I’ve recently been asked this: “Any advice on cooler weather hiking clothes for women?” I’ll do you one better, and talk through the gear for both men and women! I figured that this would be some helpful information to share with you guys. Spoiler alert, Owen and I have similar taste in gear ;)

When transitioning from warm to cool weather hiking layering is definitely the name of the game! We have a tried and true saying “be bold, start cold” because in these transitional seasons. It’s so easy to overdress for when you get started and then 10 minutes into your hike you're stripping off layers that you may or may not have space for in your day pack. By starting with a little less than you feel like you need and then wearing smart layers that you can easily remove and stash away. 

I personally will wear shorts well into the fall. My threshold to moving to pants is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and then will wear a short-sleeve shirt (Columbia Ridge Lite shirt with sleeves rolled up) on top to balance out the pants. I get really hot when I hike so it’s usually best for me to start with layers on top and work down to my shirt as I go. Owen on the other hand will likely wear shorts no matter what.

Here is what I like to wear when I hike in the cooler months of the year. After each item, I list the reasons that I use and love them!

Mild, but changing weather

Light Hiking Shirt:

Women’s Columbia Ridge Lite

Men’s Columbia Ridge Lite

This is a great transitional shirt that can be worn as a long sleeve or with the sleeves rolled up if you get warm on your hike. This shirt is really breathable and will dry fast if you work up a sweat. Both Owen and I have one.

Heavier Hiking Shirt:

Women’s Patagonia Nine Trails LS

Men’s Icebreaker Tech Lite Long-Sleeve Crew Shirt

I have the shirt sleeve version of this shirt and love it. It feels great on the skin, dries quickly, and gives you a little extra warmth if you feel that the Columbia shirt is a little took lightweight based on the weather and how warm you get when you hike.

Light Jacket:

Women’s Patagonia Houdini

Men’s Patagonia Houdini

This is a great wind-resistant shell that can easily go under a heavier layer. When it’s not being worn it packs down into itself and is roughly the size of a granola bar. We don’t hike without it, no matter the season. Owen and I both have one.

Warmer Jacket:

Women’s Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoodie

Men’s Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoodie

If you’re going to buy one warm, cozy, insulated, and versatile jacket. This is it. I’ve now had two of these jackets, the first lasted me about 8 years. I love this jacket because I can hike in it without overheating, it’s wind-resistant, and there is a fuzzy liner that makes it really cozy to wear. They’ve also recently made some updates to the design that is really nice such as the hood sinch to keep it in place when it’s windy, a bottom hem sinch that prevents cold air from coming up through the bottom, and a zipper garage so the zipper when up doesn’t rub against your chin. I personally buy mine two sizes too big so I can layer underneath it. I wear a size small but buy a large. Oh, and it packs down really small when it’s not being worn! Seriously. We love this jacket so much we both have one!

Hiking Pants:

Women’s Prana Helle Pants

Men’s Patagonia Baggies 5” Inseam

I find that I’m not one for wearing yoga-like pants for hiking. They make my claustrophobic when I get hot, they can’t be rolled up, and they are not great if you have to slide over rocks or any other abrasive surface. I like these pants because they can be rolled up into crops if you get hot. These pants have a nice pit of stretch which makes them comfortable for long hikes. The Helle Pants are also made of durable material so you don’t have to worry about brushing up against anything abrasive. I don’t know if you are seeing a trend here, but I often find myself having to scale rocks and trees when I hike… oops. 

Owen nearly exclusively wears shorts and sometimes he adds his base layer under them. Crazy.

Socks: 

Women’s Stance Hiking Socks

Men’s Stance Hiking Socks

I wore these socks for the entire John Muir Trail. They’re soft and never bagged out. These Stance socks are made of performance Marino wool so they are environmentally friendly and warm on your tootsies! I find that I reach for these just about anytime I have to put on a pair of socks now. Owen has them as well and repeatedly professes his love for them every-time he puts them on.

For when things get really cold

Hardshell:

Women’s Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket

This jacket is only if things take a turn for the worse be it rain or really cold winds and snow. Being that we’re hard-pressed for space I also use this as my hardcore winter jacket. I make it warm enough by layering my Atom LT and a sweater underneath. This jacket is tough and has also been in my like for over 7 years now!

Owen is currently holding out for this: North Face Future Light

Baselayer:

Women’s SmartWool Merino 150 Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top

Women’s Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Bottoms

Men’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Long Underwear Top

Men’s Patagonia Capilene Midweight Long Underwear Bottoms

My base layers are made of wool is one of the warmest and most sustainable fabrics you can buy. I’m slowly replacing everything with performance wool as I go. Base layers are great for layering when it gets really cold. I will even wear my base layers under my regular clothes in the winter!

Well that just about cover’s all the gear that we start transitioning into for hiking as the weather starts to cool off! We hope that you found this to be helpful. If you ever have any questions or want any other advice, we’re here for you!

<3

MAK (& Owen)

NOTE: Some of the links provided in this blog post are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing some of these pieces of gear we get a very small portion of the sales. Thank you all as always for supporting us and our life on the road, it gives us the opportunity to share so extensively with you all! - MAK & Owen