Recycled materials, UV and UPF sun protection and breathable designs continue to dominate women’s hiking apparel heading into the second half of 2024. Many brands, whether long-established or brand-new, see fabrics that wick moisture, breathe and protect from harmful rays as baseline requirements for today’s women’s hiking apparel. Whether your hiking shoe, hiking boot, rain pants, rain jacket or outdoor gear are designed to handle the most intense peaks or most casual day hikes, it has been engineered to be more lightweight, breathable and protective than ever.
Best practices for women’s hiking apparel continue to eschew cotton for other high-performance fabrics, but that doesn’t necessarily mean synthetic. Modern women’s hiking clothes are regularly constructed from merino wool, alpaca wool and various blends of wool and nylon, wool and spandex and even Tencel. These blends can be found in the best hiking pants, hiking shorts, hiking leggings, wool socks and more. By blending together natural and synthetic fibers, brands are increasing the lifespan of garments — and bringing stretch and movement to the forefront. The vast majority of women’s hiking apparel continues to be made from polyester and nylon, two stalwarts in the world of hiking apparel material, but expect to see more blends as material innovation continues to ramp up.
Are there any truly eco-friendly products or sustainable hiking gear? While that’s a question the outdoor market in general continues to struggle to answer, there are some women’s hiking apparel options that are far more sustainable and earth-friendly than others. Ingredient brands like Thermore offer sustainable down alternatives like EcoDown, a lightweight, durable, synthetic insulation made of 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles.
Brands like Patagonia, which have dominated the outdoor apparel scene for decades, are replacing all fluorinated DWR membranes and finishes with non-fluorinated options, helping to keep forever chemicals out of the environment and off your skin. Smaller brands like Tentree, which makes sustainable outdoor clothing, offset impact by having full transparency when it comes to supply chains, opting for more eco-friendly materials like tencel, organic cotton, hemp and recycled polyester, and by planting trees to offset any negative impact on the environment its production may cause.
It’s no surprise that vintage apparel and thrifting in general continue to grow in popularity. The benefits are clear and the prices much more approachable than new. Shopping vintage offers environmental benefits by promoting sustainability and reducing waste through reusing pre-owned items—many major outdoor brands now offer repair and recycle programs too. Vintage outdoor clothing is popular for its unique, durable designs and high-quality materials that have stood the test of time. Additionally, the trend appeals to those seeking distinctive styles and nostalgia, while often providing cost savings compared to new, high-end gear.
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