Different conditions and preferences call for different hiking pants. In this guide, I’m just going to focus on regular hiking pants – you won’t find any waterproof hiking pants or winter hiking pants. And if you’re looking for hiking tights, check out my hiking leggings guide.

In this post, I have everything you need to know about women’s hiking pants, including:

• Details and reviews for 9 different pairs of women’s hiking pants
• Best women’s hiking pants in several categories including petite, tall, plus-size, high-rise, with big pockets, and lots more
• Hiking pants vs. hiking leggings – which is better?
• How to choose hiking pants – tips on fit, fabric, and features

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for over two decades and I’ve written two hiking guidebooks. I also worked at an outdoor store for three years and writing marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer for seven years. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew on my outdoor industry experience as well as my personal experience with hiking pants both on day hikes and backpacking trips.

But since hikers come in all shapes and sizes, I also asked other adventure travel writers, talked to friends, asked for reviews on Facebook and Instagram, and read dozens of online reviews.

I was tired of reading reviews of women’s hiking pants that were all written by slim, athletic women of average height. Those reviews aren’t that helpful to huge segments of the population!

There are lots of hiking pants out there, so it can be difficult to choose. In this post, I’m going to focus on pants with features and fabrics designed for hiking. For a run-down on how to choose hiking pants, skip to the bottom of this post.

You also won’t find any hiking leggings in this post. That’s because I have an entire guide to the best hiking leggings. If you’re curious about the pros and cons of hiking pants vs. hiking leggings, you can find that at the bottom of this post.

Best Women’s Hiking Pants: Quick Picks

Best Petite Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Tall Women’s Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Best Plus Size Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Elastic-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: The North Face Aphrodite 2.0

Best Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants That Roll-Up Into Capris: Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants With a Phone Pocket: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Women’s Jogger Hiking Pants: prAna Halle II Joggers

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Durable Women’s Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Trousers

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Splurge Women’s Hiking Pants: Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Petite Women’s Hiking Pants (More petite recommendations)

Best Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants (More zip-off convertible recommendations)

Also great for: Tall women, plus size women, curvy women

Pros: Elastic waist in back; petite and tall size options; lots of pockets

Cons: Some people preferred the older version without an elastic waist. Women with larger thighs say the convertible shorts zippers dig in.

Fabric: Stretchy and quick-drying nylon with a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50 sun protection

Features: Convertible to shorts; ankle zips; elastic waist with zippered fly and drawstring adjustment; lots of pockets

Fit: Mid-rise, straight leg

Sizes: 0-26 in petite, regular, and tall lengths

Heather Kasvinsky from This Noshtalgic Life says “The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants offer the perfect fit for shorter active curvy women such as myself. I’m middle-aged, 5′ 1″, with a 27” inseam. Size 2 petite fits me like a glove with no need to hem them! I recently wore my Sahara Convertible Pants while on a backpacking trip in McCarthy, Alaska. They were ideal to wear while hiking across the Root Glacier. The pants kept me comfortable and protected me from the fluctuating elements while allowing for agility and flexibility throughout the glacier camping trip.”

On Instagram, Amanda (@amanda.tuey) messaged me to say “I have big hips/thighs (size 10-14). I find pants generally are tight in my hips/thighs and loose in my waist. The Sahara Pants fit me well as they have adjustments in the waist and legs. I found the zipper in other convertible pants would dig in, but these don’t do that.”

The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants are my pick for the best petite women’s hiking pants as they get consistently good reviews amongst petite women. With a 28.5″ inseam and a rise adjusted for petite women’s shorter torsos, they provide the best fit.

The Sahara pants are also my pick for the best zip-off convertible women’s hiking pants. Reviewers found that the zippers didn’t dig in and were easy to use. They also liked the mid-length inseam on the shorts (6.75″ in petite, 7.5″ in regular; 8.5″ in tall).

Check prices:

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants

Best Tall Women’s Hiking Pants (More tall recommendations)

Also great for: Petite women, plus size women, curvy women, durability, zip-off convertible pants

Pros: Durability; available in tall sizes, great fit for curvy figures

Cons: Stretch-out on long trips (but tighten up after washing)

Fabric: Quick-drying, water-resistant nylon and spandex stretch woven with UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly with internal drawcord and brushed waistband, lots of pockets, drawcord hem

Fit: Standard fit with articulated knees

Sizes: 0-24 in short, regular, and tall lengths. There is also a convertible version.

Carrie from Trains, Planes and Tuktuks says “I hiked and backpacked over 1,200 miles last year – and almost every step I took, I wore Outdoor Research’s Ferrosi pants. They’re lightweight, insanely breathable, and dry literally within minutes. They’re my go-to pants for everything from backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to creek walks and bushwhacks to remote waterfalls. As a stubby-legged woman, the 4 short fits me perfectly – it’s the only pair of outdoor pants I own that doesn’t run too long. Plus the button/drawstring combo means I never have to wear a belt, even at the end of a 100-mile backpacking trip when I’ve dropped a few pounds.”

Lots of other women on Instagram and Facebook raved about how well these pants fit their curvy figures and accommodated people who have a small waist and bigger butt.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are my pick for the best tall women’s hiking pants because multiple women reached out to me on Instagram to recommend the Outdoor Research Ferrossi pants since they come in a 34″ inseam.

Check prices:

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants (More curvy recommendations)

Best High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants (More high-waist recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, plus size women, hiking pants with a phone pocket

Pros: Great fit for lots of body types, big pockets, often on sale

Cons: Stretches out over time

Fabric: Nylon with a bit of spandex for stretch, a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Two zippered cargo pockets are large enough to fit your phone

Fit: Curvy fit through hip and thigh. Regular version is mid-rise, but a high-rise version that sits at the natural waist is also available.

Sizes: 0-24 with some sizes available in petite and tall lengths.

Kiran Basra (@bkazra on Instagram) says: “Eddie Bauer’s Guide Pro Pants are pretty good. I run warm so I appreciate how breathable and light they are. They also fit people with hips! Hip, hip, hooray! Expect the downside is they tend to stretch out, so now the waist is quite loose and I could use a belt.”

When I asked for recommendations on Instagram, lots of women messaged me to say how much they loved these pants. The through-line in their responses was how much they liked the fit – and the comments were about so many different body types since they have tall, petite, and plus sizes as well as a high-rise option.

I own the shorts version of these and like how they fit my curvy waist. I also love the big side pockets, which fit my phone.

The Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants are my pick for the best curvy women’s hiking pants. I can personally attest to their great fit for women who have big hips. And hundreds of reviewers agree.

Since they come in a dedicated high-waist version with great reviews, these are also my pick for the best high-waist women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

Best Elastic Waist Women’s Hiking Pants (More elastic waist recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, plus size women, curvy women, lightweight hiking pants

Pros: Comfortable waist, breathable fabric, great fit for curvy bodies

Cons: Tend to run long, even in short length

Fabric: Quick-drying nylon stretch with water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 40+ sun protection

Features: Rib knit elastic waist with drawcord, zippered pockets, drawcord adjustable cuffs

Fit: Standard fit, straight leg with articulated knees

Sizes: XXS-3XL in short and regular lengths

Jody Phifer from My Travel Obsession says “The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 pants are one of the most comfortable pairs of pants I own (including pajama pants). These pants dry super-fast and are thin enough to wear in warm, humid climates. This came in handy when we were hiking in the rain on Kauai! I have a small waist and bigger hips. These pants fit great because they have a drawstring to cinch up the waist & they are a little stretchy, so they will work for just about any body type. I also like the straight leg because they fit well over hiking boots.”

I agree with Jody – I also have a pair of TNF Aphrodite 2.0 Pants. They work well for my curvy, plus-sized figure. And since they don’t look that technical, I also love them as casual pants for travelling.

I think that the elastic waist on these is so comfortable, and lots of reviewers agree, which is why The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants are my pick for the best elastic waist women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

prAna Halle Pant II

Best Jogger Hiking Pants (More jogger recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, plus size women, curvy women, hiking pants that roll-up into capris

Pros: Comfortable, stretchy fabric, good fit for curvy women

Cons: Pockets are too small, inseam in regular and tall sizes runs short

Fabric: Nylon stretch with a water-resistant DWR finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly with internal drawstring, lots of pockets, snaps to roll up into capri length

Fit: Mid-rise with a boot cut

Sizes: 00-22 in short, regular, and tall lengths. Also available in straight-leg and jogger cuts.

Chelsea from Adventures of Chels says: “As a 5’4 woman with an average body type, these pants fit me like a glove. They’re comfortable, made of quick dry material, and (my favorite part) can be rolled up at the bottom and secured with a snap to create capris pants. I packed these pants for a trip on the Trans Siberian Railway. They came in handy for hiking up dunes, riding on camels, and exploring rock formations in the Gobi Desert.”

Melissa on Instagram says: “I love these pants. I wear size 12 and have large hips. They have a bit of stretch so they are very comfortable, and that along with the articulated knees is great for hiking/scrambling. They are durable too – I still have my first pair from 2014. I also like that water beads off them.”

The prAna Halle II Pants are an all-around favourite for so many people. Lots of women also love the jogger version for a less technical-looking fit that translates well to travel or apres, which is why they are my pick for the best women’s jogger hiking pants.

Check Prices:

ArcTeryx Gamma LT Pants

Best Splurge Hiking Pants (More splurge recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, durability, hiking pants with a phone pocket

Pros: Great water resistance, stretch, and durability. Thigh pocket fits a phone.

Cons: Expensive, stretch out over time, slim cut is not for everyone

Fabric: nylon and spandex stretch woven softshell with a water-resistant DWR finish and a bit of wind resistance

Features: Zippered fly with integrated webbing waistbelt, zippered hand pocket, adjustable cuffs

Fit: Fitted and close to the body with a straight leg

Sizes: 00 to 16 in short, regular and tall lengths

Dinah from my Facebook group, Backpacking in BC says: “They feel so comfortable and are light and airy. I’m 5 ‘1” with big thighs, butt and calves, and I purchased the short length in size 8. Wore then backpacking the Juan de Fuca Trail and it was so muddy. They dried quickly and they didn’t seem to hold on to the mud. Love them so much I’m gonna get them in more colours! LOL”

A few other women on Instagram and Facebook praised the durable fabric and big zippered pocket that fits a phone.

Like all Arc’Teryx products, the Gamma LT Pants certainly aren’t cheap. But the durable fabric and impeccable design make them my pick for the best splurge women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants with a Phone Pocket (More pants with a phone pocket recommendations)

Best Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants (More lightweight recommendations)

Also great for: plus size women, jogger hiking pants, elastic-waist hiking pants, high-waist hiking pants

Pros: Comfortable, elastic waistband; stretchy lightweight material; pocket holds a phone

Cons: Some reviewers feel they run big and are too baggy, others don’t like the low rise

Fabric: Stretchy nylon and spandex with a water-resistant DWR finish, anti-odor treatment, and UPF50 sun protection

Features: Wide and flat stretch waistband, lots of pockets

Fit: Standard fit with a mid-rise that is on the low side. Available in a straight leg version, a jogger version, an ankle version, and a high-waist version.

Sizes: XS-3X. The straight leg version is available in petite and tall lengths.

Kristen from Bearfoot Theory says: “The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants have been a staple of mine for hiking and backpacking trips for a few years now. They are lightweight and super comfortable due to the soft, wide waistband and loose fit. I’m curvy up top and have thinner legs so these are a bit baggier on me than they might be for others. They pack down small making them easy to bring along on any adventure. I also love that these pants have just the right amount of stretch for easy mobility but are also plenty durable. I most recently wore these on a 6-day backpacking trip in Sequoia National Park and they held up very well. Plus they have hand pockets, are UPF 50, and water-resistant.”

When I asked for women’s hiking pant recommendations on Instagram, a few people reached out to say how much they loved the Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants. Most mentioned how much they liked the smooth elastic waistband that is much more comfortable under a hip belt than a traditional zippered fly.

A few people also mentioned that the fabric was thin and breathable, so they felt cool. As well, they didn’t smell after a few days in the backcountry. That’s why they are my pick for the best lightweight women’s hiking pants. (Psst! Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking clothes.)

The big zippered pocket that fits a phone was also a big selling feature – so many women’s hiking pants have tiny pockets! The Mountain Hardwear Dynama2/Ankle Pants are my pick for the best women’s hiking pants with a phone pocket.

Check price: $85

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants That Roll-up Into Capris (More roll-up into capri recommendations)

Also great for: petite women, tall women, curvy women

Pros: Soft, comfortable fabric that dries quickly

Cons: Small pockets don’t fit a phone, some reviewers find the waist too low-rise

Fabric: stretchy and soft polyester with a water-resistant finish and UPF 50+ sun protection

Features: Zippered fly, snap-closure cargo pockets, roll-up to convert to capris

Fit: Mid-rise at the front, contouring to a high rise at the back. Fitted through hip and thigh, relaxed lower leg

Sizes: 0-16 in 30″, 32″, and 34″ inseams

In my Backpacking in BC Facebook group, Naomi said “I recently bought a pair of Kuhl Freelex Roll-Up Pants. They are perfect for hiking and kayaking. I am 5’10” and I have a 34” inseam. I wear a size 8-10. Finding pants that are long enough but not oversized has been an issue my entire life.”

I also have the Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up pants and love how soft the fabric feels while also being durable. I also like how easy it is to roll these up into capris – which makes them my pick in that category.

Check prices:

Fjallraven Abisko Trail Trekking Trousers

Best Durable Women’s Hiking Pants (More durable recommendations)

Also good for: curvy women, splurge, petite

Pros: durable fabric that breathes, big pockets

Cons: heavy, expensive

Fabric: Stretchy nylon and elastane with Fjallraven’s super durable and water-resistant G-1000 polyester/cotton fabric in high-wear areas.

Features: Ventilation zippers from hips to knees; lots of pockets; adjustable cuffs with boot hooks

Fit: Mid-rise with higher cut in the back, tapered legs, technical cut

Sizes: 26″-37″ waist and 30″ or 32″ inseam

Hannah from That Adventurer says “As someone with a slightly bigger waist-thigh ratio, I often find it tricky to get pants that I can get past my thighs that aren’t super loose on my waist. The Fjällräven Abisko trekking pants have a stretchy fabric that’s both perfect for people with a bigger hip/thigh yet isn’t then too loose on the waist. Plus there a belt loops so you can add a belt if needed. With many years living in BC and more recently hiking in the Lofoten Islands in Norway and Scotland, the water resistance and windproof factors are very valuable to me and make them my favourite hiking pant over leggings for sure! Plus, there are large pockets (some with zips) which are great for snacks!”

Fjallraven’s gear all has traditional Scandinavian styling, which lasts a long time. That’s why the Abisko Trail pants are my picks for the most durable women’s hiking pants.

Check prices:

Best Women’s Hiking Pants by Type

Best Petite Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara (28.5″ inseam)

More Petite Women’s Hiking Pants:

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (29″ inseam)
• prAna Halle II Pants (30″ inseam)
• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants (29″ inseam)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (29″ inseam)
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants (30″ inseam)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (30″ inseam)
• Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trousers (30″ inseam)

Best Tall Womens Hiking Pants

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (34″ inseam)

More tall women’s hiking pants:

• REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants (34″ inseam)
• prAna Halle II Pants (34″ inseam)
• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants (34″ inseam)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (35″ inseam)
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants (34″ inseam)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (34″ inseam)

Best Plus Size Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants (sizes 0-26)

More plus size women’s hiking pants:

• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants (sizes 0-24)
• prAna Halle II Pants (sizes 00-22)
• The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants (sizes XXS-3XL)
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants (sizes XS-3XL)
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants (sizes 0-24)

Best Curvy Womens Hiking Pants

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

More Curvy Women’s Hiking Pants:

• REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
• prAna Halle II Pants
• The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants
• Kuhl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants
• Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers

Best High-Waist Womens Hiking Pants

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

More High-Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Elastic-Waist Womens Hiking Pants

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants

More Elastic Waist Women’s Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

Best Zip-Off Convertible Womens Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

More Zip-Off Convertible Women’s Hiking Pants: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Pants

Best Womens Hiking Pants That Roll-Up Into Capris

Kuhl Freeflex Roll-up Pants

More women’s hiking pants that roll into capris:

• prAna Halle II Pants

Best Womens Hiking Pants With a Phone Pocket

Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Best women’s hiking pants with a phone pocket:

• Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants
• Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants
• Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pants

Best Womens Jogger Hiking Pants

prAna Halle II Joggers

More Women’s Jogger Hiking Pants: Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Best Lightweight Womens Hiking Pants

Mountain Hardwear Dynama2 Pants

More Lightweight Women’s Hiking Pants: The North Face Aphrodite 2.0

Best Durable Womens Hiking Pants

Fjallraven Abisko Lite Trekking Trousers

More Durable Women’s Hiking Pants: Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Pants

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants

Best Splurge Womens Hiking Pants

Arc’Teryx Gamma LT Pants

More Splurge Women’s Hiking Pants: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Trousers

Hiking Pants vs Hiking Leggings – What’s the Difference?

For a long time, most running or workout leggings weren’t durable enough for hiking, so hikers had to wear pants. However, that changed a few years ago.

Now, you can buy leggings specifically designed for hiking with durable fabrics and a fit designed for the trail. Some of them even have great pockets. Check out my hiking leggings guide for all the details.

