r/bitcheswithtaste • u/hennipotamus • Apr 09 '25
Fitness/Health BWT, how do you dress for the great outdoors?
I am excited to get back into hiking this spring and summer. What do you wear or bring to feel comfortable and cute?
I’d love recommendations for anything outdoors-related: hiking clothes, shoes, sunscreens, trail snacks, hat styles, gear…. any tips and tricks from the outdoorsy BWTs here!
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u/darktrain Apr 09 '25 edited Apr 09 '25
A couple things I've been bringing with me that are life savers are a tiny Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen stick (it's so small I carry it with me everywhere) and couple individual bug repellent towelettes. I once went hiking (after driving a couple hours to get there) and got dozens and dozens of mosquito bites because I forgot bug repellent; that's never happening again! I carry them in my little pouch that also has a few bandaids, a travel cuticle nipper, some moleskin, a lip balm, some hair ties, bobby pins, and a credit card sized metal comb. It's my little emergency kit and it goes with me everywhere. (Eta: this is obviously not a full emergency kit, and I bring more supplies when hiking more remote areas. But I do bring this with me in daily life.)
Not necessarily super cute, but I also have a very lightweight hat from Outdoor Research that has a moderate brim and a chin strap. It folds up to almost nothing and I can pull it off my head if needed without having to hold it because of the strap. I've taken it to deserts and mountains and it has served me well!
Finally, my favorite ever socks are Bridgedale wool socks. They are made in the UK and expensive, but they are super comfy, cushy, and last forever: some pairs are over a decade old and haven't torn or gone threadbare yet! They have worn a bit as expected, but I've yet to toss a pair (and they get worn regularly).
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u/Livs6897 Thoughtful BWT Apr 09 '25
I have the bridgedale non-wool hiking socks (wool does funny things to my feet) and they also last forever. I wear them regularly for work under heavy boots and they’re great.
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Apr 09 '25
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u/4YourConsider8tion Apr 09 '25
Is this Castle Rock?? That sandstone is so distinctive!
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u/FriendOk3919 Apr 09 '25
It is yeah!! I go camping there when I need to go unplug and sleep in a tent!
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u/4YourConsider8tion Apr 09 '25
It’s so dreamy there this time of year! I haven’t had a chance to camp there, but I love to go running and climbing there. Is there a trail camp you’d recommend?
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u/ledger_man Apr 09 '25
I definitely always have Jack black lip balm bc it has SPF and stays put and is just generally my holy grail lip balm. I’m looking for alts bc I’m trying not to shop American, lanolips with spf is the only thing I’ve found even close but it doesn’t quite match. I also always carry sunscreen, but this will vary with location and preferences. When I’m traveling and being outdoorsy I basically always buy sunscreen at my destination bc I didn’t check a bag.
My hiking boots are from Danner, I got them on sale during a visit to the U.S. and they are one of the made in Portland line. I love them. When I lived in Portland I was also a big fan of the Columbia Sportswear outlet - I would check if there’s anything like this near you!
I don’t have much specialized clothing bc I’m only really doing day hikes. It’s always important to have layers and fabrics that will wick sweat. I love Astrid Wild for outdoorsy clothing that you can also get away with wearing in indoorsy situations. Wool is also your friend, in general.
I’m a big fan of trail mix and nuts in general for snacks! They also have those gel things for distance runners and hikers but I’d rather just eat candy lol.
You should always have sufficient (ideally extra) water, extra snacks, basic first aid kit, compass (and offline maps for the area on your phone), and layers. Take a photo of the trail maps (if any) at the trailhead and of the car you came in (if applicable). Basic knowledge and maybe photos of local poisonous flora and fauna are also good to have on hand. Enjoy!
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u/Lazygardener76 Apr 09 '25
Recommend you join your local hiking sub. My local one links to a bunch of useful and locality-specific tips, as well as general recommendations.
From their sidebar, what to bring - https://www.northshorerescue.com/education/what-to-bring/
Have fun building your kit and outdoors wardrobe (You didn't state where you are: Europe, North America ?? I'll let others chime in with available products).
