Head Out on the Trails: The Best Plus Size Hiking Clothes
The warmth is starting to show its face.
Even here in the cold, flat Canadian prairies, it was +18 Celsius at the beginning of April—seriously unheard of.
With the warm weather comes a host of outdoor activities, including one of my favorites, long walks in nature.
It’s where I get some of my best thinking done.
But heading out for an afternoon on the trail—whether it’s the mountains or riverbank—requires the right gear.
So, I’ve complied the best plus size hiking clothes that you can add to your wardrobe.
From comfortable walking shoes to windbreakers, if you plan on doing some exploring in nature these are what you’re going to want to have:
Best hiking clothes for plus size women
Pants
You want to find a pair of plus size hiking pants that keep you cool and comfortable.
For warm-weather hikes, I like a pair of shorts like the Trekkie Bermuda 2.0 from Athleta.
These are NOT a good choice if you’re headed out in the bush.
But if your hike is a simple one through the prairies or even sightseeing by the beach, these are perfect.
They’re comfortable, cute and will keep you comfortable… and they have pockets.
If you’re headed out during cooler weather or you’re going to be headed somewhere filled with brush, you’ll want a little protection.
Aim for a study material with full leg coverage.
You’ll want these pants to be either skinning or a bootleg.
If there’s too much fabric flying around, you risk tripping or getting it caught on something.
Stick with something that tucks into your hiking boots if you can.
I’m a big fan of Old Navy clothes because they’re relatively well-made and affordable.
These cargo joggers are no exception!
Made out of a combination of polyester and elastane, they’re comfy and breathable for warm weather.
Something like these hiking pants are hella comfortable, and perfect for your next hike.
Tops
When it comes to plus size hiking clothes, what top you wear depends on what type of weather there is and how long you’re going to be out for.
It’s important to note that anytime you’re going to be out in the wilderness (of any type) you’ll want to bring extra clothing, water and other provisions just in case.
Which means a long-sleeved shirt is not a bad idea.
The Powersoft yoga shirt is a great pick for a hike.
It’s made of lightweight material with moisture-wicking properties that can keep you dry and cool during your hike.
Speaking of long-sleeves, I love this Coolibar pullover for hiking on cooler days.
The thumbholes can help you keep the wind off, and the 1/4 zip can turn it from a turtle neck to a v-neck in a moment.
Image: Amazon
Tank tops are a good choice when it comes to heading out for a hike on a hot summer’s day.
But you’ll want to bring along an active jacket or hoodie with you as well.
I think I’d take a tank top for a hot prairie walk and not a mountain hike, but that’s just me!
Speaking of dressing comfortable and cute on summer hikes, I have a MUCH BETTER choice for you.
If it’s really hot I suggest going full-on sports bra, like the Powersoft!
I realize that not everyone’s on board with plus size women and crop tops. But, honestly, who cares?
Living in the subtropics I pretty much live in crop tops, and I cannot recommend them enough.
Jackets
If you’re going out for a hike, I highly recommend that you also brink along a light jacket or a sweater—even if you’re headed out on a hot summer’s day.
The weather can change in a moment’s notice and you want to make sure you’re well-prepared.
I personally go with something lightweight that can break wind, the wind can be chilling.
The
It comes in two stylish colors that seem to be selling out fast!
Water-resistant and durable, it’ll pair with your favorite rainboots for those wetter days.
You don’t have to go with a waterproof jacket.
If you want something warmer but aren’t worried about rain then a fleece jacket could do.
You simply want to have it on-hand if you find it’s getting a little chilly and you need to warm up a bit.
Adidas makes the sportswear mission hoodie, and its a great choice for hiking.
This is a great addition to your plus size hiking clothes because of its soft fabric and high-collared neck.
It makes for a great versatile item that you can layer if it gets chillier out—something like this is a great addition to your camping wardrobe.
Hiking boots
A good hike is all about your hiking shoes.
If you head out for a long jaunt with an uncomfortable pair of shoes you’ll be headed back before you know it—regardless of whether you’re headed over flat land or rough terrain.
If your feet start to hurt mid-hike you’re in big trouble, so it’s best to keep them appeased with a comfortable pair of shoes for hiking.
I’m a fan of a simple ankle boot over the runner-like hiking boot style.
Something like the
I like these particular boots because they’re adorable.
But they also have a curved comfortable sole that works for the prairie riverside hikes I’m more familiar with.
When you’re looking for hiking boots that you want to wear on rougher terrain, you want to find something with support, a solid bottom and a comfortable fit.
For that, a more structured wide width hiking boot is probably a better fit.
You want something that’s secure and provides all-day comfort.
I like the lightweight, breathable comfort that these classic-look Timberland boots provide.
Image: Amazon
What to pack for your next hike
You don’t necessarily need to bring a backpack if you’re going for a shorter hike in an area that you know well—I’m not going to throw together a backpack of supplies to go hiking around the family campground. But if you’re hiking in an unfamiliar area or you’re going for a longer period of time, a backpack is a great idea.
The
Must have plus size hiking gear
Image: Amazon
You’ll also want to make sure you have at least a bottle of water with you, even for a shorter hike.
That way you can stay on top of hydration.
If you’re going to be going for a longer period of time, consider bringing along some snacks as well.
A granola bar or crackers will do in a pinch.
I tend to go with a sports water bottle like the
It’s made of non-toxic, BPA-free plastic, and it’s eco-friendly.
I really like these types of water bottles because they’re easy to clean and the lids are hard to lose!
