When you’re hiking or spending time outside, function is the #1 priority. My outfit needs to be durable and suitable for the weather, and comfortable!! However, I’d be lying if I said style isn’t my #2 priority. When shopping for hiking and outdoor pieces, there are a few staples that I recommend that provide function and fashion, no matter where your adventure takes you. There are so many options and alternatives for all of these items, so feel free to customize them to your specific needs. For colder weather, opt for a thicker or wool option, for warmer weather try sweat wicking fabric. Below are some of my favorite functional pieces that can also show your personality.
Wear a hat!
Hats provide cover from the sun, warmth in the colder months, and a way to keep your hair in line while on the trail. Hats are great for function, but also offer various designs and options to fit your style. If the weather is a bit colder, I recommend a beanie. Depending on how hard your hiking will determine how thick your beanie should be. For more relaxed hiking and camping, thicker hats will keep you warm if you’re not moving around as much and sweating. However, if you are planning on going for a harder hike, make sure your hat accommodates warmth without getting too hot during exercise.
Neck Gaiters
After purchasing a neck gaiter my life has changed for the better. Especially for hiking, neck gaiters are so incredibly functional. There are wool options, moisture wicking options, and options for hot summer months to keep you cool. Not to mention there are millions of designs to choose from to match other outfit pieces, or add a pop of color or pattern to your look. Gaiters are also very versatile and can be used as a headband, hat, hair tie, face mask, balaclava, etc. My personal favorite is the Buff multifunctional headwear, but some of my other favorite brands like smartwool also make these items. Bandanas also work similarly and are more accessible in a pinch as a budget friendly option.
Socks and Shoes!
Spending time in the great outdoors is so relaxing and peaceful… as long as your feet don’t hurt. Hiking can become pretty miserable at times if you don’t have proper gear for your feet (trust me, I’ve been there). I recommend a thick pair of socks regardless of the weather to keep your feet blister-free. Depending on the time of year, obviously choose a more insulated sock for the winter time and a more breathable sock in the summer months. Insulated socks will keep you safe from hypothermia, and breathable socks will save you from sweaty feet. There are also many color and pattern options for hiking socks that will elevate your look, and compliment your boots. Hiking shoes are essential and vary depending on where and when you’re trekking. Even when I’m not hiking, I prefer hiking shoes because they provide great ankle support and grip for virtually any outdoor activity. Hiking sandals, sneakers, and boots are available from multiple retailers to suit your needs. Hiking sandals are made for short warm weather hikes or hanging out in bodies of water, and come in some really unique styles. Teva is my favorite sandal brand by far, fit for function and fashion. This brand utilizes grip and tread on the bottom of their sandals, which is usually quite rare. Keep in mind, hiking sandals do not provide any protection for your toes! Hiking sneakers are great for longer, warm weather hikes as long as the trail isn’t too rocky. The ones I wear are made by Saucony, and utilize a great tread on the bottom to really keep your feet in place while looking great with every outfit. However, my shoes are not waterproof, so keep that in mind when you’re looking at sneakers. The next option is hiking boots. Boots are great for all different types of terrain and come in so many styles to choose from. When purchasing a new pair of hiking boots, take into consideration:
- Waterproofing
- Room in the toes for thicker socks
- Arch support
- Ankle support
- Tread
With any hiking shoe, waterproof is best. You never know when you’ll have to cross a creek or bear the rain, so the best practice is to purchase waterproof boots or spray to keep your socks as dry as possible. Another commonly overlooked feature is a roomy toe box in hiking boots. We sometimes forget that the socks we wear daily are most likely not the socks we are going to hike in. Make sure when trying on boots to wear socks with a similar thickness to what you’ll be hiking in and ensure you’re still able to wiggle your toes around in the front of the shoe. This will make sure your circulation runs correctly while keeping your toes stable enough to avoid blisters. Arch support is a gamechanger in hiking shoes. Not only is it beneficial to your feet, it is also helping your posture and your back (especially when backpacking). All of your body and backpack weight rests on your soles, so having arch support in your shoes will make your hike much easier to enjoy. Ankle support is equally as important, because you definitely don’t want to be twisting your ankles in rocky terrain. In backpacking, there is more weight than you are used to on your upper half. This can cause instability and lack of balance if you aren’t careful. Having proper ankle support will work to keep you upright on the trail. Lastly, tread is super important, especially on exposed rock faces and wet surfaces where the ground can be slippery under your boots. My boots have Vibram technology on the sole which is very sticky and keeps your foot exactly where you want it. A combination of all these features will give you as close to a perfect boot as you can get, with millions of different styles. There are sleeker, leather designs for a minimalistic look, or more chunky options for those who like a thicker shoe. Here are some of my favorite fashionable footwear options.
Accessorize!
Another way to express your personal fashion while hiking is through accessories. Wearing necklaces, bracelets, and rings elevate your look without being too unnecessary. They add a pop of color and sparkle without weighing you down or being bothersome on a hike. Another functional accessory is sunglasses. For obvious reasons, sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful rays, and help your vision on sunnier days. They also elevate your outfit and look awesome for photos.
It’s cute to be hydrated!
Girl.. hydrate! Hiking is exercise and burns loads of calories. Having ample amounts of water will help you enjoy your hike and keep you going. Depending on how long your hike is, you can opt for a water bottle, or a backpack with a reservoir. My favorite water bottle for hiking is my 32oz Nalgene bottle. It is light and colorful, but the wide mouth lid is a b*tch. You’re exhausted and just want a sip of water, and you end up wearing half the bottle every time. However, I found a great stopper that makes the drinking spout smaller and more controlled so you’re not wasting precious hydration. You can also customize your water bottle with cute stickers, just make sure they are made for water bottles or they will flake off when you wash it.
If your hike is longer or more strenuous, opt for the reservoir. It makes it so easy to drink without having to unhook or unscrew anything. There are so many great and fashionable options with various sizes if you plan to pack a few essentials. It is also a good idea to bring a water filtration system in emergencies. Super cute. Whichever method you choose, being hydrated is the most fabulous way to get to the summit.
These tips should help you decide on a few functional essentials that will also elevate your outfit so you can be cute and comfortable on the trail. Also keep in mind that you do not need these items to get outside. If you are new to spending time outside, you don’t need to go straight to REI and spend your whole paycheck on outdoor gear. These are just ways to make your adventure easier. With time, you will figure out what items are a necessity and which items you can leave out of your pack. Whether you’re hiking Mount Everest or camping in your backyard, these items are fit for any adventure. Everyone is different, so make sure to use your own judgment when picking out items that work best for you! This is simply a guide and what items work best for me. Feel free to share your favorite essentials in the comments and I might try them out for myself! Can’t wait to hear from you!
