https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99 Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:28:14 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2359182 Wed, 01 May 2024 15:28:08 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2359182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very specific about my hiking clothes, which are differentiated from other athletic wear. </p> <p>I mostly get them from Title Nine or Patagonia or Athleta. I don't like to wear shorts/skorts unless I am certain there will not be gorse or thistles or other scratchy things. I need shoes with ankle support. I prefer ripstop pants, preferably with some kind of side pocket for quick phone access. Lately I have been wearing hats for sun protection, though I very much dislike them as a look, and also because they feel hot.&nbsp;</p> <p>POV: I am sitting near a lake in Castellar de la Frontera, eating cherries and nisperos, among many thistles, bleeding from the ankle, wearing typical mismatched kit, and a silly hat (but it has a string to prevent it from blowing away) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2359165 Wed, 01 May 2024 10:40:25 +0000 Suntiger 2359165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Generally just my regular clothes + Birks. My hikes are short, just the woods in my neighborhood, or quick visits to state parks on my lunchbreak. If hiking is my only plan for the day (kir- not happened since Covid), I'll wear an athletic skort and tank, and the Birks of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2359158 Wed, 01 May 2024 05:17:14 +0000 Anonymous 2359158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always hop it in the yard with what I will wear before walking and have gotten good at dressing for the weather. &nbsp;It takes time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2358956 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:19:08 +0000 Janet 2358956@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit, that’s a good point — I usually have a lightweight shell in my pack in case of quick weather changes, but they are not common here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2358951 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:58:13 +0000 Staysfit 2358951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One time, years ago, I suffered hypothermia when I did not wear proper gear while hiking. &nbsp;It was summer and not at all a time when one would suspect that could happen. &nbsp;My clothing got wet in some unanticipated rain and it was trouble. &nbsp;It happened quickly. &nbsp;Since then, I always wear gear when I hike or head out into the neighborhood for a longer walk. &nbsp;Paranoia from experience. &nbsp;Nothing cotton. &nbsp;Thermoregulating clothes, &nbsp;wool or polyester fleece, etc. &nbsp;Ugh! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2358727 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:49:39 +0000 lyn67 2358727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As we (DH&amp;I) are hiking/walking our doggie in the fields we are wearing gear only -but we don't have where to stop by for treats:-( and no other people around than occasinal other doggie walker/hunter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99/page/2#post-2358647 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:27:41 +0000 Laurie 2358647@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always gear. I do a lot of neighborhood/suburban walking on sidewalks so I'm in running shoes and gear. (I don't want to even walk around the block in a regular bra vs jog bra! ) On trails I usually wear my Eddie Bauer ankle high hiking boots, and same gear - only difference is usually I wear more rugged/nylon hiking pants, not joggers or tights, in the woods.&nbsp; My husband usually hikes in jeans and I always think how uncomfortable that would be!&nbsp;</p> <p>When I was a runner for decades I knew exactly what layers to wear, to the degree. I have much more trouble knowing what to wear to walk in these transitional seasons. I hate being too hot, but I really don't want to be too cold. Many things get tied around my waist. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358534 Sat, 20 Apr 2024 23:51:45 +0000 Cee 2358534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is this " hiking " thing you speaketh of ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358529 Sat, 20 Apr 2024 20:49:03 +0000 kinnick 2358529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always wear hiking boots bc I am less likely to turn my ankle. &nbsp;Also, they are more protection from snakes, tics, and poison oak. &nbsp;I wear long hiking pants that are sturdy and thicker if hiking in desert area for protection from sun and spiky cacti. &nbsp;I shed and wash my hiking pants the minute I walk in the house bc of above mentioned tics and poison oak. &nbsp;I also prefer a closer fitting pant leg than my typical non-hiking pant. &nbsp;Your hiking environment may not have the same concerns. &nbsp;Hiking pants are less expensive than regular pants and I wash them every use so it makes sense to have a separate capsule. &nbsp;For walks around town I just wear whatever I have on.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358458 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 23:26:44 +0000 Janet 2358458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also often walk after my Pilates classes, so sometimes I’m just wearing my Pilates gear (leggings, top) plus a long gear jacket and running shoes. I don’t mind wearing my gear for hours in a day as long as I didn’t get sweaty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358447 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 22:42:12 +0000 Style Fan 2358447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Carla! I go for a long walk with my dog at least twice daily. We sometimes go for walks with friends, and Garth may come with us. I have dog-walking or gear clothes. We live on the Trans Canada Trail, and I often walk there. The trail is very steep and rocky and can be muddy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />My gear for hiking/walking is efficient, and I don't wear it for any other purpose.