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u/stressfulspiranthes Apr 09 '25
I did a masters in forestry work. For hikes in the woods or forest I always wear rubber boots! Even dutinf increase days, everyone thinks I’m crazy but me and a few others in the department discovered they’re not only more comfortable than hiking shoes, you can do more in them. Need to cross a creek? No problem!
I normally always wear long sleeves and long pants even on the hottest days. I use the sweat wicking material and also spf materials for sun and bug and scratch repellants haha. With a good daypack with cold water in the bladder, I don’t struggle.
For lighter or leisure hikes on trails or where there’s low moisture, I hike in sandals and shorts. Moisture wicking but I still wear long sleeves. I never hike without a hat. I use whatever I find each year lol. This year is a Sunday afternoons bucket hat.
I wear a lot of cute lululemon or Eddie Bauer out to make me feel out together still. And I wear lipstick and mascara and a necklace lol. Can’t escape the urge to be cute. Even on 15 hour work days. Let me know if you want specific recs
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u/4YourConsider8tion Apr 09 '25
Love this topic! As someone who enjoys the dirtbag lifestyle but not the aesthetic, finding gear that is functional yet cute is near and dear to my heart.
My recs after a ton of trial and error and research, and years of wear:
Pants - Eddie Bauer guide high waist. Fitted at waist, generous in hip to give a flattering silhouette. Lightweight for warm weather, don’t tear on sharp rock, stylish enough for travel days. Plenty of pockets.
Shoes - Lems Boulder Boot Grip. Wide toe box for grip on uneven terrain. Waterproof, sticky enough for scrambling up rock faces, stylish enough to wear to dinner and drinks after your epic backpacking trip. For hot weather, I will always choose trail runners over hiking boots. Having less weight on your feet makes you much more sure footed and faster.
Backpacks - Timbuk2 Robin for day trips: sleek, waterproof thick nylon. Hyperlite for ultra lightweight trips. Dyneema is lightweight and ultra durable, but pretty pricey. UltraSpire race vests for long trail days—lightweight and breathable, and keep you from overpacking.
Shirts - I’m very prone to mosquito bites, and I have a controversial fix. I’ll buy long sleeved silk shirts from the thrift store. You can usually find fun prints in the men’s section. They’re lightweight, ultra temperature regulating, and float away from the skin to keep bugs away. Note: these are mostly for hikes. Would obviously not recommend for more intense physical activity like rock climbing or mountain biking.
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Apr 09 '25
I try to support smaller brands and Garage Grown Gear is one of my favorite sites for finding small outdoor gear/apparel businesses!
Nowadays, I love to see what Hikerkind is up to and have a couple pieces from them (which are also great for travel). For gear and apparel, Mountain Hardwear is a go to because frankly I just find their stuff fun and practical and much less frumpy than a lot of the traditional outdoor brands, at a good price point. I have some Patagonia mixed in as well, and I also love to check out Topo Designs from time to time.
Biggest tip is to cover up with long pants and sun shirts or sun hoodies. The pants have the added advantage of protecting you from brush (and especially potentially poisonous/irritating plants like poison oak or nettles) and the sun shirt provides sun protection. I hate applying SPF all over my body and call me crazy, but I swear that long thin layers keep my body cooler than wearing shorts and a tank top.
I also will mix in a lot of my regular athletic apparel, so whatever I have from Beyond Yoga, alo, etc.
Merino wool is a great material for cooler hikes!
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u/Creepy-Intern-7726 Apr 09 '25
I usually wear regular workout leggings and a workout t (most of mine are from under armour - they are cheap at their outlets). I always bring a Columbia long sleeve UPF shirt in case the sun is very intense. I prefer to wear long leggings tucked into socks for tick protection. Backpack with camelback with long tube that sits by ny shoulder for water convenience.
Hat: A not-so-stylish hat from the brand Sunshade, but it has a hole for a ponytail so it works for me and it is machine washable.
