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The Ultimate Outdoorsy Girl’s Summer Wardrobe

Lauren Gastineau

May 8, 2024

I'm Lauren

Hi friend, I’m Lauren! I am an adventure blogger based in Bend, OR. Welcome to your ultimate destination for discovering your next hiking trail, beginner backpacking tips, exploring destination guides, embracing clean girl beauty, and uncovering game changing gear.

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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

  1. Hiking Shorts
  2. Hiking Pants
  3. Hiking Layers
  4. Hiking Tops
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

REI Trailmade 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…

Keen Hiking Boots

FP Movement Tank Top (color Eucalyptus)

Patagonia Hat

Outfit 2 – Colder Morning Hiking…

Columbia Waterfall Fleece

Outfit 3 – Exploring Camp…

Chaco Sandals

Smiley Socks

Backcountry Ripstop Short

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

REI Shade Hoodie

Darn Tough Bear Socks

MTL Trail Runners

Outfit 2 – Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park

FP Movement Tank Top

Landmark Project Desert Bandana

Merrel Hiking Boots

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 1 – Backpacking in Zion National Park

FP Movement Tank Top

Keen Boots

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

Keen Boots

The Landmark Project Appalachian Bandana

FP Movement Tank Top

Sunnyday Hat (discount code LAUREN15 saves you 15%)

Outfit 2 – Hiking Along Big Sur Coast

Floral Hat

FP Movement Every Single Time Bra

Blundstone boots

Hiking Pants

Wondery Isabel 3.0 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

Columbia Waterfall Fleece

Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)

Chaco Sandals

Outfit 2 – Morning Hiking

FP Movement Tank Top

Hoka Trail Runners

REI Trailmade Pants

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

Columbia Sportswear Fleece

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%)

Chaco Sandals

Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)

Outfit 3 – Backpacking Trip

Keen Boots

Columbia Sportswear Shorts

Keen Boots

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Jacket

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 2 – Early Morning Backpacking in Oregon

Patagonia Baggies Shorts

Darn Tough Bear Socks

Columbia Hiking Boots

Outfit 3 – Backpacking in Big Sur

Backcountry Ripstop Short

Darn Tough Bear Socks

MTL Trail Runners

Beanie (similar beanie that I also have and love!)

REI Sahara Shade Hoodie

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

Backcountry Ripstop Short

Darn Tough Bear Socks

MTL Trail Runners

Outfit 2 – Early Morning Slot Canyon Hiking

Wondery Pants (discount code LAURENG20 saves you 20%)

Hoka Trail Runners

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…

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%)

Hoka Trail Runners

Outfit 3 – Summer Picnicing

Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts

Converse Platforms

REI Swiftland Running Tee

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

REI Trailmade Shorts

Hoka Trail Runners

Gregory Amber Backpack (code LAUREN15 to save 15%)

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Hi, I'm Lauren

My mission is to ignite your adventurous spirit, encouraging you to step outside, discover the wonders of the world, and uncover happiness in the great outdoors...

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