Fall hiking offers some of the year’s most spectacular outdoor experiences, but choosing the right outfit requires balancing function with style. The key to successful fall hiking attire lies in layering moisture-wicking materials that are quick-drying. Cotton is not a good choice for hiking because it doesn’t dry quickly and can leave you feeling chilled when wet. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester (ideally made from recycled materials) are ideal for base layers.
Modern hiking fashion has evolved beyond purely functional gear to embrace stylish designs that perform beautifully on trails. Merino wool is a great inner layer option. It’s breathable, wicks moisture, fairly fast-drying, doesn’t hold on to odor, and excellent at keeping you warm – even when it’s damp. Choose polyester, nylon or merino wool base layers: Unlike cotton, these moisture-wicking materials move sweat off the skin and dry fast, so they’re ideal for base layers such as underwear, sports bras, short- and long-sleeve tees and socks.
1) Merino Wool Base Layer with Softshell Jacket
[Image: Heather gray merino wool long-sleeve top with navy softshell jacket and dark hiking pants with trail boots]
Photo Credit: REI Co-op Editorial Team via REI.com
Merino wool base layers provide exceptional temperature regulation while softshell jackets offer wind protection without bulk. This combination creates the foundation for comfortable fall hiking in variable conditions.
Choose fitted merino wool tops that wick moisture effectively and layer with breathable softshell jackets in coordinating colors. Both pieces should allow full range of motion.
Add hiking pants with articulated knees and waterproof trail boots with good ankle support. This combination handles temperature changes while maintaining professional outdoor styling.
2) Athletic Leggings with Fleece Pullover
[Image: Black moisture-wicking leggings with quarter-zip fleece pullover in forest green and lightweight hiking boots]
Photo Credit: Patagonia Women’s Collection via Patagonia.com
Athletic leggings provide compression and flexibility while fleece pullovers add insulation without weight. This combination works perfectly for moderate fall hikes with predictable weather.
Select leggings with side pockets and moisture-wicking properties. Layer with quarter-zip fleece that can be adjusted for temperature regulation throughout the hike.
Choose lightweight hiking boots or trail runners depending on terrain difficulty. Add a baseball cap and lightweight day pack for complete functionality.
3) Convertible Hiking Pants with Long-Sleeve Tee
[Image: Khaki convertible pants with removable legs paired with moisture-wicking long-sleeve tee in sage green]
Photo Credit: Columbia Sportswear via Columbia.com
Convertible pants adapt to changing temperatures while long-sleeve tees provide sun and bug protection. This versatile combination handles unpredictable fall weather conditions effectively.
Choose pants with quality zippers that won’t snag and long-sleeve tees with UPF sun protection. Both pieces should be made from quick-dry synthetic materials.
Add mid-weight hiking boots and layer with a lightweight vest for core warmth. This combination provides maximum adaptability for varying trail conditions.
4) Hiking Dress with Compression Shorts
[Image: Olive green hiking dress with built-in shorts and moisture-wicking fabric, paired with trail running shoes]
Photo Credit: Outdoor Research Women’s Line via OutdoorResearch.com
Hiking dresses combine femininity with functionality while compression shorts underneath provide coverage and chafe protection. This approach creates stylish comfort for easier fall trails.
Select dresses made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics with built-in shorts or layer separate compression shorts underneath for added security and comfort.
Pair with trail running shoes for lighter hiking and add a lightweight jacket for temperature regulation. This look works beautifully for Instagram-worthy trail photos.
5) Wool Blend Sweater with Technical Pants
[Image: Cream wool blend hiking sweater with navy technical hiking pants and leather hiking boots]
Photo Credit: Smartwool Outdoor Collection via Smartwool.com
Wool blend sweaters provide natural insulation while technical pants offer durability and weather protection. This combination bridges outdoor performance with cozy fall aesthetics.
Choose wool blends that maintain insulation when damp and technical pants with reinforced knees. Both pieces should offer stretch for climbing and scrambling.
Add leather hiking boots for durability and style. This combination creates outdoor sophistication perfect for fall hiking with post-trail dining plans.
6) Flannel Shirt with Hiking Leggings
[Image: Red and black plaid flannel shirt over moisture-wicking tank with black hiking leggings and ankle boots]
Photo Credit: Fjällräven Women’s Collection via Fjallraven.com
Flannel shirts embrace fall’s cozy aesthetic while hiking leggings provide performance functionality. This combination creates Instagram-ready outdoor styling with practical benefits.