&nbsp; I like lots of pockets and some stretch. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358444 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:28:06 +0000 Angie 2358444@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What <b>Brooklyn</b> said!</p> <p> And much like you, <b>Carla</b>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358432 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 18:13:59 +0000 Suz 2358432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, <b>Carla.</b> I haven't read the responses yet, but I will say that I do two kinds of "hike." One is what I think of as my regular urban/ suburban ramble. This is in my neighbourhood. It involves hills and the surfaces are a mix of pavement and trail (gravel, chip).&nbsp;</p> <p>For these, I generally wear regular clothing that is on the casual side -- not true gear --&nbsp; but I do wear different footwear than I would wear for a strictly urban outing. For winter, because it gets muddy and wet, I often wear my Blundstones. In warmer weather, I choose sneakers with a more grippy tread than my Soft 7s, and in summer, I have a pair of trail sandals or a sort of crossover trail sandal that I wear because gravel on the hills can get slippy.&nbsp;</p> <p>If it's raining, I'll wear a gear raincoat. If chilly, a light puffer. Underneath, my normal clothes -- jeans or dress pants or a skirt in summer. Doesn't matter.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also hike longer and more ambitious trails about once a week. These are rockier, steeper, sometimes wet, sometimes very dry, and the weather can be changeable, especially in winter. For these outings, I wear actual gear -- merino base tops (different weights for different times of year), hiking boots or trail runners or trail sandals. So I do have a gear capsule, yes.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love, love, love my merino layers. They do not gather smell, they breathe, they keep me cool or warm. <b>SO</b> useful in my climate. I love my hiking shorts, which have useful pockets. (I also wear these shorts as regular wear, at times...) I <b>need</b> my gearish raincoats and rain pants! And I also need the grippy soles of the footwear for wet rocks, dry gravel, mud, and occasional ice.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358417 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:46:10 +0000 rachylou 2358417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Leggings and running shoes. There’s one trail I like to do with Cormac, especially in the spring to watch the spring flower succession. People also make found-object sculptures, so you get little surprises along the way. It’s down by the water and the paths are always changing, very uneven terrain. I like a shoe with a very firm, stiff sole for that one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358414 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:51:30 +0000 Roberta 2358414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Once I leave the sidewalk I am wearing gear. I have summer hiking shoes and winter hiking shoes, several pairs of REI breathable pants with lots of pockets, ditto shorts, a half dozen Title Nine t-shirts, and stretchy warm jackets, again with lots of pockets. For me, I don't want to have to carry any kind of pack, unless I'm bringing lunch along. So lots of pockets are a must. I also find jeans or regular pants are either too hot or too cool depending on the weather. If it is still cool but squelchy underfoot, I'll wear my Cobb Hill boots, which are waterproof and clean up easily.</p> <p>I find that my hiking sneakers are kind of a crossover; more support and traction than regular kicks, but not as heavy or stiff as true hiking boots. After a long walk through really hilly, rocky trails last summer where my ankles suffered, I considered buying true hiking boots. But I don't go on that kind of hike more than once a year. REI has great deals on gently used hiking boots, and I'm considering that as an option this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358398 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:21:59 +0000 Janet 2358398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My hikes are in the woods. Mud, hills, brambles… so I wear my dedicated gear. Athleta or Prana hiking pants, a short or long sleeve workout top depending on weather, and a jacket if needed. I wear Merrell hiking boots for longer hikes or if ankle support is needed, but my Brooks trail running shoes are a good choice for me too. </p> <p>I’m often taking camera with me on hikes too, so I take a lightweight Osprey backpack (also taken on anything longer than 3-4 miles when I’ll need to take water). My photography habit means I often get the shoes and hems of pants dirty by getting up close to streams and ponds, since I go off trail. I never wear shorts out there for the same reason — too many sticker bushes, mosquitos and poison ivy for that! I’ll wear this kind of outfit if I’m visiting a botanical garden too — I sit on the ground to take a lot of photos!</p> <p>If I’m walking in a more urban environment, I just wear my usual day clothes and comfy shoes. I’ve easily covered just as much ground as my longest hikes that way (see the day I walked from midtown Manhattan all the way to Brooklyn and then some, I think my Fitbit read 13 miles that day).