Outdoor Clothing For Women

An effective outdoor wardrobe requires three layers: a base layer that manages moisture, a mid-layer that retains body heat and an outer layer to shield from wind, rain or snow. Sturdy pants and waterproof jacket are also important components.

Women tend to prioritize finding stylish gear. Here are a few female-founded brands creating technical clothing with fashion-meets-function.

Vests

If you’re shopping for an insulated puffer vest to layer over lighter jackets and tops, look for one with loose enough straps so as to allow layers underneath to tuck in comfortably without restricting insulation too much and becoming less warm. Vests that are too snug may impede on its warmth by constraining it too tightly, leading to less warmth than desired.

Consider whether or not you prefer down or synthetic puffer vests when selecting an insulation option for travel. Both options offer unique benefits; down is lighter and sustainably sourced; however it doesn’t stand up well in damp or wet climates so bring along an appropriate rain jacket when traveling to snowy or wet locales.

The Patagonia Microlight offers lightweight adventurewear at its core. Boasting two zippered hand pockets and stretchy seams on the shoulders to increase range of motion, this vest has thin baffles which make it lighter and more packable than some puffer vests without compromising warmth or packability. Furthermore, its hood and cinch cords help keep core warmth at a comfortable level, and its shell provides wind- and water-resistance.

Baselayers

An essential component of any effective layering system is a high-quality baselayer. From wearing it as an independent top in warmer conditions to layering it underneath mid and shell layers, base layers serve an important purpose: they keep moisture moving away from your body.

Base layers come in various materials, densities and prices from ultralight to heavyweight weights, to suit various activities and climates. A properly fitted base layer should remain close to your skin to provide adequate wicking and warmth retention properties without restricting movement; they often feature features like hoods, partial zippers or thumb holes for additional warmth retention and mobility.

Merino wool is an ideal material for women’s baselayers as it feels soft against the skin, is naturally antimicrobial and offers surprising warmth despite its light weight. Both Smartwool’s Classic Thermal and Ridge Merino Aspect options are lightweight merino wool pieces designed for layering up. However, the Aspect offers more affordable pricing with its slimmer fit and shorter torso length, perfect for pairing with high-waisted bottoms.

Hiking Pants

Choose pants that provide optimal protection on the trail, such as bug repellent and antiseptic creams to repel bug bites and reduce scratches from thorns, while keeping legs drier in rainy conditions. Long trousers may also provide warmer insulation on trips in cooler environments where wind chill is an issue.

Consider both material and closure style when selecting clothing items, too. Joggers and leggings offer a casual yet sleek appearance with drawcord waistbands while pants with button-plus-zipper fly systems or belts can give a more technical aesthetic.

Cotton outdoor clothing may seem out-of-the-ordinary, but it makes for a great solution when hiking in heat or camping in rain or other precipitation conditions. Softer than nylon while still durable enough for use on hiking trips and camping trips. Softshell pants like Arc’teryx Gamma Pant or Outdoor Research Cirque II Pant offer more weather resistance but may feel bulky during warm conditions. Softshell pants offer excellent options in these scenarios but may feel overkill during summer heatwaves.

Boots

The best boots provide comfort, durability, and support to enable you to tackle rugged trails, forest paths, or whatever terrain comes your way. Look for models with mid-calf shaft height, sturdy soles, and grippier treads designed to navigate ice or snow without difficulty.

Boots designed specifically for winter hiking typically feature extra insulation like Thinsulate, shearling, fleece or neoprene to keep feet warm in cold climates. You should also look for boots equipped with waterproof membranes and gusseted tongues to seal out moisture and drafts from outside sources.

If your boots are non-insulated, make sure you try them on towards the end of the day so your feet have had time to swell from activity before making a final selection. When trying on non-insulated boots for size and fit, choose a size with plenty of wiggle room between toes to reduce pinching or rubbing; additionally if they contain removable liners and insoles check these regularly for signs of wear – this will extend their life and prolong their lifespan! Blair Braverman is an adventurer and writer residing in Wisconsin where she spends her winter mushing season while spending summer exploring outdoors.