Women’s Hiking Apparel

Women’s Hiking Apparel at Arc’teryx

Women’s hiking apparel has to cope with a lot in one day, from a cool start and strong sun to scrub, wind and a storm in the afternoon. Our women’s hiking clothes are designed around that range, with fabrics that stretch with your stride, tops that dry quickly and layers you can add or shed as the track climbs.

Best Women's Hiking Clothes to Wear on Warm Day Walks

Hiking clothes for warm weather should be light, breathable and sun-safe. The Taema Crew Neck Shirt is a light, moisture-wicking hiking shirt with UPF 40+ sun protection, and a women’s hiking shirt in a long sleeve covers your arms on exposed tracks. For your legs, the Norvan Short 5" Women’s is a lightweight hiking short that weighs 80 g, while the Gamma Short 9" Women’s is a softshell hiking short with a zippered thigh pocket.

Women’s Hiking Outfits for Alpine Weather

Women’s hiking outfits for alpine weather start with a warm layer that is easy to take off. A women’s hiking fleece jacket such as the Delta Jacket keeps warmth high and weight low, and a women’s hiking jacket blocks the wind once you reach the ridge. Add a Merino base layer on colder days, such as the Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck.

Women’s Hiking Gear for Rain and Storms

Women’s hiking gear for rain starts with a waterproof hiking jacket with a hood that adjusts for coverage, such as the Beta Jacket with its StormHood™. Keep it in the pack on unsettled days and put it on before the rain arrives, so you stay dry through long, wet descents.

A Women’s Hiking Outfit Built for Scrub and Sun

A women’s hiking outfit for Australian tracks needs bottoms that stretch and resist snags. Our women’s hiking pants give you room for high steps, and the Gamma Pant is a hiking pant whose Fortius DW 2.0 fabric resists abrasion on scrubby ground. Finish the outfit with hiking socks and women’s hiking shoes, and see our layering guide for how the layers work together.

Women’s Hiking Apparel FAQs

What should I wear hiking?

Women’s hiking clothes start with a wicking top and stretch pants or shorts, then add a warm layer and a jacket for wind and rain. Add a hat for the sun and shoes that are broken in before the walk. Try the bottoms on with a loaded pack, because a hip belt changes how they sit at the waist.

What are the best women's hiking clothes for summer?

The best hiking clothes for summer are light, breathable shorts or pants and a top with a UPF rating. A long-sleeve top covers your arms from the sun, and a light jacket in the pack handles an afternoon storm or a windy summit.

Why should I avoid cotton for hiking?

Cotton hiking clothes hold sweat and rain, so they stay wet and heavy and take a long time to dry. Fabrics made from synthetic fibres or Merino move moisture away from your skin and dry faster, which keeps you more comfortable on long or wet walks.

Do I need waterproof clothing for every hike?

Waterproof hiking clothing is not needed on every hike. Carry a waterproof jacket when rain is forecast or the weather is changeable, especially in the mountains. On short, settled days, a light windproof layer is often enough.