Select flannel in classic patterns and layer over moisture-wicking tanks. Choose hiking leggings with pockets and compression features for optimal trail performance.
Add waterproof ankle boots and layer with a puffer vest when needed. This look balances outdoor functionality with seasonal fashion appeal perfectly.
7) Insulated Vest with Base Layer Set
[Image: Navy insulated vest over matching long-sleeve base layer with hiking pants in coordinated earth tones]
Photo Credit: The North Face Women’s Hiking via TheNorthFace.com
Insulated vests provide core warmth while allowing arm mobility, paired with base layer sets for temperature regulation. This layering system adapts to changing fall conditions.
Choose down or synthetic insulated vests and coordinate with moisture-wicking base layer sets in complementary colors for cohesive outdoor styling.
Add hiking pants with cargo pockets and sturdy trail boots. This combination provides professional outdoor appearance with serious performance capabilities.
8) Softshell Pants with Merino Top
[Image: Black softshell hiking pants with heather blue merino wool top and mid-cut hiking boots]
Photo Credit: Arc’teryx Women’s Line via Arcteryx.com
Softshell pants offer weather resistance and stretch while merino tops provide odor resistance and comfort. This combination works for challenging fall hiking conditions.
Select softshell pants with articulated knees and merino tops in complementary colors. Both pieces should offer excellent moisture management and durability.
Add mid-cut hiking boots with aggressive tread and consider a lightweight shell jacket for weather protection. This creates serious hiking capability with refined styling.
9) Hiking Shorts with Knee-High Socks
[Image: Khaki hiking shorts with merino wool knee-high socks and long-sleeve technical shirt in forest green]
Photo Credit: KÜHL Outdoor Clothing via Kuhl.com
Hiking shorts with knee-high socks create a trendy outdoor look while providing functionality. This combination works for warmer fall days or high-energy hiking.
Choose shorts with secure pockets and merino wool socks that prevent blisters. Layer with long-sleeve technical shirts for sun and bug protection.
Add trail running shoes or lightweight hikers depending on terrain. This look combines current outdoor fashion trends with practical hiking requirements.
10) Quilted Jacket with Hiking Tights
[Image: Camel-colored quilted hiking jacket with black moisture-wicking tights and trail running shoes]
Photo Credit: Lululemon Hiking Collection via Lululemon.com
Quilted jackets provide stylish insulation while hiking tights offer compression and flexibility. This combination creates athletic outdoor styling perfect for fall trail adventures.
Select lightweight quilted jackets that pack small and high-performance tights with side pockets. Both pieces should offer four-way stretch for hiking comfort.
Add trail running shoes with good grip and layer with moisture-wicking tanks underneath. This creates sleek outdoor athleticism with Instagram appeal.
11) Corduroy Hiking Pants with Wool Sweater
[Image: Wide-leg corduroy hiking pants in olive with cream wool sweater and leather hiking boots]
Photo Credit: Toad&Co Sustainable Outdoor via ToadandCo.com
Corduroy hiking pants embrace fall’s texture trends while wool sweaters provide natural insulation. This combination creates fashion-forward outdoor styling with cozy appeal.
Choose corduroy pants designed for outdoor activities with stretch and durability. Pair with wool sweaters that maintain insulation even when damp.
Add leather hiking boots for durability and style. This combination works perfectly for easier trails where fashion meets function beautifully.
12) Rain Shell with Breathable Base Layers
[Image: Bright rain shell jacket over moisture-wicking base layers with waterproof hiking pants and boots]
Photo Credit: Marmot Women’s Weather Protection via Marmot.com
Rain shells provide essential weather protection while breathable base layers prevent overheating. This combination handles unpredictable fall weather with professional capability.
Select rain shells with pit zips for ventilation and base layers with excellent moisture management. Both pieces should pack compactly when not needed.
Add waterproof hiking boots and quick-dry hiking pants. This combination provides serious weather protection without sacrificing comfort or mobility.
13) Athleisure Hiking Set
[Image: Matching sage green athletic top and leggings with white trail runners and baseball cap]
Photo Credit: Alo Yoga Outdoor Collection via AloYoga.com
Athleisure hiking sets combine fashion with function for easier trails. This coordinated approach creates Instagram-worthy outdoor styling with comfortable performance.
Choose matching sets in earth tones designed for outdoor activities. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics with UPF protection and secure pocket systems.