Whether you choose to hike in pants or leggings comes down to personal preference for fit and features. Here’s a brief look at hiking pants vs. leggings

How To Choose Hiking Pants

Not all hiking pants are created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you shop for hiking pants.

Fit

Fit is the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing hiking pants. If your pants are falling down or rubbing you in a weird way, you won’t have a good hike. On a multi-day trip, this can slow you down or cause painful chafing and rashes.

Read reviews and look for hiking pants designed for your body type. Many brands make pants in petite and tall lengths, as well as plus sizes. Some also have both a curvy and straight fit.

Expect to try on a few pairs of hiking pants before you find the perfect ones. Go to a good outdoor store with a wide selection. Or order a bunch to try on at home.

When you try on hiking pants, be sure to walk around in them and see how they feel. Do some squats and lunges. And try climbing up onto a bench or chair. You want to make sure they are comfortable doing all sorts of movements.

Fabric

Most hiking pants are made of woven nylon or polyester with spandex or elastane for stretch. The stretch means that the pants move well as you hike or scramble. But too much spandex can mean that the pants get saggy and stretch out between washes.

Nylon and polyester are durable, moisture-wicking and fairly breathable. However, more durable pants are usually thicker, which means they will be less breathable.

Hiking pants usually have a DWR finish applied to add water resistance. This means that splashes of water will bead up and run off and that they dry quickly. It doesn’t mean they will keep you dry in a rain storm – you need waterproof rain pants for that.

Some hiking pants have an additional odor-resistant treatment. On their own, nylon and especially polyester can hold on to smells. This can be a problem on backpacking trips. (Have stinky pants? Read my guide to getting smells out of hiking clothing.)

Most hiking pants provide good sun protection due to the durable fabric. Some brands chose to have their pants certified to get a UPF sun protection rating. But even unrated pants should offer good sun protection.

Waistband

The most important place that hiking pants should fit is your waist. Make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose. And make sure that the rise works for you – some people and body types find that a high rise or low rise works better for them.

There are two main types of waistbands – elastic and adjustable. Elastic waists sit flat under your hip belt and don’t have any buttons, zippers, buckles, or drawstrings to chafe. However, pants with elastic waists often come in small-medium-large-etc. sizes rather than numerical sizes, which means it can be harder to find the right fit.

An adjustable waist is helpful for a precise fit. It is especially useful on multi-day hikes where your pants might stretch out with multiple wears between washes. Most hiking pants have a standard zippered fly and belt loops.

However, many pants also add an internal drawstring so you can cinch them without a belt. A few hiking pants have a built-in belt or even a hook and ladder adjustment system.

Pockets

Like most women’s pants, women’s hiking pants often have terrible and tiny pockets. If you have been hiking awhile, you likely have a system for where you carry things and have an idea of what kind of pockets you are looking for.

I typically don’t carry much in my hiking pants pockets since not much fits in there! I want to make sure I have enough room for lip balm, and that’s it. My phone and snacks go in the hip belt pockets in my backpack to hold my phone and snacks.

Read reviews of pockets carefully and bring the things you want to store in them with you when you try on the pants. Be sure to walk, bend, and stretch to see if the pockets actually work when you’re moving. Sometimes stuff falls out or the fit is too tight.

Do You Want Convertible Pants?

Hiking pants often come in a convertible version with zip-off legs. And some hiking pants have buttons, snaps, or tabs to roll them up into capris. Whether you will like or use these features comes down to fit and personal preference.

Zip-off pants are great if you don’t want to carry both shorts and pants on the same trip. However, the zip off aspect can be hard to get right. For some women, the length of the zip-off shorts is too short or too long for what they prefer.

As well, sometimes the zippers can chafe or rub your thighs. I’ve never found a pair of women’s zip-off hiking pants that work for me!

A feature that lets you roll or cinch up the pants into capris can be a nice feature. But you can roll up any pants and they usually stay put – you don’t need the added fastener to keep them there.

Final Thoughts

I hope this post helped you find some hiking pants for women that will work for your body, whether it is petite, tall, plus-size, or curvy. If you have questions or other hiking pants to recommend, leave them in the comments.

MORE WOMEN’S GEAR POSTS:

• 19 Best Hiking Leggings
• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period

The post Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’m a plus size hiker and it’s a struggle to find things that fit me. In this article, I’ll give you the low down on where to find women’s plus size hiking clothes in sizes up to size 22 and 3X. It includes a list of the best plus size hiking clothing brands and tips on where to buy them.

While there are a few niche and cottage brands, unfortunately they seem to crop up and then go out of business regularly – it’s a tough industry. While I encourage you to support niche brands, especially in the plus size space, in this post, I’m going to focus on brands that are widely available.

Hey there: Some of the brands mentioned in this article sent me clothing to try. You will find only my honest opinion below. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

What Sizes are Plus Size?

In general, sizes larger than size 12 are considered plus size in the outdoor industry. Some brands may carry up to a size 16. Traditionally, most hiking clothing companies have not made apparel in size 18 or larger.

However, a few companies now recognize that plus sizes make up a huge part of the clothing market. From what I’ve read, nearly 70% of American women wear a size 14 or larger so it makes sense that outdoor brands are beginning to offer clothing in extended sizes. This is in part because of the work of plus size outdoor activists like Mirna Valerio, Fat Girls Hiking, and Unlikely Hikers.

I want to be clear that I recognize that as a size 16 to 18, I still hold a lot of privilege in the plus size community. Many companies make hiking clothes in my size. The fit and style may sometimes suck, but at least my size is offered.

Active Wear Isn’t Designed for Hiking

In this article, I’m going to focus mainly on brands and companies that make plus size women’s clothing designed specifically for hiking. There are lots of places to source plus size activewear, from big box stores like Walmart and Old Navy to niche small businesses.

Thankfully, it’s much less challenging (although still not easy) to find plus size leggings and quick dry tops, mostly designed for working out or yoga.

Active wear pieces work fine for casual hikes, but they will rip on sharp rocks or pointy branches. And for all-weather hiking you will need base layers, a waterproof rainjacket and warm layers made of fleece, down, or synthetic insulation. And it’s MUCH more difficult to find those in plus sizes.

So that’s what I’m going to focus on here: a list of brands that make quality women’s plus size hiking clothes and info on where to find them.

Just a quick note: I recognize that hiking clothing can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be! Check out my tips for saving money on hiking gear.

The Best Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothing Brands

REI

In 2017, REI committed to offering more sizes in an effort to fit more women. Since then, they have had a dedicated plus size section on their site that usually includes over 1000 items of clothing from lots of different brands in sizes up to 26/5XL.

They also offer over 100 plus size items in their own REI Co-op brand including everything from hiking pants to rain jackets to quick dry shirts to base layers in sizes up to 5XL

For the full selection, you’ll have to shop online, but some of their larger stores do have a good plus size selection. Every time I’m in Seattle, I go to the giant downtown REI store. I’ve found great plus size hiking shorts there, as well as long-sleeved trekking shirts.

MEC

If you’re in Canada, MEC is probably your best bet for women’s plus size hiking clothing. They have been quietly expanding their assortment from a few different brands.

They used to just carry up to a size 14 or XL in most things, but in the last few years they’ve added a LOT of styles in size 16, 18 and XXL and a few up to size 4XL. However, most things over size 16 are online only. They’ve also started to offer a bigger size range in their house MEC brand.

Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research launched a huge extended size collection in 2021 with input from plus size outdoor influencers including Sam Ortiz and Kaila Walton. And unlike some brands that started offering plus size and then scaled back production, OR has kept making plus sizes every year since then.

Their range is available up to size 3X and up to 24W. They are also committed to charging the same price for all sizes, which is great.

They make all kinds of technical clothing in plus sizes, including the popular Echo sun hoodie – one of my favourite sun hoodies.

prAna

prAna used to make quite a few plus size styles, but in the last few years they have scaled back their extended size collection.

I’ve been a fan of their Halle pants for hiking for years. They used to stop at size 16 but now they are available up to size 22 as well! Find them on my list of the best women’s hiking pants.

Patagonia

After years of offering a pretty small range of sizes, Patagonia has quietly launched an extended size collection with sizes up 3XL. I have the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody, which I wear as a sun shirt – the fit is great.

Smartwool

If you’re looking for cozy warm base layers, Smartwool makes awesome ones made of moisture-wicking and antimicrobial merino wool. They offer plus sizes in a few of their styles up to size 3XL.

Their patterns are really cute too! I love my snowflake-patterned long underwear! I also love their merino wool hiking tops.

Columbia

Columbia is a great source for women’s plus size hiking clothes with over 200 items in their collection! S

Columbia has everything from rain jackets to snow pants to hiking shirts in extended sizes. Compared to some other brands, their clothing is pretty reasonably priced too.

The North Face

The North Face has an extended size range that includes jackets, tops, and pants in sizes up to 3X.

I have their Aphrodite Motion 2.0 Capris. They are meant for hiking, but I love them for travel too since they look a bit more like casual pants. They are stretchy and they breathe really well. I wore them a LOT during my trip to Australia. They are on my list of the best women’s hiking pants.

Helly Hansen

Scandinavian sailing brand Helly Hansen also makes great hiking clothing. They have a plus size collection that includes rain jackets, base layers, fleece, and ski clothing. I have the Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleee. It’s a great basic.

Eddie Bauer

While Eddie Bauer makes lots of great casual clothing, they also have a huge selection of plus sized hiking clothing. So far I’ve tried their Trail Tight leggings, Guide Pro shorts, and the MicroTherm down jacket and love them all.

Athleta

Athleta is The Gap’s athletic apparel brand. They have a huge selection of clothing available up to size 3X. They make lots of work out clothing, but they also make great hiking pants and fleeces.

My favourite winter hiking tights are their Altitude Stash Tights are my favourite. (They made my list of the best hiking leggings.)

The Best Plus Size Hiking Gear Brands

Gregory

Gregory has been making backpacks since 1977. A few years ago they a launched a series of plus size backpacks. They have shoulder straps and hipbelts that are designed to fit bigger bodies. The packs also have lots of adjustability since people’s bodies come in lots of different proportions. The plus size collection includes both day packs and backpacking packs.

Osprey

Osprey also makes a handful of plus size packs as part of their extended size collection. They offer a few day packs, backpacking packs, and waist packs with lots of adjustability, longer straps, and repositioned pockets.

Marmot

While they aren’t labelled as plus-size, Marmot makes lots of plus-size-friendly sleeping bags. Just look for their sleeping bags available in “wide” sizes – they have a few extra inches around the hips and shoulders to fit bigger bodies.

REI

In addition to making lots of plus size clothes, REI also makes plus size sleeping bags. Their popular Magma sleeping bags, along with a few other models, come in wide sizes that will fit most plus size people.

Plus Size Sleeping Pads

While you won’t find them labelled as plus-size, many brands make plus-size-friendly sleeping pads. Look for pads labelled as wide or long. In general, look for pads that are over 22″ wide.

A few brands to consider are NEMO, Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and Sea to Summit. I love my long and wide Sea to Summit Ether Light XT pad.

Final Thoughts

So there’s my list of the best places to find plus size hiking clothes for women. I hope you find it helpful. If you have a women’s plus size hiking clothes brand to recommend, please tell me in the comments. I’d love to add more resources to this list!

READ NEXT: MORE ADVICE FOR FEMALE HIKERS

• Which Women’s Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying? (and which can you buy unisex?)
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• 18 Best Hiking Leggings

The post Where to Find Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes and Gear appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

If you haven’t heard of them, sun hoodies are lightweight, breathable, hooded long-sleeved t-shirts designed to protect your skin from the sun. Unlike traditional button-up sunshirts that use woven fabric, they use knit fabric that is more open and breathes better. And of course, they also have a hood.

They come in all kinds of fabrics and cuts that aren’t created equal. Some offer much more sun protection than others, and some are more comfortable than others. It can be hard to choose. Plus this technology doesn’t come cheap.

I’ve been hiking for over two decades. These days I’m a full-time outdoor writer and guidebook author, so I hike a lot. I also worked in outdoor retail for over a decade both in-store helping customers and at the head office writing marketing materials. So I know far too much about hiking gear design and fabrics.

I’ve tried all of the sun hoodies in this guide. I’ve sweated in them and worn them for days on end. Backpack straps have rubbed them. Branches have poked them. And in one case, I took an end-over-end tumble down a steep trail that left me bruised for weeks, but didn’t rip my sun hoodie!

Hey there: I bought most of the gear in this post with my own money, but some of the products in this post were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut so you can be sure that I only share info about products that I really use and love. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Want to skip right to the point? My top pick is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie because its stretchy fabric is the most comfortable in all conditions.

In this post you’ll find:

• Quick picks: jump right to the list of sun hoodies I recommend
• Why wear a sun hoodie? Find out why I like them more than regular shirts.
• The best sun hoodies for hiking – my top 6 picks plus 4 more I want to try
• How to choose a sun hoodie – Info about UPF ratings, fabric, construction, and key features

Quick Picks

Best All-Around Sun Hoodie: Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoodie

Best Fully-Featured Sun Hoodie: Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoodie

Best Casual-Looking Sun Hoodie: Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie

Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodie: Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Hoodie

Best Lightweight Sun Hoodie: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Best Shoulder Season Sun Hoodie: Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie

Why Wear a Sun Hoodie?

If you haven’t tried one yet, you might be wondering why I love wearing sun hoodies when I hike. I was skeptical at first too because I thought that wearing long sleeves and a hood in high temperatures would be hot.

It turns out that most sun hoodies aren’t too hot because they use high-tech fabric that is thin, breathable and sometimes has a cooling finish (more on that in the how to choose section at the bottom). Counterintuitively, many people feel cooler when less of their skin is exposed to the sun – it’s like your skin is in the shade.

But the biggest benefit of sun hoodies is that I don’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen since my arms, neck, and ears are covered. (Some sun hoodies also cover the backs of my hands.) I sweat a lot, so when I used to hike in a tank top or short-sleeved shirt, I had to constantly reapply sunscreen. It sucked.

I also love the hood: I can put it up when I’m in the full sun and I need extra sun protection on my neck and ears, then put it down when I’m doing a steep climb in the shade of the forest and want a bit more airflow.

After trying my first sun hoodie (the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake) a few years ago, I was hooked. These days I wear a sun hoodie on most outdoor adventures.

Best Sun Hoodies for Hikers

Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody: Best All-Around Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: 50+

Price: $70USD/$80CAD

Fabric: 120 gsm 88% polyester, 12% elastane with HeiQ odor control

Weight: 119g

Pros: Stretchy, lightweight fabric is soft and comfortable when wet or dry, anti-odor treatment works well, has thumb holes

Cons: The drawcord is useless and gets in the way, the hood is very loose-fitting

Where to Buy: REI | Mountain Hardwear USA | Mountain Hardwear Canada | Amazon

The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody was the first sun hoodie I got, and it didn’t take long to win me over. I’ve had this shirt for about three years and have worn it on dozens of trips. It made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

I keep coming back to it thanks to the incredible fabric. It is soft, really stretchy, and relatively lightweight. It also feels good against my skin both wet and dry and doesn’t feel too hot.

The fabric has a HeiQ odor-control treatment that has held up fairly well. I have worn it day after day on multi-day trips and it doesn’t smell too bad at the end.

The cut of the shirt is almost like a basic T-shirt, but it does have panels down the sides, which add a bit of mobility. It also has flatlocked seams, so it doesn’t chafe or rub.

I like the simple thumb holes and slightly longer sleeves are easy to fit over my hands for extra sun protection. But the overlap hood gapes around my neck, which leaves it exposed to the sun. The hood is also a bit oversized compared to others and blows off easily in the wind.

The shirt also has two really useless features: a zippered side pocket and a drawcord at the hem. The side pocket is tiny – it fits a key or a lip balm. But I always have shorts with pockets or a bag of some kind, so I never use it.

The drawcord is ridiculous. I think maybe it’s a style choice since it’s only on the women’s version? It is completely unnecessary, gets caught in your backpack waistbelt, and one time I accidentally peed on it! I cut it out after a few months and haven’t looked back.

Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody: Best Fully-Featured Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: 50+

Price: $120 USD/$150 CAD

Fabric: 158 gsm 92% nylon, 8% elastane with a DWR finish and Polygiene odor control

Weight: 189g

Pros: Great ventilation, excellent technical fit, especially on the hood and thumb holes

Cons: Expensive, heavy, very “technical” look

Where to buy: Black Diamond | REI | Altitude Sports Canada | Amazon

I got the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody just a few months ago, so I haven’t had a chance to really test it on big hikes yet. But so far, I really like how breathable it feels.

The fabric feels cool to the touch, even when dry. And the big mesh panels under the arms are great at dumping heat. I also love the big chest zipper. I can open it up for ventilation in the shade, and unlike the short zippers on some other women’s shirts, it actually goes down to mid-chest.

While I don’t love the way this shirt makes me look like a technical hiking dork, I do appreciate the attention to detail in the way it is made.

The Alpenglow Pro has anatomical patterning with lots of seams that give you range of motion, which isn’t surprising since it’s designed for climbers. The raglan sleeves that won’t chafe under your backpack straps and big underarm gussets so there’s nothing to rub your armpits. It also uses flatlock seams.

It has well-designed thumb holes that lie flat to reduce discomfort if you’re using them with hiking poles. And the hood fits tightly thanks to the elastic edging. This is the only sun hoodie I have that stands up to the wind.

I don’t use the chest pocket, so it seems kind of unnecessary. And all those technical features and construction details make this shirt one of the heaviest and most expensive on the list.

