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Oftentimes, trend reports for women in the outdoors center around which color will be most prominent for the season ahead, but there’s so much more to women’s hiking clothing trends than whether pink or purple will be the prominent color of the season. (Spoiler alert: Purple is reigning in 2024/2025.)
In recent years, women’s hiking pants, hiking socks, hiking shoes, apparel and hiking gear has seen an explosion in range, with established brands experimenting and newer brands pushing the envelope. Today’s hiking apparel for women is more streamlined, more stylish and more functional than ever.
In this guide, I’ll break down 2024’s top trends in women’s hiking clothing, and discuss the latest innovations and styles in hiking apparel and the best hiking gear designed for women.
2024's Biggest Trends in Women's Hiking Gear and Apparel
1. Innovations in material technology
Recycled materials, UV and UPF sun protection and breathable designs continue to dominate women’s hiking apparel heading into the second half of 2024. Many brands, whether long-established or brand-new, see fabrics that wick moisture, breathe and protect from harmful rays as baseline requirements for today’s women’s hiking apparel. Whether your hiking shoe, hiking boot, rain pants, rain jacket or outdoor gear are designed to handle the most intense peaks or most casual day hikes, it has been engineered to be more lightweight, breathable and protective than ever.
Best practices for women’s hiking apparel continue to eschew cotton for other high-performance fabrics, but that doesn’t necessarily mean synthetic. Modern women’s hiking clothes are regularly constructed from merino wool, alpaca wool and various blends of wool and nylon, wool and spandex and even Tencel. These blends can be found in the best hiking pants, hiking shorts, hiking leggings, wool socks and more. By blending together natural and synthetic fibers, brands are increasing the lifespan of garments — and bringing stretch and movement to the forefront. The vast majority of women’s hiking apparel continues to be made from polyester and nylon, two stalwarts in the world of hiking apparel material, but expect to see more blends as material innovation continues to ramp up.
2. Eco-friendly and sustainable options
Are there any truly eco-friendly products or sustainable hiking gear? While that’s a question the outdoor market in general continues to struggle to answer, there are some women’s hiking apparel options that are far more sustainable and earth-friendly than others. Ingredient brands like Thermore offer sustainable down alternatives like EcoDown, a lightweight, durable, synthetic insulation made of 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.
Brands like Patagonia, which have dominated the outdoor apparel scene for decades, are replacing all fluorinated DWR membranes and finishes with non-fluorinated options, helping to keep forever chemicals out of the environment and off your skin. Smaller brands like Tentree, which makes sustainable outdoor clothing, offset impact by having full transparency when it comes to supply chains, opting for more eco-friendly materials like tencel, organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, and by planting trees to offset any negative impact on the environment its production may cause.
3. Vintage outdoor gear
It's no surprise that vintage apparel and thrifting in general continue to grow in popularity. The benefits are clear and the prices much more approachable than new. Shopping vintage offers environmental benefits by promoting sustainability and reducing waste through reusing pre-owned items—many major outdoor brands now offer repair and recycle programs too. Vintage outdoor clothing is popular for its unique, durable designs and high-quality materials that have stood the test of time. Additionally, the trend appeals to those seeking distinctive styles and nostalgia, while often providing cost savings compared to new, high-end gear.
4. Trend-driven and functional designs
Another exciting 2024 trend in women’s hiking apparel is the growing popularity of more trend-driven, fashion-forward designs that don’t skimp on functionality. Two brands providing a masterclass in elevating the aesthetic of women’s hiking clothing are Hikerkind and Seniq.
Launched in 2021, Hikerkind paved the way for elegance being infused into hiking apparel. The brand’s small but curated selection places a premium on clean lines and a minimal aesthetic, while making sure the clothing can hold its own in the wild. Chic button-downs, lightweight hiking pants and classically-designed midlayers are the brand’s specialty. Even newer on the block, Seniq was launched in early 2024 and specializes in functional, beautiful outdoor apparel that can transition easily from trail to town.
Additional brands bridging the gap between aesthetics and functionality include Wondery Outdoors, Earth Studies, Halfdays, and Pa’lante Packs. The through-line that unites all of the aforementioned brands is an emphasis on form, neutral colorways that can be mixed and matched (with the exception of Seniq’s hot pink offerings) and a premium placed on comfort and style. Each of these brands also incorporates UPF protection in its apparel, as well as other functional and eco-friendly details.
5. Review of top brands and their offerings
While there’s certainly a cohort of young brands shaking up the women’s hiking apparel and athletic clothing space, we’d be remiss not to mention the biggest players in the space. Established hiking apparel brands include Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, as well as REI Co-Op, Columbia, Kuhl and more.
While each brand has its specialty when it comes to women’s hiking apparel, there are a few broad takeaways to be had when it comes to more established brands and general outdoor activity. Patagonia is known for well-made and quality clothing that places a premium on sustainability, but Arc’teryx is still king of the mountain when it comes to technical apparel. The North Face is widely available and easy to find, but won’t come close to Arc’teryx or other more specialized brands. Mountain Hardwear has been known for its high-alpine technical apparel for years, but is now venturing down the mountain, so to speak, into warmer hiking territory (and enhanced UPF protection). REI Co-Op, Columbia and Kuhl won’t break the bank, but they’ll lack some of the more advanced features and construction of other, competing brands.
While no choice is a wrong choice when it comes to any of these brands, which you’ll choose is dependent on your budget, activity level and experience.
How to integrate new trends into your hiking wardrobe
If you’re curious about the earth tones, minimal aesthetic and increased functionality of women’s hiking apparel in 2024, there are a few ways to easily incorporate some of these trends into your current setup. The first would be to inspect all of your hiking apparel and see what’s worn out, what doesn’t fit anymore, or where you might have a gap in your kit. Then, pick a trend and invest there. Another option is to buy gently used apparel at events like REI’s Garage Sale, or on resale sites like Poshmark. It’ll take a little hunting, but you’ll be able to try something new without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best brands for trying women's hiking clothing trends?
The best brands for women’s hiking footwear and attire will fit into your budget, feature UV and UPF protection, and will feature elevated styling. A few you can rely on in a pinch, and that span the price spectrum, are Hikerkind, Arc’teryx and REI Co-Op.
What is the best outfit to wear when hiking?
The best outfit to wear while hiking will protect you from the sun (think UPF protective materials, long sleeves and pants), will include breathable fabric and wick moisture, and will be made of durable materials that can handle the rigors of the trail. It will include pants, a long sleeve shirt, an insulated jacket, shell, hiking boots or shoes, a durable sock option and a hat, at minimum.
What are the most durable materials for hiking clothes for women?
When it comes to hiking clothes for women, the most durable materials are polyester or nylon in their myriad forms, or fabrics that blend both natural materials and synthetic ones. Go-to materials include merino wool, polyester or nylon.
Published 10-03-2024
