, down puffy jackets lose insulating power when they get wet. Plus, they dry very slowly, are more expensive, are not hypoallergenic, and have special cleaning care instructions.

Synthetic puffy jackets continue to insulate even when wet, are hypoallergenic, and are less expensive than down. However, they are heavier and bulkier, offer less warmth for their weight, and are less durable than down.

So to simplify…

I’d choose a down puffy if you will be mostly hiking in dry climates and/or do a lot of backpacking where every ounce matters.

And I’d choose a synthetic puffy if you expect to be hiking in wet climates and either go on mostly day hikes or don’t mind the extra weight.

Down puffy jackets I’d pick based on conditions:

REI Co-op 650 – for cool hikes
Arc’teryx Cerium Down – for cold hikes (great for backpacking)

Synthetic puffy jackets I’d pick based on conditions:

Outdoor Research SuperStrand – for cool hikes
Marmot WarmCube – for cold hikes

NOTE: If you need extra warmth, opt for a heavier insulated jacket like the lightweight yet ultra-warm Marmot Hype (down) or Arc’teryx Proton Heavyweight (synthetic).

Outer Layers

An outer layer is the, you guessed it, outside layer. Its main job is to keep the rain and wind out.

Typically, outer layers are rain jackets or windbreakers.

Let’s get into outer layers below!

Rain Jackets

girl standing on the cloudy cliff top overlook in the smokies — Wearing Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket – Maldives, Size S

Rain jackets are the most common outer layer because they usually repel both wind and water.

However, not all rain jackets are made equal. There are a few things to look for when picking out a rain jacket.

First, you want one that is waterproof, not water-resistant. Water-resistant jackets will not keep you dry, especially in heavy rain. Waterproof jackets, on the other hand, will keep out all water, making sure you stay bone dry, even in extreme conditions.

Next, you want to make sure your rain jacket is windproof also, especially in cold/harsh conditions.

Also, make sure to get one with pit zips. My very first rain jacket didn’t have these, but they are vital for ventilation!

Finally, you will come across three different types of rain shells when shopping: 2L, 2.5L, and 2L. You might not even notice these numbers (I didn’t for years), so I thought I’d make y’all aware!

Put simply, 2L is the most affordable option and best for everyday, casual use and less extreme weather. They are bulkier and not as breathable as the other options. These are okay for casual walks, but not hikes.

3L is the most durable and best for more extreme wet/cold conditions. They have the best waterproofing and windproofing capabilities. These are great for day hikes!

2.5L is that sweet spot between lightweight and durable, so these are best for backpackers.

My favorite 3L rain jacket is the Outdoor Research Aspire. (Yes, I have three colors haha).

And the Outdoor Research Stratoburst is a great 2.5L option!

Windbreakers

In some circumstances, temperatures might be too warm and dry to wear a rain jacket, but you still want something to break the wind. This is where windbreakers come in!

The Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker is a great option because it is not only windproof, but super lightweight and packable.

Footwear

Moving on to footwear! Hiking footwear is super important and highly personal, but I will do my very best to lead you in the right direction.

You have the option of wearing hiking boots, trail runners, hiking shoes, or hiking sandals. Each has its benefits. I’ll get into all four below!

Hiking Boots

girl wandering through and looking up at wavy orange walls of antelope canyon x — Wearing Danner Mountain 600 Boots

girl wearing turquoise rain jacket hiking across a river on the trillium gap trail — Wearing Danner Mountain 600 Boots

Perhaps the most “old school” or “classic” hiking footwear is a good ol’ pair of boots. When I first started hiking, it was rare to see anyone hiking in anything but a big pair of boots. But the truth is, boots are not always the best, most practical footwear for hiking.

Don’t get me wrong. Boots are great, and I often hike in them. They have ankle support and (sometimes) waterproof capabilities. But they usually take forever to dry and are heavy and clunky.

So in my opinion, boots are best for short day hikes or real rugged, rocky terrain where you need that extra support.

I wore the Keen Terradors for 5+ years, but when I switched to the Danner Mountain 600s, I never looked back! They’re extremely comfortable…and cute, which doesn’t hurt.