Note: Black Diamond makes another, more basic sun hoody called the Alpenglow (without “Pro” in the name), but I haven’t tried it.

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody: Best Casual Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: Not currently rated (previous versions rated 20+)

Price: $65 USD/$79CAD

Fabric: 104 gsm 100% recycled polyester with HeiQ odor control and a wicking finish

Weight: 147g

Pros: Great casual look, fabric feels amazing and doesn’t absorb water

Cons: No UPF rating, only partial flat lock seams, no UPF rating, no thumb holes

Where to buy: Patagonia USA | Patagonia Canada | REI | Altitude Sports Canada

If I just look at the specs, the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody doesn’t seem like something I would recommend. For the price, it doesn’t offer that much.

But the reason I keep coming back to this shirt is the fabric. It barely seems to absorb any water and I love the way it feels against my skin when it’s hot out. So far the anti-odor treatment has held up well too. This shirt made my list of my favourite hiking gear of 2023.

While the casual, less technical cut isn’t great for range of motion, I do like that I can wear it to a pub after a hike and blend in a bit more with people in street clothes.

But that less technical cut means that it could be prone to chafing in the armpits and side seams since it uses bulky overlock seams. (The construction section at the bottom of this post has more info.) The hood is also quite loose, so it blows off.

On the negative side, it doesn’t technically have a UPF rating right now because Patagonia had an issue with incorrect UPF numbers on some colors of a previous version of this shirt. Previous versions were rated UPF 20 to 34, which is fairly low for a sun hoody. (See the UPF rating section at the bottom for more info on how the ratings work.)

Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Hoodie: Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: 36+

Price: $85 USD/$119 CAD

Fabric: 115 gsm 63% Merino wool, 29% polyester, 8% nylon

Weight: 153g

Pros: Built-in anti-microbial properties of Merino will never wear out, stretchy fabric is comfortable

Cons: unisex fit, fabric is prone to pilling, requires delicate wash cycle, no thumb holes

Where to Buy: Outdoor Vitals

If you’ve followed my content for a while, you’ll know that I’m not the biggest fan of Merino wool. So I was pretty skeptical about the Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Hoodie. But like the Odlo Kinship Performance Wool baselayer that made my list of my favourite hiking gear of 2023, it uses a unique NuYarn wool and synthetic blend.

Since the fabric is blended, you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool as well as the quick-drying property of synthetics. This blend is also super stretchy, which adds lots of comfort. And it’s really thin, which breathes well and cuts down on weight. I do still find it a bit warmer than similar synthetic hoodies though.

The major downside is that the fabric is delicate. I’ve only had this hoodie for a few months, but it already has noticeable pilling, especially on the back lumbar area where it rubs against my backpack. And like all Merino wool, this shirt is a diva when it comes to washing instructions. (But Outdoor Vitals warns about both of these things in their product description, so I knew what I was getting into.)

The construction of this shirt is great with raglan sleeves that are comfortable under backpack straps and underarm gussets for range of motion and less rubbing. It also has flatlock seams throughout. The scuba-style hood also provides more sun protection than the overlap style on most other sun hoodies. I’m surprised it doesn’t have thumb holes though.

But so far the Tern Ultralight Hoodie only comes in a unisex fit, which might not work for all women. I find the fit ok in the size I got, although I think I would have appreciated a bit more room in the chest. Also, the hood doesn’t fit properly if you’ve got long hair tied into a ponytail – it pulls the hood back too far.

Overall, I really like this sun hoodie, especially for colder weather. After using for a season, it made my list of my favourite gear of 2024.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie: Best Lightweight Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: 15 or 20, depending on color

Price: $75 USD/$90 CAD

Fabric: 100% recycled polyester with odor control

Weight: 112g

Pros: Super light fabric, ponytail port

Cons: Low UPF rating, feels plastic-y when wet

Where to Buy: Outdoor Research | REI | MEC Canada | Amazon

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoody isn’t technically a sun hoodie since it has a low UPF rating of just 15 or 20, depending on the colour. (OR doesn’t market it as a sun hoodie and they actually make a different sun hoodie called the ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie which I want to try.)

But I’m including it on this list because so many people wear it as a sun hoodie. It’s a popular choice since it is incredibly lightweight and breathable. It also has a great scuba-style hood that fits really closely to keep the sun off your neck.

I really like how light the fabric is on the Echo hoody, but when it gets wet, it feels quite plastic-y and sticks to skin in a way I don’t love. But I have to be sweating a ton for that to happen.

I also love the construction of this hoody – it has all the technical features I’m looking for: flat seams, raglan sleeves, side panels, and thumb holes.

But my favourite part is the ponytail port in the hood – it’s a little overlapping slit at the back to thread your ponytail through. I hate the way my sweaty hair sticks to my neck inside other sun hoodies and this one solves that problem. Unfortunately, only the women’s version has this feature even people of all genders have long hair too.

Helly Hansen Lifa ACTIVE Solen Hoodie: Best Shoulder Season Sun Hoodie

UPF Rating: 50+

Price: $80USD/$90 CAD

Fabric: 60% recycled polyester, 40% polypropylene with S.Cafe odor control

Weight: 210g

Pros: Thicker weight is good for colder temperatures, dries quickly

Cons: Heavy, fabric is prone to snagging and staining, no thumb holes

Where to Buy: Helly Hansen | Amazon | Altitude Sports Canada

The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoody is a bit thicker and heavier than other sun hoodies on this list thanks to the double-knit construction. The layer next to your skin is white and then the outside layer is colored. I find it a bit hot in high temperatures, but it is perfect in mid-range temps when it is sunny and you want to hike in just a t-shirt and then put on a jacket when you stop because it’s cold out.

The fabric content on this shirt is a bit different than others on this list because it uses polypropylene blended with polyester. Polypropylene used to be popular in technical wear in the 90s, but most brands have moved away from it since it gets stinky incredibly fast. But, it does wick sweat and dry super fast.

In the Lifa Active Solen, Helly Hansen used an interesting S.Cafe odor control treatment made from coffee to combat the potential stink. In my experience, it works – the shirt doesn’t absorb much water and it dries really fast. And so far it doesn’t smell.

However, my other nitpick with the fabric is that is very prone to snagging. I don’t wear it that often, but it still has tons of small pulls and snags in the fabric. I also wore it on a muddy mountain bike ride and the mud stains have never come all the way out.

The construction of this shirt is pretty basic – it fits like a regular t-shirt for the most part. But it does use flat seams to reduce chafing. And for some reason, the hood has two layers of fabric, which makes it extra heavy and hot.

Other Good Sun Hoodies

Since I’m not made of money and I really don’t need to own any more sun hoodies than I already do, I haven’t tested every single sun hoodie out there. But there are a few more sun hoodies on the market that I’ve heard good things about. (And that I might just be planning to buy.)

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie: A great budget-friendly option ($50 USD) with a drawstring hood and stretchy fabric.

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie: A similar fit to the OR Echo but with much better sun protection (UPF 50+) and a stretchy fabric with a cooling finish.

Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody: A classic lightweight Merino wool hoody with UPF 30 sun protection at a reasonable price for Merino ($80 USD).

Willit UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie: A cheap Amazon favourite that purports to have UPF 50+ sun protection without being too thick. (Can you tell I’m skeptical?) I recently bought this one and will be testing it soon.

How to Choose a Sun Hoodie

Not all sun hoodies are created equal. There can be huge differences in UPF rating (for sun protection), fabric, construction, and features. In fact, some sun hoodies don’t actually provide that much sun protection at all!

When I worked at the head office of a big outdoor retailer, I spent tons of time talking to the clothing designers and fabric developers to really understand the tech behind outdoor clothing. Below I’m sharing what I’ve learned about choosing a sun hoodie.

UPF Sun Protection

The most important feature of a sun hoodie is that it should actually protect you from the sun.

What Does UPF Mean?

To be marketed as a sun hoodie, a shirt must have a UPF rating. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It measures how much UVA and UVB radiation can reach your skin through the fabric.

For example, a UPF Rating of 50 means that 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays will reach your skin. Therefore, the fabric blocks 98% of UV rays.

UPF-rated fabrics block both UVB rays (which give you a sunburn) and UVA rays which can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles, sun damage spots, and premature aging.

It’s also worth pointing out that UPF ratings only apply when the fabric is dry. Once the fabric gets wet, the UPF rating goes down.

A quick note: SPF (short for Sun Protection Factor) is the rating system for sunscreen. SPF ratings are a guideline for how much longer you can stay out in the sun without burning. So for example, if you wear SPF 30 sunscreen, you can stay in the sun 30 times longer than with no sunscreen. As well, most sunscreen only protects you from UVB rays, not UVA rays.

What is a “Good” UPF Rating?

The UPF rating scale starts at 15 and maxes out at 50. Wearing a UPF 15-rated shirt sounds good… but it doesn’t provide very good sun protection. In fact, most regular synthetic technical clothing made of polyester or nylon has a UPF rating of about 15.

To really be considered sun-protective, clothing must have a high UPF rating. The American Skin Cancer Foundation will not give a garment their recommendation unless it has a UPF of at least 30. And in the EU, you can’t say clothing provides sun protection unless it has a UPF rating over 40.

That’s why the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily and Outdoor Research Echo aren’t technically sun hoodies. They do provide more sun protection than not wearing a shirt… but they don’t provide more sun protection than regular shirts.

What Makes Clothing Sun Protective?

It’s fairly easy to make clothing sun protective: make it dark and densely woven. But that won’t make them breathable, lightweight, or comfortable to wear.

For technical hiking clothing to be sun protective, there needs to be a fair amount of science involved, and that’s why sun hoodies can be expensive.

By themselves, polyester, nylon, and Merino wool have more sun protection than cotton. But to make them lightweight and breathable without making them see-through takes some innovation with the way the yarns are knit together to form the fabric.

Usually, the fabric alone won’t have enough UPF protection so they infuse fabric with titanium dioxide – the same stuff that is in sunscreen. Basically, this stuff reflects or absorbs UV rays before they reach your skin.

Low-end shirts (think cheap Chinese sun hoodies on Amazon) use a titanium finish on the shirt that will wash out. That makes your hoodies less protective and has some nasty environmental implications. But higher-end sun hoodies are made with fabric that has titanium dioxide embedded in the yarns of the shirt so they won’t wash out.

Fabric

Sun hoodies are generally made with technical synthetic or Merino wool fabrics to make sure they are lightweight and breathable. They also usually have a knit structure that mechanically wicks moisture away from your body. Some have a DWR finish or a wicking finish for even better moisture management.

In my opinion, one of the most important things to look for in a sun hoodie is an anti-odor treatment. You are going to be wearing this thing when you’re hot and sweaty. And sometimes, you’ll be wearing it for days at a time before you can wash it. It’s going to stink. Look for odor control or anti-odor treatments like HeiQ.

Note: You can find casual sun hoodies designed for travel or wearing as a bathing suit coverup made with cotton or linen blended with polyester fabric. I don’t recommend these for hiking since they hold on to water, which can chafe and make you uncomfortable. However, in hot and arid desert situations, staying wet can be a good thing.

Construction

The way a shirt is sewn can have a big impact on fit and comfort.

Seams

To start with, a sun hoody is something you wear when you are hot and sweaty, so you want it to be smooth against your skin. The type of seams used matters.

On low-end gear, you’ll find overlock seams. To sew this type of seam, you overlap two pieces of fabric, and then stitch along the edge. The seam sticks out a little, which can irritate your skin. Of the sun hoodies I recommend, only the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily uses overlock seams.

If you want to avoid chafing, look for flatlock seams. To make a flatlock seam, you place two pieces of fabric side by side, and then stitch them together without any overlap. The result is a seam that lays flat and doesn’t have a bump that can chafe you.

Flatlock seams use more thread so they are stronger and stretchier than overlock seams. However, they are more expensive. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight, Outdoor Research Echo, and Helly Hansen Solen all use flatlock seams.

Construction and Patterning

Patterning describes the way the shirt is sewn together. The placement of the seams is important because it influences fit and comfort.

The standard way to sew a shirt is to put a seam across the top of the shoulders. But if you wear a backpack, this seam can chafe and doesn’t allow for much range of movement. That’s why higher end shirts use raglan sleeves – the type of seams you see on a baseball tee.

The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, Outdoor Vitals Tern, and Outdoor Research Echo all have raglan sleeves.

Underarm seams are also important. Standard shirts use just one seam down the side of the shirt (like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily). For a better fit, especially while moving, higher-end shirts use side panels. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, Outdoor Research Echo and Helly Hansen Solen all have panels.

For even better fit and range of motion (especially overhead reaching) premium sun hoodies use an underarm gusset. It’s a side panel that extends all the way up through the underarm to the bottom of the sleeve. The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro and Outdoor Vitals Tern have underarm gussets.

Features

Most sun hoodies are pretty basic. But a few have some extra features that can be handy. Here are some you might want to pay attention to.

Hood Type

Not all hoods are the same. The way the hood is sewn affects fit and sun protection.

Basic hoods have a small overlap of fabric at the bottom. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake, Patagonia Capilene Cool, and Helly Hansen Solen have this type of hood.

They tend to fit more loosely, which makes them feel more breathable. They are also cheaper to sew. But depending on how they are sewn (and how big your head is) they provide less sun coverage for your neck.

As well, since they are floppy, they can blow off easily in the wind. I spent a couple weeks hiking in Newfoundland this year and the wind wreaked havoc with my hoods.

The other type of hood is called a scuba hood. Scuba hoods come up high on the neck and have an oval head hole. This provides much better sun protection for your neck and in my experience, stays on better. The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, Outdoor Vitals Tern, and Outdoor Research Echo have a scuba hood.

There are a few sun hoodies out there with a drawstring hood adjustment for better fit and sun protection, but I haven’t tried them. My Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro hoody has elastic trim around the edge, which keeps it in place better than some of my other hoods – it’s the only one that doesn’t regularly blow off my head. It’s meant to fit over a climbing helmet (which I haven’t tried) so it’s not super tight.

Thumb Holes

I prefer sun hoodies that have thumb holes. That way you can make sure the sleeves keep the backs of your hands covered. When I was trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal I learned the hard way that it’s very easy to burn the backs of your hands, especially at high altitudes.

There are lots of different ways to sew thumb holes into a shirt. The cheapest and easiest way is to create a slit along the seam, either along the cuff (for a horizontal hole like the Outdoor Research Echo) or along the side seam (for a vertical hole like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake). These methods aren’t that durable, which can make a difference if you use your sun hoodie for biking or climbing. Or if you use trekking poles a lot.

A more sophisticated method of sewing thumb holes is to create a dedicated flap with a separate piece of fabric that forms the cuff. My Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoodie has these and they are way more comfortable to use with trekking poles. They also are more durable since I’m not pressing directly on a seam.

Pockets

I’m usually wearing my sun hoodie with a backpack (which has tons of pockets) and pants, shorts, or hiking leggings (which also have pockets) so I don’t see the need for pockets on a sun hoodie. Nevertheless, some sun hoodies have one.

Sun hoodies typically have small zippered pockets on the chest (like the Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro) or side (like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake). They’re big enough to carry a car key, credit card, or lip balm… but not much else.

Mesh Panels

While sun hoodie fabric is generally quite light and breathable, it’s not as breathable as mesh. Some hoodies have mesh panels in the underarms since that’s the area that gets the hottest. But since your underarms aren’t exposed to the sun, you don’t need sun-protective fabric there.

The Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro has mesh underarm panels and I do think they make a bit of a difference in venting excess heat.

Chest Vent

Some hoodies come with a 1/4 length chest zipper. While opening up a zippered chest vent exposes you to the sun, it can be a great way to cool off during shady stretches.

I often open up the chest vent on my Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro, and in general, I love this feature. The only downside is that the top of the zipper can rub your neck or the underside of your chin.

Ponytail Port

Ok, so this isn’t a feature that everyone will want, but I love it! I hate having my sweaty ponytail trapped inside my hood where it makes my neck all gross and damp.

So far, the only sun hoodie I know of with a ponytail port is the Women’s Outdoor Research Echo. Theirs uses an overlapping flap so you don’t notice it’s there until you stick a ponytail through it. I like this feature so much that I’m considering cutting a ponytail hole in some of my other sun hoodies! It also helps keep your hood on your head in the wind.

Final Thoughts

Since I got my first sun hoodie a few years ago, I’ve rarely hiked in anything else… and my collection of sun hoodies is now seven strong. I recommend all of the sun hoodies on this list, especially the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake. But since I haven’t tried all the sun hoodies out there, this is an evolving list – I know I’ll keep searching for the best sun hoodies for hiking.

What’s your favourite sun hoodie? Tell me in the comments?

READ NEXT:

• Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather
• Tips and Tricks for Hiking in the Desert
• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons

The post Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve got everything you need to know about underwear for hiking including:

• What is the best hiking underwear for women? Broken down into all-around, merino, seamless, and budget categories
• What is the best hiking underwear for men? Broken down into all-around, pouch, merino, and budget categories
• How to choose hiking underwear: What fabrics, features, and fit should you look for?

