Finding the perfect clothing to hike in can be a challenge, particularly if your body doesn't work well wearing unisex clothing. In the past there were not many women's-specific clothing items created for hiking and backpacking. Luckily more manufacturers are designing and selling clothes made for women and their specific needs, and many are providing extended sizing to accommodate more of us.

Here are some favorite items that are made specifically for women, although individual preferences and requirements vary.

Best Women's Hiking Pants

Most of the time, I prefer to hike in long pants, as I tend to be off-trail often and wish to avoid scratches and scrapes on my legs. Also, having long pants helps avoid mosquito-bites and sunburn in the summer. The pants listed below all have been tested on the trail, but since we all have unique shapes and preferences, be sure to try these on before heading out for a long hike.

The Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants ($110) are very comfortable and lightweight with a decent amount of stretch. The fabric is so light, that I can wear it on the hottest days without any issue of overheating, and they dry very quickly. Surprisingly, the material is quite durable for being so thin. These are mid-rise pants and do tend to run large - luckily the drawstring around the waist can help to adjust them further. There are drawstrings around the leg cuffs also, which is great for modifying fit, but I've also found myself stepping on them at times. Overall, these pants are so comfortable, that I keep going back to them despite the other pairs of pants I have. Extended sizing from 0 to 24W (some petite & tall also available).

If you prefer convertible pants, the REI Sahara Convertible Pants ($89.85) are a good bet. They zip off just above the knee to become shorts on those hotter hiking days. There are also zippers that run up the outside of the leg from the foot to the shorts, so you can partially unzip for ventilation or unzip completely and convert to shorts without taking off your shoes/boots. These are mid-rise pants, and are quick drying and treated with DWR to resist water as well. Keep in mind, the zippered areas will have less stretch, so be sure they are comfortable for you before taking them on a trip particularly if (like me) you have thicker thighs. Sizes 0 to 26W, with tall and petite up to size 16.

For versatile pants that work great on the trail as well as around town, check out Prana Halle Pants ($95). These are boot-cut and low-rise, and have 2 buttons at the waist along with a drawstring. The material is a bit thicker and less breathable than the ones above, so keep the conditions in mind when you look at these pants. I like to wear them on shoulder-season hikes for this reason, but on the other hand they are very durable and well-made. They are treated to be water repellent and UPF50+. Prana also offers the Stretch Zion Halle Pants, which are straight-legged and mid-rise with a slightly lighter but similar fabric. Both come in sizes 00 to 16.

A well-known name in outdoor clothing, Columbia offers several hiking pant options including the Leslie Falls Convertible Pants ($85). These pants are made with UPF50 fabric with Omni-Shield to be repellent to rain and stains. They convert to shorts with zippers above the knees, and they also convert to capris by rolling up the cuffs and securing with snaps on each leg. They are available in short, regular, and long inseams in sizes 2-18, as well as 16W to 24W and are slim-fitting in the hips and thighs, so you may consider sizing up if you'd like a looser fit.

Best Women's Hiking Skorts / Skirts

If you prefer hiking in a skirt, a proven favorite is the Purple Rain Adventure Skirt ($79.99) which is designed by a hiker specifically for the trail, although it looks great off the trail too. It is synthetic and water resistant (PFAS-free DWR), with pockets and a comfortable waistband for under your hip belt. Sizes XS to 3XL.

If you prefer skorts, the Prana Koen Skort ($74) is a great choice. The Koen Skort has a thick and comfortable waistband that doesn't roll and can be cinched for better fit. It is made of a lightweight, quick-drying material and can be made shorter by cinching up the sides. The shorts are quite comfortable for hiking, not too tight and not too short. Sizes XS to XXL.

Best Women's Hiking Shirts

There are so many variations of shirts to wear on the trail, and I often switch things up depending on the location and weather conditions of my hikes. Also, many of these shirts allow for layering, which is the best way to account for changing conditions. Here are some items I've found that work well.

T-Shirts

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirt ($49) is a short sleeved, synthetic, moisture-wicking, and fast-drying t-shirt that comes in several colors and with graphic tee options as well. This is a good basic t-shirt that is comfortable with a little stretch, and it will work well under other shirts or on its own. Sizes XXS to XXL.

For wool the Woolverino Microweight 145 Women's Wool V-Neck ($69.99) is a lightweight tee made with a merino wool blend (84% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon, 4% Spandex). It has raglan sleeves for comfort, and is long enough to fit under backpack hip belts. Although a great shirt, be careful to avoid snags and significant abrasion. It is machine washable and UPF20. Sizes XS to 2X.