Trail Runners

girl hiking through a lush green meadow on the trillium gap trail — Wearing Altra Timp 5 Trail Runners

girl meandering through antelope canyon x and staring up at the orange walls — Wearing Altra Timp 5 Trail Runners

Trail runners are the newcomers to the game – or so I thought. Apparently, people have been hiking in these for decades, but I’ve only recently discovered their value in the last handful of years.

Trail runners are especially common amongst the long-distance hiking community, and I’ll get into why.

Trail runners are beloved for their light weight. They’re not only lighter, but also less bulky than boots. And while they may not have waterproofing capabilities, they dry quickly, so this isn’t usually an issue.

Their lone downside is they don’t have ankle support, which can be a dealbreaker for some people.

So overall, trail runners are best for backpackers, long-distance hikers, and anyone who prefers a lighter-weight shoe and can live without the ankle support.

Hiking Shoes

If you’re looking for that happy medium between a hiking boot and a trail runner, look no further than hiking shoes!

Hiking shoes are basically a lower-cut boot.

Hiking shoes are heavier and bulkier than trail runners, but are usually more durable and have waterproofing capabilities that trail runners lack.

Hiking shoes lack the ankle support that boots have, but are a bit lighter and cheaper than boots.

I’ve heard great things about the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge hiking shoes!

Hiking Sandals

girl standing in front of greeter falls in tennessee — Wearing Teva Universal Sandals

girl sitting in front of foster falls in tennessee — Wearing Teva Universal Sandals

Finally, hiking sandals! If you thought trail runners were quirky and different, wait until you hear this: people hike in sandals. And yes, I’m one of those people!

Sandals, with the right grip, can actually be the prime footwear option (for certain hikes). They’re versatile; you can hike just about any terrain that you would with boots or trail runners, but also walk through rivers without being concerned about wet footwear. They dry ultrafast!

Sandals are fantastic because of their light weight, versatility, and comfort. I especially enjoy hiking in them in warm weather because I like to let my feet breathe!

While sandals are especially great for warm-weather hikes, they can actually be worn in at least three seasons. I wouldn’t recommend them in snow, but I’m sure someone has done it and can prove me wrong haha.

The Teva Hurricanes are a great versatile pair of hiking sandals!

And these Teva Original Universals are my go-tos for lighter, less-intense hikes and camp shoes for backpacking.

Socks

When it comes to socks, the length and cushioning might vary based on your shoe type and the conditions you’ll be hiking in, but one thing should always remain consistent: merino wool.

Always wear merino wool socks when hiking! This material is the best for hiking because it’s breathable, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant. And super soft and comfortable!

Thanks to merino wool’s exceptional temperature regulation, these socks keep your feet warm in cold conditions and cool in warm conditions.

Darn Tough and Smartwool are the best brands!

In terms of lengths, you’ll have to decide how much coverage you want. You’ll commonly see these sock lengths:

No-show – minimal protection; best for trail runners
Ankle – ankle bone coverage; best for low- and mid-cut shoes and boots
Micro crew – Darn-Tough-specific length that I find absolutely perfect for boots and shoes
Crew – extends above ankle; best for boots and shoes
Knee-high – provides warmth and protection against high-cut boots

And then you’ll have your choice between these sock cushioning levels (decide based on comfort and weather):

None – ultralight; ideal for hot weather or as sock liners
Light – thin cushioning; good for warm weather
Medium – targeted cushioning in the heel and ball; ideal for cool to cold conditions
Heavy – thickest and most cushioned; best for long trips, rugged terrain, and cold conditions

Personally, I wear Darn Tough’s light-cushioned micro crew socks for warmer hikes, Darn Tough’s medium-cushioned micro crew socks for cool and cold hikes, and Smartwool heavy-cushioned crew socks for cold overnights in my tent.

For a lower cut for trail runners or hiking sandals, I opt for ankle socks.

Underwear

I always used to wear regular underwear when hiking (*gasp*) until I discovered merino wool underwear (hallelujah).

I shouldn’t have been surprised because wool is my go-to material for hiking tops, bottoms, and socks because of their breathable, soft, quick-drying nature, but I couldn’t believe how much better wool underwear felt.

Wool underwear is soft, quick-drying, breathable, and odor-resistant, making it an all-around perfect choice (and honestly, should be the only choice) for hiking.

REI has a very affordable pair of merino undies if you’re looking to give wool a try!

Bras

Once again, I used to wear my regular sports bras for hiking, but merino wool bras are a game-changer.