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

My Picks

Best All-Around Women’s Hiking Underwear: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Best Seamless Women’s Hiking Underwear: Patagonia Active

Best Merino Wool Women’s Hiking Underwear: Branwyn Essential

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Underwear: Under Armour Pure Stretch

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear Without a Pouch: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear With a Pouch: Saxx Kinetic HD

Best Merino Wool Men’s Hiking Underwear: Icebreaker Anatomica

Best Budget Men’s Hiking Underwear: New Balance Mesh

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking for two decades. I’ve also spent three years working in an outdoor store and six years writing marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer. I wrote website descriptions and gear guides for thousands of different products. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew upon my outdoor industry experience and my personal experience with trying lots of different types of underwear for hiking. But I also talked to friends, asked the members of my 12,000-member strong Backpacking in BC Facebook group, and read dozens of online reviews. The result is a comprehensive look at the best hiking underwear out there for every person.

Best Hiking Underwear for Women

Best All-Around Women’s Hiking Underwear: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Price: $15-24

Styles: bikini brief, hipster, boy short

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% elastane mesh is breathable and lightweight.

Features: Anti-odor treatment, flatlock seams, flat waistband.

Weight: 30g (bikini briefs)

I had heard a lot of positive reviews about the Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh hiking panties but for some reason, I didn’t try them until last year. I was worried that since they aren’t seamless, they might chafe. So far, I’ve worn the bikini brief version on three backpacking trips and lots of day hikes. They are super comfortable, stay in place, don’t absorb sweat, and dry really fast. They also seem very breathable, thanks to the mesh fabric. Also no chafing!

They start to pill a little bit over time, but they seem to be moderately durable anyway. I accidentally washed them with my ankle brace and the velcro from it got caught on them. That section looks a bit scuffed, but otherwise, they survived fine.

After a few years of fairly heavy wear, I’ve also noticed that the elastic waist band and leg edging is getting a bit saggy as the elastic stretches out. But that’s to be expected with elastic – it breaks down.

They are also fairly reasonably priced for technical underwear, and I know I’ll be picking up a few more pairs. And great news for plus-sized women: they come in sizes XS to 3XL.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best Seamless Women’s Hiking Underwear: Patagonia Active

Price: $29

Styles: briefs or hipster

Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% spandex is soft, lightweight, and stretchy

Features: Totally seamless construction, anti-odor treatment

Weight: 33g (briefs)

Patagonia’s Active Hipsters have been my go-to hiking underwear for years. I love that they are completely seamless so they don’t chafe or rub. They are also really soft. Over time, I’ve also found them really durable: I have some pairs that are nearly ten years old! The only downside with these is that they are frequently out of stock.

They have a wide waistband that doesn’t move and they provide a fair amount of rear coverage. However, if you like a higher rise cut, you may want to go with the briefs since the hipsters sit pretty low.

Where to buy: Patagonia | Patagonia Canada

Best Merino Wool Women’s Hiking Underwear: Branwyn Essential

Price: $38

Styles: Thong, bikini, or hipster

Fabric: 81% merino wool, 12% nylon, 7% elastane doesn’t itch. The merino wool wicks sweat while the nylon adds durability and stretch.

Features: Naturally odor-resistant thanks to merino wool

Weight: Not available.

If you’ve followed my content, you know that I don’t really love merino wool since it absorbs more water than synthetics. Read my guide to whether Merino wool is worth it for more thoughts.

BUT… these Brandwyn Essential underwear pleasantly surprised me. I’ve worn them for a whole season and so far they haven’t chafed me or felt too damp. In fact, I liked them so much that they made my list of my favourite gear of 2024.

My other main beef with merino is that it isn’t very durable, but my Branwyn underwear has held up really well so far – no tiny mystery holes like I’ve gotten with other merino underwear. I think the secret with these is the fabric. It’s a bit thicker than most other merino underwear that I’ve tried, which adds to the durability.

I also really love the fit on these. Most hiking underwear tends to be fairly low-waisted, but these are a bit higher, which feels more comfortable for me.

Where to buy: Branwyn

Another good merino option: I previously recommended the Icebreaker Merino Siren in the merino hiking underwear category. They are still great, but I like the Branwyns more.

Best Budget Women’s Hiking Underwear: Under Armour Pure Stretch

Price: $20-30 for a pack of three

Styles: Hipster or thong

Fabric: 68%nylon, 32% elastane fabric with a cotton gusset is soft, stretchy, and very thin

Features: Laser-cut edges mean no seams at waistband or leg openings, anti-microbial odor-resistant treatment

Weight: 20g

For the price, the nearly seamless Under Armor Pure Stretch panties are great for hiking. They dry super-quickly and feel like you’re wearing nothing. However, the fit is a bit hit-or-miss. I find that the hipster style is a bit cheeky and doesn’t have great coverage – they give we a wedgie sometimes.

They are also a bit more low-rise than I’d like. From reviews I’ve read and my experience, it seems like curvier women may want to size up. I also don’t love the cotton gusset as it absorbs water and isn’t that comfortable.

But if you do like the fit of these Under Armour hiking underwear, they are a great budget option. Tons of online reviewers (and members of the Backpacking in BC Facebook group) love them.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best Hiking Underwear for Men

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear Without a Pouch: Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh

Price: $13-26

Styles: Brief or boxer brief

Fabric: 90% nylon, 10% elastane mesh is breathable and lightweight

Features: Anti-odor treatment, flatlock seams, wide waistband.

Weight: 40g (boxer briefs)

When I was researching the best hiking boxers for men, these Exofficio underwear just kept coming up in recommendations. They are made of the same fabric as the women’s version which means they wick sweat and dry quickly. Reviewers say they fit snugly and don’t ride up or bunch. They are also really breathable so you won’t overheat.

These men’s underwear are available in both briefs and boxer briefs. And the boxer briefs are available in 3″, 6″, and 9″ inseams so you can choose the amount of leg coverage you like. With thousands of positive reviews online, it’s easy to say these are the most popular men’s hiking and adventure travel underwear.

Where to buy: Amazon

Best All-Around Men’s Hiking Underwear With a Pouch: Saxx Kinetic HD

Price: $35

Style: boxer brief, long leg boxer brief

Fabric: 85% nylon, 15% elastane is stretchy, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying

Features: Anatomical pouch supports the package and prevents chafing, flatlock seams are soft on skin, nine-panel construction creates an ergonomic fit, odor-resistant fabric, anti-roll waistband

Weight: 72g

Pretty much every guy I asked about hiking underwear recommended the Saxx Kinetic (including a bunch in my Backpacking in BC Facebook group). Saxx is the first company to offer under with a game-changing pouch that keeps the package separate from the legs. They are based in my hometown of Vancouver too!

The men I talked to raved about the pouch and the comfortable, quick-drying fabric. Most of my male hiking friends switched to these years ago and said they can never go back to regular underwear. Most people love the regular boxer briefs that have a 5″ inseam, but if you want more coverage, they also come in a long leg version with an 8″ inseam.

Where to buy: Amazon | MEC | Saxx USA | Saxx Canada

Best Merino Wool Men’s Hiking Underwear: Icebreaker Anatomica

Price: $45-60

Style: brief, boxer brief, long boxer brief

Fabric: 83% merino wool, 12% nylon, 5% elastane is soft, stretchy, and doesn’t itch. The merino wool wicks sweat while the nylon adds durability and stretch.

Features: Naturally odor-resistant thanks to merino wool, contoured pouch, flatlock seams

Weight: 80g (boxers)

Lots of people love merino wool underwear since it is really stink-resistant. Merino wool also wicks sweat and is soft on the skin. If you look up reviews of merino wool men’s hiking underwear, you’ll find lots of people complaining that they get small holes on the inner thighs from rubbing against pants.

However, that doesn’t happen as fast with these Icebreaker ones since they have nylon and elastane blended in with the merino for increased durability. (Read my thoughts on Merino wool in my Is Merino Wool Worth it? post.)

If you want merino wool boxers for hiking, you’ll love these Icebreaker Anatomic underwear. The boxer briefs are available with or without a fly and they come in briefs too.

Where to buy: Amazon | MEC | Icebreaker USA | Icebreaker Canada

Best Budget Men’s Hiking Underwear: New Balance Mesh

Price: $19 for a pack of three

Style: boxer brief

Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% spandex mesh is soft and lightweight

Features: Wide elastic waistband, supportive pouch, flat locked stitching, available either with or without a fly

Weight: not available

If you’re looking for some basic and inexpensive men’s hiking underwear, these New Balance boxer briefs fit the bill. They are fairly lightweight and wick moisture. The flatlock stitching and wide waistband reduces chafe. Hundreds of online reviewers and a few members of the Backpacking in BC Facebook group raved about them.

Where to buy: Amazon

How to Choose Hiking Underwear

When I first started hiking, I didn’t think I needed to worry about what underwear to wear. But then things got hot, sweaty, and…. uncomfortable. I learned that for me (and for lots of other people), underwear choice can make or break a hike. So what should you look for when shopping for hiking underwear?

Which Fabric is Best?

Cotton underwear is great for everyday use. It’s soft and comfortable. But it absorbs water and dries really slowly. When you’re hiking, cotton is a great recipe for rubbing, chafing, and being generally uncomfortable.

The best fabrics for hiking underwear are synthetics (nylon or polyester) or merino wool since they wick sweat and dry quickly. You may also see underwear for hiking made of rayon or Tencel. Both of those fabrics are incredibly soft, but unfortunately, that means they aren’t that durable and may not stand up to inner thigh rubbing.

To ensure a good fit, look for hiking underwear with stretch. That means that the fabric should have some elastane. (It’s also sold under the brand names Spandex and Lycra.)

Moisture-Wicking

Hiking is sweaty, so choose underwear that is moisture-wicking to move wetness away from your body. Avoid cotton which absorbs water. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon are great at wicking moisture. Merino wool also wicks well.

Quick-Drying

The last thing you want is to sit around in a pair of wet underwear. That makes quick-drying fabrics key, especially for backpacking underwear. Nylon and polyester dry the fastest.

Merino wool wicks moisture but holds some of it in the core of the fibres. That means it doesn’t dry quite as quickly as synthetics, but as a bonus, it will keep you cooler in hot weather.

A Comfortable Fit

You want to make sure your underwear isn’t moving around while you are hiking. Choose hiking underwear that fit well. You want them to stay in place, but you don’t want them to be too tight. You also don’t want them to be too loose because then they will bunch up and rub. Keep in mind that in order to wick sweat, the fabric needs to be in contact with your skin.

Prevents Chafing

Seams, tags, waistbands… they can all dig in, get wet, and then chafe your skin until it’s red and angry. Close your eyes and run the underwear through your fingers before you wear it. Really FEEL it. Look for hiking underwear with no tags and with comfortable flat waistbands. Seamless underwear or ones with flatlock seams will also prevent chafing.

Durable

Hiking underwear isn’t cheap, so you want to choose a pair that won’t fall apart. Super-thin material is appealing since it’s lightweight, but it may also fall apart faster. Merino wool is also MUCH less abrasion-resistant than synthetics so it can develop holes easily.

Odor Resistant

Butts and crotches get smelly, especially on multi-day trips. Some synthetic underwear for hiking often comes with antimicrobial treatments that reduce odors. But they do wear off over time. Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial.

Got stinky hiking underwear? Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking clothing.

A Style You Like

Hiking underwear comes in many different styles. For men, you can choose between briefs, boxers, and boxer briefs. Women’s underwear for hiking is available in seemingly endless cuts from tiny thongs to full-cut boyshorts and everything in between.

Choose a style that is most comfortable for you. If you find that you experience inner-thigh chafing, opt for boxer brief or boy short styles that provide some protection in that area.

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know to find the best hiking underwear. If you have questions or alternative recommendations, leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• 18 Best Hiking Leggings
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers

The post Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades, mostly in the wet Pacific Northwest weather of British Columbia. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot of rain jackets.

And for seven years I worked at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. My job was to write product guides and staff training materials, so I spent a lot of time working with the design and fabric teams to learn everything there is to know about outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll give you everything you need to know about why rain jackets wet out. This guide includes:

• Why do rain jackets wet out? Four reasons your jacket might be leaking (or feel like it is leaking)
• How to prevent your rain jacket from wetting out: Five things you can do to stay dry

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?

There are a few key reasons why your rain jacket is wetting out. The DWR coating wearing off is the most common one, but I’ll also explore other explanations such as clogged membranes, condensation build-up and failures of the membrane or seam sealing below.

DWR Coating Wears Off

The most common reason why your rain jacket might be wetting out is because the DWR coating has worn off.

DWR stands for Durable Water Repellency. It is a thin coating of fluoropolymer that forms microscopic chains of molecules in little spikes. These little spikes ensure that water droplets bead up rather than spreading out on the surface of your jacket.

But this coating is fairly fragile and wears off over time. One of the main ways DWR coatings wear off is due to abrasion from rubbing against things.

That’s why you’ll find the shoulders of your jacket wetting out first since they rub against your pack straps. You might also find your cuffs wetting out since your hands bump into things a lot. Dirt and body oils can can also contaminate the DWR.

When the DWR coating wears out, the little fluoropolymer spikes bend over or break. That stops the water droplets from beading up, so the water spreads across the surface of your jacket.

Without a DWR coating, the waterproof membrane in your jacket can still keep the water from coming in, but it can’t let water vapour from your sweat get out. That means that you will start to feel wet from the inside.

Unfortunately, since about 2016, the DWR on rain jackets has been wearing out faster. That’s because older DWR formulations worked better, but were less environmentally friendly. Newer DWR uses shorter chains of molecules, so the “spikes” aren’t as tall, so water doesn’t bead up as well. But that means that it isn’t as persistent in the environment, so it is safer for our planet.

Clogged Membrane

Your rain jacket has a waterproof breathable membrane that has tiny pores. The pores are small enough for water vapour from sweat to pass through (so you don’t overheat). But the pores aren’t big enough to let water droplets in.

Waterproof breathable membranes work great when they are new, but over time they can get clogged with dirt and body oils. Once the pores are clogged, water vapour can’t pass through and you’ll start to feel wet from the inside from sweat.

But there’s good news: You can wash your jacket to unclog the membrane and restore its waterproofing. (More about that in the prevention section below.)

Condensation

You might think that your jacket is leaking, but you are actually getting wet from sweat. This happens when your waterproof breathable membrane can’t let enough water vapour out and it starts to condense on the inside of your jacket.

You might get condensation because your DWR has worn off and water on the outside is blocking the pores of your membrane. Or you might have dirt and oil clogging your membrane.

Another reason for condensation build-up happens when you are generating too much body heat for your membrane. You might have a jacket with a low-quality membrane that just doesn’t breathe well. Or you might be working hard and sweating a lot. Humid weather makes the problem worse.

One of the key ways to fight condensation is to vent your jacket. Open up your arm-pit vents and chest vent. In warm weather, I don’t wear a rain jacket since it just wets out from the inside. Instead, I hike in a t-shirt and get wet. Then when I’m done hiking or get to camp, I change into a dry shirt and put my rain gear on.

Membrane and/or Seam Seal Failure

The last way that your rain jacket might be letting water in is if the membrane or seam seals have failed.

There are thousands of little needle holes along the seams in each waterproof jacket. Water can sneak in through these holes if they aren’t plugged. If you look at the inside of a rain jacket, you will see a layer of tape across each seam to keep water out.

Seam tape is stuck on with some kind of adhesive, and over time it can start to peel off or otherwise come unstuck. When this happens, your jacket will start to leak through the seams. Fortunately, you can reseal the seams with brush-on seam sealer.

The waterproof membrane in your jacket can also fail over time. When that happens, the waterproof breathable membrane can start to flake off, crack, or develop bubbles. At that point, unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to fix it – your jacket has reached the end of its life.

READ NEXT: 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain

How To Prevent Your Rain Jacket From Wetting Out

With a bit of planning and some on-the-trail techniques, it’s easy to prevent your rain jacket from wetting out. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Wash it!

For some reason, lots of people are scared to wash their rain jackets. Don’t be! Washing your jacket regularly helps retain its waterproofing!

Since dirt and oils can clog your membrane or wear down your DWR, washing your rain jacket is an important way to keep it from wetting out. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing your jacket.

In general, close all zippers and Velcro, then wash it with a technical cleaner. I use Nikwax Tech Wash since it doesn’t leave behind residues like regular detergents can. Important note: washing your jacket with a technical cleaner will NOT wash off your DWR. Lots of people don’t wash their jackets because they are worried about wrecking their DWR. But as long as you use a technical wash, it’s better to wash your jacket than leave it all gunked up with dirt and oil.

Washing your jacket may be enough to restore its wet-weather performance. If you wear your jacket every day, you should wash it once a month. If you wear it less often, you can wash it less often.

With some jackets, putting them in the dryer on low or medium heat for about 20 minutes after washing can also help. But read the care label on your jacket first! Some shouldn’t go in the dryer.

Refresh the DWR

Why do rain jackets wet out? Because the DWR has worn off! If you have washed your jacket and it is still wetting out, it’s time to refresh the DWR. It’s fairly easy to do either by spraying on a new coating or washing your jacket with a special DWR wash.

I like Nikwax TX Direct Wash-in because it’s easy to use – you just throw your rain in the washing machine with TX Direct and it penetrates the entire garment so you don’t have to worry about even coverage.

I’ve used TX Direct Spray-On before since it lets you get more coverage on high-wear areas like cuffs and shoulders. But it is messy so you have to use it outside or in a bathtub. I also find it harder to ensure I’m getting even coverage so I end up using more product than I would for the wash-in method. In general, I prefer the wash-in versions for ease of use.

Vent it!