Add trail runners in coordinating colors and baseball caps for sun protection. This look works perfectly for social hiking and outdoor lifestyle photography.
14) Denim Hiking Jacket with Technical Layers
[Image: Dark denim hiking jacket over moisture-wicking long-sleeve with hiking leggings and trail boots]
Photo Credit: Outdoor Research Casual Collection via OutdoorResearch.com
Denim hiking jackets bridge casual style with outdoor functionality while technical layers provide performance. This combination creates approachable outdoor fashion.
Select denim jackets designed for outdoor activities with stretch and reinforcement. Layer over technical pieces that manage moisture and provide comfort.
Add trail boots with good support and consider adding a beanie for cooler temperatures. This look makes outdoor activities feel accessible and stylish.
15) Knit Beanie with Coordinated Layers
[Image: Chunky knit beanie with matching scarf over layered hiking outfit in coordinated earth tones]
Photo Credit: Smartwool Accessories via Smartwool.com
Knit accessories add cozy fall appeal while coordinated layers provide temperature regulation. This approach creates Instagram-ready outdoor styling with practical warmth.
Choose knit beanies and scarves in colors that coordinate with base layers and outer shells. Focus on natural fibers that maintain warmth when damp.
Layer technical pieces underneath for moisture management and add sturdy hiking boots. This combination creates outdoor sophistication perfect for fall adventures.
16) Puffer Vest with Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirt
[Image: Black puffer vest over heather gray long-sleeve hiking shirt with dark hiking pants and boots]
Photo Credit: REI Co-op Signature Collection via REI.com
Puffer vests provide core warmth while maintaining arm mobility, paired with long-sleeve shirts for coverage. This combination adapts well to changing fall temperatures.
Select lightweight puffer vests that pack small and long-sleeve shirts with moisture-wicking properties. Both pieces should coordinate in color and style.
Add hiking pants with cargo pockets and supportive trail boots. This combination provides classic outdoor styling with reliable performance capabilities.
17) Hiking Skirt with Compression Shorts
[Image: Navy hiking skirt with built-in compression shorts and moisture-wicking tank top with trail runners]
Photo Credit: Patagonia Women’s Hiking via Patagonia.com
Hiking skirts offer feminine outdoor styling while compression shorts provide coverage and comfort. This combination creates unique trail fashion with full functionality.
Choose hiking skirts with built-in shorts and moisture-wicking fabrics. Look for designs with secure pockets and comfortable waistbands for long hikes.
Add trail runners or lightweight hikers and layer with long-sleeve shirts for sun protection. This look stands out on trails while providing comfort.
18) Cardigan with Moisture-Wicking Base
[Image: Open-knit cardigan in cream over moisture-wicking tank with hiking leggings and ankle boots]
Photo Credit: Eileen Fisher Outdoor Collection via EileenFisher.com
Cardigans provide cozy layering options while moisture-wicking bases manage temperature. This combination creates comfortable outdoor styling for easier fall hikes.
Select lightweight cardigans that won’t snag on branches and moisture-wicking tanks in coordinating colors. Both pieces should offer easy layering options.
Add hiking leggings with pockets and comfortable ankle boots. This combination works beautifully for nature walks or easier trail adventures.
19) Technical Hoodie with Hiking Shorts
[Image: Gray technical hoodie with black hiking shorts and knee-high socks with trail running shoes]
Photo Credit: Outdoor Voices Hiking Collection via OutdoorVoices.com
Technical hoodies provide casual comfort with performance features while hiking shorts offer mobility. This combination works for warmer fall days or high-intensity hiking.
Choose hoodies with moisture-wicking properties and hiking shorts with secure storage options. Both pieces should offer stretch and durability for active pursuits.
Add knee-high socks for style and trail runners for comfort. This look combines streetwear aesthetics with outdoor functionality perfectly.
20) Layered Earth Tones Ensemble
[Image: Rust-colored fleece over sage base layer with khaki hiking pants and brown leather boots creating cohesive earth palette]
Photo Credit: Tentree Sustainable Outdoor via Tentree.com
Earth tone layering creates sophisticated outdoor styling while providing temperature adaptability. This monochromatic approach photographs beautifully in natural settings.
Choose pieces in coordinated earth tones like rust, sage, and khaki. Layer for temperature regulation while maintaining color harmony throughout the outfit.
Add leather hiking boots in coordinating brown tones and natural fiber accessories. This combination creates elevated outdoor fashion perfect for fall adventures.
