Summer Hiking Outfits That Will Make You Stand Out on the Trails (& in Your Photos!)
We all love a good hiking aesthetic. There’s just something special about the way your outfit pops with the environment around you. To some, it may seem superficial. To others, it’s immersing youself into your passions, boosting your self-confidence, and just enjoying life. I’m here to show you some granola girl hiking outfits to wear this summer.
THERE’s NOTHING WRONG WITH WANTING TO LOOK CUTE. YOU GO GIRL!
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HIKING OUTFITS FOR WOMEN
It’s hard to know what to wear hiking, or where to get hiking outfits. That’s why I’m here to help! I’m basing this post off of summer hiking outfits. In Arizona, that means temperatures from the 60s at night to 100s during the day (depending on what part of the state you are). You may still need some “cool” weather gear if you’re hiking in the summer in Colorado, for example.
Remember, you don’t need all of the fanciest gear when starting to hike. I have been hiking for almost 9 years now, and have learned a lot. Okay, let’s get started on what to wear hiking!
BEST HIKING SHORTS FOR SUMMER
Finding good hiking shorts isn’t easy, but it is an essential to your hiking outfits. If you’re a thick thigh lady like me, it’s important to find shorts that hit your waist in the right place, and don’t ride up. I favor shorts with built in underwear just for simplicity, but it’s not a MUST for me.
My first favorite pair of hiking shorts are these REI Trailmade Shorts for Women. Some hiking shorts are way too long and frumpy, but these hit in all the right places. Definitely a must, and for $44, not bad. I wore these shorts on our long hike to Havasupai in Arizona and they held up so well.
GOING BACKPACKING SOON?
I made a detailed packing list after trying backpacking for the FIRST time this summer to HAVASUPAI. Read it HERE.
I also like normal athletic shorts for my hiking outfits. They don’t need to be from REI, and they don’t need to be marketed for hiking. I’ve recently been in love with TARGET’s athletic lines- specifically JoyLab and All In Motion.
If you’re feeling fun, get a neon color. I wore this pink outfit below on the trail and got SO MANY COMPLIMENTS. Which is not why I wear outfits (I wear them for myself), but it was fun to hear. Don’t be afraid to stand out. I personally like to wear colors that contrast with the environment.
I LIKE TO WEAR HIKING OUTFITS THAT CONTRAST WITH THE ENVIRONMENT.
HIKING PANTS- YES OR NO?
To be honest, I’ve always avoided hiking pants. I usually wore a good pair of leggings (my favs- Lululemon Align or Aerie) over getting those ugly, bulky hiking pants. I did wonder if they were worth it, so I tried some out.
The situation I feel that class hiking pants are best is when you’re on narrow trails that involve lots of bushes, so you aren’t scratching your legs. I also liked that they weren’t so suffocating like leggings can be some time. They’re loose, and allow for a bit of a breeze.
I finally found a pair that work with my curves- the Outdoor Afro + REI Co-Op Hiking Pants, and I love them.
The Wondery Outdoors Isabel Hiking Pants are also a big hit amongst everyone I know. They are super cute and fit really well. For Arizona, they’re better for spring, winter, and fall. Definitely not when it’s hot. They come in cute colors too!
BEST HIKING SHOES FOR SUMMER
Every good outfit needs a pair of shoes to go with it. In terms of hiking shoes, YOU NEED SOMETHING WITH GRIP. Don’t hike in Nike gym shoes, I promise you. You don’t need to spend a fortune on shoes as there are plenty of Amazon alternatives; however, good quality gear lasts a long time. At this point in my life, I choose to invest in quality gear. In my opinion, you only need TWO pairs of shoes for the summer- which keeps things simple.
YOU ONLY NEED TWO PAIRS OF HIKING SHOES FOR SUMMER.
BEST HIKING BOOTS
Danner Boots are one of the most popular hiking boots on the market. They’re supportive, sturdy, and fashionable. The red laces stand out from leather. I started off hiking in Keen’s, which I loved, but I love Danner more. I am considering getting trail runners WITHOUT ankle support, but for now I just use my Danners.
WATER SANDALS- A SUMMER STAPLE
Sandals are a staple for your granola girl summer hiking outfits. They can be worn around camp at night, during water hikes, and anytime your feet need a break from tall hiking boots. There’s a big debate in the outdoor world with TEVA vs CHACO, two popular sandals brands. I am 100% team TEVA. They’re way more comfortable to me and have so many fun styles. I am using Teva Hurricane for about $80, but the Teva Drift for $40 is a good starter sandal.
ARE SKORTS BACK IN STYLE?
There has been a recent resurgence in skirts, skorts, and active dresses. It gives you an extra feminine touch to your hiking outfits. I recently tried out an active skort and loved it! Iwouldn’t wear it on long hikes, but a few miles is totally okay.
WHERE TO FIND CUTE HIKING SHIRTS
I swear I have at least 30 hiking t-shirts in my closet, making an entire rainbow. My wardrobe consists of scrubs (I’m a PA by day), work out clothes, and hiking shirts- and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My favorites are vintage national park shirts. Over the years, I’ve made a list of my favorite places to get t-shirts to hike in.
PLACES TO GET THE CUTEST HIKING SHIRTS
- Keep Nature Wild
- Parks Project
- The Landmark Project– use my code “danielleoutdoors” for 15% off
- Patagonia
- Target
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT CUTE HIKING OUTFITS FOR SUMMER
I hope you got some fun ideas for you next hike. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Be YOU. Be colorful. Dress up if you want to. Don’t if you don’t want to. You’re perfect and worthy the way that you are.
