Hiking Gear for Women : Do's and Don'ts

Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do.

So Ladies, one of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don’t need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to head into the wilderness.

What should Female Hikers wear?

A great hiking outfit for women is all about what makes you comfortable in the great outdoors. Hiking clothes that are practical, lightweight, and durable can make the difference between a great day out and an okay day out. Here are the few things-

Hiking Pants or leggings

Not only are leggings a comfortable and multi-functional piece of clothing, but they’re also super flattering and work well for almost every activity. Hiking Pants or Leggings are a must for your trip. Make sure these are not too loose or tight!

Base Layer

A base layer is needed when you hike in a cold conditions. This piece of clothing covers your neck and chest and protects you from falling ill.

Mid Layer or Down Jacket

Mid-layer or Down Jacket is only needed if you hike in snow or freezing zone. Down jackets pack up light and small, so there is no reason NOT to have one in your bag. Seriously it could save your life in a bad situation.

Hiking Shell Jacket

If you are camping during your hike, these shell jackets will help you to have a good night’s sleep. Avoid these jackets if the area’s condition is not that freezing.

Woolen Socks

Yes, the best hiking clothes for women involve socks. Wool socks helps you to keep your feet nice and dry while you walk around. Most importantly, wool socks stay fresh for several days as they have natural antimicrobial properties.

Sports Bra

A good sports bra is pretty much an essential hiking gear for women. Of course, it’s completely up to you, but you’ll want something light, nonconstricting, moisture-wicking, and will hold your breasts in when you’re hiking.

Hiking Underwear

Good underwear is a women’s hiking apparel staple. Women have specific hygiene needs in the backcountry. To prevent bacterial infections, it’s important to avoid wearing cotton underwear. In general, you have two synthetic options or wool.

Hat for Sun Protection

A hat is key for being comfortable when hiking on sunny days. It will also prevent your face from tanning.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses always protect your eyes from the sun or heavy reflections. Also, it looks good during a photo sessions!

Trail Runners or Hiking Boots

Hiking boots give your ankle support. As hiking means traveling through rough roads, therefore, a good pair of boots are extremely necessary.

Warm Gloves

Gloves help to keep your hands warm during the cold session. So if your plan is to hike in the snow don’t forget your gloves

Hiking Shorts

If you’re looking for women’s summer hiking clothes, you have to consider shorts

What You Should Not Wear While Hiking

Women make some common mistakes while packing their hiking clothes. These clothing choice mistakes can either add discomfort or can even be potentially dangerous. Here are the top 10 wrong choices-

Denim Clothing

The reason denim is not ideal for hiking is that it absorbs moisture really easily. This means sweat, rain, or even river water will be soaked up. Having a material that collects water versus wicking water can be potentially dangerous, depending on the area’s current weather.

Cotton Clothing

Cotton is an absorbent material, so if you get wet from sweat or rain, it will soak it all up and won’t dry very fast, either. In hot weather, cotton will leave you feeling sweaty all day, and in cold weather, it will make you cold quite quickly.

Silk Clothing

So, silk isn’t as bad as cotton or denim, but it generally doesn’t do well during strenuous hiking. Basically, if you plan to sweat a lot, avoid silk! It has a modest amount of moisture-wicking ability, but unless it is chemically treated, it will usually hold on to moisture.

No-Show Socks

No-show or ankle socks may work for some folks, but the type of socks you wear is a big deal when you hike. You want a sock that will not work its way down and bunch up in your shoe. This leaves the back of your foot exposed and rubbing against the inside of your shoe as you walk.

Flimsy Shoes or Heels

Since hiking is essentially walking in the woods or on a trail in the wilderness, you want a shoe that will support you all the way. Most hiking trails have a fair share of rocks, river crossings, or sharp plants like cacti. In those conditions, you need a shoe that can protect you from the elements around you during the entirety of your hike.

Bras with Claps

Appropriate bras should be worn while hiking. It is best to avoid cotton bras, but you should also avoid bras with clasps. These could be metal or plastic clasps, but either way, you don’t want them. It can cause irritation to your skin out of sweat and heat.

Brunchy or Bulky Clothes

Clothing that is too heavy or too loose can be potentially problematic on a hike. Try to avoid clothes that are too loose or too heavy. All in all, you want clothing that fits you properly. Avoid anything too heavy or clothes that shift around too much.

Stiff or Too Thin Fabric

Having clothing materials that move with your body is all about comfort and functionality. There have been so many instances on hikes where you have to scramble over rocks, maneuver through a tight canyon, or do a high step-up over a fallen tree. All of these movements require clothing that will move with the flexibility of your body. Having materials that are too stiff will impede your movement. While on the other hand, materials that are too thin and stretchy can easily rip.

Body Sprays or Floral Perfumes

Some perfumes also don’t mix well with sweat and can cause skin irritations, especially in hot weather or with extensive sun exposure. Perhaps it is best to leave the body sprays for a night out on the town, and leave them off the trail.

Only One Layer of Clothing

Layering depends upon the area’s climate. If you are hiking in an extreme cold situation, one layer can be dangerous. It is a good rule of thumb to keep up with current weather conditions, and then you can gauge your clothes off of that.

Women’s Backpacking Gear List

Women have different needs than men when it comes to backpacking and hiking gear. They have different hygiene habits, may run colder (or hotter) than their male counterparts, and obviously have very different body types. It’s important that you find great women’s hiking gear that works best for you. So here is the list-

Tent- In case you want to do outdoor camping rather than lodging in.
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat- Necessary for the tent.
Hiking Clothes- List of all the necessary hiking clothes are cited above.
Hiking Footwear- Don’t forget your boots!
Sunglasses
Sun Hates- This Will save you from face tanning.
Water Bottles- Make sure your water bottle has a carrying capacity for almost 2 liters of water
Light Snacks- A light snack of some chocolate or brownies might help you in case of emergency!
Raincoat or an Umbrella- You never know when a storm or a light drizzle will knock in. Be prepared!
Trekking Poles- This will add years to the life of your knees.
Period Kit: Tampons, ibuprofen, menstrual cup, baby wipes, extra zip lock for trash. Pack this trash out in a separate trash bag; don’t bury it!
Sandals: nice to give your feet a break from those hiking boots
Toothbrush, Toothpaste (travel-sized), Floss
A very small amount of soap for washing hands. 3 oz is plenty.
Toilet Papers- Make sure you have enough of this for your entire journey.
Tissues and Wet Towels
Sanitizers- Extremely necessary to clean your hiking hands!
Mug for coffee or warm drinks
Headlamp (w/extra batteries.) or a Torch
Medication and an emergency first aid tool kit.
Map and Compass- When your GPS battery dies, this will help you to find your way!
Hairbrush, Sunscreen, and other essentials
Cellphone and the adapter. Although laptop and Ipads are not recommendable, you can carry if you wish.
Passport, Identity card, or any other valid document
A small notebook and a pen
A Bluetooth Speaker or a guitar for some entertainment. Novels and Magazines can also be included.

Gear Recommendations

Hiking Gears are very difficult to choose from one brand. Amazon USA provides you the best product for your adventure. Here is the list-

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