Regardless of temperature, hiking is the perfect way to get your blood pumping and enjoy some fresh air is by grabbing your hiking gear, finding a trail and taking a stroll.
While some hike for a leisurely walk in the woods, others use hiking as a way to train their bodies and get some much-needed exercise. Some may love to hike along a beach or lake, others get down and dirty in the woods, not letting mud, bristles and branches get in their way.
Because of this, there are a few ways you could go when getting dressed to take your hike. For the more low-key, all you need is a great pair of hiking shoes, shorts and a supportive sports bra to be on your way. Hardcore hikers will need more durable gear, like long pants, hiking boots, a belt bag and a water bottle that can go the distance.
In a sort of choose-your-own-adventure outfit style, see below for how to create your ideal outdoor ensemble, starting with tops and jackets, then pants, shoes and accessories. From athletic brands like lululemon to camping and outdoor stores like L.L. Bean, we have you covered — no matter how far your hike takes you.
Meet one of our favorite sports bras in our dresser drawer: THE GYM PEOPLE Longline Padded Sports Bra. Not only is it an Amazon best-seller but it comes in an array of lovely colors that makes layering on your hike a breeze — no pun intended. Not to mention, its flattering nature nods to its more than 36,000 applauding reviews.
If there’s one luxury grab you make this hiking season, let it be the lululemon Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie. Available in a variety of stunning colors, this full-zip outerwear piece is ready for your hike. Pro tip: tie it around your waist when you feel like you’re getting a sweat in.
If your hike takes you up to the mountains, you’ll want this jacket at the peak.
The L.L. Bean layering piece is perfect for a colder climb or to protect you from the wind and rain, as it is wind-and water-resistant, too. It comes in a super-inclusive range of sizes as well, starting with a regular, petite or plus size and then ranging from an XXS to a 3XL.
If your hike takes you to the beach or just gets heated, ditch your bulky tee or top and rock this fitted, comfy tee from Vuori instead. Crafted in its premium Modal fabric, its effortless high-hip design and plentiful shades to choose from are reasons enough to purchase the hiking must-have.
Just because the sun may not be out doesn’t mean you can stop protecting yourself from the harsh rays of the sun.
This UPF50+ long-sleeve tee from Amazon is a great way to add some layers to your hiking outfit when the weather gets cooler, while also providing protection from the UV rays. The top comes in an array of colors and sizes from a small to an XXL.
You can never go wrong with a flannel.
Worn buttoned up in the colder mornings and evenings and then tied around your waist when your hike heats up, a flannel shirt is as much a necessity as it is a fashion staple, hiking or not. Gap’s Flannel Big Shirt comes in a wide range of colors and patterns for everyone’s tastes. Plus, it’s oh-so-versatile.
When you’re out on the trails, the last thing you want to worry about is sweat.
With these Wunder Train High-Rise Tights, you won’t, as the brand’s Everlux fabric is some of their quickest-drying fabric yet and wicks away sweat — no matter how hard you train, hike, jog or anything else. Perfect for becoming one with nature, they come in a Smoked Spruce green, pictured above, as well as other springtime hues such as a Water Drop blue and a light Rhino Gray, to name just a few.
We’re colored obsessed with the Outdoor Voices RecTrek 26″ Pant (seriously, with these earthy shades, you’ll be looking stylish while en route during your hike). We love how they’re available in a generous size range — including plus sizes — and have that slightly cropped, relaxed fit we crave.
The North Face’s TNF Nylon Easy Pants are that easy-breezy style worth adding to your wardrobe (likely, why they’re dubbed the “easy pants”). Available in several moody tones, its recycled fabrics, multiple storage pockets and cinch cords at the ankles are all extra brownie points in our book.
Start the hike with pants and end with a pair of shorts — no changing required.
Columbia is the expert when it comes to quick changes during your hike, as when the weather changes, so should you. The hiking pants are great for colder times or for when you need to protect your legs from branches or bugs. Then simply zip off the legs and transform your outfit, revealing a pair of longer shorts that are comfortable enough for hot weather while avoiding chafing.
Bike shorts aren’t just for cycling trails anymore.
These shorts from lululemon are all the rage, both for fashion and function, whether going for a hike, a bike or training in some other way. We got to try these Invigorate bike shorts last month, but now we need these, too. The shorts have a high-rise fit to hold you in, whether hard-core hiking or just out for a walk. They also have three options for length: 4-inch, 6-inch and 8-inch.
“Hikers” have less of a ring to it, but trust us that these joggers are great for walking the trails as well as taking a jog.
Sold on Amazon, these joggers are bestsellers for a reason. Not only are they super cute and come in eight color options, but they are functional for fall, keeping you protected from the elements with water-resistant fabric and UV protection built-in.
For happy trails and happy feet, check out these shoes from Allbirds.
Designed with trail running and hiking in mind, the shoes are made with tear-resistant material for durability and a rugged outsole to grip hiking trails and make for a safe and slip-free experience.
