I’ve Hiked Everywhere From Antarctica to Africa, And These 20 Amazon Finds Are My Go-to Trail Clothing

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And they’re all less than $50.

As a professional travel writer and gear reviewer, I’ve hiked toward Everest, trekked the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, traversed portions of the Inca Trail, and even trudged through black sand and snow on Antarctica’s Deception Island. Funnily enough, I wasn’t always so eager to hike. My dad likes to remind me how, as a kid, I would complain my way out the door while being “forced” to go on hikes with him … only to be found screaming, “I love being outside!” just minutes later as I skipped past puddles and trees. Luckily, my dad’s persistence paid off.

I love hiking, and I have spent my career exploring some of the world’s most exciting trails on all seven continents. Along the way I’ve learned — often the hard way — that good hiking gear can make or break an experience outdoors. It took nearly 20 years of trial and error, but I’ve figured out exactly which hiking clothes work (for example, you’ll never see me on a trail without a rain jacket tucked into my hiking pack) and which items aren’t meant for trails (ahem, save those no-show socks for brunch).

Above all, I’ve learned that good clothing is crucial to an enjoyable hike — but they don’t have to cost a fortune, either. That’s why I’ve handpicked my favorites at Amazon that I’ve either used myself or that I already have in my cart for my next hike. From comfy hiking boots to handy roll-up hiking pants I wore in Uganda to a UPF 50+ layer that protected me from the sun in Croatia, these are all guaranteed game-changers. Bonus: they’re all less than $50. Happy hiking!

Related:I'm an Avid Hiker, and These Hiking Shoes Have the Comfort of a Sneaker and the Grip of a Good Boot

Bearpaw Women’s Olympus Hiking Boot

Once upon a time I wore running shoes on trails, but once I discovered the difference it makes to wear an actual hiking boot, I never went back. My Salomon hiking boots got me through challenging hikes in Nepal, Australia, and Canada, where I learned traction and comfort are key. Bearpaw has a good reputation for durability at a much lower price point, and this pair is perfect for a summer hike since it has a mesh lining.

To buy: amazon.com, from $33 (originally $55)

Toomett Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants

Pro tip: Buy a roll-up hiking pant like this rather than a convertible pair that has fully removable lower pant legs because you won’t have to store the extra fabric once you zip-off into capris. This is a feature that served me well during hikes across streams in Colorado and through the Kibale Forest in Uganda. I love that this pair is lightweight for summer hikes and dries quickly whether the cuff is rolled up or draped over your ankles.

To buy: amazon.com, $39

ExOfficio Women’s BugsAway Solstice Canyon Crew Sock

I’ll spare you the itchy details, but let’s just say these socks had me at “tick repellent.” I often tuck my pants into my socks during hikes to keep bugs to prevent unwanted visitors, and not only do these stocks stay in place, but they have also protected me against everything from fire ants in Uganda to chiggers in Arkansas.

To buy: amazon.com, $28 

Camelsports Hiking Sandal

I grew up on the lakes of Texas, which is where I always wore my Ecco Sport Sandals. It wasn’t until I saw someone wearing them on a hike in Colorado that I realized they could hold up on the trails, too. This pair from Camelsports has a similar rubber outsole as my Ecco’s, which allows you to traverse slippery river stones with ease.

To buy: amazon.com, $37

CRZ Yoga Pima Cotton Cropped Tank

The roomy armholes of this buttery-soft tank make it super easy to move around in while increasing air flow during warm-weather hikes. The summer-ready crop is flattering and easy to layer, which are two very important requirements for my hiking clothes. Plus, it comes in 29 colors — so there’s one to match anything in my closet.

To buy: amazon.com, $20

Joe’s USA Ladies Moisture Wicking Stretch Pullover

I’m not a fan of hiking in long sleeves unless there’s snow in sight, but a lightweight pullover has been perfect for hikes that start off warm and end in high elevations, like the one I wore while hiking Waynapicchu in Peru. On that hike I started off in a tank top at Aguas Calientes, added a poncho on the hike up to Machu Picchu, and then swapped for a pullover similar to this one once I reached the top of Waynapicchu … just in time to watch the clouds part over the ancient city for that postcard view everyone raves about.

