15 Fab Hiking Outfits Perfect for Every Trail

Does the phrase “go take a hike” hit different for you? Well, you’re in great company. Hiking has become the second most popular activity, with people flocking to local trails and state/national parks around the country.

If you’re planning an upcoming expedition with your family, friends or maybe just spending some time with that current (or potential) S.O., you know you want something functional and fashionable. Too much to ask? We sure don’t think so!

Check out these fine fits our Editors have put together that will have you looking nature-ally fabulous.

EASY DOES IT

Let’s start first with some easy hike ensembles. If your adventure is a local, low elevation walkabout in nature, you can pretty much leave the hiking poles and heavy duty trek boots at home. An easy hike is all about getting some fresh air, good conversation and a little blood pumping. With that in mind, your outfits can be light and layered as you merrily work your way from point A to point B.

Here’s a fresh color play, starting with a cool graffiti print sports bra from Ethika. It pairs perfectly with Alo Yoga’s super cropped windbreaker and some high-waist bike shorts from Puma. Keep the spring in your step with Columbia’s light hiking shoe, the Facet 60, and don’t forget your peepers with some colorfully cool sport sunglasses from Knockaround. This pair is a new arrival in their Premiums Sport style called Prismic.

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We are crushing hard on this next fit. Maybe it’s the leggings, which are an adidas collab with the super trendy Brazilian brand FARM Rio. Or maybe it’s the orange work out top we found for a steal at Target that looks like velvet burnout fabric, but is actually moisture wicking performance wear. Could be the superlight hiking sneak/hybrids from The North Face. Or Tifosi’s cool and sleek looking wood grain sunglasses. But if we’re being honest, it’s all that and Goorin Bros’s trucker hat that leaves no argument over who’s the true Queen Bee.

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While you’re out there enjoying all that mother nature, why not show some love a little bit with some nature-friendly and nature-inspired looks? Smartwool’s shorty shorts are lined with responsibly sourced merino wool. Okay we know what you’re thinking…wool for summer? Well surprise! Merino is naturally thermoregulating (meaning it breathes), anti-bacterial and fast-drying. Not bad? Speaking of breathable, Forsake’s trail shoe is made with a breathable synthetic upper to keep your feet feeling refreshed. Reef’s muscle tank is lightweight cotton and the ombre dyed pattern is a perfect match to the rest of the outfit. Our favorite of this fit however is Knockaround’s special release Monarch edition of their super popular Fort Knocks sunglasses. They’re absolutely adorable from the butterfly-inspired frames to the summer-sky lenses. But you should grab these now, because their Special Releases sell out fast.

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If performance fabric isn’t your first go-to, there are plenty of cute ways to keep your cool and be comfortable on your hike. With this fit, we start with some linen blend shorts that have a cargo silhouette softened by some coquettish crochet trim. Linen is one of those fabrics that’s been a heat-busting favorite for (literally) thousands of years and the weave is strong enough to handle any wayward branches that come your way. Top it with adidas’s medium support tank and an adorbs olive green nylon jacket from Sara. Danner’s meshy hiking shoe has a full orthopedic foot bed that’ll keep the spring in your step and finally some sporty-inspired shades from the one-and-only Ray-Ban.

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Who doesn’t love a matching set? This wisteria lilac colored top and bottom is made from 37% recycled polyester, so you’ll feel as good wearing them as you look in them. Merrell’s light Flight hiking shoe has plenty of bounce and we love the no-tie slide. Couple this with some OG crew socks from Nike and Rotate’s simple logo baseball cap and all that is left to do is slide on a pair of Blender’s sunnies in tasty transparent sorbets.

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MEDIUM LEVEL

Unlike with an easy hike, an intermediate level hike will take your trek over several miles with varied terrain and some fun elevation changes. That said, there are some ‘must haves’ you’re gonna need to stay happy and not ending up with blisters and/or chafing. First of course, you need a hiking shoe that’s less sneaker and more terrain friendly. They can be low-cut and light, but the soles have to be grippy, lest you find yourself slip-sliding away. Performance fabrics to keep you cool in the heat, plus a layer to keep you warm (while your warming up your hike) and head gear should all be part of your default fit.

If the weather app says mostly sunny with a chance of precipitation, you want a fit to handle contrary climates. Salomon’s Cross Hike shoe is made with breathable Gore-Tex to keep your feet dry, but not sweaty. The lugs are also designed for wet and dry conditions. Puma’s Ultraweave jacket is made for runners who need to efficiently vent any body heat while staying cool and dry in the rain. And who could say no to Free People’s peach-perfect leggings with their color punch and generous high waist band? Final accessories are some polarized Oakleys for when the sun is shining and Kavu’s quick-drying, water resistant cap.

