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In This Article
Are you getting ready for a fun day of hiking?
With this list of the best hiking gear for women, you will be set up for success on the hiking trails! Whether you’re a beginner or have some hiking experience, this list will help you know the latest hiking gear so you are prepared for your fun excursion outdoors.
I’ve got you covered with my favorite hiking pole, boots, trail running shoes, hydration packs, and even the best comfy socks for hiking.
When I go for a hike here in Colorado, I use everything on this list. Most importantly, sun protection and hydration.
The sun is very hot in the middle of summer, whether you’re in the Rocky Mountains, the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, or up in the Green Mountain Range in New England so doing the best you can do to stay hydrated is smart.
You also want to protect your skin, head, and lips from the sun so I’ve included my favorite protective accessories below.
Hiking Gear
Here are my top hiking gear suggestions, as a local Colorado resident! I use these items on every hike in the summer and hope you enjoy this list of the best hiking gear for women.
Hiking Poles
Trail Buddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles – Pair of two
Hiking Backpacks and Bags
Hiking backpacks and bags come in all shapes and sizes! I’m glad they do because a different bag is needed when you do a shorter hike compared to when you do a longer one.
Shopping for new hiking backpacks, day packs, and sling bags is one of my favorite things to do in the many outdoor stores in Colorado!
Small Backpack
The North Face Women’s Everyday Jester Laptop Backtop
The North Face Women’s Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
Larger Backpack
The North Face Women’s Movmynt 26, Reef Waters/Blue Coral, one size
Snack Containers
Bringing snacks along on your hike is essential! I usually will pack some trail mix, dried fruit, or fresh fruit, depending on the temperature. If it’s too hot, I’ll skip the fresh fruit and stick to nuts, seeds, and veggies. It depends on how long of a hike is planned and if the food will stay fresh for that amount of time.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Storage Bag
This post is all about the best hiking gear for women.
Hydration
I’m a big fan of a great hydration pack. I’ve tried a few different ones and my favorite hydration backpacks are listed below. I like hydration packs to be lightweight and functional and Camelbak has always been my go-to brand! I like the others too and they’ve proven to work really well, but my ultimate favorite is Camelbak. I like the quality and the price point!
CamelBak Hydrobak Light Bike Hydration Backpack 50oz
CamelBak Podium Flow 4 Hydration Belt 21oz
Hiking Accessories
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of my most important hiking accessories. The Colorado sun is very strong and with my fair skin, I’ve had to be very careful! I cannot recommend these Supergoop! products enough. They are truly my favorite.
My favorite sunscreens that work really well and feel good on my skin are listed here! These are easy to apply and are without unhealthy ingredients.
Lip Protection
Lip protection is right up there with sunscreen in my book. I’ve sunburned my lips before and it is not a pleasant experience! Again, Supergoop is my go-to lip protection for hiking.
This post is all about the best hiking gear for women.
Hats
Hats are so important in the summertime! They help shade your face from the sun and also protect your scalp from the sun! Here are a few of my favorite hats for a hike that are cute and very protective.
Outdoor Research Sun Bucket Hat – UV Protection Moisture-Wicking Breathable Water-Resistant
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat – Breathable Lightweight Wicking Protection
This post is all about the best hiking gear for women.
Hiking Clothing
The best hiking clothing is made with breathable materials and sweat-wicking. The hiking tops listed below are some of my favorites! They’re great for movement, and staying cool and they’re even stylish. These are some of my top choices when it comes to hiking clothes for women.
Hiking Tops
Long Sleeve Sun Protection Tops
Long sleeve tops that protect you from the sun are my favorite! Since my skin is very fair, I try my best to keep it shaded, covered, or protected by sunscreen. These are my top recommended long-sleeve shirts that have protection in them.
These are also perfect for a hike in the fall months or as a base layer as it gets even colder.
BALEAF Women’s Hiking Long-Sleeve Lightweight Shirts
BALEAF Women’s Quick Dry Shirts Long Sleeve for Running Hiking Workout UPF50+ SPF
Hiking Tank Tops & HIking Short Sleeve Tops
C9 Champion Women’s Active Tank
C9 Champion Women’s Active Tee
Hiking Shorts
Columbia Women’s Sandy River Cargo Short Shorts
Skorts
Skorts are a combo of a pair of shorts and a skirt, which I just love! They make outdoorsy clothes more stylish and fashionable!
These are some of my favorite skorts below and I typically will reach for them after a hike or a workout. Sometimes I’ll do a long walk in them but usually (for me) it’s a post-workout type of outfit.
Columbia Women’s Anytime Casual Skort
Skechers Women’s Go Walk High-Waisted Skort
Hiking Pants
Pants are a better choice for hiking if you’re going to want to protect your legs from branches or bugs. These are my favorite hiking pants for women. They’re comfortable, cute, and easy to pack.
Plus, these hiking pants come in a great selection of colors!
Gopune Women’s Outdoor Hiking Pants Lightweight Quick-Dry Water Resistant Mountain Trouser
RBX Active Women’s Fashion Lightweight Woven Drawstring Cargo Capri Pant with Pockets
Hiking Socks
For some reason, I love socks. Especially the cute, mountain styles that we have around here in Colorado! There are some fantastic brands of socks in mountain towns that have great sock products. I have Smartwool socks that have lasted me years and years!
Smartwool Women’s Performance Hike Light Cushion Ankle
Darn Tough Vermont Women’s Light Hiker 1/4 Lightweight with Cushion
Hiking Outerwear
Even in the middle of summer, it’s good to have a light jacket with you in case of a change in the weather. There are afternoon thunderstorms pretty regularly in the mountains in summer months which can cause a temperature drop and the need for a jacket!
Here are a couple of my top choices for hiking jackets for women.
Hiking Jackets
Columbia Women’s Kruser Ridge Ii Softshell
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Flyweight Hooded Jacket
Hiking Footwear
The right footwear is essential for hiking. My preference for hiking is to wear a pair of trail running sneakers because I like that they’re on the lighter side. They’re very comfortable and they take up less room in my luggage than hiking boots. Plus, they’re more flexible than tall hiking boots and I enjoy that too.
But, if you’re planning on a longer trek of moderate to difficult hiking, you’ll want a hiking boot that offers more support.
Travel pro tip: Wear them on the plane or bring them in a backpack as a carry-on. This way, they don’t take up room in your checked luggage. Make sure one of these is on your Colorado packing list.
Interestingly, many people wear trail running sneakers or low hiking shoes around as their day-to-day shoes in Colorado. Trail sneakers and hiking boots are mountain-style.
Thus, when you’re planning your Colorado summer outfits, consider wearing a low lightweight trail running sneaker as fashionable, comfortable footwear.
Here are the hiking shoes for women that I recommend:
Saucony Women’s Excursion Tr11 Running Shoe
Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot
Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes
Salomon Women’s X Ultra 3 MID GTX W Hiking Boots
Apres-Hike Cute Outdoorsy Clothing for Women
After a hike or long walk outdoors, there are some cute outfits to change into that are perfect for a mountain town. These outfits (and brands) have more style to them than the typically outdoors apparel and can dress up an outing.
Women’s UPF 50+ Tank Dress A-Line with Pockets Breathable Hiking
In Conclusion
I hope this list of hiking gear for women helps you find the perfect clothes and equipment for your next adventure! These are my top favorite jackets, hiking shoes, pants, and recommendations for you.
If you’re planning a trip to Vail Colorado in the summer this article will help you know everything to do in the summer!
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