What Moms Should Wear for Hiking (Comfortable, Practical, and Zero Fuss)

The first time I went hiking as a mom, I overthought everything.

Too tight leggings.
A top that rode up when I bent down.
A jacket I tied around my waist five minutes in.
Shoes that were fine until they weren’t.

Somewhere between snacks, water bottles, and helping little legs up rocks, I realized something important. Hiking as a mom is not about looking outdoorsy. It is about feeling comfortable enough to enjoy being outside.

Here is what I have learned after years of hiking with kids in heat, humidity, wind, and everything in between.

The Goal Is Not the Perfect Outfit

It Is the Right One

When you hike as a mom, your clothing needs to handle more than miles.

It needs to handle:

• bending and squatting
• carrying kids or packs
• temperature changes
• sweat and friction
• sitting on rocks or logs
• spontaneous stops

The best hiking clothes are the ones you stop noticing once you are moving.

Start With a Breathable Base Layer

The base layer matters more than anything else.

Look for a top that is:

• breathable
• soft on skin
• moisture wicking
• temperature regulating
• comfortable under a pack

Bamboo-based performance tops work especially well here because they adapt to your body temperature instead of trapping heat. They stay cool when you are climbing and warm when you slow down.

This is why so many moms end up hiking in the same top they travel, camp, and parent in. One shirt that works everywhere reduces overthinking and packing.

The ONE Shirt was designed with this versatility in mind, functioning as both a sun shirt and a lightweight base layer depending on conditions.

Choose Bottoms That Move With You

For hiking, the best bottoms are the ones you can forget about.

That usually means:

• lightweight hiking pants with stretch
• leggings designed for movement
• quick-dry fabrics

Avoid anything that:

• digs into your waist
• slides down
• restricts your stride
• traps heat

High-rise leggings or relaxed-fit hiking pants tend to work best for moms, especially postpartum or during body changes.

Layers Beat Heavy Clothing Every Time

Weather changes quickly on the trail, especially when you start early or hike near water.

A simple layering system works best:

• breathable base layer
• lightweight mid layer like a fleece or long sleeve
• wind or rain shell if needed

This approach keeps you comfortable without carrying bulky clothing.

If you want a deeper breakdown, Base Layers 101 pairs well with this system.

Shoes Matter More Than You Think

You do not need heavy boots for most family hikes.

For well-maintained trails, many moms prefer:

• trail sneakers
• lightweight hiking shoes
• supportive athletic shoes with good grip

Comfort and stability matter more than height or stiffness. If you are chasing kids, flexibility often wins.

Do Not Forget the Small Things

These details make a big difference:

• a hat for sun protection
• sunglasses
• moisture-wicking socks
• a lightweight pack with water and snacks

Clothing that integrates sun protection helps reduce the need for constant sunscreen reapplication, especially on arms and shoulders.

If sun exposure is a concern, Sun Safety After 4 PM and Face, Feet, Fingers: Forgotten Sun Spots are helpful reads.

What to Skip

You can confidently skip:

• cotton tops
• heavy hoodies
• stiff denim
• outfits that only look good standing still

Hiking is movement. Dress for movement.

Confidence Comes From Comfort

One of the biggest shifts I noticed was this. When I stopped worrying about my clothes, I stopped worrying about how I looked.

I moved more freely.
I enjoyed the hike more.
I felt present with my kids.

Comfort is not about hiding your body. It is about supporting it.

Final Thoughts

Hiking as a mom does not require a whole new wardrobe. It requires a few pieces that work hard, feel good, and adapt to real life.

Choose breathable fabrics.
Choose layers.
Choose comfort over trends.

When your clothes support you, hiking becomes what it should be. Time outside that feels good.

Love,
Adriana
Founder of Play Outside