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What to Wear Hiking: Sustainable Hiking Clothing for All Seasons!

By: Author Alisha McDarris

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Hiking with a daypack for Gossamer Gear.

New to hiking? Or just ready to level-up your hiking game? But not sure what to put on or how to best dress yourself for the outdoors? We get it; all the technical outdoor apparel out there can seem intimidating. But we got you. Here’s what to wear hiking in every season, plus some of our favorite hiking clothing from sustainable brands we love.

Warm Weather

In the summer (or any time it’s warm), it’s much easier to dress for hiking. After all, you probably won’t have to worry about hypothermia unless you’re hiking at high elevation. So dress in what makes you comfy, yup, even if that’s plant-based fibers like cotton, especially in dry climates where materials like that will dry out quickly if you get sweaty.

That said, don’t be afraid to still keep your skin covered, especially your shoulders and neck, with something like a sun shirt or hoody. But whether you choose a tank top or long-sleeve shirt, don’t forget the sunscreen for any exposed skin (and insect repellent)!

Backpacking in the Tetons.
Backpacking on a cool summer morning in the Tetons in my Beyond Sojourn Pants.

Pants

We rarely opt to wear pants when it’s hot out unless we’re expecting to have to do some bushwhacking or are in a region where ticks are an issue. But if you are more of a pants person, look for ones that are lightweight and breathable so you don’t overheat when working hard.

Some of our favorite pants for hiking:

  • Him: For easy, brush-free warm hikes, Josh’s Pact Canvas Roll Up organic cotton pants are a popular choice. A drawstring waistband makes them comfy, they’re breathable, and even pretty darn durable!
  • Her: If for some reason I have to wear pants in the summer, I’m reaching for my Sojourn Ultralight Jogger. They’re light, stretchy, and look just as good on trail as in town post-hike.
Gnara Go There Shorts.
Gnara Go There Shorts.

Shorts

Our preferred covering for our bottom halves when hiking in the summer is always shorts. And while we love a breezy pair of hemp or cotton shorts, it’s nice to don something with a bit more durability when we expect to encounter rocks, sticks, branches, or anything else that might pull, tear, or scratch more delicate fibers. So we often opt for a pair of sustainably-designed synthetic shorts that fit well, have plenty of pockets, and will dry fast if they get wet (so we don’t have to worry about chafing).

Some of our favorite shorts for hiking:

  • Him: Josh’s Mammut Zinal Hybrid Shorts are stretchy, perfectly fitted, and not too baggy, made of recycled materials, and PFAS-free. They have all you need (including pockets) and nothing you don’t.
  • Her: Our Gnara Go There Shorts are the bomb (and bomb-proof). Not only are they comfy, flattering, and stretchy, they have a second zipper that lets you pee without pulling your shorts down. Read our full review here.
Houdini Tree Shirt.
Houdini Tree Shirt.

Shirts

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to shirts when deciding what to wear hiking. Some folks just want to throw on a tank top, while others (like me) would prefer a long-sleeve hoody to protect my delicate epidermis on long hikes so I don’t have to constantly reapply sunscreen. And while you can hike in a cotton t-shirt if you like, we usually recommend synthetic materials for hiking shirts since they wick sweat, dry fast, and help keep you cool via evaporation.

Some of our favorite shirts for hiking:

  • Him: Josh’s Houdini Tree Shirt button-up long-sleeve shirt sees a lot of use due to how lightweight and breathable it is and how fast it dries. Plus, it’s made of responsibly-sourced Tencel and is just as stylish in town as on trail.
  • Her: I’m obsessed with my Cotopaxi Sombra sun hoody. It’s light and loose so it doesn’t feel too hot when the sun’s out, and is breathable as all get-out.
Vivobarefoot Magna Lite WR SG
Vivobarefoot Magna Lite WR SG.

Shoes

Hiking shoes are a personal choice, and while you can get away with regular ol’ sneakers or trail running shoes for plenty of easy hikes, if you hike often, a dedicated and purpose-built pair of durable shoes with good traction are a wonderful thing to have. In the summer, we don’t usually opt for waterproof shoes unless we’re expecting lots of shallow creek crossings and cold nights as they tend to be less breathable and take longer to dry. But it’s up to you whether you choose stuffy high-top boots or low-rise hiking shoes (which will likely be more comfy in hot temps).

Some of our favorite shoes for hiking:

A woman in a puffy coat and backpack stands in front of snowy mountains.
Hiking in my favorite Rab Cirrus jacket.

Cold Weather

When it’s cold out, what you wear hiking is a bit more important, especially if you’ll be experiencing any sort of moisture, including rain, snow, water crossing, even sweat, which can all lead to hypothermia much more quickly. So when it’s cold out, especially if it’s wet, stick with synthetic materials that wick moisture and dry fast. Wool also works well to keep you warm, even when wet, but we don’t recommend it, because in addition to not being vegan (here’s why that matters to us), it dries very slowly.

