What to Wear on a Hiking Date? [And Still Look Great]

Nathan Barker May 2, 2020

Do you have a date lined up with that special someone, but want to try something a bit different than the boring old restaurant and movie?

This is a great opportunity for you to explore the wonders of mother nature and go on a hiking date!

“But what on earth am I meant to wear” I hear you say? Well, keep reading because you’re about to learn what to wear on a hiking date, while still looking great!

What Do You Wear on a Hiking Date?

You want to look your very best, so to make things simple, we’ve done the hard work and found the best hiking clothes that are cute, yet very comfortable!

Skirts

A good hiking skirt will combine practicality, comfort, and fashion. When choosing a skirt, things to consider are whether it has pockets for storing small items you might need on a hike, such as hair ties and lip balms.

Similarly, look for a skirt with a belt loop for holding items with a carabiner. You should also opt for a hiking skirt that gives plenty of freedom for leg movement, particularly if the hike involves climbing uphill.

Finally, choose a skirt with neutral colors to hide any dirt you might get on it.

Pants

Ideally, the pants you choose should offer protection, breathability, and insulation – as well as looking great, of course. Avoid cotton pants, as this is one of the longest fabrics to dry if you get wet.

Instead, opt for pants made from merino wool or polyester. Merino wool offers excellent insulation if you’re hiking in cold weather, while polyester is great for breathability and is quick-drying.

Wearing polyester pants over something else is recommended as the feel of it directly on the skin can be uncomfortable.

Leggings

Leggings can offer a great look while hiking and are also practical as they provide unrestricted movement and will keep your legs warm. They’re also extremely comfortable and lightweight, so for an enjoyable hike, you can’t go far wrong.

Leggings with pockets offer practicality while hiking. From a fashion perspective, leggings are great as they come in many colors. However, if you’ll be hiking in muddy conditions, darker leggings will conceal any splashes.

In hot weather, you might be better opting for pants over leggings to avoid sweating, while leggings can quickly become torn too, so depending on the kind of terrain you’re hiking, you might want to consider alternatives.

Shirts

One of the main things to keep in mind when hiking – particularly on a date! – is whether what you wear will make you sweaty.

A plaid shirt may look cute and conform to the archetypal hiking look, but in warm weather, you’ll soon become sweaty. Thankfully, there are many options that both look great and will keep you cool.

Look for shirts that offer dry wicking fabric (that lets sweat evaporate) and odor control. A shirt made from polyester is your best option as this will dry quickly.

Also, look out for features such as underarm gussets for ease of movement and chafing prevention. If you opt for a long-sleeved hiking shirt, make sure the sleeves can be rolled up and secured correctly if it gets too hot.

Jacket

You can choose several different types of jackets, depending on the climate you’re hiking in. During winter, a waterproof or rain jacket are good option.

At other times of the year, a more lightweight running jacket will suffice. Once again, look for jackets that have enough pockets to store small essentials.

I also recommend a hooded jacket if you’re going hiking in the colder, wetter months. Regardless of the time of year you’ll be hiking, look for a jacket with vents to regulate body heat.

Also, the more lightweight a jacket is, the better. Jackets with a nylon fabric are also an excellent choice as they will be mostly waterproof and offer adequate breathability.

Backpack

Backpacks don’t have to be huge, bulky affairs. There is a range of incredibly stylish backpacks in various colors that are both practical and look great while hiking.

Women generally have narrower shoulders than men and wide hips, a bigger bosom, and a smaller torso. Thankfully, there are plenty of backpack options designed with women in mind.

Look for a backpack with shoulder straps and waist belts appropriate to the female anatomy. Shoulder straps should offer comfort to your neck and inner arms, while the waist belt needs shouldn’t put a strain on your hips. For comfort, look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps and hip belts.

Also, opt for backpacks with at least two zippered compartments for storage and a mesh panel to avoid your back getting too sweaty.

Boots

Hiking boots for women are usually narrower (particularly at the heel) and go down to smaller sizes than hiking boots for men. As with any other clothing for hiking, the more lightweight your boots are, the better.

A boot with a high cut over the ankle will offer support against twists and falls. Look out for boots with Gore-Tex waterproof technology and a good grip.

On shorter hikes, a flexible sole is a good option, while if you’re going on longer hikes, go for a boot with a stiffer sole. As with any new type of footwear, make sure you properly break them in for a few days before hiking.

The Importance of Layering your Clothes

When doing outdoor activities, it’s best to layer your clothes correctly to improve your comfort and hiking experience.

Base Layer: Sweat Removal

The base layer refers to the underwear portion of your clothes, and it’s destined to remove sweat from your body. In other words, it must be able to move perspiration from your body and transfer to the outer layers, for easier drying.

This is also known as wicking, and it refrains your body from getting cold while maintaining comfort.

Because of this, cotton fabrics should never be worn when hiking. Cotton is designed specifically to absorb moisture, and this can lead to chaffing, wetness in certain areas, and eventual shivering.

The best materials for the base layer are polyester, nylon, merino wool, and silk. Additionally, they all have odor-dissipating features and adequate breathability. Your underwear (boxers, panties, and bras) should not be made of cotton.

Middle Layer: Maintain Heat

Although it’s true that clothes are unable to produce heat, they can be quite efficient in retaining heat. The middle layer acts as an insulator to keep your body warm by holding on to the heat it generates.

The best choices are fleece or insulated clothes that are also lightweight so you can carry them in your backpack. This way, you can make wardrobe changes during your date to keep you cozy or to avoid overheating, if it occurs.

Shell Layer: Weather Condition Resistance

As the name implies, the last layer of your hiking outfit must protect you from the weather conditions, whether it’s rain, snow, or wind.