Rain jackets aren’t magic – sometimes it’s just so humid out and you’re sweating so much that the membrane just can’t keep up. That’s where vents come in. If you regularly hike in the rain and/or run hot, it’s important to buy a rain jacket that you can vent.

The most effective type of rain jacket vents are pit zips since that’s where your body gets the hottest. As well, it’s hard for rain to sneak in via pit zips since your arms cover them.

But opening up mesh-backed chest pockets can also help you vent. Or you can ease down the front zipper a few inches. Unfortunately, you lose some waterproofing when you open vents, but it can be worth it.

Reseal the Seams

If your seam tape is peeling off or bubbling up, you can fix it by applying a brush-on seam sealer like Seam Grip. However, this is a time-consuming process that can get messy if you aren’t careful. It also smells pretty bad. As well, the repaired seams will be a bit bumpy and not as pliable as the original tape.

However, if your seams are failing in many places, it may be a sign that your jacket has reached the end of its life. Check to see if the membrane is flaking off or bubbling too – seams and membranes often fail at the same time.

Buy a Quality Rain Jacket

You’ve probably heard the saying “Prevention is better than cure”. The easiest way to stop your rain jacket from wetting out is to buy a quality jacket to start with. Here are a few tips:

1. Buy from a Reputable Brand

There are tons of jackets on the market from different brands and with different types of waterproof technology. While the choices can be overwhelming, you can narrow it down a bit. Buy jackets from reputable outdoor brands who specialize in rainwear. Some safe bets are REI, MEC, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Arc’Teryx, Helly Hansen, Mountain Hardwear, and Black Diamond. However, there are tons of other good brands.

Remember that most brands make a range of jackets and that cheaper jackets will generally have worse waterproof and breathable performance.

2. Pay Attention to Waterproof Breathable Technologies

While Gore-Tex used to be the gold standard, their patents expired in 1997 and many other brands use the exact same waterproof breathable technology.

Check to see if they list waterproof and breathable specs. Look for waterproofness of at least 10,000 mm. The higher the number, the more durable the waterproofing is.

For fabric breathability, get a jacket that is rated at least 20,000g/m2/24h. Higher numbers are more breathable and will take longer to wet out.

3. Understand Rain Jacket Construction (2.5-Layer vs. 3 Layer vs. 2-Layer)

Rain jackets come in a few different types of construction, some of which are more prone to clogged membranes. Understand the pros and cons of the type of jacket you are buying and how prone to wetting out it will be.

2.5-Layer Construction

Lightweight jackets often use what is called 2.5-layer technology. That means that the face fabric (1st layer) is laminated to the membrane (2nd layer). Then there is a thin scrim or veneer that is printed or sprayed on to protect the membrane (the .5 layer). This scrim is quite fragile and prone to breaking down from abrasion or body oils. But it makes the jackets rally light and easy to pack.

You can find both budget 2.5-layer jackets and high-end 2.5-layer jackets with more durable membranes. On the budget end, the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket is popular and makes a great emergency shell, but the waterproofness and breathability are low.

On the high-end, I love my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer. It is super-light and compact, but the Gore-Tex Paclite Plus fabric means it has great waterproofness and breathability. (It made my list of my favourite gear of 2023.)

3-Layer Construction

Jackets with 3-layer construction laminate the face fabric to the membrane to a breathable inner liner fabric so the membrane is more protected. These tend to be premium jackets but they are a little bit heavier and bulkier than 2.5-layer jackets.

In sustained rain, I opt to wear my 3-layer MEC Synergy or Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity since they are more durably waterproof and breathable.

2-Layer Construction

In 2-layer construction, the face fabric and membrane are laminated together. A hanging liner (usually mesh) protects the inside and feels better against your skin.

2-layer jackets are heavy and bulky, but inexpensive. They usually use low-end membranes with lower waterproofing and breathability. Jackets with 2-layer construction are great for casual use or skiing, but I don’t recommend them for hiking.

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know about why rain jackets wet out and how to prevent it. Hopefully, this will help you stay drier on your next hike. Do you have rain jacket questions? Ask them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• 40+ Tips for Hiking in the Rain
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking
• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

The post Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades (I even wrote a hiking guidebook) and have tried a lot of different technical outdoor clothing, including lots of Merino wool. I also spent seven years working at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. While I was there, I worked closely with the design and fabric teams and wrote staff training material. So I have a pretty good grasp on outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of Merino wool so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. This Merino wool guide includes:

• Is Merino wool worth it? My quick answer
• What is Merino wool? How is it different than regular wool
• Merino wool pros and cons plus some neutral factors where wool is equivalent to other fabrics
• Which Merino wool clothing is worth it? Should you buy Merino socks, shirts, base layers, and more.
• Merino wool tips: My advice for buying merino, taking care of it, and repairing it
• Comparing Merino wool to other fabrics: How does it stack up to polyester, regular wool, alpaca, and more
• Merino wool FAQ: Answers to common questions like is Merino good for summer and does it shrink

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Merino Wool Worth it?

My short answer: Most of the time, no.

The longer answer: Merino wool is a fabulous high-performance fabric. But it’s not magic. In many ways, Merino wool is comparable to high-tech polyester fabrics. The only place where Merino clearly outperforms is its ability to resist odors.

Some people really love the feel and performance of Merino. And if that’s you, and you find the expense and lack of durability of Merino don’t deter you, that’s great. If you love, Merino, keep on loving it.

But I think that a lot of people get sucked in by the premium price and slick marketing of Merino wool. They assume that because it is expensive, it must be the best. I’ve talked to lots of people who bought into the hype, then fell out of love with Merino after using it for a few years, mostly due to its lack of durability and high price.

If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability.

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is the wool from a breed called Merino sheep. Although Merino sheep are originally from Spain, today they are found all over the world (and most famously, in Australia and New Zealand).

Merino wool is much softer and finer than regular wool. That means it is more comfortable to wear since it is less scratchy. The individual fibres of regular wool can be up to 40 microns in diameter. But Merino wool is always less than 24 microns. Premium fine Merino wool can go as low as 15 microns in diameter.

Merino wool is most often used for technical outdoor clothing. However, you can also find it in high-end casual sweaters and blankets.

Merino Wool Pros and Cons

Some people talk about Merino wool as if it is a miracle fabric. And it does indeed have lots of positive characteristics. However, there are also some negatives, which for some people (like me) often outweigh the positives.

Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of Merino wool. I’ve also included a few “neutral” factors – these are areas where Merino wool provides better performance than non-technical fabrics like cotton but has equivalent performance to technical fabrics like polyester.

Pro: Anti-Microbial

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. (Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking gear for info on how that happens.)

Since Merino wool is less smelly, it’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking or situations where you can’t or don’t want to wash your gear as often. When I used to commute to work by bike, I wore a Merino wool shirt that I washed once or twice a week instead of every day.

But… Merino wool can still get stinky over time, especially if it is blended with nylon or elastane. It’s not magic. It just takes way longer to develop that signature hiker stank than other fabrics.

Pro: Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Merino wool is naturally thermo-regulating. That means that it can help you feel cool when it’s hot out and provide warmth when it’s cold. This sounds crazy, but there’s actually science behind it.

Wool fibres are crimped, which creates little air pockets. In cold weather, these air pockets trap warm air and hold it close to you. When it’s hot out, wool pulls moisture and heat from your body. As the wool dries and releases the moisture, the crimps trap cold air, keeping you cool.

Many people love Merino wool because they can wear the same Merino wool clothing in both summer and winter. The temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also mean that you are less likely to need to add and remove layers as the temperature changes on a hike.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are lots of innovative premium synthetic fabrics that can compete with Merino on temperature regulation. But there are also lots of crappy synthetics too.

Pro: Warm for its Weight

The natural air pockets that give Merino wool its temperature-regulating properties also mean that it can provide more warmth for its weight than other fabrics. (Although the construction of some synthetic fabrics can mimic the air pocket structure and perform just as well.)

The excellent warmth-to-weight ratio means that you can choose thinner Merino wool garments than their synthetic counterparts.

Neutral: Next to Skin Comfort

You might hear Merino wool described as being comfortable to wear or soft against your skin. That is certainly true, especially when you compare it to traditional wool.

But it’s not any softer or more comfortable than some other technical fabrics like polyester. (Of course this depends a lot on the specific technical fabric. I find Merino wool much more comfortable than the polyester in my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie. But I also like the feel of my soft Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie more than the feel of Merino wool. (I reviewed both of these in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.)

Some people prefer the way Merino feels on their skin, but some still find it a tiny bit itchy.

Neutral: Provides Warmth When Wet

Merino wool still provides insulation even when it is wet. By itself, that sounds like a pro, and Merino wool cheerleaders often list “warmth when wet” as one of Merino wool’s strengths. But it’s only a pro if you compare Merino to cotton, since cotton makes you colder when you are wet. Synthetic fabrics also provide warmth when they are wet, so Merino doesn’t have a leg up over other technical outdoor fabrics.

Neutral: Moisture Wicking

Here is another neutral factor that masquerades as a pro. Yes, Merino wool does a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin thanks to the unique air pocket-forming structure of the wool fibres. But many technical synthetic fabrics are comparable when it comes to wicking, so it’s not a true pro. (However, some synthetics achieve high wicking performance via chemical finishes that wash out over time, so it’s not an easy comparison to make.)

Neutral: Ethical and Sustainability Issues

Merino wool is an animal product, so it is not vegan-friendly.

It is also important to know there have been issues around animal cruelty associated with Merino wool production. Some Merino sheep farmers subject their animals to mulesing, a painful practice that removes strips of skin around the anus. Mulesing protects the sheep from flystrike infections. It is done without anesthetic and is considered inhumane and unethical. Most developed countries no longer permit mulesing.

Before you buy a Merino wool garment, check to see if the manufacturer has a statement about the treatment of the sheep they source their wool from. You can also check to see if there are measures in place to prevent overgrazing and the excessive use of pesticides. There are many reputable and ethical Merino wool brands on the market including Smartwool, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Ibex, Patagonia, Ridge Merino, and Woolx.

However, it’s worth pointing out that there are ethical issue around polyester too. It’s made from petroleum, which isn’t a renewable resource (unlike wool). And given the current climate crisis, fossil fuel extraction is something we should be moving away from rather than increasing

As well, fleecy fabrics release microplastics, which is a big problem when they are washed as it ends up in our waterways and oceans.

If you are concerned about the sustainability of your clothing, buying used base layers is the best choice.

Con: Doesn’t Dry Quickly

Merino wool is often touted as being great at moisture-wicking since it can absorb more moisture than other fabrics. The “moisture-wicking” part of that sentence is a pro. But the “absorb” part is a con because Merino wool really hangs on to moisture. It can take 40% longer for a Merino wool garment to dry compared to a synthetic one.

I sweat a lot (in all temperatures and during all activities). Merino wool just stays wet way too long for me. It takes forever to dry, and in the meantime, it’s heavy and gross.

Con: Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool has a poor track record when it comes to durability. The fibres of Merino wool are very fragile. That means they are prone to ripping, tearing, and snagging. Even high-quality Merino wool garments are likely to develop holes.

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your Merino wool clothing. Garments that use a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are much stronger and last longer. I have lots of Merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool that have lasted years since they use a Merino wool/nylon blend.

You also have to be really careful with your Merino wool. Snags on zippers, watch straps, backpack buckles, jewellery, and belts are common ways to get holes. But friction holes are sometimes unavoidable, especially in the armpits and crotch.

Con: Special Washing Required

Merino wool requires special washing and drying. Like all wool, it shrinks if it is heated too much, which means it needs to be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

Due to its poor durability, it also is best to wash Merino wool clothing on the delicate cycle. I also always wash my Merino wool by itself to protect it. I don’t allow zippers, buttons, Velcro, or buckles in the washing machine with my Merino!

While it isn’t required, it is a good idea to use a wool-specific laundry detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash). Regular detergent can strip the wool of its natural wicking properties and can contribute to pilling. Avoid enzyme cleaners at all costs as they can actually break down the fibres in Merino wool. (More tips in my guide to washing hiking gear.)

Con: Expensive

If you’ve ever shopped for Merino wool gear, you have probably been shocked by how expensive it is. Close to $100 for a t-shirt?? What?! Yup, Merino wool prices are crazy.

While there are billions of sheep in the world, most are raised for their meat or for regular wool. Merino sheep are a specialized breed and there just aren’t that many of them. It costs a lot more to raise a sheep than it does to harvest a plant or make fabric from petroleum. As well, the fine fibres of Merino wool mean that you need more of them to make fabric.

And while Merino wool is a natural fibre, it still needs to be heavily processed before it is turned into clothing. The fibres are extensively cleaned to remove dirt, impurities, and lanolin (a greasy substance that naturally occurs in sheep’s wool.)

Which Merino Wool Clothing is Worth It?

My answer to whether Merino wool is worth it depends on what kind of clothing you’re talking about. For things like socks, I recommend it 1000%. For shirts, base layers, underwear, and mid-layers, the answer is a bit more nuanced.

Are Merino Wool Socks Worth It?

Yes! I swear by Merino wool hiking socks.

Since socks need to be extra durable, Merino wool socks are usually expertly blended with nylon and elastane. This means that you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino. But you also get better durability thanks to the nylon. And you get the wicking power of both Merino and nylon – it dries quicker than Merino alone.

I hike exclusively in Merino wool blend socks. My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock and the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.

Are Merino Hiking Shirts Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

Many hikers love wearing Merino wool hiking shirts. They love the temperature regulation that Merino provides. And the anti-microbial properties of Merino make it ideal for backpacking trips when you don’t want to stink day after day.

However, when you wear a Merino wool hiking shirt, the poor durability of Merino wool becomes pretty apparent. And if you sweat a lot when you hike (like me) then you will find yourself soaking wet a lot of the time because Merino wool shirts absorb more water than synthetics and take longer to dry.

I think Merino wool hiking shirts are great for backpacking and for people who don’t sweat too much. They are also great for people who are careful with their gear.

Smartwool’s standard Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a really popular choice for a Merino hiking shirt. My husband has three of them and loves them. He likes that they don’t stink.

I have an Odlo Kinship Performance Wool long sleeve top that I love for cold weather hiking. It’s a wool/polyester/nylon blend that hits the sweat spot of performance for me. (Read my review in my fave gear of 2023 post.)

Are Merino Base Layers Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

The main purpose of a base layer (also known as thermals) is to move moisture away from your skin. Base layers also add warmth through insulation. (However, most of your warmth should come from your mid-layer.)

The thermo-regulation of Merino wool base layers is great for stop-and-start activities like skiing where you generate a lot of heat, but then slow down or stop for long periods and get cold.

Merino’s high warmth-to-weight ratio makes it great for base layers since you can get more warmth with less bulk. I usually sleep in Merino wool base layers when backpacking since they are smaller to pack.

However, for those who sweat a lot, Merino isn’t a good choice for active base layers since they absorb more moisture and take longer to dry.

Durability is also a factor with base layers – the repetitive rubbing of base layers against mid and outer layers in your crotch and armpits leads to pilling and holes far faster with Merino wool than with synthetic fabrics.

Merino wool base layers are great for skiing as long as you don’t run too hot and are ok with the durability issues. They also are great for sleeping in. Otherwise, I think synthetic base layers perform just as well so there isn’t any reason to spend more money on Merino wool.

I love my Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Bottoms for sleeping on backpacking trips since they are lightweight, cozy, and come in fun prints. For snowshoeing, I wear Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Base Layers since they combine Merino and polyester for faster drying times.

Is Merino Wool Underwear Worth It?

Not really.

I’ve heard lots of rave reviews about Merino wool underwear. (And I included a few Merino wool pairs in my guide to the best hiking underwear since some hikers swear by them.) People love it for the same reason they love Merino wool hiking shirts – they are great at temperature regulation and they don’t stink.

But if you sweat a lot, Merino wool underwear is a disaster since it holds moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Merino wool undies are also notorious for getting tons of holes. They often lose their shape a lot faster than synthetics too.

Lots of Merino wool underwear is heavily blended with nylon and elastane to increase durability and dry quicker. This is especially true of sports bras, which need to fit tightly. Some underwear and sports bras marketed as Merino wool contain less than 30% Merino wool… but still carry a full Merino wool price tag! Shop carefully.

If you love the feel of Merino wool and think the expense of Merino underwear is worth it, that’s great. But I don’t think Merino wool underwear is a great option for most people – if you are buying a $40 pair of undies, they shouldn’t get holes, bag out, and chafe your butt!

The only merino wool underwear I can recommend are the Branwyn Essential, although I find they are better for cold weather or less sweaty trips. But the highest rated Merino wool underwear are the women’s Icebreaker Merino Siren and Men’s Icebreaker Anatomica. If you want a Merino sports bra, I like the Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra – but keep in mind that it is only 28% wool and can definitely can get stinky. (Mine is a bit gross.)

Are Merino Wool Mid-Layers Worth It?

No. Synthetics greatly outperform Merino in this category.

Merino performs best when you wear it next to your skin to wick sweat and absorb heat. Merino wool does work as a mid-layer for insulation, but it doesn’t work any better than fleece, synthetic insulation, or down. And you need a much thicker wool mid-layer to get the equivalent warmth that you’d get with fleece, down, or synthetic insulation.

If you like the feel of wool, a blended wool and polyester fleece is a nice option for a casual mid-layer. But it will be heavier than a pure synthetic, dry slower, and be more expensive.

I have an older Smartwool Smartloft Jacket that I got years ago when I was a Smartwool brand amabassador. It has a Merino wool interior that is cozy, especially when layered over a short sleeved shirt. But I don’t find it as versatile to wear as a fleece.