You should also make sure to dress in layers to accommodate how your body temperature will fluctuate as you hike. You’ll get warm when moving uphill and want to remove layers, but as soon as you stop for a rest or start to sweat, you’ll get cold again and want to put those layers back on, so it’s more important in cooler months to dress in layers. Not sure what the deal with dressing in layers is or why it’s so dang important? Check out our full article all about layering for the outdoors here.

Find more tips and gear for winter hiking in this post about our favorite gloves and mittens and how to stay warm on winter hikes.

Hiking in the snow at Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Hiking in the snow at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Gnara pants.

Pants

When looking for winter hiking pants, opt for those that are water resistant or waterproof if you’ll be hiking in snow or rain, but make sure anything with DWR (durable water repellent) is PFAS-free. Get something that fits but has some stretch and enough room underneath to accommodate a base layer like snug leggings for when it’s really cold.

Some of our favorite pants for winter hiking:

  • Him: For pants with some stretch that can accommodate a slim base layer underneath if need be, look no further than the Toad&Co Rover II 5-Pocket Pant. Bonus: in addition to being made of recycled fibers, these pants are just as suitable for wearing around town.
  • Her: Our Gnara Go There Pants are the bomb (and bomb-proof). Find our full review here. Not only are they comfy, flattering, and stretchy, they have a second zipper that lets you pee without pulling your shorts down, which also keeps your lower half from feeling frosty when it’s cold out.
Odlo base layers.
Odlo base layers in the snow.

Base Layer

A base layer may be one of the most important layers you wear when it’s cold because it’s your first line of defense against clothes that might get soggy with sweat. So opt for shirts and pants that are fitted or at least mostly fitted and that are made of synthetic materials that effectively wick sweat, dry quickly, and keep you warm on chilly days.

Some of our favorite baselayers for winter hiking:

  • Him: Saxx not only makes some of Josh’s favorite sustainable underwear, they also make comfy cozy base layers, too, including leggings and shirts. The mid-weight option is his go-to.
  • Her: When I pick the layer that’s gonna be closest to my skin in really cold weather, it’s the Odlo Whistler Eco on top AND bottom. They have a cozy brushed fleece on the inside but still wick moisture well on less intense hikes.
Xero Alpine winter hiking boots.
Xero Alpine winter hiking boots.

Shoes

Hiking boots are a very personal choice, and everyone has specific fit and features they’re looking for we prefer minimalist and barefoot winter hiking boots). But whatever your preferences, grab a pair that’s waterproof, insulated if it’s gonna be super cold, comes up above your ankle to help keep any snow out of your shoes, and is comfy (learn how to find a pair of hiking boots that fits in this article).

Some of our favorite boots for winter hiking:

  • Him: The Lems Waterproof Boulder Summit is always Josh’s go-to in cold and wet conditions. Its wide toe box and zero-drop sole make it a solid minimalist-style winter boot.
  • Her: In the winter when I want to keep my tootsies warm, it’s the Xero Shoes Alpine for me. Barefoot style, lightweight, and cozy FTW!
winter hiking tips: a man smiles in front of snowy mountains.
Josh hiking in the snow in his Patagonia R2 Tech Face Hoody.

Midlayer

A mid layer can be many things, it can even be many layers since a mid layer is technically anything between your base layer and your outer layer like a shell jacket. So you could potential have on two or three midlayers ranging from fitted fleece sweaters to insulated jackets.

Some of our favorite midlayers for winter hiking:

  • Him: Josh rarely leaves home in cool weather without his beloved Patagonia R2 Tech Face. It’s soft and cozy on the inside, durable on the outside, and has plenty of pockets, which means it also functions beautifully as a cool-weather or high-output outer layer.
  • Her: I’m obsessed with my Rab Cirrus Flex hybrid jacket. The underarms, side panels, and part of the hood are made of stretchy fleece so you can still enjoy full range of motion even with layers on, and the slim cut and cozy recycled synthetic insulation are dreamy.
Mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies near Banff.
Hiking in the snow in the Mammut Alto Light Jacket.

Outerwear

Especially if you’re expecting wind or precipitation, a robust outer layer or shell jacket is a must for winter hiking. You want something that is water- and wind-proof (so your other layers stay dry), that’s roomy enough to accommodate several other layers underneath it, but that also breathes so you don’t overheat when working hard during uphill hikes. That’s why we like shell jackets with zippered pit vents. And lots of pockets. Pockets are a must, as is an adjustable hood. And yes, a sturdy, breathable rain jacket will work for many excursions.

Some of our favorite shell jackets for winter hiking:

  • Him: For serious protection from the elements, nothing beats Josh’s favorite Mountain Hardware Exposure Pro 2. It’s ultra durable, is also suitable for snow sports and mountaineering, and chances are, you won’t have to replace it for a decade or more!
  • Her: For light protection from snow, wind, or rain, I love my Mammut Alto Light jacket. It’s easily packable, doubles as a rain jacket, has all the bells and whistles like pit vents and hand pockets, and fits like a dream. Plus: it stretches!

Bottom Line: What to Wear Hiking

There you have it! Some of our favorite clothing for hiking in every season and plenty of guidance on what to wear hiking in winter or summer or any time in between. Still have questions? Ask away in the comments! We’re happy to answer! Now gear up, get out there, and wander on.