Charmaine Miller shares her tips for hiking in style.
Outdoor gear has long been leaving a mark on contemporary fashion. The list of office and streetwear staples that began life as practical outdoor pieces is long and distinguished, including hiking boots, polar fleeces, and rugged wristwatches, to name but a few. However, we’re now in a rather curious situation where performance gear that’s designed for the outdoors isn’t the first thing we think about when we think of fashionable ensembles.
This state of affairs doesn’t mean that outdoor gear is no longer fashionable. It’s just that the concept of stylish outdoor looks has dipped under the wider public’s radar for a variety of reasons. Contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to find both new and classic outdoor pieces that are just as style-forward as they are rugged. Be sure to stay on the lookout for these elevated items before your next adventure:
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Stylish Yet Practical Tights
No hiker should be without a few good pairs of tights in their backpack. They can be used as either inner or outer garments, perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth underneath your bottoms, or paired with shorts for protection against bugs in warmer weather.
The main advantage of tights over other alternative garments like hiking pants is their unmatched comfort. They offer near-unlimited freedom of movement and only pack a fraction of the weight of jeans or cargo pants. Best of all, tights these days also go beyond the typical black, white, and nude colors of yesteryear, coming in a wide variety of hues and patterns to suit your personal style.
Polished Hiking Apparel
If you need serious hiking clothes, stick with products guaranteed by noted manufacturers rather than popular fashion houses. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable while also looking chic.
For a more flattering look, choose modern tops and bottoms with a more sculpted fit, as opposed to typical baggier examples. Clothing with modern cuts and materials also tends to harmonize with other types of contemporary casual wear, potentially giving you more uses out of your investments.
Fashionable Footwear
Your footwear can be both functional and fashionable, suited for adventures both on and off the trail. For best results, choose boots that blend sleek, proven designs with modern features that aid comfort and durability.
Thankfully, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to stylish hiking footwear. In recent decades, several noted outdoor apparel brands have even redefined hiking footwear, offering alternatives to traditional leather boots that no longer give up essential features like traction and support.
Trendy Backpacks
For shorter weekend hikes, there’s a wide variety of cool, lightweight backpacks that will win you style points while you carry your precious gear. Style-forward backpacks that are more suited for longer or more extreme hikes may be more difficult to find, but you can’t go wrong with classic configurations. As with other types of hiking gear, you want to make sure that the backpack you choose is lightweight, durable, and offers reasonable moisture protection for the gear you’re carrying.
Fun and Fresh Accessories
Outdoor accessories are no longer just about functionality; they’re an opportunity to express your style. Hats, water bottles, and other critical hiking accessories have mostly moved on from their historically utilitarian designs and now come in a selection of fun and funky colorways and patterns. Even fitness trackers, smartwatches, and GPS devices now come in a variety of designs that match whichever ensemble you put together.
Like with your clothes, footwear, and backpacks, make sure that your accessories are truly built for a life on the trail. Inspect each piece for quality and only take accessories that can survive bumps and scrapes while still remaining functional throughout your journey.
Chic Sustainable Gear
Sometimes, chicness has less to do with how your gear looks and is more about the philosophies and principles that underpin their manufacture. Several prominent outdoor gear makers are now embracing sustainability, signaling their commitment to protecting the wilderness areas where their products are designed to be used.
If this idea resonates with you, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of cash to make a difference. Purchasing high-quality secondhand outdoor gear can save you cash while also drastically reducing your environmental impact over buying brand new.
Though you should probably avoid purchasing secondhand tights and undergarments for hygiene reasons, everything else we’ve mentioned so far should be fair game. Just make sure the gear you’re purchasing is in good condition or, at least, repairable and safe to use.
It’s great to know that you can always find gear that is as hardy as it’s stylish. The next time you hit the trail, take stock of what you’ve got and see if there are additions out there that could redefine your outdoor style.
Your thoughts on hiking in style?
What gear do you take hiking? Is this what you would also take camping? Share your hiking in style secrets below…
Charmaine Miller is a life-long pet lover and animal rights advocate. She works as a pet sitter and dog walker by day and volunteers at a local animal shelter by night. In her spare time, she loves to bake, write, and sing to her favorite Beyonce songs.
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Charmaine Millerhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/charmaine-miller/
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Charmaine Millerhttps://www.campingforwomen.com/author/charmaine-miller/
I love hiking but I’m not that fashionable when I do it..lol. After reading this post I guess I need to up my hiking fashion ASAP….LOL
I love the idea of including fashion in my hiking. Sustainable clothing is the best for me!
I think appropriate footwear is super important when going hiking. My parents always had hiking boots. Plus, we always carried portable water purification tablets in case we needed to fill up our canteens with water.
I do alot of hiking and I am always looking to add to my kit so this post in really handy. I feel a Feb/March shopping hike coming on. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions Melanie xx
I’m always amazed at how comfortable hiking clothing can be! It really has come a long way in being fashionable as well. It is a great combination! I also think a good pair of tights is essential for layering.
I love dressing up and I try looking cute when hiking as well. Surely I would never trade comfort for looks during the hike but I do put effort into looking good as well. You posted wonderful options, I think your post might be a great push for self conscious people
I like the recommendation for practical products used for hiking. One can’t compromise in quality for sure.
Great idea to do hiking and fashion, something that would be a cool adventure. Great post!
My sister has gone and developed interests in hiking and fashion. I’ll share this with her.
I believe those are must haves. But the most important thing for me is a very comfortable footwear.
When we go hiking, I often have a pair of tights or leggings underneath as a bottom layer. I can take the top layer off if I get warm or leave it on if I need it. We also have a few backpacks just for hiking when we go.
These hiking gears are very stylish! I’m not into hiking but I may one day try it.
i do love having backpacks and an outfit that both feels and looks comfortable and great!! so thanks for these ideas
It is interesting to see how hiking and outdoor gear has changed over the years. I like that it is still functional but also has an attractive aspect to it as well.
It’s neat when functional intersects with fashionable! When it doesn’t cut back on safety why not be both??
The emphasis on stylish yet practical tights is a fantastic idea. I never considered the versatility they offer as both inner and outer garments for hiking!
It has been a long time since I went hiking and camping. You have mentioned some great fashionable ideas, that I sure keep in mind when my family plans a trip
My daughter loves hiking! I’m sure she’d want to be fashionable while doing so!
Yes, wearing comfortable yet fashionable footwear is crucial for someone who’s always on the go, whether you are hiking or just simply “malling”.
Thanks for the awesome suggestions on chic outdoor gear! Your recommendations for stylish hiking attire are spot-on. I can’t wait to elevate my adventure wardrobe with these fashionable options. Your insights make gearing up for my next hike both exciting and fashionable. Grateful for the style tips! 🌲👟 #AdventureInStyle
I like the idea of second hand items. Stylish is always a good thing.
I love hiking & do need a new pair of hiking boots! You’ve inspired me to try & find a fashionable pair.
The right footwear is important. Having something that is comfy and is really important. It’s a bonus it it’s fashionable too.
You have so many awesome things. I need to try hiking and see if I like it. I bet I would!
I’m one of those people who looks like a slob when I go hiking – but after reading this article I think I’ll up my game. Why not look good and wear sustainable clothing while enjoying the outdoors.
I love the idea of sustainable gear. I’m doing my best to limit my carbon footprint, so I always love finding new ways to use less!