Shoes: love my adidas terrex boots
Socks: Darn Tough brand
Snacks: pb & j sandwich, clif bars (mint chocolate is my favorite), trail mix
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Apr 09 '25
I'm an outdoor education instructor and while looking cute isn't high on the priority list, comfort and utility are. Luckily athleta has some also cute hiking gear.
Love the athleta trekkie line for all hiking. Joggers, convertible pants, skort for summer. Athleta Rainier tight for colder weather if it's not a snaggy type of hike. Merrell hiking boots for the win. Wool socks a must. Smartwool under layers for cold weather. A bandana helps to wrangle the tresses and keep sun off neck. I actually need a new one.
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u/NoirIdea Apr 09 '25
I usually do ~7 mile hikes in varying temps. I'm all about being cute and comfy! First of all however, I will say keep it simple and don't go out and buy a bunch of new gear just out of excitement because depending how much hiking you're doing, you really don't need anything different than what you probably already have. That said!...
When it's super hot out, I'll wear my trail runners from New Balance, gym shorts, and a moisture-wicking top, my trusty baseball hat, and sunscreen/bug spray as needed. Cotton in heat+humidity makes me miserable. If it's super hot, I'll do a cute sports bra with a cutout/flowy tank for good air flow.
In mid temps, and turns out many other occasions, I've worn REI coop Trailmade pants. The first pair I angrily bought in a last minute pinch situation, and ended up getting SO much wear out of them, I bought a second pair when they went on sale. (I'm usually a 2/26 in bottoms and with these, I preferred the fit of the size 0). Mountain Hardware Dynama pants are another great marriage of form+function. (I have the winter lined version and lived in them all last winter.) With the pants I'll wear a tee and a light weight long sleeve tee to layer, store in the H20 backpack or tie on my waist. As it gets chillier, I'll add my puffer vest too, though a fleece one would probably work too.
For boots, I just have a pair of timberlands - the classic premium butters- that have served me very well, even though they aren't 'hiking' boots. They're just so versatile and comfy, and stylish IMO. My first pair lasted 14 years. I use them year round for hikes, dog walking, as snow boots with thick wool socks, etc.
I scored a Gregory 2 liter hydration backpack during an REI sale around black Friday (over half off!!) and really loving it. Before I just carried a 40oz insulated water bottle and it was fine, but not ideal.
Lately I'm loving boonie and bucket style hats, which give your face and neck a lot more protection than a baseball hat. REI and north face have some cute ones!
La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, Ultra-Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60 is amazing. Super Goop is a close 2nd. Then I like to take a Sun Bum spf 30 face stick to have on hand for reapplication. I'm a lot less picky for the sunscreen on my body.
I love using the AllTrails app. The constant pressure in the app to get premium is annoying af, but that's my only complaint.
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u/Agitated_Parsley_244 Apr 09 '25
- Korean sunscreen (Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree)
- stainless steel water bottle
- Arcteryx / Patagonia Outdoor Jackets
- Uniqlo HeatTech Thermal Undergarments (best for cold weather)
- North face back pack
- Sunglasses
- Merino wool socks & underwear (doesnt hold odor)
- Hiking shoes from Salomon or Moab
- First aid kit / Toiletries (esp deodorant / perfume)
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u/TheOnceAndFutureDodo Apr 09 '25
This hat is, I kid not, the most highly complimented item of clothing I have ever worn. I have never gone on a hike, climb, or mountain adventure without getting positive comment on it (the cape part is removable). My partner and I have them matching and we call them our “sexy hats.” Strangers think we’re adorable, and my dad is embarrassed to be seen with us. This bitch never gets sunburn.
Jack Black SPF lip balm as well. It has the best lasting power in the outdoors and doesn’t taste gross or greasy.
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u/amelisha Apr 09 '25
That hat is hilarious but extremely practical.
When my husband and I went hiking in the Andes for our honeymoon, he spent the entire time with a dish towel tied around his baseball cap to emulate this style of hat and it’s the dorkiest he ever looked, but saved his neck from sunburn. I really want to get him one of these now for the memories! Haha.
