Basic Hiking Outfit Essentials You’ll Want in Your Closet
When I first moved out of Ohio and started exploring more hiking trails, I quickly realized my wardrobe wasn’t built for outdoor adventures. My “hiking outfit” consisted of whatever pair of leggings I could find and a basic cotton t-shirt—nothing moisture-wicking, weather-resistant, or remotely intentional. But as I spent more time on the trails, I learned how much the right clothing can impact your comfort, safety, and overall hiking experience.
Over the last five years, I’ve slowly upgraded my hiking wardrobe piece by piece, choosing gear that helps me feel confident and prepared no matter the conditions. If you’re new to hiking, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or what’s actually worth investing in. This guide is designed to help beginners build a functional and stylish hiking wardrobe with versatile essentials you can wear across multiple seasons.
In this post, I’m breaking down the basic hiking outfit must-haves—items that are durable, breathable, and trail-tested. These picks will help you stay comfortable, protected, and ready for anything from short day hikes to longer weekend adventures.
Here are a few key things I wish I knew when I first started hiking:
Choose moisture-wicking layers and avoid cotton
Prioritize quality over quantity
Don’t be afraid to buy used—secondhand gear can help you save money and reduce waste
Invest in a solid pair of hiking boots or trail runners (your feet will thank you)
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Spring
Outfit #1
Top Layer: Patagonia Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Pants: Black Diamond Notion Pants
Accessories: Merrell Womens Moab 3 Hiking Boots (in brown)
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: Everyone needs a long sleeve hiking shirt that is wicking, breathable, and provides sun protection and minimal warmth for spring hikes. It pairs great with hiking joggers, leggings, or cargo pants. The Notion Pants from Black Diamond are super durable, weather resistant, and stylish for all outdoor activities. For boots, I have always been a fan of Merrell. There shoes are high quality and incredible comfortable for long hikes. I would recommend having at least one pair of hiking boots that are waterproof.
Outfit #2
Top Layer: Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
Pants: CRZ YOGA Leggings (in olive green)
Accessories: Merrell Women's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (in black)
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: I always carry a rain jacket with me in my backpack no matter what the forecast is. This Columbia jacket I’ve had for probably about 10 years and I still love it. It acts as both a windbreaker, a warmth layer, and of course a rain protector if the weather takes a turn. I’d recommend buying a jacket in a neutral, like black, tone so it goes with whatever you’re wearing. Pair with your favorite leggings and Merrell boots.
Outfit #3
Top Layer: Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie
Pants: CRZ YOGA Leggings (in black)
Accessories: Darn Tough Socks
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: You can’t live in Colorado and not have a Melanzana, it’s basically a right of passage. The Micro Grid Hoodie is a light fleece mid-layer that’s loose fitting and super comfortable for all outdoor adventures. This is the perfect layer, because it’s lightweight and incredibly warm. Perfect for spring and fall hikes. To shop all of Melanzana’s products, you have to make an appointment online and must shop in person. For accessories, Darn Tough socks have been my go to sock ever since I started hiking and they do not disappoint. They fit comfortably in a hiking boot and keep your feet dry.
Summer
Outfit #4
Top Layer: Columbia Women’s Graphic Short Sleeve
Pants: Patagonia Barely Baggies (in Potters Red)
Accessories: Teva Hurricane Sandal
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: These Patagonia shorts are my go to hiking pants for a hot summer day. They are lightweight, super airy, and quick drying. Pair with your favorite t-shirt and you have a casual summer day hike outfit put together. For short summer hikes, I like wearing Teva sandals instead of shoes so my feet are less sweaty. Although I only wear sandals on trails that I know are pretty flat and not super technical. I love this hiking outfit because it’s so easy to put together.
Outfit #5
Top Layer: Outdoor Research Echo Women's Sun Hoodie
Pants: Patagonia Barely Baggies
Accessories: Hydration Bladder for Backpack
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: This might sound dramatic, but the sun hoodie has completely changed my summer hiking experience. No matter how much water I would drink, on a hot summer day I would always feel completely wiped out after hiking in the sun. Having a protective sun layer that limits UV exposure makes me feel drastically less exhausted after a summer hike. It’s super breathable and lightweight so it doesn’t make you feel like you’re overheating. Having one in a light color, like white, grey, or tan, will help with that too. On long hikes in the sun, you’ll want to have a hydration bladder that will fit in your backpack to prevent dehydration. It will allow you to take sips of water while you’re on the move without having to constantly stop and grab a water bottle from your backpack.
Outfit #6
Top Layer: Outdoor Research Echo Women's Sun Hoodie
Pants: REI Hiking Cargo Pants
Accessories: Hoka Trail Runners
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: Just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you should wear shorts and a tank top. Protecting yourself from the sun will conserve your energy and endurance. Like the sun hoodie, having a pair of long, lightweight pants that will keep you cool is another hiking wardrobe essential. These cargo pants are a must because they are water repellant, light, and have lots of pockets for extra storage. For footwear, I alternate between hiking boots and trail running shoes depending on the terrain of the trail and weather. Trail runners are nice to have on hand because their not as heavy as a hiking boot and still have great traction. The downside is that they are not waterproof and have less ankle support, so they are not for every hike.
Fall
Outfit #7
Top Layer: Patagonia Better Sweater
Pants: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings with Pockets
Accessories: Hat
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: A thick, warm fleece is another hiking layer everyone should own. It comes in handy when the temperatures start to drop or for when you’re starting a hike early in the morning. The Patagonia Better Sweater, either the full zip or quarter zip, is the perfect layer just for that. No matter the time of the year, I always bring a hat with me to protect my face from long sun exposure. It’s another item I always have in my backpack no matter what. Your skin will thank you.
Outfit #8
Top Layer: Eddie Bauer Women's CirrusLite Down Vest
Pants: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Leggings with Pockets
Accessories: Beanie
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: It’s amazing how having a warm core will make your entire body stay nice and toasty. Wearing a light down vest will do just that, without needing a super bulky outer layer. Just make sure the vest you’re buying is actually made with down material and is not a cheap knock off version, because the insulation will make all the difference (this is why I recommend the one I’m wearing). Top off your outfit with a cute beanie that will keep your head warm in the colder months. This burnt orange hat is my absolute favorite and looks great in the fall during leaf peeping season.
Winter
Outfit #9
Top Layer: Columbia Women's Puffer Jacket
Pants: Fleece lined leggings or snow pants
Accessories: Kahtoola Microspikes
Why this outfit is a hiking essential: I honestly don’t do that much winter hiking, so my winter hiking wardrobe is limited, but I still have an outfit on hand in case I want to go for a snowy hike. The main clothing item you’ll need for winter hiking is a warm, insulated coat that is water and snow repellent. You’ll also want to wear either fleece lined leggings or snow pants (or layer both) to keep your legs warm and dry. Waterproof hiking boots or snow boots are essential for winter hiking as well, not to mention other accessories like hats, gloves, and wool socks. For hiking in packed snow or icy trails, microspikes are a must, since they will provide you with more traction and prevent you from slipping on ice sections of the trail.
Summary
Here are the basic clothing items you should have in your hiking closet:
Top layers: Hiking T-shirt or tank top, long sleeve, rain jacket, sun hoodie, fleece, vest, puffer jacket
Pants: Athletic leggings, hiking/climbing joggers, cargo pants, hiking shorts, fleece-lined leggings
Accessories: Waterproof boots, trail runners, hydration water bladder, hiking socks, hat, beanie, micro-spikes
