Do you enjoy hiking? Hiking can include strolling in your local area or traveling internationally to trek mountains. Whatever your level and lifestyle, you need appropriate clothing and shoes to make sure you are comfortable and safe.  

Hiking is one of my favorite activities. I love researching hiking trails in my area and going as much as I can. I use the website and app All Trails to find interesting trails that are reviewed by hikers for their difficulty and other characteristics. 

Breathable and comfortable clothing is key to enjoying your hiking. Nothing throws you off course more than an ill-fitting top that makes you sweat profusely or shoes that cause blisters. 

That doesn’t mean that you have to wear old sweats and ugly running shoes either. Many brands have specialized in modern and comfortable hiking apparel – many using innovative UV protection and moisture control materials. 

Read READY FOR A HIKE? CHECK OUT THESE 5 TIPS FOR ACTIVE SENIORS.

I have put together a few hiking outfits for women over 50 that I hope can help you hit the trails comfortably and stylishly. 

Casual Day Hike – Pretty in pink! 

Heading out for a casual and easy day hike? This outfit will keep you cool and dry and still looking feminine. 

• REI Genesis Tech T-Shirt is thin, flexible, and effective at regulating body heat. 
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Capri Pants lightweight soft-shell capris resist wind without reducing breathability. Ample stretch provides smooth movement.
• Oboz Sypes Mid Leather Waterproof Hiking Boots are built for versatility and designed with sustainable materials.
• Tilley Wanderer Hat offers 3 brim options – snap it up on one side, on both sides, or not at all.
• The North Face Lumbnical Waist Pack has an internal secure-zip pocket with key-clip webbing.
• REI Knockaround Mai Tais Polarized Sunglasses cut glare and offer UV400 protection.

Tropical Weather Hike – Beat the Heat!

Hiking in the heat carries its set of challenges and that’s why it’s important to wear proper clothing to keep your skin cool and dry. 

• Patagonia Capilene® Cool Daily Tank Top is quick-drying, has stretch for maximum comfort, and also offers odor control. 
• Patagonia Long-Sleeved Self-Guided Hike Shirt is a sun shirt made of 100% recycled polyester fabric with 50+ UPF sun protection. 
• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts are made with a lightweight 91% recycled polyester and 9% spandex blend that breathes, wicks moisture, and moves comfortably.
• KEEN Newport H2 Sandals feature quick-dry webbing, toe protection, and an adjustable fit. 
• Hat Alchemi Labs Clearwater Sun Hat features radiant barrier technology that reflects 80% of the sun’s heat waves. 
• Zeal Incline Polarized Sunglasses offer ProFlex rubber on the temple tips and nose pads to keep them in place.

Cold-Weather Hike

Hike in cold weather with tech gear that doesn’t bulk but keeps you warm. 

• Patagonia Nano Puff Vest is Warm, windproof, and water-resistant.
• Fjallraven Kaitum Fleece Hoodie combines the temperature-regulating and warming properties of wool with the strength of polyester.
• Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Pants provide warmth, stretch, and unrestricted movement with their durable, stretchy, stitch-free material.
• The North Face Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boots are made of premium full-grain leather, ultra-durable nylon, and padded ripstop tongues for extra warmth and comfort.
• Outdoor Research Frittata Beanie is made of breathable, moisture-wicking merino wool. 
• The North Face Recon Backpack has a large mesh storage pocket and daisy-chain attachment points.
• REI Co-op Merino Wool Midweight Hiking Crew Socks add a bit of warmth for cooler hikes. But they’re still breathable, moisture-wicking, and naturally odor resistant.
• Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Chute is a face mask, beanie, neck-warmer, sunshade, and headband all rolled into one.

Multi-Day Hike

Pack a few more items when going on a multi-day hike. Make sure all your items match and that your pack is big enough (but not too big).

• REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants are made of stretch fabric and a zip-off design that provides an easy transition from pants to shorts.
• REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt wicks sweat, dries quickly, stretches, and shades you with solid UPF 30 sun protection.
• Trekmates Jungle Hat is made with organically grown cotton and has a removable chin string.
• Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots offer a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry while still allowing your feet to breathe.
• Patagonia Side Current Tank Top is an easy-to-wear transitional tank top.
• Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles with FlickLock adjustability, comfortable foam grips, and excellent value.
• Patagonia Refugio Daypack 30L is Fair Trade Certified sewn.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which outfit do you like best? Where do you like to shop for your hiking clothing? Where do you like to hike? Tell us about it in the comments below.