I feel like a broken record, but merino bras are soft, quick-drying, breathable, and odor-resistant. So I can’t imagine not hiking in merino bras ever again!

Grab this affordable REI merino bralette to go with the undies and see what ya think!

Cold Weather Accessories

Moving on to accessories! (Because yes, these are included in what to wear hiking!)

There are a few cold-weather accessories that I like to wear on cold hikes: a neck chute, gloves or mittens, and either an ear wrap or a beanie. Ya gotta keep your exposed skin and extremities warm, too!

Plus, a bonus (optional) piece of gear for those who tend to have frozen toes!

Neck Chutes

A neck chute (or neck gaiter) is a fabric band that goes around your neck and can stretch to cover your mouth and nose. It’s essentially a “neck headband” that can be stretched to cover your mouth, face, and nose, or collapsed to just cover your neck.

Neck chutes are helpful for a variety of elements, like sand, dust, and cold air.

The Icebreaker Flexi Chute is my favorite cold-weather chute. It’s merino wool and keeps my neck and face so, so warm on cold hikes! I use this on hikes, at camp, and even walking my dogs down my street and running errands. So versatile!

As for a warm-weather chute, I just have a basic Amazon one. But I’ve heard good things about the Buff CoolNet. These definitely come in handy for desert hikes where sand and dust fly around. Plus, you can soak them in cold water and wrap them around your neck on a warm hike! Once again, super versatile!

Gloves/Mittens

A good pair of gloves or mittens in the winter can mean the difference between an enjoyable hike and a miserable one. Since the goal is to keep fingers as warm as possible, I always wear merino wool.

Gloves are better for dexterity, but mittens are usually warmer overall, so I’ll typically wear gloves in cool weather and mittens in cold weather.

The Icebreaker Quantum 260 gloves are great for cool weather hikes, but once the temperature falls below 35 or 40, my fingers start to feel cold.

Disclaimer: As much as I love the Icebreaker Quantum 260 gloves and they keep my hands warm on shoulder-season hikes, I have gotten holes in both pairs I’ve owned within a year or two. So I’m on the hunt for a more durable pair that’s just as warm!

For below-freezing temps, I’d switch from gloves to mittens. Even though you lose a bit of dexterity with mittens, these are usually significantly warmer. I’m going to try these Smartwool Cozy Mittens because they seem to strike a balance between dexterity and cozy warmth!

Ear wraps and Beanies

When it comes to keeping your head and/or ears warm, you’ve got a couple of options: ear wraps and beanies. You could wear ear muffs too, if you wanted, but ear wraps are way less bulky, lighter, and more subtle.

Beanies tend to scoot above my ears as I hike, so I prefer ear wraps. I’d rather keep my ears warm than the top of my head, too. Plus, ear wraps don’t mess up my hair!

The Smartwool Merino 250 Headband is hands down the best merino wool ear wrap – I have two colors!

And the Smartwool pom beanies are super cute, if you’d rather wear a hat.

Or you can obviously wear both an ear wrap and a beanie, of course!

Hot Sockees

When hiking in cold weather, my wife’s toes can never seem to get warm. No matter how thick a wool sock she’s wearing, and no matter how many pairs of socks she wears, her toes are always frozen.

But then she discovered Hot Sockees! These neoprene toe warmers slide over your socks and provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping you warm in snowy, icy, and windy conditions.

And she says they actually work – they keep her toes from freezing! So definitely try these out if you tend to have frozen toes on trail and/or at camp.

Sun Protection Accessories

Next, let’s talk about sun protection accessories. We hikers sometimes don’t realize how important sun protection is. Being in the outdoors for hours, even on cloudy days, can cause us to be exposed to harmful amounts of UV rays.

To alleviate this, we can armour ourselves against the sun by wearing sun hoodies (mentioned above, in the hiking tops section), and by wearing sunglasses, a sun hat, and/or donning a fashionable ultralight umbrella.

Let’s dive into the world of sun protection!

Sunglasses

If you’re fortunate enough not to have to wear prescription sunglasses, I’d wear a cheap pair on trail. Chances are pretty high that they might get scratched while you’re hiking, so I’d leave the Oakleys and Ray-Bans at home.

These trusty Goodr sunglasses are built for the trail and, at such a low cost, aren’t a big deal if they get scratched, broken, or lost! Plus, they have cute National Park designs, which I’m a sucker for!

