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With loads of options out there, finding the right outdoor clothing can feel like navigating a maze. But I’m here to help! I’ve chatted with four awesome women who know a thing or two about outdoor clothing to get their top outdoor clothing picks. From camping, canoeing and hiking, they've put their gear through its paces and are here to spill the beans on their favourites.
In this blog post, I've sorted the content by individual as each person brings their unique perspectives shaped by their adventures, budget considerations, and preferred activities. You’ll see a brief introduction to each woman before diving into their top outdoor clothing picks. Here's the lineup:
Emily Janzen (that's me!)
Got some favorite picks you’d like to share? Drop them in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you!
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Emily Janzen
Hey, that's me! I love camping, canoeing, and hiking, especially on multi-day excursions (though I tend to cap it at around 5 consecutive days in the wilderness). When it comes to clothing, my main goals are to find pieces that fit well, feel comfortable, and are versatile enough to transition seamlessly into other activities I love like hitting the gym, going for a run, or playing volleyball. I want my gear to perform well and look cute, of course.
Tops & Bottoms
Lululemon Sculpt Tank Top – size down as this fits big.
Lululemon High-Neck Running and Training T-Shirt – very lightweight and breathable. I have it in the tank version but they don’t sell it anymore.
MEC Blaze Technical Shirt - Women's – Lightweight long sleeve top to protect from sun and bugs.
Lululemon Adapted State High-Rise Jogger Full Length - These are good but are slightly too short for me (I’m 5’9”).
MEC Wanderwall Pants – Women’s – I’ve finally found pants that come in LONG and SHORT lengths. I just bought these this year and am so excited to find outdoor pants that come in different lengths. The only downside is that the pockets have no zipper to keep things in.
Patagonia Baggies Shorts - Women's are great for canoeing and hiking. They’re very light and quick dry and leave room for undies. When it comes to shorts in general, honestly, anything kind of works here. Lululemon running shorts or spandex bike shorts are great too. I like shorts that don’t have the interior underwear so that I can change my undies daily.
MEC T1 Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve Top - Women's these are base layers made of a merino blend. I have both the top and bottoms.
Underwear
Lululemon Like a Cloud Bra, Light Support, B/C Cup – very lightweight and dries fast. Don’t like the fact that it’s not racerback, however. Sometimes I find the straps slipping.
I am a big advocate of Knix underwear. They’re on the pricier side but are incredibly light and fast drying. I like the Essential Bikini ones. Bonus you can get them in their period “leakproof” versions as well.
Footwear & Socks
Smartwool or Darn Tough brand. Darn Tough are probably most loved in the hiking community and they have a lifetime warranty. These are what I wear for summer hikes: Darn Tough Light Hiker Light Cushion Micro Crew Socks or Smartwool’s Run Cold Weather Targeted Cushion Crew Socks.
Zamberlan 330 Marie Gore-Tex Backpacking Boots - Women's – these boots are AMAZING and so comfy. My favourite pair I’ve ever owned.
Water Shoes: Sturdy, quick-dry shoes with good grip are ideal for rocky shores and wet landings. I typically bring a pair of Crocs, which are great for in the canoe and around camp.
Waterproof running shoes are great for canoe trips involving portaging. Salomon trail running shoes are my go-to as they have their "quick-lace" system which makes slipping them on and off a breeze.
Outerwear
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody – lightweight yet incredibly warm. I usually pair this with my raincoat (below).
MEC Tremblant Jacket – A bit heavier weight than the Patagonia option, which I’ll bring on colder trips.
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket – Great, lightweight rain jacket. And I’ll always advocate for brands with a lifetime warranty.
Gear & Other
Class V Brimmer Hat is a great wide-brim hat that I love to take camping and canoeing.
Seat/chair: I bring a foldable butt pad for around camp and also for those long paddles! You may want to bring a foldable camp chair as well.
Big Agnes Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad has been my favourite sleeping pad ever which inflates to 9cm thick and is appropriate for three-season camping.
Shveta Kanetkar
Meet Shveta, the epitome of practicality and resilience in the outdoor world. For this adventurer, gear isn't just gear – it's a trusted companion that's put through the wringer until it's on its last legs. With a penchant for pushing the limits and embarking on epic 30-day canoe trips and other lengthy outdoor adventures, durability is non-negotiable.
Tops & Bottoms
Pants - I haven't figured this out yet. I'm currently road-testing Aerie biker bottoms which I've enjoyed but they are cotton so not ideal for rain days.
Shirts - literally just whatever quick dry top I have. Right now, I use a Nike running shirt. I prefer t-shirts to tank tops (less chafe when you have heavy bags on your shoulders).
Underwear
Bras - I'm obsessed with Girlfriend Collective sports bras right now. I love the Paloma Racerback Bra and Simone High Support Bra. They are chesty but they bring my large chest in tight. Plus, it's a really cool (women owned) company: they have great colours and the quality for the price is amazing.