Are Merino Wool Toques/Beanies Worth It?

Yes, if you don’t have sensitive skin.

I love my Smartwool Merino Beanie (called a toque here in Canada) – I’m wearing it in the photo above. It is really warm for the weight, so it doesn’t take up tons of space in my pack. Since I won’t be sweating much when I wear it, I don’t have to worry about it not drying quickly.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you might find that Merino wool itches your forehead a bit. In that case, a grid fleece hat like the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie is a better option. It has the same warmth-to-weight as Merino wool.

Merino Wool Tips

From what to look for when shopping for Merino to how to wash and repair it, here are my top Merino wool tips:

• Choose the right Merino wool weight for your activity: Merino comes in weights from ultra-fine/ultralight light to heavy-weight. Lighter weights are good for warmer weather and more vigorous activity compared to heavier weights. Some brands list the grams per square metre (gsm) weight of the fabric. Look for around 150gsm for lightweight, year-round layers and 250-300gsm for extra warm winter layers.
• Get a close fit: To benefit from Merino wool’s thermoregulating properties, Merino clothing needs to fit close to the skin. It can’t be too baggy.
• Consider Merino wool blends: Merino wool blended with nylon, polyester and/or elastane is more durable, stretchier, and absorbs a bit less water than pure Merino. Some budget brands mix Merino with nylon to bring prices down. But other performance brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker and Odlo, mix Merino wool with other fabrics in innovative ways that boost function and fit. Pay attention to the percentages. You want at least 50% Merino, or else it’s not worth buying. If you prioritize the benefits of Merino but want more durability, look for 80-90% Merino.
• Buy from a brand that specializes in Merino: For the best performance, buy from a Merino wool brand like Smartwool or Icebreaker or an outdoor brand that makes lots of base layers like Patagonia, Odlo, Helly Hansen, and Arc’teryx. They will have the best fit, seam placement, and fabric blends. You can buy cheap Merino base layers from Costco, etc. but in my experience, they are poor quality and don’t last very long.
• Wash Merino carefully. If you baby your Merino wool, it will last. For the longest lifespan, always wash on delicate with wool-specific detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash) and hang to dry. The care label might say regular wash and tumble dry is ok, but that’s because they don’t want to scare you off buying Merino. Trust me, stick with the delicate cycle and hang dry no matter what.
• Repair your Merino. Holes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your gear. Even if you are a terrible sewer, a few minutes with a needle and thread is all it takes to fix a small hole. For big ones, I sew on patches made from a pair of retired Merino base layer bottoms that was beyond repair.

Comparing Merino Wool to Other Fabrics

Most marketing material touts the performance values of merino wool, but doesn’t tell you how Merino stacks up in comparison to other common outdoor fabrics. I pitted Merino wool and against several other outdoor fabrics commonly used for base layers and hiking shirts.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, while polyester is prone to getting stinky. You can buy polyester with anti-odor properties, but it’s either a finish that washes out, or very expensive if it’s embedded in the garment.

For a lot of polyester fabrics, whether it is better than Merino or not, really depends on the type of polyester. In general, Merino is equivalent to or better than some (but not all) polyester fabrics when it comes to breathability, temperature regulation, warmth for weight, next-to-skin comfort, warmth when wet, and moisture-wicking.

All polyester will work better than Merino wool when you compare quick drying, durability, price, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

For hiking and other outdoor sports, Merino wool beats regular wool in pretty much every category except durability and price. It has better temperature regulation, breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and wicking than regular wool. Merino wool and regular wool score about the same when it comes to warmth for weight, warmth when wet, quick drying, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is similar to polyester, but a bit less common. It wicks better, dries faster, and costs less than both polyester and Merino wool. It also gets stinky incredibly easily.

Polypropylene was commonly used in base layers in the 1990s but it is less prevalent now. Helly Hansen makes a lot of polypropylene base layers, some of which they blend with Merino wool. Choose polypropylene over wool if wicking and quick drying are your primary concerns and you can live with the stink.

Merino Wool vs. Modal/Tencel/Lyocell/Viscose/Rayon

Modal, Tencel, Lyocell, Viscose, and rayon are all semi-synthetic fabrics made from wood pulp. Some are softer and more eco-friendly than others (which makes them cost more.) They don’t provide any warmth. These fabrics don’t wrinkle and feel really soft (even softer than Merino), but they aren’t as good at wicking or quick-drying compared to Merino wool or synthetics. None of these fabrics are very good for outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool vs. Alpaca

Alpaca wool fabric is made from the wool of alpacas, a relative of the llama that lives in the South American mountains. Currently, most alpaca garments on the market are intended more for casual wear than for hiking or other outdoor activities. As well, most alpaca garments are heavily blended with other fabrics like nylon for durability or Tencel for softness.

Alpaca wool is softer than Merino. It is also a bit more durable, but still very fragile compared to synthetics. Alpaca is a bit warmer than Merino since its structure creates larger air pockets. (Alpacas need to stay warm in the chilly Andes Mountains!) Alpaca also retains a bit less water than Merino (but still doesn’t dry as fast as polyester or polypropylene).

The alpaca market is still growing so there will likely be a lot of options available in the next few years. But for now, most alpaca products are not high-tech enough for hikers.

Merino Wool vs. Cashmere

Cashmere is made from the wool of Kashmir goats that live in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, and Iraq. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it doesn’t beat Merino in any other category. Cashmere is less durable, harder to wash, and more expensive. As well, cashmere is typically only used in casual wear, not in technical outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool FAQ

Let me answer some of the most common questions about Merino wool:

Is Merino Wool itchy?

No. Most people do not find Merino wool itchy, especially compared to regular wool. However, some people still find Merino wool a tiny bit itchy compared to other fabrics. Merino wool blends are less itchy than pure Merino wool.

Is Merino Wool Soft?

Yes. Merino wool is very soft, especially compared to regular wool. However, it can feel a tiny bit rougher than super soft fabrics like Modal or even some types of polyester.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Merino wool provides great warmth for its weight compared to other fabrics. However, it is also naturally temperature regulating, which makes it great in a range of temperatures.

Is Merino Wool Good for Winter?

Yes. Merino wool base layers can provide lots of warmth, especially mid- and heavy-weight Merino (200-300gsm). However, you will still need insulating mid-layers on top of your Merino.

Is Merino Wool Good For Summer?

Yes. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation so lightweight Merino wool pieces (150gsm) work well in the summer. However, keep in mind that Merino wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like Merino wool for summer use.

Is Merino Wool Washable?

Yes. But it has special washing instructions. To make your Merino wool last, it is best to wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle, use wool-specific detergent, and hang it to dry. The care label on some Merino wool clothing says you can wash it on the regular cycle and tumble dry. But I don’t recommend it unless the Merino is blended with another fabric (for example Merino wool blend hiking socks).

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

Yes. Like most wool, if you wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer, it will shrink at least a little bit. But if you wash it in cold water and hang to dry, it won’t shrink.

Is Merino Wool Expensive?

Yes, compared to other fabrics, Merino wool is quite expensive. That is because Merino wool is expensive to produce – raising and shearing sheep is more expensive than growing cotton or processing petroleum.

So that’s my big explanation of why I think Merino wool isn’t always worth it. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s ok. I’ll be the first one to say that Merino wool is an awesome fabric. It’s just not always the best one to choose for every application.

Do you have more Merino wool questions? Ask them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

The post Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The advice in this guide covers hiking clothing like base layers (long underwear) shirts, pants, fleece jackets, underwear, sports bras, and socks. Rain jackets and down jackets need to be washed differently.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades, mostly in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. (I even wrote a book about it.)

It isn’t that hot here, but it’s pretty humid, which means my hiking clothes are often sweaty and don’t get a chance to dry out until I get home. And all that moisture makes my clothing stink!

I also have hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that makes me sweat more than the average person. Even if I’m not working hard, my shirt, sports bra, underwear, and waistband of my pants are sweaty.

Since I hike a lot, most of my hiking clothes develop a gross funky smell over time. I pull them out of the drawer and they smell fine, but after an hour, you can smell the stink again. So I know a thing or two about getting the smell out of hiking clothes.

In this guide I’ll cover:

• Why do hiking clothes smell bad?
• How to prevent your hiking clothes from smelling bad
• How to get the smell out of hiking clothes
• Stinky hiking clothing myths

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why Do Hiking Clothes Stink?

When you hike, you sweat. Sweat itself doesn’t have any odor. But the bacteria and microbes on your skin loves moist environments. So when you sweat, that bacteria thrives, stinking up your armpits, crotch, feet, and anywhere else you sweat a lot.

Most hiking clothing wicks sweat and dries quickly, but unfortunately the bacteria don’t evaporate with the sweat – they stay in your clothes.. And hikers often wear their clothing on multi-day backpacking trips, building up sweat and bacteria for days, which translates into stinky hiking clothing.

Sometimes, that bacteria sticks around even after washing, which makes hiking clothing hold its smell and stink even when it’s “clean”. But you don’t have to get rid of it. Read on to find out how to get the smell out of your hiking clothes.

How to Prevent Your Hiking Clothes From Smelling Bad

Understand Which Fabrics Get Stinkier Than Others

Hiking clothing is typically made of synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Another option is merino wool. Some fabrics hold on to smell more than others.

In general, wool is naturally anti-microbial, so it is much less likely to get stinky. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics tend to breed more microbes, leading to stink.

Synthetics tend to get get smelly because they don’t have the same anti-microbial properties. Nylon and polyester get stinky at about the same rate.

Curious if Merino wool is worth it? Read my Merino wool explainer and decide for yourself.

Choose Odor-Resistant Finishes and Fabrics

Cheap hiking clothes are just made with regular polyester and nylon. I find that my workout shirts and sports bras from Old Navy or Champion hold smells way more than my gear from Patagonia or Outdoor Research.

That’s because high-end hiking clothing often has an anti-microbial odor-resistant finish or uses an odor-resistant fabric.

Check labels and product information for brand name technologies such as Polygiene, ActiveFresh, Silverscent, or HeiQ. Or it might just be called “anti-odor” or “anti-microbial”.

There are two forms of this technology: an odor-resistant finish or an odor-resistant fabric. They both use silver-based additives that stop bacteria from reproducing.

The finishes are applied to fabric, which means that over time they will wash out. Odor-resistant fabrics have silver incorporated right into the fabric, so it will last for the lifetime of your garment.

Just a heads up: Some silver-based anti-odor treatments (mostly the no-name ones) have negative environmental impacts. If you are concerned, do some research and see if the benefits outweigh the impacts for you.

Wash ASAP

Don’t let bacteria and body oils soak into your hiking clothes – wash them as soon as possible. That way the odors won’t have time to develop.

Air It Out

If you can’t wash your hiking clothes right away, don’t leave them wet in your laundry hamper. That just provides a great breeding ground for bacteria and leads to more bad smells.

Hang them up to air out and dry. Inside out is best since there are more bacteria and oil on the inside of your clothing. On backpacking trips, I hang my hiking shirt, sports bra, and underwear up on a tree branch to dry out.

Soak It

If you are at home, soaking is an even better option than airing it out. Fill a bucket with cold water and add one cup of baking soda. Instead of baking soda, you can also add a little bit of detergent, vinegar, or some lemon juice.

Soaking your hiking clothes for as little as 30 minutes can make a big difference. But you can leave them as long as you need (within reason). When it’s time to do laundry, squeeze the water out, then pop your clothes in the washing machine as usual.

Clean Your Washing Machine

Until it started to smell, I didn’t know you were supposed clean your washing machine! I figured since it regularly has soap and hot water in it, it had to be clean.

It turns out oil, dirt, and residue can build up inside washing machines, which causes mold to grow, and that can get into your clothing. Front loaders need cleaning more often than to loaders.

Check your washing machine’s manual for cleaning instructions. Some have a cleaning setting. In general, you can run your washing machine on the hottest water setting and add a little bit of bleach or a few cups of vinegar or baking soda. But don’t ever combine them as that can be dangerous!

You can also use a dilute bleach or vinegar solution to clean the inside of the drum as well as the door seal and detergent drawer on front load washing machines.

I also like to use Affresh washing machine cleaning tablets every few months as they foam up to break down residue that can stuck in the crevices of my-front loading machine. It’s also much less work than hand-scrubbing.

How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes

Turn Inside Out When Washing

Your sweat, oil, and bacteria build up on the inside of your hiking clothes. So if you turn them inside out when you wash them, it’s easier for the detergent to get at the stinkiest parts of your clothes.

Use an Odor-Fighting Detergent

There are lots of odor-fighting detergents on the market designed to get sweat smells out of clothing.

But not all detergents are created equal. Lots of hiking clothing has a DWR (durable water repellency) or a finish designed to enhance wicking. Regular detergents can destroy these finishes.

Read the label on the detergent carefully to see what kinds of fabrics and clothing items it is recommended for. Some detergents contain bleach, which can damage synthetic fabrics and wool. And some contain enzymes, which are great for fighting odor, but will destroy wool.

For hiking clothing, look for detergents marketed as sports detergents.

I’ve used a few different types of odor-fighting detergents over the years. Right now my favourites are Nikwax Basewash and Sports Suds. Sport Suds is Canadian and a bit less expensive, but I think Nikwax works a little bit better.

Use the Right Detergent For the Fabric

Sports detergents or regular laundry detergent works well on synthetics like nylon and polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial and can go longer between washings. But it does need to be washed eventually! Merino wool lasts the longest if you use special detergent.

The enzymes in some detergents can eat at the natural fibres of wool hiking clothing, breaking them down. I use Nikwax Wool Wash since it is designed to clean wool. Nikwax also claims that it helps improve wicking and accelerate drying, which leads to less microbe build-up.

Try An Enzyme Cleaner

Heavy-duty enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle (for pet accidents) or Revivex Odor Eliminator (previous called MiraZyme and sold as a wetsuit cleaner) can help get the smell out of your hiking clothes. Both are fairly concentrated and expensive, so I don’t use them often.

I also find that sports detergents work fine on most smells – I don’t have to resort to using an enzyme cleaner.

And beware – don’t use these on wool. The enzymes break it down.

Use Hot Water

Hot water kills bacteria. Check the labels on your hiking clothing and wash them in the hottest water they can withstand.

But be careful with merino wool – hot water will shrink it! Always wash wool garments in cold water.

Add Baking Soda or Vinegar to Your Washing Machine

Baking soda and white vinegar are both natural ways to fight odors. You can add one cup of either to your washing machine each time you do a load of stinky hiking clothes. But don’t add both at once – that will create a science fair-style foamy eruption.

Skip the Dryer

The high heat of the dryer binds bacteria and body oils to fabric, which locks in the sink. Hang your hiking clothing to dry instead.

If possible, hang it in the direct sun where UV rays can further break down microbes and kill odor. However, drying your hiking clothes in the sun will fade their colors.

A bonus of air drying is that it will prolong the life of your hiking clothes. Most hiking clothing is made of technical fabrics with stretch properties. Air drying helps them keep their shape and won’t break down the elastic fibres they need to stay stretchy.

Don’t Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners make your clothing feel soft by coating them with a thin layer of waxy chemicals. That coating traps microbes, which makes your clothes stink.

It also impedes wicking and water repellency finishes as well as overall breathability – and those features are why you bought hiking clothing in the first place!

When in Doubt, Re-Wash

Give your clothing a sniff when once you have washed and dried it. Do they still smell? If so, try washing them again, perhaps with a specialty anti-odor detergent or with some added baking soda or vinegar in the washing machine.

I also find that sometimes clothing smells fine after it’s washed, but within an hour of putting it on, it smells again. In that case, I make sure to run it through an extra special cleaning process: a pre-soak, then a wash with anti-odor detergent, then line drying in the sun.

Stinky Hiking Clothing Myths

Freezing Your Clothing Will Get the Stink Out

You might have seen recommendations online to put your stinky clothing (especially jeans) in the freezer instead of washing them.

According to microbiologists, the microbes that live on your clothing are happiest living at human body temperature. However, many of them are adapted to survive low temperatures. So once your clothing warms up, the microbes wake back up and go back to being stinky.

That means that putting your clothing in the freezer won’t get the smell out.

Adding More Detergent Will Get Your Clothes Cleaner

Your instinct might be to douse your stinky hiking clothes in detergent. But if excess detergent isn’t completely rinsed out of your clothes, it provides a breeding ground for fungus and mildew. And that will just make your clothing smell even more!

Febreze Gets the Smell Out of Your Clothes

Febreze doesn’t get the smell out of clothes – it just stops them from smelling bad. I can hear you asking: “Isn’t that the same thing?” Nope!

It just hides the smell – it doesn’t get it out. Febreze uses chemical compounds called cyclodextrins made of sugar molecules to trap odor-causing molecules. The molecules are still there – but they are surrounded by cyclodextrins so they don’t smell bad.

If you spray Febreze on your shirt, it will stop smelling bad. But when you wash your shirt, you’ll wash out the Febreze. And if the odor molecules don’t get washed out as well, your hiking shirt will still smell terrible.

Febreze (especially unscented Febreze) is great for hard-to-wash hiking gear like sleeping bags or hiking boots, but it won’t permanently get the smell out of your hiking clothes.

