Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Type of Hike
The ability to take hours—if not days—from our jam-packed schedules to walk or run down winding paths is sorely lacking in this fast-paced, always-on-the-go age. But when we do find an opening, there are few pastimes that beat a hike.
Indeed, there are many trails traversing the globe that encourage us to venture outdoors, clear our heads, and be one with nature. But not all are the same. They vary in length and type of terrain; from those that extend for acres down country roads to rugged mountaintops not ideal for the acrophobic to defined courses perfect for runners, it really depends on what you are seeking (i.e., leisure or exercise) and what you are able to do (read: Can you really scale a jagged ledge?).
Once you have those answers, it is paramount to consider the length of the pathway, climate, and geography when shopping for the best hiking outfit. To wit: What works best for one trail might be less than optimal for another. It is for this reason that we curated a concise selection of the most common treks, the best locations, and—because we can—the most stylish threads to wear. Now all you need to do is find the time.
1. Mountain Roads
Location recommendations: Bear Mountain State Park Trail, Cedar Rock Mountain, Ansel Adams Wilderness
Best hiking outfit: Adventure seekers and those who are fervent fans of Wild (both the memoir and the film) understand that this kind of journey is perilous. They also know that having durable attire before you trek through a path layered with jagged rocks, poisonous plants, and insects galore is something you should carefully examine. Also, the higher you climb, the colder the temperatures get, which is why wearing long layers is key.
For your top, start with a thick cotton or breezy wool, and then work your way up to synthetic fibers that can withstand moisture and repel bugs. Bottoms should be cargo pants. As for footwear, make sure your boots are light and fit a little loose. You don’t want to experience what Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild, went through. Spoiler: She lost a toe nail.
Shop the Mountain Look
The North Face Ultra-Warm Wool Crew thenorthface.com $135.00 SHOP NOW
The base layer should be light yet thick—and this crewneck captures these two traits effortlessly.
Shop the Mountain Look
Madewell Flannel Tie-Front Shirt nordstrom.com $79.50 SHOP NOW
No apparel represents the frontier mind-set more than flannel. But instead of the ubiquitous checkered, opt for this sleek olive green number instead.
Shop the Mountain Look
Kühl Freeflex Roll-Up Pants rei.com $89.00 SHOP NOW
Not only is this cargo pant light, sturdy, and equipped with enough pockets for all your gear, it is also completely adaptable: It is made to easily roll up or down, depending on the climate.
Shop the Mountain Look
L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket llbean.com $189.00 SHOP NOW
Though built to withstand brisk temperatures and repel moisture, the way the seams are stitched at a diagonal, accentuating the form of the body, makes this jacket incredibly stylish too.
Shop the Mountain Look
Arc'teryx Acrux TR GTX Boot arcteryx.com $240.00 SHOP NOW
Eschew clunky models in the customary brown and beige. Instead, go for this slender black boot with laces that will match your jacket.
2. Country Footpaths
Location recommendations: Bluebonnet Trail, Kebler Pass, Delaware Canal Towpath
Best hiking outfit: Unlike mountains, country trails are flatter and less hazardous. Still, they aren’t without hurdles. Because these paths are covered in gravel and loose dirt, sturdy closed-toe lace-ups should be worn, even if the surroundings are scenic and the road is seemingly clear. Better to be safe than sorry, n'est-ce pas? Also, the climate will usually remain consistent, so you can forgo layers and stick to one outfit that is ideal for the region—read: A path in Texas is much warmer than one in Delaware.
Shop the Country Look
Indygena Karui V-Neck Shirt rei.com $37.00 SHOP NOW
Loose, airy, and made of moisture-managing fabric, this shirt is perfect for long treks along a dirt road.
Shop the Country Look
COS Silk Neckerchief cosstores.com $39.00 SHOP NOW
Walking through a bucolic setting is filled with Instagram-worthy moments, so add a spark of color to make your picture pop. Also, after a few hours, a great neckerchief will come in handy for swiping your brow.
Shop the Country Look
Frame Safari Paperbag Belted Pants saksfifthavenue.com $275.00 SHOP NOW
Cargo pants are essentially utilitarian, by factor in the paper-waist and karate-style belt of these trousers, and you have something incredibly chic on your hands—or in this case, over your legs.
Shop the Country Look
Banana Republic Classic Utility Jacket bananarepublic.gap.com $103.00 SHOP NOW
Pure and simple, this topper is called a field jacket for a reason.
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Merrell Siren Edge Q2 merrell.com $135.00 SHOP NOW
A cross between a sneaker and a hiking boot, these colorful kicks are ideal for gravel-laden pathways.
3. Running Trails
Location recommendations: Runyon Canyon Park, South Mesa Trailhead, Tallulah Gorge State Park
Best hiking outfit: With clearly defined pathways and far less pronounced rocks and plant life, these roads are great for running, biking, and, for those who want to exert minimal effort, leisurely strolls. Moreover, the outfit that works best for these environments is akin to one you’d wear to the gym: performance sneakers, compression socks, a supportive sports bra, and a form-hugging top and bottoms made of tech fabrics built to control moisture and withstand high-impact activities. To be sure, the less you have on—depending on the weather, of course—the better.
Shop the Running Look
Live the Process Block Cropped Tank Top mytheresa.com $68.00 SHOP NOW
With a longer hemline and thicker elastic, this crop top will work for a number of bust sizes.
Shop the Running Look
Live the Process Cosmic Leggings mytheresa.com $84.00 SHOP NOW
When it comes to great leggings for runners, performance is paramount. And this pair, made of four-way stretch with sweat-wicking fabric, fits the bill.
Shop the Running Look
Reebok x Victoria Beckham Cropped Cotton Hoodie mytheresa.com $196.00 SHOP NOW
Victoria Beckham may have been Posh Spice, but with this Reebok collaboration, she was definitely gunning for Sporty's title.
Shop the Running Look
Oakley EVZero™ Ascend oakley.com $176.00 SHOP NOW
These running specs are literally rose-colored glasses.
Shop the Running Look
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoe nike.com $120.00 SHOP NOW
Named after the winged horse from Greek mythology, the Pegasus sneaker will have you soaring.