Our own TrailGroove synthetic Performance Shirt is also a go-to of mine on warmer hikes and serving as a baselayer in other conditions. The more relaxed fit allows for comfort and breathability and being 100% synthetic, it dries extremely fast.

An affordable and versatile option is the Under Armour Women’s Tech Twist Short Sleeve V-Neck ($25). This synthetic t-shirt also comes in a crew neck and in many colors. It is a very lightweight shirt that can be used for running, hiking, or any other workout as it is sweat-wicking and quick-drying. Friendly note: the lighter colors can be slightly transparent. Sizes XS to 3X.

Tank Tops

The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Tank Top ($34.95) is a UPF 50+ sleeveless top that is perfect for hiking in hot conditions. It has a higher neck and is long enough to fit below hip belts. As with most of our options, it is quick drying and comes in a large range of sizes. Be sure to protect those shoulders if you'll be in the sun, though! Sizes XS to 3X.

A tank version of the Woolverino tee above – the Woolverino Women's Racerback Tank Top ($59.99) – has the same breathable, lightweight wool blend as the tee, but in a sleeveless racerback. This shirt has less coverage than the REI tank above, and is machine washable. Again, handle with care and watch for snags. Sizes XS to 3X.

Long Sleeve Sun Protection

When you need extra sun protection, check out the Outdoor Research Echo Long Sleeve Shirt ($65). It has raglan sleeves and flat seams to allow easy movement with comfort. It is made of a very lightweight, stretchy, and extremely breathable fabric – so much that it can be see-through. The Echo shirt can be used as a base layer for all 4 seasons as well and is UPF 15. Previous versions had roll down cuffs to cover hands, and I’m hoping OR will consider adding that back to newer versions. Sizes XXS to XXL.

For a more traditional, collared shirt, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Long-Sleeve Women's Shirt ($60) is a classic choice. It has snaps instead of buttons, and is a very lightweight shirt with UPF40 protection. This shirt is easy to layer with a tank or t-shirt underneath. It has a vented back, zippered side pockets and roll-up sleeves. Sizes XS to 3X.

For ultimate sun-protection, especially on the back of your neck, a hooded shirt is a great option. The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoody ($79) is UPF50+ and made of a lightweight, "solar knit jersey" with flat seam construction for comfort. There is a drawcord at the hem to shorten if needed, and it has thumbholes that allow extra coverage over hands. There is one small zippered pocket for valuables on the side. Wear with a baseball cap or trucker hat to provide more coverage. Sizes XS to 3X.

Best Women's Outerwear (Rain Gear, Insulated Jackets)

When hiking on overnight and longer trips, carrying the right outerwear allows you to be prepared for any weather situation. It's important to pay attention to current conditions as well as forecasts, but sometimes a storm will surprise you even with the most pleasant hiking forecast. When backpacking in the warmer months, I stick to ultralight items as they spend most of their time in my backpack, but I do need them to be dependable for the few times I do need them. Typically, this includes a rain jacket and rain pants (stored where I can access them quickly) and an insulated jacket for warmth. During colder trips, I will layer these items and sometimes add more specialized winter clothing.

One ultralight women's rain jacket is the Marmot Women's Superalloy Bio Rain Jacket ($185) which is quite lightweight and listed as 5 oz, although mine is slightly higher at 5.75 oz. This jacket has a zippered chest pocket which can be used as a stuff sack for easy packing. It is made with Marmot's NanoPro breathable fabric membrane and taped seams, being both waterproof and windproof. Sizes XS to XL.

Zpacks offers the Women's Vertice Rain Jacket ($299) which weighs just 5.1 oz. It is made with their Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and has fully taped seams. This jacket runs a little long for full rain protection and ease of use with a backpack. There is a visor in the hood that adjusts vertically with a strap on the back of the hood, and a zippered chest pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. There are waterproof armpit zippers for ventilation. Sizes XS to XL. The Zpacks Women's Vertice Rain Pants are similarly made with the Vertice Waterproof Breathable Fabric and weigh just 2.5 oz. These pants come in sizes S to XXL.

For warmth, I carry a packable down jacket which I store protected in my pack to keep from getting wet. Some may prefer a synthetic jacket instead of down, which will also work well, but may not pack as small and will likely weigh a bit more. My go-to is the Montbell Alpine Light Down Parka ($285). It is quite warm for its weight (12.8 oz) and made with 800 Fill Power EX down.