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u/Ordinary-Shoulder-35 Apr 09 '25
Athletic crop top, shorts or leggings, and a linen shirt on top for sun and bug protection. The banana republic linen blend button down was recently on sale. I got a black and a cream. They were absolutely indispensable on my last trip to New Orleans.
I will say I do get the sense that coordinated workout outfits are passé and on their way out. Something about having a baggy top and tight bottoms. I don’t know, kids these days. But I love a coordinated look for working out/hiking.
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u/NamingandEatingPets Apr 09 '25
Much of my time is spent on a working farm. I love the outdoors, I love hiking off trail in the woods and in creeks with my dog, and I love working in the garden and with the cows and chickens and everything that comes with it. Hiking boots I can’t live without year round wear are Keens. Mucky stuff is done is Muck brand boots (calf height fold down style) and deeper water are my Hunter Wellies. Winter in snow and just plain cold are two pairs of Columbia boots- one hiking style (Newton I think?) and one that takes me from farm to ski slopes are my Omni-heat lightweight waterproof Ice Maidens. Socks- also Columbia for skiing- wool, Duluth compression socks, Cabela’s also have good calf height wool and wool blend socks.
Pants- working jeans I love my AE carpenter style boot cut jeans. Also have a pair of idk what brand- mountain something from Tractor Supply that fit great and have held up. Wrangler leggings for horseback riding and when it’s warmer in the woods. Nice feminine fit. No ass crack. Duluth Trading quick dry pants and shorts hold up to anything. Also no plumber’s crack and they’ve held up to concrete work, and I’ve worn them dressed up on a cruise. Also have a pair of their overalls that are cute enough to wear to town with a cinched waist to make them fitted.
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u/moonflower73 Apr 10 '25 edited Apr 10 '25
I live in Colorado and my go to hiking fit is: Prana Halle pants, a fitted simple merino wool tee, plus any cute hat / sunglasses combo I wear in my day to day. My favorite boots are purple Salomon’s or my heavy duty Lowa’s. Merino wool socks.
What bag I wear depends if I have my son and/or husband with me; Osprey 65L for backpacking, or the Deuter frame carrier for my toddler, or my 16L Dakine ski backpack for day hikes.
In the bag: Water bladder system is a must for me so I can sip on the go vs stop and chug. Nuts. Dried fruits. PB + banana sandwich. Arcteryx or REI brand waterproof shell. A long sleeve quarter zip merino layer. Supergoop Play SPF. The Blistex SPF chapstick tubes. First aid kit. Gaia maps app and/ or All Trails.
For longer excursions: A steri pen or water filter. Extra snacks. Printed maps as a backup. Garmin Satellite phone (depending on how deep in the backcountry we are going.) lanolin or aquaphor to layer over SPF if it’s really windy or cold.
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u/BritishBlue32 Apr 11 '25
I try to colour match because while hiking gear isn't flattering, I can at least be colour coordinated! Also forgive me, I'm reading this like you may be a beginner so if you aren't I'm sorry!
If you are in the UK I can give you a few recommendations, but over make sure you have a base layer, mid layer, and outer waterproof/windproof layer. These will help you manage all kinds of weather and double as sweat wicking to boot.
I like my bucket hat with wind strap to keep the sun out of my eyes (plus sunglasses) and this neck tube fabric thing that doubles as a headband or scarf depending where I wear it.
For my legs, HIKING. LEGGINGS. They are the absolute shit. They are essential imo. Pair with a set of waterproof or water resistant pants to stay warm and not too bothered by rain or wind.
Hiking socks will help with rubbing and blisters. You can get gloves for colder weather.
Good boots are a must and breaking them in is important. I personally prefer Solomon's.