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If you’ve ever taken an intermediate hike along the shore, you know the views are breathtaking. It’s also pretty darn windy and can be sparse on the canopy coverage. Whether you’re starting in the forest and ending at the shore, or vice versa, easy on and off layers and some firm headgear are going to be your BFFs. RYU’s wind shell jacket was made to protect you from windy elements. Its water repellent fabric will keep that sea spray from soaking into your bones while the snug-fitting, bonded hood visor and elasticized cuffs and hem keep the wind out. Oh and it also has an internal reverse pocket so you can easily pack it away when you’re not using it. Speaking of salty breezes, Blenders new Float2O series is designed with an anti-salt coating so your vision stays crystal clear. Nike’s heather gray Futura leggings are quick dry to keep you warm, just as Oboz B-Dry hiking shoes will do the same for your feet. A cute color pop of yellow from Lulu’s cropped tank and you are ready to enjoy the most of the coast.

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Getting an early in the morning start? You definitely want to layer up. These Airlift leggings from Alo Yoga will keep your heat in when you need it and disperse when you don’t. Salewa’s hiking shoes have upper wraps for extra stability as you work your way on the trail. Adidas’s Love Unites cropped hoodie is a colorful way to keep you cozy, and as the temperature rises you can wrap it around your waist and let this airy tie front tee keep you cool. Again, don’t forget your peepers. POC has some sleek polarized sporty ones in icy white.

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Heading on a hike where things might get buggy? Obviously you should pack your insect repellent, but additional protection is a smart move…and that means loose clothing and covering up. These lightweight hiking joggers from Basin and Range have an easy fit and cuffed bottoms to deter any unwanted pests (the cuffs have zippers for an optional straight leg look if you prefer). Speaking of pests, Columbia’s mid-height hiking boot has full ankle protection and a gusseted tongue to prevent water, pebbles or anything else unwanted from entering the boot. Think you have to choose between keeping cool and protection? Not an issue with this lovely long-sleeved button down we found. It’s made of 100% linen and has a relaxed fit. Of course when you are ready to free those arms, having Puma’s training tank underneath makes it easy. The lovely lilac shade goes beautifully with the stone gray of the joggers, and the deep mesh v-neck in the front ensures plenty of ventilation while the long sleeve is on. Last, slide on some sleek Sun Buddies in gold tone trim.

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Channel the natural hues of your surroundings with this next fit. We start with some grassy green high-waisted bike shorts that pair beautifully with Rue21’s olive plaid long-sleeve. A light knit great tank underneath plays nicely with a pair of Victoria Beckham’s polarized rosy frames. And lastly, Columbia’s plush Hatana hiking shoe has mult-directional lugs so your step remains firm and gives you plenty of confidence to enjoy your surroundings.

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LIKE A BOSS

Unexpected challenges, uncertain conditions and plenty of grit are things you can expect on an advanced hike. But all of that fades compared to the unspoiled scenery and sense of accomplishment that an all day hike can give you. We’re talking core memory making here. With so much at stake, every article of clothing counts.

Is your hiking destination going to take you through some big elevation changes? Most likely that’ll include some big temperature changes as well. A pair of zip-off pants can give you the best of both worlds, long trousers for the chilly morning and lower elevations and shorts for when things really heat up. This pair by Stoic are just the thing in stretchy, moisture wicking polyester. Up top, Nike’s halter-style sports bra gives your shoulders and arms plenty of rotation room. RYU’s water repellant, double zip jacket will keep you comfy if things get damp, and The North Face’s Vective Fastpack hiking boot is both breathable and water resistant. Plus it’s diamond designed lugs will give you plenty of traction over unsteady ground. We complete this fit with a pair of polarized Ray-Bans in a sporty style that hugs the face.

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A good day of deep woods hiking means layers are a girl’s best friend. Here we start with some lovely lavender capris from Alo Yoga that are 4 way stretch to keep you moving. Speaking of moving, Reebok has a Supermium tee that’s moisture wicking and odor resistant. For when you’re just getting started, or when the weather gets cool, adidas’ Mission Victory hoodie is made of AeroReady material that will keep your muscles warm while you hit the trail. Looking to go off path? The Vasque Breeze hiking boot’s lugs are super grippy and the high ankle support adds extra stability as you maneuver your way around broken logs and steep ravines. Some silver aviators from Zenni round out the outfit.

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If the weather’s hot at the start, then you know it’s only going to get warmer. Grab a pair of Patagonia’s quick dry trail shorts that are ultra light but ripstop strong. They’re also perfect if your plan includes stopping off in a cool waterfall or lake. As for up top, we’re loving Puma’s mid-impact Safari bra, which has extra wide back straps to keep things in place while giving you full upper arm movement. It can easily double as a swim top as well. As for making sure you make your descent over wet slopes, La Sportiva’s goretex mid hiking boot will give you all the help you need. Lastly, have some fun with Nike’s sporty transparent sunglasses, which we found on sale for 67% off! YW!

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