So that’s everything you need to know about getting the smell out of your hiking clothes. Do you have tips to share or questions about getting your gear back to its pre-stink days? Leave them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• 19 Best Hiking Leggings of 2023
• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes: The Best Brands and Where to Find Them
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking

The post How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I definitely had all of these questions when I first started winter hiking and snowshoeing, and through years of trial and error (oh so many errors!), I’ve come up with a bunch of pretty good winter hiking outfits that work for a variety of cold temperatures.

So here it is – my guide for what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. In includes:

• How to dress in layers: What is each layer called and what is it for?
• Base layers for winter hiking: recommendations for long underwear tops and bottoms
• Mid layers: When do you want a fleece jackets vs. an insulated down or synthetic puffy?
• Outer layer jackets: What to look for in a waterproof breathable jacket
• Outer layer pants: What kind of pants should you wear for winter hiking? (Ski pants, rain pants, soft shell pants, or winter tights?)
• Boots for winter hiking: Insulation and waterproofness are key!
• Socks: Warm, cozy, and blister-preventing
• Gaiters: Keep the snow out of your boots
• Snowshoes and microspikes: Add traction and flotation in snow and ice
• Accessories to keep you warm: hats, gloves, and neck gaiters (buffs)
• Winter hiking checklist: use this list of winter hiking clothing to plan your next trip

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How Cold Will it Be?

The first thing to do is figure out how cold it will be. Don’t just look at the weather forecast for your city – the temperatures can be MUCH colder in the mountains. Use my picks for The Best Weather Apps for Hiking to get a better idea of the forecast on the trails.

In my hometown of Squamish, BC, our winters are typically not that cold: temperatures between +5°C and -10°C (41°F and 14°F) in the mountains are pretty typical.

In that climate, as long as you are moving and not taking long breaks, you won’t need any Everest expedition-level super warm clothing.

If you are heading out in colder temperatures, you will obviously need warmer clothing.

Dress in Layers

The secret to staying comfortable while winter hiking or snowshoeing is layering. You take off layers when you get too hot and add more when it cools down.

It’s also important to wear the RIGHT amount of layers. If you wear too many, you’ll overheat and sweat. Then when you stop, all that cold perspiration in your clothing will cool you down too quickly, or even worse, turn to ice.

My winter hiking and snowshoeing mantra is “Be bold, start cold”. I always wear less layers to start with since I know I’ll warm up as I move. I carry warm gear in my pack to put on when I stop.

The classic layering system consists of a base layer, mid layer and outer layers. Here’s what each layer does:

• Base layer: Wicks sweat and provides warmth.

• Mid-layer: Provides customizable warmth that you can add or subtract depending on the temperature and how hard you are working.

• Outer-layer: Provides protection from wind and rain.

I’ve got details on each of those layers below.

Base Layers to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

A good winter hiking outfit starts with a warm and wicking base layer (also known as long underwear). If you are starting from scratch, choose mid-weight base layer pants and a long sleeved mid-weight base layer top.

Polyester and merino wool are both great options for fabric that retains warmth even if you get wet. I mostly wear polyester since it’s cheaper and more durable, but merino wool can be great if you can afford it. (Read my guide to whether Merino wool is worth it for more info.)

If you get cold easily, live in a very cold climate, or plan to go winter camping, consider getting heavy-weight base layers instead of mid-weight.

For synthetic base layers, I like Patagonia’s Capilene Midweight collection. It has a subtle grid-texture on the inside that traps warmth without adding bulk.

If you’re looking for merino wool base layers, I love the Smartwool Classic Thermal series. It provides the right amount of warmth for snowshoeing. Their base layer bottoms have a wide waistband that stays put. (And they come in fun patterns too).

Underwear

You’ll also need to wear quick-drying underwear underneath your base layer. (Skip the cotton – it will just get soggy with sweat!) Read my guide to hiking underwear to find out which ones are best.

Mid Layers to Wear Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

The next layer is the mid-layer. The main job of the mid-layer is to provide extra warmth. This is the most customizable layer – choose a warmer mid-layer for cold conditions and a lighter one for milder weather.

Your mid-layer is also the layer that you will take on and off the most as the temperature changes or your exertion level increases or decreases.

Mid-Layer Jackets: Fleece vs. Synthetic Insulated vs. Down

A lightweight insulated puffy jacket or a mid-weight high-loft fleece jacket is a good option to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing for extra warmth. Or just keep it in your bag to throw on while taking breaks.

There are two types of jackets to consider: fleeces and insulated jackets.

Fleece jackets provide a moderate amount of warmth and wick sweat, so they are great to wear when you are moving fast or in mild weather.

In colder weather you will want an insulated puffy jacket for extra warmth. I prefer to snowshoe and winter hike in a fleece jacket, then carry a lightweight down jacket to put on when I take breaks or if it’s extra cold.

For insulated puffy jackets you have a choice between down and synthetic insulation. Many people like the warmth and compressibility of a down jacket. A synthetic jacket can be a better choice in damp conditions such as humid coastal climates, temperatures close to freezing, or during sweaty activities.

Synthetic jackets dry faster than down and keep you warm even when wet. But they aren’t as light or compressible. Down jackets don’t provide any warmth once they are wet and take a long time to dry.

Fleece Jackets

I have a few fleece jackets but I love, but most of them are discontinued. In general, I look for fleeces that have a bit of stretch. I also like grid fleece since it breathes well but still provide lots of warmth.

One of my faves that is still available is the MEC Rockwall Fleece. It has a smooth water resistant outer face but is fleecy and soft on the inside. It’s also pretty stretchy.

Insulated Puffy Jackets

I have a ton of puffy jackets, so I find it hard to choose which one to bring on some trips. For a synthetic puffy, I reach for my Arc’teryx Proton most often. It’s really breathable, and the synthetic insulation keeps me warm even when its wet.

Sometimes I also pack my Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket if it is going to be really cold. It’s super warm and squishes down really small so it is great to have in my pack. Since it is down, I save it to wear when I’m taking a break since (like all down jackets) it doesn’t deal with sweat well.

Mid-Layer Bottoms: Fleece Pants

For midlayer bottoms some people like to wear lightweight fleece pants. I find fleece pants are too warm to wear when snowshoeing, especially if I’m wearing long johns or tights.  

Unless you are really a cold person or out in very cold temperatures, I’d go with either a baselayer or a midlayer on the bottom but not both. I have an older pair of MEC Trek pants that I wear for winter camping.

Outer Layers Jackets for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Even in nice weather, it’s important to have an outer layer for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Your outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. I often winter hike in just my base layer under my outer layer (no mid-layer).

For hiking in any season, you need a rain jacket since it can rain or snow at any time of year in the mountains.

Make sure you choose a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable so you don’t sweat inside it.  That usually means a jacket with Gore-Tex or another waterproof breathable technology. (Check out my guide to why rain jackets wet out to learn more about waterproofing.)

There are lots of technologies out there and many brands use their own, but as long as the jacket is advertised as a waterproof breathable garment, you can be sure it is waterproof.  

If you spend more money for Gore-Tex or another branded technology you’ll often get more durability and a lot more breathability, but the waterproofness straight off the shelf will be comparable to the cheap jackets.

I like high quality waterproof breathable jackets to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing since the consequences of getting wet are so much higher when it’s cold out.

I just upgraded to the Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket. (The men’s version is called the Foray.) It’s a durable 3-layer waterproof breathable jacket with a bit of stretch so it’s comfortable to wear. I also love the huge pit zips which are great for venting heat when I’m working hard or giving me access to the pockets in my mid layer.

Outer Layer Pants for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

You have a few choices when it comes to picking a type of outer pants for snowshoeing or winter hiking. The type you choose will depend on your budget, how cold it is where you hike and what style of hiking you do.

Below I’ve got info on winter tights, soft shell pants, rain pants, insulated ski pants, and insulated skirts.

Winter Tights/Leggings

In mild-weather or when I plan to do a short hike where I’ll be working hard, I often wear winter tights for snowshoeing.

I have a pair of Athleta Altitude Leggings that I love so much I bought a second pair. They are made of stretchy and warm Polartec fleece. (These aren’t the crappy yoga tights with a fuzzy lining that you see on Amazon.) I wear them on their own without a base layer when it’s cold but not windy.

If it’s windy, I like leggings with a fleece lining and wind resistant outer fabric. I keep a pair of rain pants or an insulated skirt in my backpack to put on overtop in case it gets cold. (More on those below.)

I have an older pair of discontinued winter biking tights that I wear for snowshoeing and winter hiking. They have a cozy fleece lining and windproof panels on the front only, since they’re designed for biking.

Tights designed for cross-country skiing will also be great for snowshoeing since they have windproof panels. Craft, Swix, and Salomon all make great options.

READ NEXT: 18 Best Hiking Leggings

Soft Shell Pants

For most trips, I like to wear softshell pants for winter hiking and snowshoeing since they are wind resistant and water resistant.

Key point: they aren’t waterproof so they won’t hold up to constant rain, siting in the snow, or bum sliding.

They are also quite breathable so they are good for days when you are working hard or it’s not that cold.

There are a few softshell pants on the market designed for snowshoeing or winter hiking, but I’ve found that pants designed for ski touring also work really well for snowshoers. Many softshell pants designed for winter have a thin fleecy layer inside for extra warmth so on warmer days you can skip a baselayer.

I have an old pair version of the MEC Tobo soft shell pants. They breathe well but still block the wind. They also shed snow but won’t stand up to heavy rain.

Ski touring pants like the Outdoor Research Cirque pants are similar. They are built for ski touring and have a fleece lining.

Rain Pants

Many people (including me) like to wear waterproof breathable rain pants over their base layer for winter hiking and snowshoeing. They are windproof so they’ll retain body heat. This means you might get overheated in them, so get ones with zippered leg vents if you run hot.

They also tend to be light weight and packable so you can take them off on bluebird days and just go in your tights or long johns. And since they are totally waterproof they are the best option for days where it is sleeting, for sitting in the snow, or for bum-sliding.

The bonus is that you can use them as rain pants at other times of the year so you don’t have to buy a dedicated pair of winter pants.

I have the MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Pants. I love them since they have 3/4 length zips for easy on/off. I’ve worn them on countless summer backpacking trips and winter hikes. I also love that the fabric stretches a little so they are more comfortable.

Insulated Ski Pants

Another option for winter hiking and snowshoeing is to wear ski or snowboard pants.  Many people already have these in their closets. If you don’t, they are easy to find at used gear shops or on clearance at ski stores. 

Most of them have good waterproofness, although they often aren’t as waterproof as rain pants.  Most ski pants are insulated which can be too warm for hiking in, especially in warmer weather. It’s waaay too easy to overheat and start to sweat.

If you want to snowshoe or winter hike in ski pants, I recommend you buy a cheap pair. You don’t need to worry about durability the way you would with ski pants since you won’t be falling down on them. (Or I hope you won’t anyway!)

There are tons of budget options on Amazon, but insulated ski pants from Arctix get the best ratings.

If you want insulated pants from a more reputable brand, Columbia’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow pants are value-price, but great quality.

Insulated Skirts

When I first heard about insulated skirts I thought they were silly and for people who cared about fashion. But I’ve since come around to the conclusion that they are so functional!

Often when you’re exercising in cold weather your butt and thighs get cold but the rest of your legs are warm. That’s where insulated skirts come in.

I got an insulated skirt a few years ago and have worn it a LOT the past three winters. I like to layer it over winter tights. If I get really warm, I take it off and stow it in my pack, then put it back on when I take a break or cool down. Some have a full side zip so they are easy to take on and off.

I have a Smartwool Smartloft Skirt. It has stretchy and warm side panels with insulation on the front and back. Since it’s from Smartwool, the waistband and inside lining are cozy merino wool.

READ NEXT: Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails

Boots for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

If you already own waterproof hiking boots, they will work great for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Just make sure they are really waterproof. If they’re not, the heat from your feet will melt any snow on the outside, which will leak inside and cause cold feet. Brrr!

If you snowshoe regularly, I recommend investing in a pair of insulated winter hiking boots. Read my guide to the best boots for snowshoeing to learn what features to look for in snowshoeing boots.

(Tip: Winter hiking can cause blisters since the slippery snow moves your foot around inside your boots. Get my tips for preventing blisters.)

I wear Salomon Vaya Powder insulated hiking boots for snowshoeing. They are warm, have ankle support, and are totally waterproof. Unfortunately, they are discontinued.

I recommend you check out the Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot Waterproof Winter Boots. I’ve been wearing the summer version of these boots for years and love them.

Socks for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Comfortable hiking socks are one of the keys to happy winter hiking and snowshoeing. I wear thicker wool socks in the winter time to add warmth. Make sure your socks fit well and aren’t too thick for your shoes. Read my tips for preventing blisters.

My favourite socks for winter hiking are the Darn Tough Midweight Hiker Socks since they last forever.

If you get really cold feet, an easy way to add warmth when you snowshoe is heated socks. I haven’t tried them yet, but a friend with Reynaud’s disease (a circulatory disorder that causes cold hands and feet) swears by heated socks. The have a small battery pack and you can control the temperature with an app on your phone.

These heated socks from Amazon get good reviews are are pretty reasonably price. are a few different heated sock companies out there, but I’ve heard good things about Hotronic heated socks.

Gaiters for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Even if you have waterproof boots, you can’t really go out in the snow without a pair of gaiters. These bridge the gap between the top of your boots and the bottom of your pants and make sure you don’t get snowy socks.  Even really basic and cheap water resistant ones will be fine, but you can’t skip these.

I’ve had a pair of MEC Kokanee Gore Tex gaiters for years. They have been on countless snowshoe trips and I also love them for coastal hiking.

Any waterproof or water resistant gaiters will work for winter hiking and snowshoeing (the Gore Tex is for breathability for summer use in sand and mud).

Snowshoes and Microspikes for Winter Hiking

For deep snow, of course you will need snowshoes. (I’ve got a whole guide on how to choose snowshoes if you need help!)

I love my MSR Lighting Ascent snowshoes since they are lightweight but grip well on steep slopes.

When the snow is not very deep or the trails are icy you still need something to keep you from slipping. (Slip and fall cause the most common snowshoe and winter hiking injuries. Read my post about snowshoeing safety to learn how to prevent them.)

That’s where crampons or microspikes come in. They come along in my pack for every winter hike since I never know when I might need them. (Read my guide to crampons vs. microspikes vs. snowshoes to understand the difference between these traction devices and when to use them.)

For microspikes, I can’t say enough good things about my Kahtoola Microspikes. They are easy to put on but provide lots of grip.

Accessories to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

When you’re out freezing weather, your hands and head often feel cold first, so make sure you wear a warm hat and some gloves.  

Actually you’ll probably want two pairs of gloves: one pair of lightweight fleece gloves and one pair of insulated and waterproof or water resistant ski gloves or mitts.  It’s good to have both since your hands will be warmer while you are moving, but cold when you stop or when you are exposed to the wind.

Pretty much any basic fleece gloves will be great for winter hiking or snowshoeing. I like ones with touchscreen pads so I can still use my phone.

Make sure you bring waterproof insulated ski gloves too. I actually prefer mittens since they keep your fingers warmer.

Another accessory that I like to bring is a wool or fleece buff/neck gaiter.  You can wear it as a headband, as a hat,  around your neck or over your nose and mouth – I always bring one and always find a use for it. I always bring a merino wool buff (in fact I have three of them!)

Winter Hiking Checklist

Make sure you have everything you need before you head out on your next winter hike or snowshoeing trip. Here’s a winter hiking checklist that includes everything you need to wear for winter hiking and snowshoeing:

• Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer top
• Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer bottoms
• Quick-drying synthetic or merino wool underwear and sports bra
• Warm merino wool or synthetic hiking socks
• Mid-layer jacket: insulated down or synthetic jacket and/or fleece jacket
• Mid-layer fleece pants (optional – likely only for very cold weather)
• Waterproof breathable rain jacket
• Outer layer bottoms: rain pants, winter tights, soft shell pants, ski pants, or insulated skirt
• Warm wool or fleece beanie hat/toque
• Wool neck gaiter (buff)
• Fleece gloves
• Insulated ski gloves or mittens
• Waterproof hiking boots or insulated hiking boots
• Snowshoes
• Microspikes
• Waterproof or water-resistant gaiters

So that’s my run-down on what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. I know that this layering system will  keep you warm and dry on your next winter hike. Just remember not to let yourself overheat and get sweaty! Do you have tips for winter hiking clothing? Leave them in the comments.

More Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Posts:

• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (25+ Ideas)
• Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?

More Hiking Gear Posts:

• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

The post What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve teamed up with eleven other female hikers and adventure travelers to highlight our favourite women’s hiking clothing and why it works for our particular body type. All types of women get outside: curvy women, petite women, tall women, slim women, plus size women, etc. And we should be able to find hiking clothing that works for us.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Jackets and Tops

Best Women’s Rain Jacket for Straight Figures: The North Face Resolve Jacket

Laura from An Ordinary Existence loves her The North Face Resolve Jacket since it fits her straight figure and keeps out the rain. She says:

I have a hard time finding functional jackets that fit well. It seems that in an effort to make women’s clothing more “flattering,” many gear companies go overboard with cinching the waistline and that just doesn’t work with my body type (think more ruler than hourglass). The North Face Resolve Jacket is one of the few I’ve found that fits comfortably, packs well, and actually keeps the rain off. The interior mesh lining helps with breathability and the high neckline keeps the elements out when the weather gets really nasty. I’ve gotten loads of use out of this jacket and it’s proven to be very durable. Not only is it my go-to spring and fall coat, but I’ve also worn it while backpacking the Chilkoot Trail, hiking in the Canadian Rockies, working on the farm, and playing at the cabin. It’s gotten me through everything from a light drizzle on a city street to driving rain and sleet while navigating a mountain pass.

