Finding the right clothes to wear for a summer hike and/or a summer vacation can be tough. You may have been thinking “where do I get a cute hiking outfits” or “how should I dress for a hike?” If this is sounding familiar, let me help you out a bit.
We just returned home from an incredible trip visiting Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons and The Rocky Mountains. Yes… all three in 8 days… I don’t recommend it. (That is, I don’t recommend shoving so much into 8 days.)
While I packed a lot of “right” hiking outfits… I did get a couple things “wrong”. One big thing in particular… or maybe it’s considered two? 😂
Side note: Although it is unlikely someone may actually read this – and even more unlikely they’ll purchase one of my suggestions – I will receive a small commission if they (or you) do. 😉
Women’s Hiking Outfits for Summer – Do’s
DO: Get Amazon Leggings with Pockets
One of my favorite purchases for the trip was some leggings with pockets from Amazon.
If you are visiting a National park like we did, you aren’t going to need to bring a bag to every attraction. While most things can stay in the car, having a pocket for keys/phone/credit card was a big plus.
DO: Successful Hiking Outfits = Wearing Layers
Mountain temperatures have a huge range throughout the day. In some areas we’re talking about a 30 degree change in temperature. 😱
Style tip: If you’re planning on wearing your sweatshirt/sweater/jacket around your waist for pictures – make sure it’s a different color from your pants. A monochromatic tied sweatshirt and pant end up looking like one awkward blob for pictures.
DO: Hiking Outfits = Flannel Shirt
Nothing says hiking/camping like a flannel shirt, am I right? Dress the part for the day and have fun with it. A couple of pigtails can finish the look off nicely. 😉
DO: Pack Extra Warm Clothes
Although the weather forecast may call for some warm weather, you’ll still find areas in the mountains that may be a bit chilly. One lightweight jacket, a couple jeans and leggings, and 4-5 sweatshirt/sweater should suffice for a week long trip.
DO: Bring Good Hiking Boots
Even if you don’t plan on getting crazy with the hikes, I do still recommend a good pair of boots. They will be helpful with any snow you may encounter and provide stability even on small trails. Lastly, having a designated hiking boot won’t make you go crazy when they undeniably get filthy as opposed to your cute tennies.
DO: Pack Multiple Sunglasses
Okay, hear me out… if this is a family vacation, you’ll most likely cherish and see these photos for years to come. You don’t want to see yourself in the same shades in every photo. Sunglasses can change the whole vibe of the outfit.
DO: Bring a Solid Baseball Hat
Get a solid color baseball hat that will go with most of your hiking outfits for the trip. No, you aren’t going to wear it daily… maybe just at certain times. Having one hat that can be worn with multiple looks saves you some suitcase room.
DO: Pack Good Quality Athleisure Clothes
Athleta is my all-time favorite store when it comes to athleisure. Not only do their clothes wash and wear extremely well, they also last for years.
DO: Amazon Prime Yourself with Some Athleisure Crop Tops
These tops were affordable and comfortable. A multicolor 3 pack costs $28.99.
Women’s Hiking Outfits for Summer – Do Not’s
DO NOT: Pack Items You Haven’t Tried On
Case in point:
1 white shirt + 1 thin, white sports bra = 2 visible nipples.
And I’m sorry, we’re not talking about just some hard nips…
I’m talking THE COLOR OF THE AREOLA WAS VISIBLE. Definitely didn’t catch that in the mirror… but in the right lighting… yep… you can see my whole beautiful nipple areola complex.
(And yes… that is the medical term for your nipple/areola. My doctor husband referred to it as such when I showed him the photo… my response… “What? Are you saying my boobs have a complex? Is something wrong with them?”) 😂
Lessons Learned:
- Try on clothing before wearing it (especially for family photos).
- Be conscientious about what sports bra you buy.
DO NOT: Buy a Rain Jacket
Unless where you are headed is rainy season or has some serious rain in the forecast, skip the raincoat and try an alternative… a super cute… poncho. (I wish you could hear my sarcasm.)
Hear me out… you will not be taking photos while it’s raining – right?
Why not save your money for that piece you really want and grab a poncho for a few bucks?
I recently saw some for $3 at the grocery store in Yellowstone. Or here’s a 5 pack for under $12.
DO NOT: Pack White Tennis Shoes
White tennis shoes are one of favorite go-to’s. They would have looked super cute with some of the outfits I packed for the trip… yet, I’m still relieved I did not pack them.
I passed multiple women sporting some cute, white tennies. The majority looked brand new with fresh dirt stains piled high. Yes, you can throw many shoes into the wash – but not all survive the machine so well.
In short, skip these for the trip.
Style tip: Have you had your eyes on Superga white tennis shoes? If you are a super clean person – give them a go. They are cute. However, even if you are super clean, if you have little ones, I’d skip the Superga and go with with a harder material like Veja.
… this is of course coming from personal experience.
Farewell Fellow Mountaineers
Well, my friends… this is all for now. As you prepare yourself and your family for your trip/hiking adventure… good luck!
If you have any questions or need some advice – don’t be a stranger! Holler at your girl.
Lastly, if you enjoyed this post and want more content directly sent to your email, subscribe. 😊
Oh… one last thing… If wintertime mountains are more your thang…I got you covered, boo. Come check out my post Family Ski Vacation: How to Pack and Plan Efficiently.
Shea says
Love these tips! And these outfits! You’re making me jealous its been too long since I hiked!
Becky says
You better get back out there, girl!
Paige says
I love all of your outfits, they’re so cute! I never feel that put-together when I’m hiking lol I’ll definitely have to check out those hiking boots because I’ve been searching for the right pair!
Becky says
Hahaha… I feel ya… for not being a planner… I planned these ones!
Definitely recommend the shoes… they were comfy (even for my massive bunion 😛) and looked cute. My stepdaughter went with the black pair and she also loved them.
Blessings on your next adventure.
Becky says
Thank you! They all came together… and heck yes for the boots! Definite winners!
Michelle says
Haven’t thought about bringing more than one pair of sunglasses before, but it’s a good idea to easily switch up a look!
Becky says
For sure! It’s the details that make the difference! 🙂
Kelly says
This is so helpful! I love hiking but definitely need some help with the cuteness 😂 this is perfect!
Becky says
Yay! Glad you liked some of the outfits 🙂
Andrea says
Yes, That’s how I feel too!
Thanks so much for this post.
It was fun and helpful.
Becky says
Thanks so much for your input! I appreciate your feedback.