Charmaine Miller shares her tips for hiking in style.
Outdoor gear has long been leaving a mark on contemporary fashion. The list of office and streetwear staples that began life as practical outdoor pieces is long and distinguished, including hiking boots, polar fleeces, and rugged wristwatches, to name but a few. However, we’re now in a rather curious situation where performance gear that’s designed for the outdoors isn’t the first thing we think about when we think of fashionable ensembles.
This state of affairs doesn’t mean that outdoor gear is no longer fashionable. It’s just that the concept of stylish outdoor looks has dipped under the wider public’s radar for a variety of reasons. Contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to find both new and classic outdoor pieces that are just as style-forward as they are rugged. Be sure to stay on the lookout for these elevated items before your next adventure:
Stylish Yet Practical Tights
No hiker should be without a few good pairs of tights in their backpack. They can be used as either inner or outer garments, perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth underneath your bottoms, or paired with shorts for protection against bugs in warmer weather.
The main advantage of tights over other alternative garments like hiking pants is their unmatched comfort. They offer near-unlimited freedom of movement and only pack a fraction of the weight of jeans or cargo pants. Best of all, tights these days also go beyond the typical black, white, and nude colors of yesteryear, coming in a wide variety of hues and patterns to suit your personal style.
Polished Hiking Apparel
If you need serious hiking clothes, stick with products guaranteed by noted manufacturers rather than popular fashion houses. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that keep you comfortable while also looking chic.
For a more flattering look, choose modern tops and bottoms with a more sculpted fit, as opposed to typical baggier examples. Clothing with modern cuts and materials also tends to harmonize with other types of contemporary casual wear, potentially giving you more uses out of your investments.
Your footwear can be both functional and fashionable, suited for adventures both on and off the trail. For best results, choose boots that blend sleek, proven designs with modern features that aid comfort and durability.
Thankfully, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to stylish hiking footwear. In recent decades, several noted outdoor apparel brands have even redefined hiking footwear, offering alternatives to traditional leather boots that no longer give up essential features like traction and support.
Trendy Backpacks
For shorter weekend hikes, there’s a wide variety of cool, lightweight backpacks that will win you style points while you carry your precious gear. Style-forward backpacks that are more suited for longer or more extreme hikes may be more difficult to find, but you can’t go wrong with classic configurations. As with other types of hiking gear, you want to make sure that the backpack you choose is lightweight, durable, and offers reasonable moisture protection for the gear you’re carrying.
Fun and Fresh Accessories
Outdoor accessories are no longer just about functionality; they’re an opportunity to express your style. Hats, water bottles, and other critical hiking accessories have mostly moved on from their historically utilitarian designs and now come in a selection of fun and funky colorways and patterns. Even fitness trackers, smartwatches, and GPS devices now come in a variety of designs that match whichever ensemble you put together.
Like with your clothes, footwear, and backpacks, make sure that your accessories are truly built for a life on the trail. Inspect each piece for quality and only take accessories that can survive bumps and scrapes while still remaining functional throughout your journey.
Chic Sustainable Gear
Sometimes, chicness has less to do with how your gear looks and is more about the philosophies and principles that underpin their manufacture. Several prominent outdoor gear makers are now embracing sustainability, signaling their commitment to protecting the wilderness areas where their products are designed to be used.
If this idea resonates with you, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a lot of cash to make a difference. Purchasing high-quality secondhand outdoor gear can save you cash while also drastically reducing your environmental impact over buying brand new.
Though you should probably avoid purchasing secondhand tights and undergarments for hygiene reasons, everything else we’ve mentioned so far should be fair game. Just make sure the gear you’re purchasing is in good condition or, at least, repairable and safe to use.
It’s great to know that you can always find gear that is as hardy as it’s stylish. The next time you hit the trail, take stock of what you’ve got and see if there are additions out there that could redefine your outdoor style.
Your thoughts on hiking in style?
What gear do you take hiking? Is this what you would also take camping? Share your hiking in style secrets below…
