Elevate Your Summer Hikes: Blending Fashion with Functionality
Welcome to the ultimate guide for the outdoorsy girl’s summer wardrobe! As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to update your adventure-ready closet with the perfect blend of style and functionality. In this post, I’ll walk you through my favorite summer clothing pieces that keep me cool, comfortable, and ready for any outdoor activity.
Whether you’re hitting the trails, lounging by the lake, or exploring new towns (like Bend!), these wardrobe essentials will ensure you’re prepared for whatever summer throws your way. I’ll share individual items I love, and then move on to the outfits I’ve styled using these pieces. From breathable fabrics to versatile layers and stylish accessories, I’ve curated a collection that combines practicality with a touch of flair.
Let’s dive in and get your summer wardrobe adventure-ready!
Skip to your favorite section…
Table of Contents
My sizing is generally…
- Tops: Women’s Medium, Men’s Small
- Bottoms: Women’s Size 27, 4, Small
- Shoes: Women’s 8.5
Hiking Shorts
I bought these shorts last year and honestly, they weren’t my favorite. Re-visiting them again this year, sizing up this time, I’m surprised to say these are quickly rising to my top 3 hiking shorts. With four pockets in the front, two pockets in the back, an easily adjustable elastic waist, and soft stretchy material, the only quality missing is more structure.
I originally got a size Small, and they fit too perfectly. This year I sized up to a Medium and now they’re my preferred loose fit.
Outfit Ideas:
Outfit 1 – Sunny Mid-Day Hiking…
FP Movement Tank Top (color Eucalyptus)
Outfit 2 – Colder Morning Hiking…
These shorts are the perfect mix of structure and comfort. They have two zippered pockets in the front and two in the back. The structured design ensures they won’t sag even when you put your phone in the back pocket, which is such a relief. Plus, the built-in belt has a sturdy clip that stays secure, unlike some others I’ve tried (*cough cough Outdoor Research*)
I’ve worn these shorts for backpacking trips in the Grand Canyon, Olympic National Park, and Crater Lake, as well as countless other hikes.
I got a size Small, and they fit perfectly. And guess what? They’re 30% off right now! They sold out by mid-Summer last year, so grab a pair while you can!
Outfit Ideas:
Outfit 1 – Backpacking in Olympic National Park
Outfit 2 – Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park
Columbia Sportswear Painted Peak Shorts
These are the hiking shorts for your Spring and Summer adventures. These shorts have one pocket in the back and four pockets in the front. They’re the perfect length to prevent thigh chaffing and won’t ride up. Catch me wearing these on many more trips.
I sized up to a Medium and probably could’ve gone with my usual size Small. The waist is too big for me, but the drawstring 100% solves this!
Outfit Ideas:
Outfit 2 – Early Morning Hiking
Outdoor Voices RecTrek Colorblock Shorts
I can’t find direct links to these shorts online, but various colors are sold second-hand on websites like Poshmark. These shorts are the perfect complement to any stand-out hiking outfit. They are on the shorter side (3-inch inseam), so I keep these for my easy-moderate hikes.
I got a size Small, and they fit perfectly, but I wish I sized up to a Medium for my preferred loose fit.
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Warm weather hiking
The Landmark Project Appalachian Bandana
Sunnyday Hat (discount code LAUREN15 saves you 15%)
Hiking Pants
I originally got a Small Standard length, but had to swap these out for a Small Tall length and now they’re perfect! I like my bottoms on the looser side and did not have to size up for this.
These pants are great for easy-moderate hiking, comfy camping, and climbing! They’re flexible and won’t restrict your leg movement.
(discount code LAURENG20 saves you 20%)
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Cozy Camping
Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)
These pants are light and great for easy-moderate hiking, comfy camping, and mushrooming! They’re flexible and won’t restrict your leg movement. They have to cinch at the pant opening – letting you alternate between jogger or wide leg.
I originally got a 4, but wish these came in a long length. They fit a bit short on my legs. They also have a drawstring inside the pants, which does feel a little odd… Besides these qualities, they’re very comfy and flattering on your legs.
Outfit Ideas…
Hiking Layers
Transition from trail to town in this cozy, soft fleece with a semi-cropped cut. Keep warmth in with an adjustable drawcord hem and binding at the cuffs. I love the large zipped front pocket that can easily hold your iPhone or keep your Burts Bee handy!
I wear a Women’s Medium for a comfy, looser fit.
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Cozy Camping
Wondery Pants (discount code LAURENG20 saves you 20%)
Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)
My go-to hiking and backpacking puffer. Packable, lightweight, yet incredibly warm, this puffy is perfect for colder days on the trail. Made with responsibly sourced 800-fill down and a DWR-finished ripstop nylon shell, I turn to this jacket year-round. It’s also water-resistant to keep you warm in wet conditions.
I’ve tried on both the Men’s and Women’s versions. Here are my takeaways: the Men’s fit my broad shoulders, the sleeves are long enough to cover my hands (in my opinion a must for cold weather), and the chest and shoulder area are loose enough to wear a fleece underneath. So I chose to go with a Men’s Small for a comfy fit that allows me to layer underneath.
(more colorways available + currently 25% off!)
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Backpacking in Zion National Park
Outfit 2 – Early Morning Backpacking in Oregon
Outfit 3 – Backpacking in Big Sur
Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)
This shirt is technically a “sun hoodie” that provides UPF 50+ to shield against harmful UV rays, but I always wear it as a light, but insulating outer layer. I’ve tried 3 versions of this hoodie: the 2021 women’s version, the 2023 men’s version, and the 2024 women’s version. Let’s say it’s come far from the first one I purchased 3 years ago. The material is now very soft, stretchy, and well-fitting. It has thumb holes (LOVE), a hidden elastic in the neck to tighten the hood, and the neck has a stylish and functional crossover-style opening.
I wear a Men’s Small and Women’s Medium. I opted for a men’s cut last year because of poorly fitting shoulder sizing in the women’s cut, but this problem has now been fixed!
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Backpacking in Olympic National Park
Outfit 2 – Early Morning Slot Canyon Hiking
Wondery Pants (discount code LAURENG20 saves you 20%)
Sunnyday Hat (discount code LAUREN15 saves you 15%)
Hiking Tops
FP Movement Good Karma Crop Top
One of my go-to hiking tanks. You’ll always catch me wearing this! It’s wearable for all day comfort and doesn’t chafe your armpits or between backpack straps.
I wear a Women’s M/L.
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Valley of Fire Hiking
Outfit 2 – Zion Backpacking
Outfit 3 – Grand Canyon Backpacking
FM Movement Happiness Runs Crop Tank
Another one of my go-to hiking tanks. I’ve worn this one for years. Similar to the Good Karma Tank, it’s wearable for all day comfort and doesn’t chafe your armpits or between backpack straps.
I wear a Women’s M/L.
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Early Morning Slot Canyon Hiking
Wondery Pants (discount code LAURENG20 saves you 20%)
Outfit 2 – Mid-Day Desert Exploration
Anthropology Cream Jean Shorts
This breathable T-Shirt is light, cool, and quick-drying. Built for running, this Tee also works perfectly well for hiking.
I wear a Women’s M.
Outfit Ideas…
Outfit 1 – Spring backpacking in Bend
Gregory Amber Backpack (code LAUREN15 to save 15%)
Can’t find something you’re looking for? DM me on Instagram!
Read the Comments +