</p> <p>Pics to give an idea of my typical hikes at home. But I dress the same way for hikes out in the desert too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358397 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:11:49 +0000 Zaeobi 2358397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have separate clothes for hiking but they aren't technical / gym 'gear' - more like old-school Safari clothes. I sometimes mix some of these into my everyday wear, but not often. </p> <p>E.g. I wear olive cargo pants of varying weights (some army surplus, some just lightweight parachute style fabrics) with 3/4 length tops &amp; front zip sports bras (too tired/ lazy at the end of a hike to for contortionism, lol...). I prefer to hike in lightweight, grippy shoes with ankle coverage (not specific hiking boots yet, but light booties or neoprene sandals). </p> <p>I accessorise with wire brim hats with chin straps, colourful neck gaiter headbands, mirrored aviators &amp; of course my Uniqlo nylon banana bag. I'm sure if I'd dress differently if I hiked in a less hot &amp; humid climate, &amp; without monkeys to worry about lol. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358396 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:04:00 +0000 LaPed 2358396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It really depends on the hike, the season, and the weather! For short trips on local conservation land and unmaintained roads I would probably be in a casual outfit, because that's the sort of thing my family does in between other errands and activities. But, like <b>JAileen</b>, I also wear a lot of my hiking clothes casually. I agree with what <b>JamC</b> says about preserving my nicer clothes by opting for gear when I hike. I also agree with <b>Bonnie</b> that footwear and pants designed specifically for hiking are the components I'm most likely to swap out, while with tops it's easier to get away with any casual top, not necessarily something dedicated/technical.</p> <p>For longer trips (say hiking a 4000-footer, which in the northeast typically have some exposed alpine environment as you near the summit, or any backpacking trip), it's all gear, all the time. "Cotton kills" and all that. If I had to guess, I'd say my mental cut-off for when I dress specifically for the hike and not for the rest of the day would be when a trail is more than 5 miles&nbsp;<i>or&nbsp;</i>when there's more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. <i>Or&nbsp;</i>when the forecast is iffy. I'd much rather get caught in the rain in nylon pants than cotton ones!&nbsp;</p> <p>When I lived in the desert, I often wore jeans to hike in (no rain to deal with, great thorn protection), but in a humid climate I find jeans always feel too cold or too hot, so I wear them much less. DH is perfectly happy being outside in jeans on all but the coldest and hottest days, but I'd be miserable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shoes are one thing I don't really compromise on. I want traction and I want comfort. I want something waterproof and insulated in the winter/shoulder seasons, and something that will dry quickly in the summer. Honestly, the area where I live is rural/outdoorsy enough that a significant number of people wear trail shoes as daily shoes. I like trail runners unless I'm dealing with snow. Lighter weight and all-around more comfortable than boots.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Including a substantial chunk of my hiking capsule below. I actually really like all of my outdoor gear and have put a lot of effort into finding things that fit well and come in colours and prints that I like, so I don't feel like I'm compromising when I wear them. :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358395 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:56:23 +0000 Brooklyn 2358395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t wear gear. I just wear regular clothes. If it’s a proper hike through the bush (as opposed to urban terrain) I wear sturdy shoes and long pants (in case of snakes). But the pants I wear are jeans or loose cotton cargo pants, not gear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358394 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:52:03 +0000 Helena 2358394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My wardrobe skews casual so as long as I have comfy shoes on, I don't change for walks, which around here are either on sidewalks, gravel trails and the odd well worn path through the pine stand ... If I was really off-roading, I would just make sure I wore shoes that I didn't mind getting dirty! I'm not big into changing for different activities (and my range of activities generally allows for this, which I know is not the case for everyone) so versatile and non-precious pieces are the way to go for me.</p> <p>DH and DS do a lot of offroading and they have hiking shoes (I think Merrell brand) which are sturdier and more waterproof.</p> <p>As a tangentially related aside, I am also loving 'cozy cardio' in which I will do a quick morning workout in my jammies haha ... Make it easy I say! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358393 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:48:51 +0000 JamC 2358393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with Dee about taking a collapsible hiking stick when need is anticipated! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358392 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:47:08 +0000 Jules 2358392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’ve largely been happy repurposing my gym gear and urban walking sneakers or Timberlands/Merrel snow boots in winter. In recent years I purchased hiking boots but rarely wear them - I will bring them on my upcoming trip to Costa Rica since we might do jungle hiking. I bought some Lululemon pants recommended here for hiking and they are fine but for my body type I think I actually prefer leggings to prevent thigh chafing. In our climate even in summer most hiking is in the shade and it’s a true heat wave I’ll probably skip it. Covering my legs is a concern due to ticks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358390 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:35:41 +0000 Dee 2358390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me there’s a difference between going for a walk vs a hike. When its a walk, I’m strolling on paved roads/sidewalks or gravel paths so I just wear everyday clothes and some comfortable shoes or runners.