The lululemon Blissfeel Trail Running Shoe is the brand’s recent launch — its first ever road to trail running shoe designed for treading, sprinting and whatever outdoor activity crosses your path. They’re one of our favorite pairs we reviewed as well, and its supportive, well-made fit is one we can’t rave enough about (plus, they look so chic!)
New York Post Shopping readers have already named On as one of their favorite brands for walking shoes, and its hiking boot is no different. The brand recommends taking a half size up ahead of ordering, too.
You’ll appreciate its fully sustainable design, sharp look and comfortable tread. Its waterproof membrane helps keep your feet dry while its TPU toe cap, heel stabilizer and improved collar fit help ensure your feet are securely held.
When the terrain gets tough, your boot needs to get tougher.
These Columbia brand boots are perfect for any hard hike or when the weather starts getting wetter, as they have an advanced traction rubber sole for a non-slip grip when on the go. Sold on Amazon, the hiking boots come in an array of colors and range from a size five to a 12 in select styles.
Before, after or even during rain, hike with ease wearing these all-weather hiking sandals.
The unisex shoe is designed to be the only one you’ll need for the trails, with a gusseted neoprene to reduce any friction on your foot when wet and an outsole that grips slippery terrain. The shoe comes in a neutral brown color, getting a nice wash every time it rains.
From Keen, this style is a best-seller — and for good reason. Not only do they come in a variety of colors and patterns to add some pep to your step, but they are also built to last, through hiking, biking and more. They are made of recycled PET plastic and a higher-traction rubber outsole for a great grip and less impact on our planet that you love to explore. They currently range in size from 5 to 11, with half-sizing available, too
Grab a granola bar and let’s go.
This Everywhere Belt Bag 1L from Lululemon can hold up to 1 liter of your hiking essentials, not limited to a protein bar, hair ties, sunscreen, sunglasses and more. The bag comes in a combination of gorgeous greens perfect for a hike, as well as in seven other colors from a neon Honey Lemon or Neo Mint to a versatile all-black bag.
P.S. this bag is a hot-ticket item, so be sure to bookmark this article if out of stock and check back frequently. Want a lululemon belt bag right now? Try the Clean Lines Belt Bag ($58) for an adventurous look or the Fast and Free Running Belt ($38) for a skinny take on a classic style.
Perfect for day trips and overnights on the trail, this backpack is cute as well as functional.
Listed as a perfect holiday gift for those who like to hike or travel, this is now only $28, making it an affordable option as a gift and to grab one for yourself while you’re at it. Plus, since it comes in 11 colors, you can match or get your own style to match the rest of your gear.
The possibilities of how to wear this are endless, but every style is just as cute as the next.
The Eddie Bauer Multiclava covering can be worn as a face covering when chilly, rolled up as a headband when the wind blows your hair in your face, rolled down as a neck sweatband when things get heated and so many more styles. They also come in a range of other colors and patterns, with sale now for just $16.
This one is for the long-haul hikers, turning a day trip into a backpacking adventure.
The North Face Terra 55 is designed for a woman’s body, making sure it hits in all the right places to take the pressure off your back and joints while on the move. The bag can hold 55 liters and comes with a compartment for everything, including a water bottle, floating lid storage for a tent and a front stash pocket for easy access to snacks, lip balm, a camera and anything else you need in a snap.
For more options, check out our guide to the best travel backpacks.
When looking for socks, you can’t skip Bombas. Its trio of All-Purpose Performance Heavy Duty Calf Socks are clad with Hex Tec engineering (TLDR: they’ll keep you cool in the summer, warm in the winter and always dry). In short, splurge on these hiking essentials.
One of our favorite socks (especially for hiking or cold weather) are L.L.Bean’s Cotton Ragg Sock. Well-knit and neutral, its itch-free slub yarns and exceptional fit — that doesn’t bind or sag — is a feat to beat. Plus, you’ll want to lounge in them when you’re not on the trail.
For less than $20, the Alo Yoga Performance Chakra Tab Sock are one of the warmest on this list and wear well with plenty of hiking shoes and boots. Its cushiony fit and variety of color options makes it a pair worth adding to your sock drawer, too.
The Kari Traa Ragna Fleece Glove are bound to keep you warm while you’re on the trail, much ado to its ultra-warm design, mid-weight feel and sleek contrasting materials, the latter helping to block the wind. Not to mention, they’re built to last.
For warm, weather-resistant gloves, look no further than the Gaiam Touchscreen-Compatible Cold Weather Gloves. Rest assured that your hands will be dry and protected and you’ll even have reflective accents if you’re hiking at night. For less than $15, add these to your Amazon cart stat.
These utility-inspired gloves from The North Face are a must-have item, thanks to its ultra-warm, durably made design and pure comfort. Shop from a variety of color combos available online and enjoy their touchscreen-compatible, stretchy feel.
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