Sun hat

If you’re not wearing a sun shirt with a hood (AKA a sun hoodie), I’d suggest wearing a hat to protect your head, face, neck, and ears from the harsh sunlight.

Ball caps are better than nothing, but for the best protection, I’d recommend getting a true sun hat.

I know, they might not be the most fashionable, but they have a lot of protection. And honestly, I’ve grown to love my Columbia sun hat!

Umbrella

A hands-free trekking umbrella is a relatively new addition to my rainy and sunny hikes, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer! I didn’t realize how much I desperately needed this piece of gear until I tried it.

This ultralight umbrella clips onto your backpack strap and provides hands-free protection from both rain and sun, making it such a versatile piece of gear!

Standing underneath one can lower the temperature by at least 5 degrees, which is super beneficial on a hot, sunny day.

And when it’s too dang hot to wear a rain jacket, but you still want rain cover, these are lifesavers.

But even if you use them in tandem with a rain jacket, umbrellas are helpful because they keep you and your pack dry – along with your camera, phone, etc!

At just 5.6 ounces, I barely notice the weight of the Six Moon Designs trekking umbrella, which is beneficial for long day hikes and backpacking trips. Consider giving it a try!

Trekking Poles

I wasn’t sure whether to include trekking poles and backpacks on this list of what to wear hiking, but I decided to since they’re part of your “outerwear.”

I almost always hike with trekking poles because they are great for knee support, stability, and balance. They provide extra points of contact, which helps prevent tripping and falling, and take the stress off your knees and joints.

I’ve tried many different pairs of trekking poles, but the best by far are the ultralight Fizan Compact 3 Poles. They each weigh only 5.6 ounces and are the sturdiest and lightest poles I’ve ever owned!

Backpacks

girl hiking across the river over upper piney falls in tennessee — REI 13L Pack

winter hiking at carter caves in kentucky — REI 13L Pack

Backpacks should be chosen carefully, as sizing matters immensely, both torso and capacity.

To find the right pack size for your body shape, I’d recommend going into REI and having your pack fitted.

In terms of capacity, I generally find that 13-30 liters are plenty for day hikes, while 40-65+ liters are best for backpacking.

But capacity size will depend on the size/weight of your gear and how much gear you’re bringing!

For example, if you have all ultralight backpacking gear, you might be able to fit into a 40- or 45-liter pack. But if you have bulkier, heavier backpacking gear, you’ll need 50, 60, or even 70+ liters. Same goes for day packs.

Buy your gear before buying your backpack. That way, you’ll know everything fits.

Here are the day packs and backpacking packs I currently own (and love):

Osprey Daylite 13L – my daypack for quick day hikes
Osprey Sirrus 24L – my daypack for longer day hikes
REI Flash Air 50L – my backpacking pack

Snowshoes and Microspikes

snowshoeing in minocqua winter park in wisconsin — Snowshoeing With the Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes

Finally, if you’re going to be hiking in snow and/or ice, you will need to invest in a pair of microspikes and snowshoes.

Microspikes are stretchy rubber harnesses with metal teeth that slide over the bottom of your shoes and provide traction on ice and packed snow.

Snowshoes are metal boards that you slide your shoes into to “float” on deep, powdery snow. Basically, they distribute your weight across a large surface area to prevent your feet from sinking into the snow.

So which do you need – microspikes or snowshoes?

Choose microspikes for icy trails, packed-down snow, or shallow snow (less than 6 inches).

Choose snowshoes for deep, powdery snow 6 inches or more.

You can find some cheaper microspikes on Amazon that will do the trick, but the best ones by far are the Kahtoola microspikes.

I’ve only ever owned one pair of snowshoes, and they are the Retrospec Drifters. They’re super affordable and actually work really well.

If you’re going to do a ton of snowshoeing, especially in the backcountry, I’ve heard that the MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are top-of-the-line.

What to Wear Hiking For All Weather: Build an Outfit By Season!

Now that I’ve shared all about hiking clothes, footwear, and accessories, how to shop for them, and even given you my favorites, let’s dive into what to wear for each type of hike!

Whether you’re hiking in rain, snow, or dry weather, or in hot, cool, or cold temperatures, here’s everything I’d recommend wearing from head to toe!