Underwear - I haven't figured this out yet but I'm told that athletic underwear is a game changer.
Footwear & Socks
Socks - Darn tough will always be my go-to.
Boots - I'm a Merrell girl. I got chonky wide feet and they just fit snug! Definitely something with ankle support though.
Camp shoes – Crocs. They slip on very easily, which is great for getting in and out of the tent, they work with and without socks, never need to dry, and last forever. I've literally portaged in them. They are the G.O.A.T and I implore you to find a better, more versatile piece of gear.
Outerwear
Jacket - Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket is great. However, I went on plenty of trips with a basic North Face raincoat for 4 years and never had an issue.
Puffy - I like North face puffy jackets because they're versatile and I can wear them in the city too.
Gloves - I love to bring an active glove. I have some from MEC and they’re nice for sleeping and for having an extra layer just in case.
Gear & Other
Buff…. there's a reason they're the name brand here.
Sunglasses - I love Smith glasses, especially polarized ones. But I've heard good things about Oakley's.
Hat - it's so unnecessary but I love the classic chunky roots hat. But for when weight matters, I bring whatever beanie is wool that I haven't lost but I make sure it's long enough to cover my eyes so I don't need an eye mask.
Swim bottoms - Aerie Crossover High Waisted Bikini Bottom: great coverage, awesome colours. I'll just swim in my bra and those bottoms.
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Emily Elizabeth
No, this isn’t Déjà vu, meet Emily #2! Emily is a wildlife biologist whose gear style is technical and lightweight precision. Emily has an eye for quality and prioritizes warmth, performance, and functionality above all else (and long lasting wear!). She also loves camping, canoeing, hiking, and exploring women-owned brands. Much of her gear is purchased as past season, discounted items. While she appreciates investment in brands that feature quality performance products with lifetime warranties, she thinks anything that makes you feel comfortable and happy to get outside is just the right gear!
Tops & Bottoms
Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights are comfortable, durable, fast drying, and decently thick. These stand the test of time - I’ve used mine on most multi-day trips, field work, and even just airport travel days. The zippered side and back pockets and thigh map pocket are in the perfect spots. The waist band is wide for comfort and has a drawstring for adjustments. I can’t say enough good things about these tights.
I hear people love the Eddie Bower women's pant that also comes in a fleece lined version but haven't tried them out myself.
Kari Traa base layers offer a comfortable range of options that will suit most activities. They have comfortable waist bands and good length in the legs. Check out their base layer guide.
The Kari Traa Roth Fleece Vest is a great mid-layer fleece. I run cold all the time so I love having a reliable vest to keep my core cozy. It has a well-placed, zippered chest pocket and side hand-pockets. It comes in fun and retro colour combinations too.
The Fjallraven EXPEDITION X-LÄTT VEST is a great option for staying warm and saving space in my pack. It always surprises me what a difference this piece can make.
My Arcteryx Kyanite Hoody has served me well and still looks fresh after many years of abuse. It’s comfortable, flexible, soft, warm, and lightweight.
My Arcteryx Psiphon FL Hoody is a technical treasure - I love it. It is so lightweight, flexible, breathable, and tough all at the same time. It has received much abuse over the years as a shell, through climbing, hiking, and field work, and still holds up to my demands today.
Underwear
For intense days, I go to synthetic underwear for daytime - they will dry while you move if you get rained on or a soaker. But I like a cotton outfit generally for camp comfort and sleeping.
I’m a fan of ribbed longline bra tops and currently use some from Aritzia and Aerie.
Footwear & Socks
I will always have wool socks in my pack. I prefer socks without a toe seam to prevent discomfort and blisters and I’ll even knit my own!
A camp shoe is a necessary piece of gear for me - nothing beats some dry socks in some cushy loose shoe after a long day of hiking! I have long, narrow feet with high arches and I’ve used Birkenstocks and down camp booties, but will foray into trying the Croc All terrain clogs this year.
Boots: I still struggle with finding anything comfy / to my preferences. I have looked into some down puffy socks for added warmth in the sleeping bag too but I haven't purchased anything yet.
Outerwear
I use the Kari Traa Hjellane Parka for casual/all round activities. It’s comfy, has side snap closures and a two-way zipper, and is relatively warm - I primarily use it from about -15 C to above 0 C. It also has a soft and flexible high collar which is effective at keeping your heat in and the Hazel colour is very fun. It’s just missing an interior chest pocket in my opinion.
Arcteryx Beta AR and Alpha SV raincoats have been exceptional if you’re truly putting your jacket through the ringer. And I appreciate the bright colours for safety. I am a fan of the collar on the Beta versions to keep water from trickling in and wind out. The Alpha versions are better for use while wearing a harness.
