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Hiking Clothes for the Smart Hiker

active wear
Comments(8)
May 11, 2018

Last weekend James and I hiked the Gomez Peak trails in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico. The highlight of our hike was seeing a bobcat. Y’all! I’ve run across a bear (from a blessed distance!), plenty of dear, a fox, javelinas, and even a rattle snake, but never a wild cat! Yes, it saw us, too. But fortunately it glanced our way and moved on. For rest of the hike I kept a watchful eye for its return, though! Today I’m sharing the hiking clothes I wore on the trail that day.

Hiking-clothes-women

No, I didn’t wear these leather boots. My photographer friend Hannah Whaley snapped these shots a couple of weeks ago at another friend’s house. I had forgotten to bring my hiking boots or sandals, so I borrowed these “non-hiking” boots for the photo shoot. However, while these boots are not suitable for hiking (and I’m even wearing them without socks for the photo shoot!), they are snazzy and comfortable. So I’ll provide more information about some similar boots further down.

Hiking-clothes-for-women

But I did enjoy wearing these shorts and button up shirt from Columbia on my hike last Saturday. When looking for hiking clothes it’s important to choose fabrics that are moisture-wicking, breathable and light (for a warm weather hike). I also like hiking clothes that offer sun protection.

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This shirt is amazingly soft. Like I can’t even describe to you how soft and lightweight it is. It’s the Columbia Women’s Bryce Canyon Stretch Long Sleeve shirt, and it buttons all the way up the front, although the bottom buttons are hidden. It has versatile roll-up long sleeves and there’s lots of stretch in the fabric. It features a snap closure front pocket and an interior security pocket. I bought this shirt at Dillards, but not all Dillards carry hiking clothes. I think ours does because we are in a major hiking area. So, while I’ve never ordered anything from Zappos before, I would order this shirt in a heartbeat. It’s that comfortable. (Have you ever ordered from Zappos? I’d love to know what your experience has been.)

Hiking-clothes-women

These shorts are also from Columbia. They’re the Saturday Trail Long Shorts and they feature a mid-rise and a straight leg. They’re made of comfort stretch fabric and really move well with you on the trail, but they didn’t stretch out and become big on me as the day went on. I appreciate that! They’re also treated with Omni-Shield™ advanced repellent to create a waterproof barrier.

Both the shirt and my shorts have Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection. I was thankful for that when I was hiking at 7,000 feet elevation in unshaded sun. But of course I was wearing sunscreen, too.

leather-boot-for-women

As I mentioned, these boots aren’t suitable for hiking. They were just cute substitutes the day of my photo shoot. But they make you look like a hiker, right!? My friend thinks she got them at Macy’s a year or so back, but they don’t have a brand label that we could find inside. However, I think these Steve Madden Troopa Combat boots look a lot like them. And I’ll offer some good ideas for hiking boots in the shopping widget below.

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Truthfully, this hiking duo wasn’t cheap. And I almost returned them after the photo shoot. But I hadn’t bought any new hiking clothes in several years and I hadn’t purchased hiking shorts in over 10 years. So I was due something a little more current and something that fit better since I’d lost weight. For reference, I usually wear an 8 in pants and shorts, and usually wear a 6 in jeans, but these shorts are 10s. I’ve decided that activewear brands like Columbia and Royal Robbins don’t vanity size like most of the dailywear brands do. So you might want to size up if you order these or any shorts or pants from Columbia. My shirt is a medium and fits true to size.

Do you enjoy hiking? I’m hoping to get another hike in soon. By the way, I posted another hiking outfit in this post – completely different, but equally comfortable and fun to wear. You might want to check it out.

Happy trails!

As usual, I’m linking up today with Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Linkup. I hope you’ll check out some of the great fashion ideas there!


Blessed for My Day

I love to hike because it allows me the opportunity to see things most people miss out on. Beautiful vistas, hidden waterfalls, and amazing rock formations are tucked away to be enjoyed only by those who put in the effort and go the distance. In much the same way, I think we miss out on insights about our God and intimate experiences with Him if we neglect to follow hard after Him. But if we choose today to seek Him diligently, to pursue Him passionately, then He will be found. And the discoveries will bring us great joy…much more joy than even the most beautiful mountain top vista.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! ~ Psalm 105:4



 

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xoxo, Kay
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8 thoughts on “Hiking Clothes for the Smart Hiker

  1. I love your blog and would be happy to get it in my email box every day that you post! Thanks for being real and such an encouragement!

    1. Thanks for the encouragement and affirmation, Diana. I’ll see what all responses I get. Maybe it was just a fluke when I lost those subscribers. They may have been going to leave anyhow, but I just assumed it was too much in the inbox. I’ll keep experimenting and listening to my readers. Thanks for being one of them!

  2. Yes, I would love to receive your post every day- I enjoy it so much and your blessed words and scriptures! I have shopped at Zappos twice now and they do a great job of quick shipping and have a great return policy! Love your tips on the hiking gear! Thank you!

    1. Great, Joanne. Thanks for letting me know. And thanks for sharing your experience with Zappos. It occurred to me that link to them often and have never used them. I thought I’d better ask around! Have a beautiful weekend!

  3. I agree with the other comments. I love seeing your posts everyday. But whatever is most comfortable for you to do is fine with me. Just please don’t leave us?.

    1. Thanks for letting me know, Pam. And don’t worry ?. I’m committed! So sweet of you to share your enthusiasm. ?

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