Ideally, you must search for clothing that is both wind-resistant and waterproof. It is rather common for soft drizzles to occur or harsh winds to pick up when hiking at certain altitudes.

Usually, waterproof jackets are more expensive than regular ones, but they are more breathable and have greater durability. Most are made of stretch fabrics, like nylon or polyester, that dry and protect you efficiently from the weather.

It’s not necessary to wear these clothes if the weather conditions are adequate, but you should always bring them in your backpack to procrastinate any possible scenario. It only takes two minutes for the sky to turn grey and start raining.

Check out the video below which will give you more ideas on what to wear for a hiking date.

What to Wear on a Hike?

Whether it’s your very first date or a new experience in your relationship, there are certain aspects that are more important than just dressing pretty for your significant other. Of course, you can incorporate specks of fashion in your date, but keep in mind the following factors:

Safety

Safety clothing refers to the use of clothes and gear to protect you from potential hazards that may be present, depending on the environment and weather conditions.

For example, you may have decided to go for a hike on a mountain trail, but poison ivy might be blooming at that moment. Although wearing shorts is tempting, it’s best to wear pants to avoid accidental rashes.

Even more, you should bring a rain jacket in case it begins to rain out of the blue, or else you can catch a cold from getting wet.

Basically, it’s about making smart choices to ensure your safety and make your hiking date memorable because of good moments.

Comfort

It’s recommended to wear clothes that provide you flexibility and comfort while hiking. Believe me, I’m telling you from experience. Once, I wanted to look charming for my date and wore a plaid shirt and denim jeans while walking on a small trail in the woods.

Long story short, I was drenched in sweat, and sticky by the time we arrived at the rest stop because my clothes were not breathable.

Your clothes must grant you a wide range of motions so you can move freely as you walk and view the scenery. Also, a looser fit gives you more adaptability and comfort when hiking. You should try different styles to find the best that suits your body shape.

Versatility

Lightweight clothing may be necessary when you decide to do outdoor activities, like hiking, as they are easier to adapt in relation to the weather conditions.

For instance, some pants have a zip-off feature that converts them into shorts, making them ideal if heat is getting the best of you. Your long-sleeved shirts must be capable of being rolled up and secured tightly for comfort.

Additionally, an extra set of clothing must be available in case an accident happens. You never know if you will get food stains on your clothes, or you fall in a river when crossing. Not to mention getting tree sap on your clothes.

Remember to anticipate any possible scenarios. However, this extra clothing should be lightweight, so it doesn’t become a burden in your backpack.

If you comprehend the basics regarding safety and comfort, it’s much easier to select the best options for your upcoming date.

Clothing Essentials: Season-Oriented

Your hiking date will change drastically, depending on the current season you’re experiencing, as well as the weather conditions.

It’s not the same to hike on a mountain trail during winter or visiting a small flower garden during fall. Therefore, your clothing should also match the season for a touch of personality.

Winter/Fall

Most people like to visit waterfalls and hike trails during winter because it’s not crowded with visitors. You can spend alone time with your date, but you have to take certain precautions.

Since you must keep yourself warm, you should use thick hiking pants, a warm sweater or blouse, and a waterproof jacket for better insulation.

Hats and gloves are only needed if you feel that they are necessary. Durable hiking boots are a great purchase because you can also use them to protect your from animal bites while improving your stance when hiking.

Summer/Spring

Spring season is the most crowded time to partake in outdoor activities, but it’s also the best time to view breathtaking landscapes and to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

Since temperatures are relatively warm, and rain occurrences are rare, you can opt for more breathable clothes. It’s only necessary to carry snacks, water, and first-aid kits in your backpack since more people are present.

You can select your favorite tank top with yoga pants or leggings to have a better range of motion and flexibility. Shorts are also a viable option if it’s only a short walk in the woods or a small mountain hike.

For men, a well-rounded outfit is a pair of sneakers, lightweight shorts, and a rolled-up sleeve shirt. Add a hat and sunglasses for a chic style.

Women can’t go wrong with a fleece poncho, breathable cargo pants, a comfy blouse, and cute high tops.

What to Pack For Your Hiking Date?

The number of items present in your backpack ultimately depends on the duration of your hiking trip, whether it’s only a morning activity or a 3-day adventure.

However, it’s best to have all the following essentials for any probable circumstance.

Sunscreen: You must protect your skin from too much sunlight exposure. Ultraviolet sun rays can cause skin damage and lead to premature aging, painful sunburns, and a higher risk of skin cancer.
First-Aid Kit: Anyone can easily fall or trip over a rock or log and hurt themselves. Therefore, you should always carry bandages, ointment, and other first-aid necessities for proper relief.
Protective Gear: Sunglasses and hats are options to protect your face from sunburns and to dissipate heat.
Lamp: It’s always necessary to improve vision and in case the night catches you while you’re hiking.
Food and Snacks: The amount of food depends on the duration of the date.
Extra Clothing: An additional set allows you to shift clothes to match the current weather conditions.
Emergency Shelter: This is indispensable because you can get lost while hiking or someone gets injured while hiking.
Orientation guides: Maps, GPS devices, and a compass should always be kept in your backpack for emergencies.

Final Thoughts

If you follow these measures, you should experience a remarkable and safe moment with your partner and create memories that will last for a lifetime.

Select your outfit depending on the weather conditions and carry extra gear to anticipate potential scenarios. Also, prepare your backpack with items that will allow you to survive in the wilderness.

A hiking date is a truly remarkable experience that no date in a restaurant will ever be able to compete with. The feeling of being with the one you love or care for while watching the stars or the sunset in the woods is indescribable. Try it and you will not regret it!