One thing to note...the jackets listed above only go to up women's size XL. So, if you are in need of a larger size in this type of clothing, the men's sizes go up to XXL which will give larger chest and hip/waist measurements, but also longer sleeves. That said, the REI Co-op Women's Magma Down Hoodie offers a more budget-friendly option here that goes up to 3X in women's sizing.

There are many other options for rain jackets in extended sizes, but they have a tradeoff in being much heavier materials. One exception might be the Frogg Toggs Women's Xtreme Lite Hooded Jacket ($69.99) which comes in sizes S through 2XL.

Best Women’s Backpacking / Hiking Base Layers

The perfect base layers are essential for backpacking trips with cooler overnight temperatures or when hiking in very cold conditions. The base layers can also serve as comfortable (and clean) pajamas to keep your sleeping bag clean. There are many options, but remember you want to have breathable and moisture-wicking clothes in case you have to wear them while hiking. Also, the lighter the better in many cases, if you'll be carrying them on your back much of the time.

Made with a breathable fabric, the REI Co-op Lightweight Half-Zip Base Layer Top and Tights are a dependable choice. $49.95 (top) & $44.95 (tights). These all-synthetic pieces (92% recycled polyester) are also UPF50+, and the top is high-neck and half-zip for warmth but with the flexibility to unzip and cool down a bit. The top also has underarm gussets, and both top and bottoms have flat seams. Both pieces are offered in sizes XS-3X, and the tights have Petite sizing options. The top weighs 5.7 oz, and the tights weigh 4.3 oz.

For a more natural fabric, there is the Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew & Bottom ($125 each) which come in sizes XS-4X and in several colors and patterns. These are made from 100% merino wool, which has the natural benefits of temperature regulation and odor resistance. The top also comes in quarter-zip. 7.69 oz top. 7.3 oz bottom.

Best Women’s Hiking Underwear

Underwear choices are so individual, not just because of preferences, but also because of our unique bodies. The suggestions below will not work for everyone, and again, make sure what you have fits well and is comfortable before heading out on a trip. No one wants underclothes that itch, bunch, or slide around when you're trying to enjoy a hike.

The REI Co-op Active Bikini Underwear ($19.95) are a good synthetic choice. They are made of fast-drying and moisture-wicking fabric and are not super tight. I have a pair that has lasted several years with very little sign of wear. These are so lightweight that it's easy to throw an extra pair or two in your pack. Sizes XS to 3X.

The Woolly Women's Bikini Brief ($34) is made of natural fibers and also comes in hipster, thong, and high-waisted options. The merino wool is blended with 5% elastane, and may stretch quite a lot after a while of hiking. Again, make sure the fit is right and that it's comfortable for you. Sizes X-Small to XX-Large.

Sports Bras for Hiking

Regarding bras, it is best to pick one that fits you well, doesn't cause friction with your backpack, and doesn't slip while hiking. Some women go very light with a bralette, while others prefer (or require) more support even including underwire and thick padding. My preferences have tended to be in the middle. One example is the Beyond Yoga Spacedye Lift Your Spirits Bra ($66); it is a moisture-wicking sports bra with removable pads. It provides light to medium support and comes in sizes XX-Small to 4X.

For lighter coverage, there is the Branwyn Essential Bralette ($52), which has no underwire or padding, but is a seamless merino blend. This bralette has the benefits of merino that make it a good choice for sweaty hikes. The "gentle support" is comfortable, but may not work for women who require more support / prefer more coverage while hiking. It has convertible straps, which can be used to make it a crossback bra to help avoid chafing. Comes in sizes XS to XXL. Branwyn also makes the Essential Busty Bra ($62) with a thicker band, larger cups, and slightly wider (still convertible) straps, but is still lightweight without padding or underwire.

For a bra with more support, there is the Under Armour Infinity Mid Impact Sports Bra ($40). It has injection-molded pads (not removable) that feel very light along with a sweat-wicking band. There is a hook and eye closure in the back for easy on/off, and the straps can be worn straight or crossback by detaching at the front. There are small mesh panels on the sides to provide extra ventilation. Available in sizes XS to XL, in 2 options (A-C cup, D-DD cup), and also available in plus sizes 1X-3X.

While this guide should get you started, it all comes down to what clothing works best for you on the trail and in the conditions you expect to encounter.

Conclusion

Hopefully these suggestions help you get on the trail with clothes that don’t just work but work and fit well. In addition to the suggestions above, be sure to check out REI Co-op clearance sales in the Outlet for highly-rated backpacking and hiking gear for a discounted price.