</p> <p>When it comes to “hiking” I will pull out my Salomon hiking shoes, much lighter than hiking boots, but they still have great stability and good traction just the same. I will also wear designated hiking gear that corresponds to the weather. So specialized hiking pants, windbreaker, breathable gear tops if warm, fleece under layer if cold and of course my retractable walking pole for extra stability on rocky trails.</p> <p>I don’t have too much hiking gear in “finds” though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358383 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:38:11 +0000 JamC 2358383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like you I walk in my urban setting or hike in the local hilly woods many times each week. On walks with sidewalks I wear low hikers (better traction) on longer walks, on wet or snowy days or Nike sneakers on dry sunny days. I always wear gear clothing for hiking in the wooded, rocky, hilly terrain. I prefer ankle height Salomons, Smartwool long sleeve tops and Uniqlo fleece lined pants in cold weather. In warmer weather, I wear the same shoes, Prana gear pants, and a long sleeve light technical top (Nike, Uniqlo, Champion, or Ibex.). I always wear Darn Tough socks! I add weather appropriate accessories (knitted hat, down mittens (with Coopa rechargeable hand warmers), or brimmed cap on warm, sunny days. Technical clothing seems to last forever and means my everyday casual clothing lasts longer too because I am not wearing it on these longer walks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358382 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:03:16 +0000 Sisi 2358382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All what I do at present is walking in the countryside during weekends -&nbsp; no need of special wear. Like you I wear my usual clothes and this is the only time I wear sneakers. I have been recently&nbsp;fantasizing to join the Italian Alpine Club that organizes beautiful hikes all over Italy. If I'll ever do I will have to get me a specific hiking capsule, as they require.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358377 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:54:15 +0000 Val 2358377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>In summer I hike in regular clothes, even if it is a mountain hike, but never jeans - I just need it to be light and breezy, not clingy. So ample shorts or even a skirt/dress work fine, and long sleeved shirt, I try to stay covered from the sun as much as possible. Plus a wide brim hat with strings to attache it securely - my ahts ar not city/beach hats, but from the gear department, it is more functional and bring all hiking outfit togetehr to the "hiking" side stylewise.</div><div>In winterto wear gear nylon pants and fleece topper, plus a windbreaker, which I don't love, but didn't come out with a regular clothes outfit that I could moove and sweat in comfortably<br /></div><div>And for the shoes I wear Five Fingers Vibram with the thinenst sole possible, less then 2mm as I enjoy feeling almost barefoot.</div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358376 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 06:22:00 +0000 anchie 2358376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am very interested in this since I have the same question. We live in a big city and all my walks are in urban areas, so I just wear my everyday clothes with comfy shoes. But since we recently got our second home in rural area surrounded with mountains I was thinking if I should start building my gear capsule. Hiking, biking, skiing and water sports are all very popular there and are main reason why we decided to get the place so that we can be more active and spend more time in nature. So I am also looking for advice where to start with my capsule, I have no clue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358372 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:09:18 +0000 cat2 2358372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exercise tights and random top layers. Brooks walking shoes for paved treks. Merrell trail runners for light off-road. Hiking boots for the hills, where I need ankle reinforcement. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358371 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:08:54 +0000 Anonymous 2358371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live near Boulder so footwear is the most important thing to wear when hiking. It depends on the weather.  I like to wear boots in all weather.  They are tough in any soil and will take rocks and tree roots well.  Also sun hat with ties for wind and lots of sun screen.</p> <p><div>You want something that will save your knees and your ankles. You need something that saves joints so you can hike again.<br /> Otherwise, I will wear whatever the weather dictates, taking a jacket for<br /> wind in the mountains and a hat for sun.  Sun screen is a good idea too<br /> All this is useless because DH has a bad heart and the altitude bothers him, do we don’t hike much .</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-do-you-wear-for-%e2%80%98hiking%e2%80%99#post-2358370 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:44:41 +0000 Sal 2358370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess it depends. In the weekend if I am walking doing chores or to meet a friend for coffee I wear clothes or nice gear with casual or athletic sneakers or maybe one or two of my other shoes. That would be about 3-5km of waking.</p> <p>In the mornings when I walk with friends for 1-2 hours I wear gear and exercise sneakers. Might be short leggings or long ones, beanies in winter etc. It’s practical and I shower on arrival back home and head to work usually. I like my gear but it’s whatever is clean and weather appropriate. This is 6-14 km depending on the day.</p> <p>If I am hiking on trails - usually here that means a big hill is involved - I wear my Merrell hiking shoes, smart wool socks and technical gear. I don’t have everything but am building a collection! Distances range hugely here as does the terrain. </p>