Check prices for the The North Face Resolve Jacket: Amazon | REI | Backcountry.com

Follow along with Laura’s adventures on Instagram.

Best Women’s Rain Jacket for Slim Builds: Berghaus Paclite Jacket

Becky of Becky the Traveller raves about her Berghaus Paclite Jacket. She loves that it packs down small and looks stylish on her petite frame.  She says:

The Berghaus Paclite Jacket is perfect for my hiking trips. For starters, it’s pink and I love pink haha. But it’s also super lightweight so easy to pop into your bag on those hiking trips when you’re not sure what the weather is doing, very common here in the UK! As a slim build, I love a jacket that fits me well so that I’m comfortable but also that it looks nice too. There’s nothing wrong with looking stylish when you’re hiking (or trying to!!) At the moment, I’ve worn the jacket mainly on my UK hiking trips to the lovely Peak District and Wales. But it was also very handy on my latest trip to Berlin, when you’re taking cabin luggage only you need to pack light, this jacket easily fits in and saves you getting wet! I’d certainly recommend this jacket to any fellow hiker, it’s good piece of clothing to have for most weather conditions.

Check prices for the Berghaus Paclite Jacket: Amazon | Backcountry.com

To read more of Becky’s thoughts on this jacket, head on over to her blog to read the full review.

READ NEXT: Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?

Best Rain Jacket for Curvy Women: Helly Hansen Kirkwall Rain Coat

Liza from Tripsget recommends her yellow Helly Hansen Kirkwall Rain Coat for curvy women who go on less strenuous hikes. She says:

I really like my yellow rain coat from Helly Hansen. It suits any body type (hey, who looks bad in a really nice and bright rain coat?) and even though I’m quite curvy, I still look good in this coat. It’s perfect for hiking in colder and rainier countries, like Ireland and Scotland – that’s where I used the rain coat the most. It’s absolutely waterproof and if you wear it together with some rubber boots, you will be dry even during a heavy rain (especially if you’re hiking on the Isle of Skye). The only downside is that it gets really hot when you climb the hills or really tall mountains, so it’s more suitable for hiking in rather flat territories.

Check prices for the Helly Hansen Kirkwall Rain Coat: Amazon | REI | Backcountry.com

See more of Liza’s travels on Instagram.

Best Women’s Puffy Jacket for Long Torsos: Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody

Lauren of Outside Vibe Photography finds that her Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody fits her long torso and keeps her warm on all her adventures.

The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody has become one of my go to pieces of outdoor clothing. It’s lightweight, packable, windproof, water resistant and warm. I carry it on day hikes and backpacking trips in Alaska for a “summit shell” and as my warm layer/camp coat. It goes in my paddling dry bag and my airline carry-on. I wear it as a mid-layer when downhill skiing. I pretty much take this jacket everywhere.

I’m 5’4”, have an average build and a long torso – some tops are too short and leave part of my low back exposed when bending over. Not my Nano Puff. It’s a roomy enough that I can fit extra layers underneath, but slim enough that I don’t feel bulky wearing it as a layering piece.

Check prices for the Patagonia Nano Puffy Hoody: Amazon | REI | Backcountry.com | Patagonia.com

You can see more of Lauren’s outdoor adventures on her Instagram.

READ NEXT: 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

Best Midlayer for Curvy Women: SCOTTeVest Chloe Glow Hoodie

Micki of The Barefoot Nomad likes how her SCOTTeVest Chloe Glow hoodie transitions easily from trails to sidewalks and fits her curves. She says:

I do a lot of day hiking as I travel, so I’m always on the lookout for gear that can go effortlessly between the airport and the hiking trail. My favorite article of double duty hiking gear is my women’s SCOTTeVest Chloe Glow hoodie. The best feature is all the pockets (15 of them!) that can easily hold my phone, passport, wallet, sunscreen and a few snacks for the trail. As a curvy woman, I love that it’s tapered to fit women well, and that it looks just as good in the city as on the trail. My only negative is that it gets too hot for hiking anywhere the temperature is above around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so I use it almost exclusively in cooler weather like we gave at home in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada.

Check prices on the SCOTTeVest Chloe Glow Hoodie: Amazon

To hear more about much Micki likes this hoodie (including why she wore it every day for a month), check out the full review on her website.

Best Women’s Fleece for Pear Shapes: Icepeak Sesil Midlayer

Tereza from Czickontheroad loves wearing her Icepeak Sesil midlayer for hiking since it fits her wide hips and narrow torso. She says:

I wear my Icepeak hoodie on every hike. Its defined as a midlayer but I mostly use it as an upper layer when it gets a bit colder. I have wider hips and narrower torso, and often, jackets are too tight around my hips and too loose around my chest, but this one fits perfectly. I also sweat a lot during hikes, no matter the temperature, this midlayer dries quickly so I don’t have to carry another one with me.

Check prices for the Icepeak Sesil midlayer: Amazon

Best Women’s Vest for Petite Hikers: ExOfficio Flyq Lite Vest

Meghan of Meghan the Traveling Teacher loves all the pockets her in ExOfficio Flyq Lite Vest and that it fits her petite frame.

As a petite girl who loves adventure, I’ve been lucky enough to try out a lot of different pieces of gear. My favorite by far has to be my ExOfficio Vest that I bought before my trek to Machu Picchu. I love this vest and have used it over and over on my big adventurous trips like a safari in Botswana and hikes through the Grand Canyon. The reason I love this vest is because it is so versatile and really saves you from having to carry a ton in your pack. The vest itself has a really nice lining and keeps you warm enough while hiking without over heating. It also includes 11 pockets which makes it easy to carry the gear you need on you without having to constantly go into your pack if you’re on a longer trek like to Machu Picchu.  I’ve used mine over and over – I’m so happy I have it!

Check prices on the ExOfficio Flyq Lite Vest: Amazon | Backcountry.com

See more of Meghan’s adventures on Instagram.

Bottoms

Best Hiking Shorts for Curvy Women: Black Diamond Valley Shorts

I’ve always had trouble finding quick-drying hiking shorts to fit my curvy body. I want shorts that aren’t too tight, fit over my wide hips, don’t leave a gap at my lower back and aren’t too short. I’ve had my Black Diamond Valley Shorts for a few years now and they fit all my requirements: They are made of a lightweight material that stretches and breathes well. There’s no gap at the waist since they have a built in waist adjustment strap. And they come in a longer length that gives me more coverage and protects my legs from scratches. These are my go-to shorts for day hiking and backpacking in British Columbia and they were essential on my trip to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal.

Check prices for the Black Diamond Valley Shorts: Amazon | Backcountry.com | BlackDiamond.com

Find out more about what to pack for trekking in Nepal in my complete Annapurna Base Camp packing list.

Best Hiking Capris for Petite Women: Columbia Silver Ridge Stretch Capris

Margie from DQ Family Travel loves the way her Columbia Silver Ridge Stretch Capris fit her petite body that she has then in three different colours! She says:

I have these capri pants in 3 different colors (light gray, tan and charcoal). They are my “go-to” bottoms. I love that they are lightweight, water repellent, barely wrinkle and have a side pocket for storage. They fit me perfectly. I am petite (5″3) and wear a size 2. Columbia Sportswear is very accurate with its sizing (meaning I can rest assured that I am a 2 in every bottom I buy from them). I use these capri pants all the time to travel, hike and just go about my daily life. I live in Miami (where it is hot year round), and they are a constant in my outfit rotation. In the picture above, I used them while day hiking in Acadia National Park.

Check prices for the Columbia Silver Ridge Stretch Capris: Amazon | Backcountry.com | Columbia.com

You can follow Margie’s family travel adventures on her Instagram.

Best Hiking Pants for Petite and Curvy Women: Prana Halle Pants

Melissa from The Family Voyage likes her Prana Halle pants for hiking and travel since they fit her petite, curvy body. She says:

I love my new(ish) Prana Halle pants! They fit much nicer than my old men’s and boy’s pants, but are still extremely comfortable for even the longest trails. The best part? They come in tons of sizes and three different lengths to fit lots of body shapes. The waist closes with a button AND a hidden drawstring inside to fit my petite, hourglass body. I wore them all over Patagonia and New Zealand and look forward to wearing them in America when we return from our family gap year!

Check prices for the Prana Halle pants: Amazon | REI | Backcountry.com

To hear more about her family trip to Patagonia, check out her 2 week itinerary for visiting Patagonia with kids.

Best Hiking and Travel Pants for Tall and Thin Women: Lululemon Wunder Under Yoga Pants

Kristin of Be My Travel Muse loves her Lululemon Wunder Under Yoga Pants for trekking all over the world since they fit her tall and thin body type. She says:

These pants are amazing. They’re thick, flattering, and they dry quickly. I love that the fabric is breathable, and while they’re not waterproof, I still love them for trekking because they don’t cause me to sweat like Gore-tex does. I have put them through all kinds of rough terrain and weather, and they’ve lasted me for years and dozens of treks, including several 8-day backpacking trips. They’re yoga pants, so they fit nice and snugly and can flatter most body types. They’re a snug, skin-hugging fit all the way down, with fabric that expands to fit rather than squeeze. I have a tall and thin frame and I find they’re just long enough on me, bunching a little bit at the bottom. 

Check prices on the Lululemon Wunder Under Yoga Pants: Amazon

Read more about Kristin’s hiking adventures in her guide to the 20 Best Hiking Trails in the World.

Best Winter Hiking Pants for Curvy Women: Quechua Warm Snow Hiking Trousers

Tereza from Czickontheroad likes the way her Quechua Warm Snow Hiking Trousers fit her wide hips. She says:

Buying trousers is always a horror for me because I have wider hips compared to the rest of my body. Most of the trousers are therefore too big or too tight. Quechua winter pants fit perfectly, the trousers legs are not too wide, so it doesn’t make that hippies look, but they are wide enough to pull them over big alpine shoes. The back part is slightly elevated, which is great to tuck in undershirts for better coverage of my lumber part. They are very comfortable to wear and flexible – even for an ice-climbing. If they weren’t so warm, I would wear them every day, because they make me feel good and pretty 😀

Read more about Tereza’s ice climbing adventure on Huayna Potosi, a 6000m peak in Bolivia.

READ NEXT: What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Best Insulated Skirt for Petite Women: Marmot Pip Insulated Skirt

Amanda of Every Two Pines likes to snowshoe with an insulated skirt to keep her butt warm. What an awesome idea! She likes the way the Marmot Pip Insulated Skirt fits her petite frame. She says:

I stood next to a frozen lake with wind whipping through my legs as I attempted to scarf down a sandwich. As I grabbed my down jacket and wrapped it around my freezing buttocks, I suddenly realized the genius of a down skirt. I am a petite woman who loves to snowshoe, often trying to ride the line between overheating while ascending a snowy mountain and freezing as soon as I stop moving. A zip-on down skirt allows me to quickly layer up and keep my core warm, while keeping hypothermia at bay. It insulates my legs when I sit on the snow, and provides the perfect extra layer when snow camping. When it is time to start moving again, the easy zipper system allows it to come right off. It packs small, is easy to carry, and I never leave home without it during Washington’s winters.

Check prices on the Marmot Pip Insulated Skirt: REI

What is your favourite piece of hiking clothing and how does it work for your body type? Share your women’s hiking clothing finds in the comments.

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The post Female Hikers Recommend Women’s Hiking Clothing to Fit Your Body Type appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

But gear for women has been getting better. The outdoor industry is waking up to the fact that women do actually get outdoors. And some of that women’s specific gear is actually designed with women in mind. I have a lot of experience evaluating gear (both on the trail and as part of my old day job), so here’s my take on which women’s hiking gear is actually worth buying. (And which things you can just buy unisex.)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Women’s Hiking Gear: Backpacks

Women’s specific backpacks are designed to fit the smaller, curvier body of the average woman. Compared to men’s or unisex packs, they usually come in shorter torso lengths. They also have narrower shoulder straps that are set closer together to fit women’s narrower torsos. The shoulder straps are also often contoured or curved to accommodate breasts. The hipbelts of woman’s packs are shaped to accommodate a woman’s wider hips. If you are just buying a day hiking pack, a great fit is not as important since you won’t be carrying as much weight. But if you are going on an overnight or multi-day backpacking trip you will be carrying lots of weight and you want the best fit possible. Below I’ve given some pack fitting tips for various female body types.

If you are a short woman, you will definitely benefit from a women’s specific pack. Men’s packs generally will not fit you well as their torso lengths will be too long.

If you are a petite/thin woman you will also want to consider women’s packs since the shoulder straps on a men’s pack will be set too far apart for you and the hipbelt may not do up tight enough.

If you are a curvy woman then you are in luck as women’s packs were designed to accommodate your hips and breasts. You could try on a men’s or unisex pack, but you will find that the hipbelt on a men’s pack doesn’t sit in the right place on your hips and the shoulder straps sit strangely on your breasts.

If you have a very straight up and down figure (not curvy) and aren’t short or super thin, you might not get any benefit from a woman’s pack. Mens or unisex packs will come in a small enough torso length to fit you and the unisex hipbelt should fit you fine.

If you are very tall (over 5’9ish) or you have a very long torso, you also might need to consider buying unisex pack. Women’s packs typically don’t come in sizes tall enough to accommodate you. (Sorry!)

If you are very short (under 5’2ish) AND you aren’t very curvy, consider looking at the youth packs. They are designed for tweens and young teens and they can often be much less expensive. (There is a tradeoff though as there aren’t as many youth packs to choose from, they aren’t designed to carry heavier loads and they often have less features.)

I recommend: I’m a curvy woman of average height. For backpacking, I wear the women’s version of the Boreas Lost Coast 60 (you can read my review here). Most of the day packs I own are also women’s specific. For summer I usually use my Greogry Maya 22 (I have an older version). Check prices: REI. For winter I switch to a Deuter Freerider SL that has straps to carry my snowshoes. Check prices: REI.

READ NEXT: 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

Women’s Hiking Gear: Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags for women are designed to fit the shape of a woman’s body AND to account for the fact that women generally feel the cold more than men. Women’s sleeping bags are generally offered in shorter lengths than men’s or unisex bags. Women’s sleeping bags are often offered in two sizes. The smaller size will fit up to 5’4″ or 5’6″ and the larger size will fit up to 5’8″ or 5’10”. Men’s bags are typically offered in 6’0″ and 6’6″ sizes. Empty space in a sleeping bag will just make you colder so you do want to choose a sleeping bag that is only an inch or two taller than you.

Slim cut mummy-style sleeping bags for women also have a bit more room in the hips compared to men’s bags. Since women often sleep colder than men, women’s bags often have more insulation in the torso and in the footbox – areas where we feel the cold most.

I recommend: If you are curvy, or you feel the cold easily, a women’s sleeping bag might be the right choice for you. I’m curvy and feel the cold a LOT so I use a women’s specific Big Agnes Roxy Ann -9C/15F sleeping bag. Check prices: REI. In the past I have also used a unisex down sleeping bag from MEC.

Women’s Hiking Gear: Sleeping Pads

Like sleeping bags, women’s specific sleeping pads are designed to fit women’s shorter bodies and keep them warm. Women’s specific sleeping pads come in shorter lengths than unisex pads and have more insulation through the torso and footbox. Self-inflating sleeping pads for women may also have more foam in the hip area to make it more comfortable for women with prominent hips to sleep on their sides.

There aren’t that many women’s specific sleeping pads on the market. Most unisex pads come in shorter lengths that would suit shorter women. As well, unisex pads often come in versions with higher R-value ratings to offer more warmth. In general, women are probably fine to just pick a unisex sleeping pad in a length that suits them as long as they choose a higher R-value pad. I recommend an R-value of at least 4 if you tend to sleep cold.

I recommend: I use the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm. It is a unisex pad but provides one of the best warmth to weight ratios on the market. (It has an R value of 5.7 and weighs just 430g!) I used to use a Therm-a-rest ProLite Plus women’s version, but the NeoAir is far superior. No contest: the NeoAir Xtherm is lighter, more compact, more comfortable and way warmer. Check prices: REI.

Women’s Hiking Gear: Trekking Poles

Women’s specific trekking poles come in shorter lengths since women are generally shorter than men. As well, they have grips and straps that are better sized for women’s smaller hands.

I wouldn’t worry too much about buying women’s specific trekking poles unless you have very small hands. Unisex trekking poles are height adjustable so they will work for shorter users as well as tall ones. On average, women’s trekking poles have a maximum length that is about 15cm (6 in.) shorter than unisex poles. If you also use your trekking poles to construct a tarp shelter, this extra length can be nice to have.

I recommend: I have small hands so I use an older version of the women’s specific Black Diamond Trail poles. I find that I can get the straps to adjust small enough to actually fit my wrists and hands – unlike the ones on unisex poles that I’ve tried. Check prices: REI.

The next time you hit up your local outdoor shop, keep these guidelines in mind when choosing women’s (or unisex!) hiking gear. Which women’s hiking gear do you own? Tell me if it was worth it in the comments.

Read Next:

• Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes: The Best Brands and Where to Find Them
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• How to Camp and Hike on Your Period
• Complete list of the backpacking gear I actually use
• 20 Women’s Adventure Books That Will Inspire You
• 80+ Women’s Adventure Films You Can Stream
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Best Hiking Leggings of 2022

The post Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.