My Arcteryx Cerium SV makes all the difference for this cold-blooded girlie, However, the Cerium SV fits under the SV shells better than the AR shells, where it sticks out at the wrists and bottom hem.
I had an Arcteryx Atom LT without a hood and preferred that to my current hooded Atom LT because I never use base layer or mid layer hoods. I prefer to have my long hair off my neck so I use a hat or headband instead. I also have a very old Adidas synthetic mid layer that falls between the Atom and Cerium in warmth and it’s been through a lot with me and served me well - it just doesn’t pack up quite as small but that’s not much of an issue for me.
Gear & Other
A down or down hybrid sleeping bag and maybe even down socks! I use a down Big Anges Daisy Mae sleeping bag with an insertable sleeping pad. This means I’m not sliding off my pad when on uneven ground. It’s also great for side sleepers.
Blistex SPF lip chap
Cetaphil face cleansing gel (no water needed! Just scrub and wipe)
BUFF
Fox 40 whistle
Nalgene
Rain cover for my pack.
Rain pants
Polarized glasses (as a biologist, I like to see the underwater plants and diving birds and fish while on trip)
Mystery Ranch 3-way zip packs are great for day trips and field work - I like how easy they are to open access to your gear quickly and to display it without dumping it out.
SNACKS always! When you think you have enough, pack more 😛
Kristen Smith
Introducing Kristen: an avid hiker who likes extended adventures lasting 7 to 15 days. Her gear philosophy revolves around striking a balance between lightweight design, affordability, durability, and comfort, particularly in colder climates. With a keen eye for sustainability, Kristen prioritizes environmentally-friendly options whenever possible, ensuring her outdoor adventures leave minimal impact on the planet.
Tops & Bottoms
I love the Columbia button down top as a long sleeve for sun protection.
Lululemon wunder train shorts or old navy stretch tech run shorts.
There are great shorts for a low price at Mountain Warehouse.
Walmart has super lightweight and quick dry joggers I use for buggier sections or areas I want to cover my legs due to brush or scrambles over rocks and trees.
Cloudveil Marino wool base layers (found at Costco, usually $15-25). They’ve lasted me all through winter dog walking and my pct through hike, all still in excellent condition.
Paradox 1/4 zip (also found at Costco) for layering over long sleeve for below zero camping. These can be found late fall at Costco. Alternatively, if you can't find these options at Costco, Mountain Warehouse base layers are a great option. I just find the quality isn’t as high as the Cloudveil or Paradox at Costco.
Underwear
I typically wear a basic polyester bottom with a cotton liner (underwear).
Love the Lululemon Align dupe from Amazon. I find it is wayyyyy better and so much more quick drying than the brand name Lululemon one! Plus so much more affordable.
Footwear & Socks
I’m in love with my Salomon hiking boots with GORE-TEX, this is my third season with them and they’re still holding up. My longest lasting by far, as I usually have hikes in the wet shoulder seasons that are harder on shoes.
My favourite socks are Darn Tough but Smartwool is a close second. The extra cushion ¼ inch hiker is what I look for.
Outerwear
I love the Mountain Warehouse zip featherlight down jacket as a warm layer. This one’s my favourite but for those looking for a hood and more waterproofing this is also a great option: water proof treated down parka from Mountain Warehouse. Pro tip: the men’s sizes sometimes have a better fill so I usually compare them (ex 600 vs 700).
Haven’t found a rain jacket I’m happy with yet. The Marmot and North Face jackets I had worked well for the first year but I found the waterproofing slowly failed and washing with the waterproofing treatment to fix that unfortunately didn’t work well. I'm looking to get a GORE-TEX one next. I'm thinking Arc’teryx or the Patagonia Torrentshell.
Mountain Warehouse rain pants for the win. Easily slides over other pants, Velcro bottom to cinch, often go on sale for $20-$25, and survived me glissading down mountains on them!
Gear & Other
My Sea to Summit treated down sleeping bag, has lasted me since 2015, and is still going strong. I love how compact and light it is while staying super toasty. They don’t have the exact one but I found one with similar specifications.
I sleep warm so I prefer a 30F bag or warmer and just bring more layers or a sleeping bag liner for the colder hikes. By subbing in these small, less costly items, you can create a more versatile system that works for all trips.
I use the MEC UL sleeping pad. There are some with a higher R rating (higher R rating = more insultation = warmer) but since I’m a warm sleeper I prefer the lighter options that are cooler and smaller in size. I’ve only had it for a year and a half but it’s holding up really well so far!
Kula Cloth: it saves me so much toilet paper on my trips, is easy to carry and pack! Plus it means less waste and less worry about packing out!
Biolite headlamp, I love how long the battery lasts, the different options and the press and hold feature to lock it so it doesn’t turn on draining your battery accidentally while hiking.
I hope this list helps prepare you for your outdoor adventures!
Have any recommendations, comments or have any favourites in common? Drop a comment below!
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