I’ve been testing lots of outdoor gear over the past few months and am stoked to share some of the best summer hiking gear for women!
Disclosures: Please note that I have received some of these items for free to test and review, but all words and opinions are my own. This story includes affiliate links through which I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Sunday Afternoons Hats
Sunday Afternoons Northwest Trucker Cap in Mountain |
The Sunday Afternoons Northwest Trucker Cap is my new favorite hat. A large brim shades my face while the mesh back keeps my head cool. The sweatband is wicking, and the hat is packable for the rare times I take it off. Plus, it’s just looks great! I get compliments every time I wear it! Comes in different patterns including Half Dome, Northern Lights and Wild. Order on Amazon.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat in Cinder |
For more sun protection, the Ultra Adventure Hat is hard to beat. A generous Clamshell brim and neck coverage mean less goopy sunscreen on my face. I love that the hat is foldable, adjustable, and has a sunglass lock. A similar version is made for kids: the Children’s Play Hat. Order on Amazon.
Native Eyewear Sunglasses
Native Eyewear Hardtop Ultra Sunglasses |
Native Eyewear‘s attractive, high quality sunglasses are awesome for outdoor adventuring. With poly-crystal carbonate polarized lenses, they cut glare, and allow you to see more clearly in challenging lighting. From vented, ultralight (and strong) frames made of eco friendly materials, to scratch-resistant and hydrophobic coatings, you get a lot of bang for your buck. They also come with a lifetime warranty!
I selected the Hardtop Ultras as the adjustable nose pads allow me to get a perfect fit. Near water, I really notice the difference polarized lenses make; there are less reflections off the water, and instead, I can see more fish in the lake! Buy on Amazon.
Hydroflask Water Bottles
Different sizes, lids, and widths of water bottles are available, as well as insulated food containers. The 12 oz Food Flask is the perfect lunchbox size!
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek ND 33:40 Women’s Backpack
Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek ND 33:40 Women’s Backpack
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The Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek ND 33:40 Women’s Backpack is my go-to pack for dayhikes as it has a narrow fit (ND = narrow dimensions), and thoughtful features such as trekking pole loops, rain cover, and top and bottom access, wrap around hip belt, and back ventilation. The pack is extremely comfortable as it fits well, and is quite light considering its size. You can expand it to 40L for a fast and light overnight trip, or winter family trip when tons of extra clothes are required. Read my complete review here: Lowe Alpine Airzone Trek ND 33:40 Women’s Backpack Review. Available on Amazon.
Terramar Sports Reflex Short Sleeve Tee
Terramar Sports Reflex Short Sleeve Scoop Tee |
Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant
Columbia Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant |
I was so stoked to find these Columbia hiking pants at Mark’s Canada as it’s really difficult to find flattering technical pants that aren’t leggings. While I adore yoga leggings and pretty much live in them, they aren’t practical for long hikes, scrambles, or backpacking trips. Why are hiking pants better? The material breathes better, dries quicker and is more abrasion resistant. Since the material is thinner and not skin tight, hiking pants feel a lot cooler in hot weather too.
So far I’ve been really happy with these pants. They have a bit of stretch for comfort and fit, and the drawstring waist allows me to tighten the pants at my natural waist (no gaping). These quick drying pants are great for hiking and travel!
Thorlos Socks
Thorlos’ newest offerings include Outdoor Athlete (thin cushion), Outdoor Fanatic (moderate cushion), and Performance Lifestyle (thin cushion). I like them all, but wear the Outdoor Fanatic socks for long hikes as they have the most cushioning. Available on Amazon.
Thorlos Socks For the Outdoor Athlete |
KEEN Terradora Waterproof Hiking Boots
KEEN Terradora Women’s Hiking Boots |
KEEN’s women-specific Terradora hiking boots are light, waterproof, and uber comfortable. I love the narrower fit and cute design that takes me from town to the trail. I’ve worn these for hikes, scrambles and even on the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata (a mix of climbing and hiking) and been really impressed with how light, breathable, waterproof, and nimble they are. Check out my detailed review of the KEEN Terradoras here. Available from Amazon and KEEN.
Rain Gear
Columbia Arcadia Casual Jacket |
The Columbia Sportswear Arcadia Casual Jacket is an affordable waterproof/breathable rain jacket with critically taped seams. The drop tail (aka butt coverage) means more of me stays dry when it’s pouring and I’ve forgotten my rain pants. The adjustable hood also prevents water coming in at the neck; something I tested recently in a storm on Centennial Ridge. This is a great jacket for every day wear in the rainy season as it’s cute, comfortable and waterproof. For fast hiking or hot weather, look for a waterproof-breathable jacket with pit zips / side zips and/or back vent to regulate temperature and condensation. Available at Mark’s Canada and Amazon.
Banana Boat Kids Natural Reflect SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
This inexpensive zinc based formula with natural ingredients is our favorite “natural” sunscreen as it goes on easier than some other zinc suncreens and doesn’t have an odd smell (some health food brands used vegetable oils and smelled rancid). Best of all, it doesn’t give me allergies or affect our sensitive skin. Available from Amazon (affiliate link) and Walmart.
What are some of your favorite pieces of outdoor gear for summer?
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