Pack These Shorts, Cargo Pants, and More for Your Next Hiking Trip – Travel Noire

Whether you’re keeping it local or using your passport to visit a far-off place, there’s nothing like a great hiking trip. The levels of difficulty can vary from beginner to expert, but taking in the scenery and nature is just breathtaking. After you’ve decided upon your location, then there’s the challenge of what to pack for your hike. Unlike keeping it simple with lightweight summer dresses and swimwear for a beach destination, packing for a hike can feel a bit more challenging. 

Since you’re dealing with the elements and even the occasional surprise weather conditions, it’s so important to have the right clothes and footwear. Also, you can’t forget the right socks with breathable material that also dries super fast.

Check out a few must-have style finds for your next hiking trip.

Outdoor Afro + REI Co-op Trail Pants

This collaboration between Outdoor Afro and REI doesn’t just look great (that color!) but is specifically designed to fit a range of body types. The pants have a relaxed but fitted style throughout and a drawcord adjustment at the leg. There’s enough space at the knees to allow for easy movement and the nylon and spandex material is breathable. 

Lululemon Cargo Super-High-Rise Hiking Short

Some shorts can either fit way too snug or they sag and gap and are impossible to move around in. Luckily, these Lululemon hiking shorts have all the functions you need to hike in comfort and style. The material is abrasion resistant and that high-rise waistband keeps the shorts in place as you hike trails of all sizes and levels. Also, the adjustable drawstring adds extra comfort and there’s even a D-ring to attach a carabiner. 

KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants

$109
KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants
Photo credit: REI

Convertible clothes are great because they can be worn in a variety of ways and cut down on the number of items you need to pack. Here’s an option that works for a range of hiking conditions as the pants also become a pair of shorts in a matter of seconds. Just unzip and the full-length pants convert into 10-inch shorts. The material, nylon and spandex, has the softness of cotton all while being durable and having a quick dry time. Also, the pants have built-in UPF protection from harmful rays. 

Real Essentials Quick Dry Long Sleeve Shirts

Add this quick dry shirt to your collection for those long hiking days when you need a bit more coverage than a t-shirt without feeling too restrictive. The moisture-wicking material has a UPF 50+ protection and the crew neck style allows for easy on and off. The sleeves can easily be rolled up and the shirts are packable. Bring one along or take the entire 4-pack on your hiking adventure. 

Hount Waterproof Lightweight Jacket

$28.99
Hount Waterproof Lightweight Jacket
Photo credit: Amazon

Light rain can feel great during a hot hike, but if you need some coverage, try this jacket that’s perfect for an outdoor adventure. The jacket is wind and waterproof, has an attached hood, and adjustable drawstring at the hem. What makes it even better is the lightweight style. The jacket folds up into the six-inch carrying pouch. Even if you don’t anticipate rain, it’s easy to stash this in your bag just in case.

Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Socks

$12.43
Dickies Dri-tech Moisture Control Socks
Photo credit: Amazon

Wearing wet socks during a hike can feel so uncomfortable and even create serious blisters. Keep a few socks on hand so you never have to worry about that. This six-pack has a reinforced heel and toe section and there’s even slight compression at the arch. The material is breathable and the moisture-wicking will be much appreciated as you sweat throughout the day. Buy the multipack of socks in all black, gray, or mix it up with stripes and polka dots. 

Columbia Facet 75 OutDry Hiking Shoe

$130
Columbia Facet 75 OutDry Hiking Shoe
Photo credit: Columbia

Sometimes you can get away with hiking some trails in a basic but sturdy pair of sneakers. However, when you really want to keep your feet protected and firmly planted on the trail, invest in a hiking shoe. Columbia’s Facet 75 OutDry has breathable, waterproof mesh and the soles offer superior traction in wet or dry conditions. It’s also designed to provide your heel with solid support. Choose from an array of colors, from blue and gray to pops of red and light blue. 

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