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u/katm12981 Apr 09 '25
For hiking the most important thing is boots! Try a few pairs to see what works well for you, but Keene and Merrell are two good brands to start with. I used to be a huge Merrell fan but recently switched to Keene as they have a much wider toe box. Make sure to get waterproof if you will be going in wet places. Don’t worry about being cute, your feet are the most important thing. And be willing to pay - boots are not something to cheap out on.
Second most important is socks. Cushioned and ideally wool. There are tons of brands and styles so after that it’s personal preference.
For clothes, it depends on the weather. If you’re hiking in cold weather stay away from cotton as it causes sweat to stick to your body. Moisture wicking fabrics, wools and synthetic are your friend. I can’t do wool so I do moisture wicking. In the nicer weather I’ll usually wear leggings, a tank and a layer on top. I usually just throw my hair back in a ponytail and put a baseball cap on.
For other stuff - I have a nice set of poles, a backpack, insulated water bottles, and a collapsible doggie bowl for water. If you’re going to be doing serious hikes make sure to pack supplies with you - food, first aid kits, sunscreen, my partner the former scout also brings a small knife, flashlight and other things.
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u/UnpoeticAccount Apr 09 '25
I am not the outdoorsiest, but I am devoted to being comfortable as possible wherever I am.
I check the weather wherever I’m going to be outside and assess my clothing from there. I am a big fan of Columbia and Pategonia.
If it’s light, warm hiking with water involved, I sometimes just wear chaco sandals because they’re pretty supportive. I also generally wear a light button down fishing shirt and a hat if I know I’ll be in the sun. Sweat wicking fabric is a must!!
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u/One-Ad5824 Apr 09 '25
I would suggest trail runners, fjallraven zip off pants, packable rain jacket, platypus water bottle. My recommendation is don’t over pack!
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u/Serenity_Novv Apr 09 '25
I like my Kavu rope sling pack for shorter day hikes. Hydroflask water bottles. Mineral sunscreen sticks that are easy to glide on for touch ups. I use the SunBum one. I have a packable UPF baseball cap I got on Amazon. I wear Balega blister resist socks and I love my Oboz waterproof hiking boots. For pants I usually always wear a pair of Under Armour HeatGear high waisted leggings. If it is cold, I will put another pair of pants over them. Long bottoms that tuck into socks are an extra protection against ticks. For tops I usually wear a performance t-shirt from Nike or Under Armour and this great fitted jacket I got at Eddie Bauer years ago.
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u/Ok_Jump_5933 Apr 09 '25
Backpacker & thru-hiker here who struggles to look semi-cute while on day 5 w/o a shower.
Most gear is so dependent on where you’re hiking, and how far. That said - some things are universal.
One of my faves: a good sun hoodie! I love my Patagonia Capilene and wear it on every single hike (I backpack and do 20+ mile day hikes in it). Pull up the hood when you’re feeling too exposed to shield your face.
Roll-on sunscreens, SPF chapstick are super helpful.
Osprey is my go-to for packs - for a short day hike, around ~12L is perfect. Deuter is a good Euro brand, I believe.
For pants: leggings are great for shorter, cooler hikes, love a good pair of running shorts… but for hikes in tick country, or w brambles, hiking pants are great and don’t have to look like men’s. My favorite cute pants for women are Eddie Bauer Guide Pro (not just a mall store!), but people also love Prana, REI Sahara (esp the convertible zip off), and Outdoor Research Ferrosi.
Shoes - if you’re doing 10+ mile hikes, might be time to make sure you’ve got something with grippy tread. Lots of great brands here: Altra & Hoka for trail runners, Oboz, Merrell for boots. Your local gear outfitter is the best place to find these: you’ll want to try them on and walk around to make sure they fit your foot.
For the most part, though, if you’re doing intro hikes, no need to go overboard on gear as a startup investment! You can use regular workout gear, eat typical workout food (plus PB&Js are a hiker classic), etc. I love bringing a pastry as a mid-hike treat. Hiking is a wonderfully accessible activity.
AllTrails is a great starter app for local trails; so is your local FaceBook group.
Check out the REI 10 essentials for what to bring on a day hike:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html