Are you the type of woman who finds herself spending more time outdoors? Regardless of whether you love to hike or take up more challenging activities like trekking, cycling, running or mountaineering, it is vital that you wear the correct women outdoor clothing to prepare yourself from the severest weather conditions.
The importance of the right outdoor outfit
The best women outdoor clothing functions as priceless pieces of gear to protect you from moisture, UV exposure, temperature extremes, trail grit, insects, and several other elements. Luckily, nowadays, you have a huge variety of high-quality outdoor clothing tailored to fit and suit women. You don’t have to obtain them in men’s sizes and styles.
Beside clothes also sleeping bags and bacpacks are important for the right outdoor equipment.
Without further ado, here are some valuable practical tips on how to choose women outdoor clothing.
Embrace Layering
It is a tried and tested strategy that works. When you are outdoors, the three-layer system of clothing allows you to regulate comfort by slipping layers on and off depending on your activity level or the weather.
But to layer your clothing, you have to make out the function of each layer. The base or underwear layer should wick sweat off your skin. Always opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking women outdoor clothing. Your middle or insulating layer should be able to retain body heat to protect you from the cold. And the outer or shell layer should shield you from wind and rain.
You don’t have to necessarily wear all the layers as you kickoff but do backpack all layers on every outing.
Base Layer Women Outdoor Clothing: Undergarment Choices
Underwear
Though the market is full of underwear designed to make you look attractive, you will thank yourself for wearing a pair which enhances your performance by keeping you fresh, warm and comfortable.
Whether it is hipsters, bikinis, briefs or any other underwear, you can go with your personal preference here but stay away from cotton. Go for non-chafing, quick-dry material that will maintain your body’s natural temperature. Polyester, nylon or merino wool can make a fine selection. Also, opt for underwear with seamless designs.
Bra
A pullover sports bra without clasps is the best choice you can make. Bras that come with metal or plastic clasp parts can dig into your skin leaving it sore and bruised if they end up under your pack straps.
Tank top
Wear a lightweight versatile top to add core warmth on cool days or to work as a lighter substitute to a T-shirt on warm days.
Undies under long underwear
It is again a personal choice. You can do whatever is most comfortable though undies underneath are not necessary and fabrics tend to bunch up uncomfortably. However, some people like the added support and warmth it offers.
Mid Layer Women Outdoor Clothing: Fleece and Puffy Jackets
The mid layer will provide you primary warmth. You can follow the standard recommendation and bring two choices- a lightweight fleece jacket and a lightweight puffy jacket that can compress itself to fit in your daypack. Regulate as required for your specific trip.
Fleece jacket
You can wear fleece women outdoor clothing on colder days while outdoors. You will find lightweight, mid-weight and heavy-weight fleece jackets. Choose the right fleece weight based on the forecast.
Fleece pants
In severely cold weather condition, fleece pants can make a nice mid-layer addition, though, underwear with long bottoms offer all the extra leg warmth you might require.
Puffy insulated jacket
In mild weather conditions, wearing a fleece jacket will be sufficient. You can pack a puffy jacket in case things could get cold. Synthetic insulations are preferred for its warmth-retaining ability. There are also jackets filled with water-resistant down or hybrids that combine a synthetic fill with water-resistant down.
Outer Layer Women Outdoor Clothing: Rain Jackets and Pants
Don’t be deceived by a cloudless blue sky in the morning as it can unexpectedly give way to a fast-moving rainstorm. Always pack a rain jacket and pants that provide waterproof/breathable protection. You can avoid hypothermia. If the weather is dry and windy, you can also wear hard-shell outerwear to protect yourself from windchill.
Hats
If you plan to set your foot in the desert or a sun-baked environment, a waterproof wide-brimmed hat is a must. It can also keep the rain out of your eyes. Pack wool or synthetic cap to keep your head insulated if the forecast predicts cool weather.
Gloves and Socks
Based on the weather, pick thinner or thicker. See that your socks are taller than your shoes and pack an extra pair. Insulated and waterproof gloves are best for colder conditions.
Breathable Clothes
It is a vital factor in all your clothing layers. It allows your wicking layer to dry out faster. If all your clothing layers don’t breathe, the perspiration that’s wicked off your skin will not dry efficiently and can result in you getting soaked by your own sweat.
Sun Protection Clothing
You will find women outdoor clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating to help protect skin against the sun’s damaging UV rays. It is great for women with fair skin that burns easily, women taking medications as sun sensitivity is increased by a wide range of drugs, and also for those planning to climb high elevations, hike in equatorial regions or visit places with snow or water.
Which Fabric to Choose?
These are some popular fabric options for women outdoor clothing:
Wool
Today’s wool clothing is no longer itchy. Modern-day wools come with fine fibers that make it soft, moisture-wicking, breathable, quick to dry and not prone to retaining unpleasant smell.
Polyester/nylon clothing
These synthetic fibers are more affordable and they do extremely well at wicking sweat and drying fast. Moreover, several clothing options incorporate recycled materials. The only con of synthetics is that they have a tendency to emit odor but some clothes do have an antimicrobial treatment to counteract odor-causing bacteria. A combined fiber with Lycra gives a bit of stetch to your clothing.
Fleece
Fleece material is thick, lightweight, warm, and soft. They provide better air permeability than synthetic fill jackets. You will also find the latest fleece fabrics compress very well and they are highly durable. Due to hydrophobic fibers in fleece, it repels water and retains much of its insulating properties when wet. They are machine-washable and quick to dry.
Buying high-quality women outdoor clothing or outdoor fitness equipment is an investment. Remember, wearing the right outdoor clothes can mean the difference between staying focused and at ease on your journey or getting soaked, sweaty, sunburnt, and scratched up.