To buy: amazon.com, $42

Clothin Women’s Insulated Pants

The day after I booked a guided trek toward Everest Base Camp, I bought these flexible pants because I knew I would need something with a bit more warmth than my typical yoga pants while hiking in the Himalayas of Nepal. I’ve since worn them in Iceland, Norway, Germany, and Canada, and they’re still my go-to for chilly or cold-weather hiking.

To buy: amazon.com, $42

FitsT4 Women’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Hoodie

This sun protection jacket is the perfect weight for warm-weather hiking, and it even utilizes UPF to keep sun rays from penetrating through. I use this jacket on summer hikes that weave in and out of dense forests — like the truffle hunting hike I did in Croatia — when the temperatures fluctuate from balmy to brisk. 

To buy: amazon.com, $25

Helly Hansen Women’s Standard Siren Tank Top

Coming in just at budget, this $50 summer-ready hiking top is made of a material I love wearing: technical knit jersey fabric. This super flattering tank shows just the right amount of shoulder and, since it was made for sailing, it dries quickly. It even has a drawcord on the hem so you can adjust the fit. I discovered Helly Hansen through their winter technical gear, and fell in love with the trusted outdoor gear brand for its quality and commitment to responsible manufacturing.

To buy: amazon.com, $50

90 Degrees by Reflex Flex Yoga Pants

I bought these yoga pants long before they added the cell phone pocket, and now I’m ordering an updated pair (even though my last pair is now six years old and still going strong). They’re the only hiking yoga pants I’ve worn that stay in place without any sagging.

To buy: amazon.com, $27

Baleaf Women’s Running Shorts

I wear running shorts on hiking trails for many reasons, one of them being that I like to get a little sun on my legs (and the other reasons are less vain). Freedom to move is important when you’re climbing over fallen trees or, say, bouldering to the top of Arizona’s Camelback Mountain, and these shorts offer freedom and storage with their handy little zipper pocket.

To buy: amazon.com, $23

Jack Wolfskin Women’s Standard Sky Thermal

Hiking around Germany taught me two things: First, that the country is stunning and second, that Jack Wolfskin is practically the only acceptable hiking brand to wear while exploring within it. There’s a reason this brand shows up on every Deutsch trail, and that reason has everything to do with quality and German engineering. This long-sleeve polyester top is moisture wicking and fast drying, which means that it’s a great layer for those chilly morning to warm afternoon hikes.

To buy: amazon.com, from $19

Yogalicious Highwaist Biking Short

Don’t be deceived by the name — these supportive shorts were made for hiking. It’s rare to find a hiking short with a pocket big enough for a smartphone, and these shorts have two! I prefer the 5-inch shorts for my 5’6” frame because they don’t ride up, but they offer longer and shorter styles for different body types.

To buy: amazon.com, $16 (originally $20)

Arctix Women’s River Rain Jacket

I’ve been caught in unexpected rainstorms too many times not to appreciate the importance of an emergency raincoat, like when I took my toddler hiking in Vermont during “dry season” and ended up in downpour. Sure, a cheap poncho works in a pinch, but this lightweight jacket doubles as a windbreaker and has an adjustable hood that can make hiking in the rain enjoyable.

To buy: amazon.com, from $36 (originally $50)

Columbia Women’s Bahama Ls

Although this button-up doesn’t fit my typical street style, this type of shirt has saved me many times on hikes around the world — everywhere from Africa to Asia when tank tops wouldn’t have been appropriate — and I can’t imagine not having at least one in my closet. Also a favorite of those who go fishing, it’s breathable but protects against UVA and UVB rays, too.

To buy: amazon.com, from $45 (originally $50)

Little Donkey Andy Lightweight Full Zip Softshell Jacket

My softshell by The North Face has traveled with me to all seven continents and is the perfect jacket for so many different scenarios (namely, hiking the Swiss Alps during the summer or the red rocks in Utah during fall). This version has all the same features I love about mine — fleece lining, water-resistant, windproof exterior, zippered pockets, etc. — but a way more attractive price tag.

To buy: amazon.com, $40

Sweaty Bands Headband

I opt for headbands over hats since I often show up in a ponytail, and this non-slip headband keeps my hair out of my face beautifully on summer hikes. Plus, they’re lined in velvet to cushion your head, meaning no headaches from the pressure. Note: for chillier spring, fall, and winter hikes, I love this headband.

To buy: amazon.com, $16

Icyzone Workout Track Jacket

I’m a sucker for thumb holes — they just help your gear stay in place. And this sweat-wicking jacket certainly stays in place on hikes but is flexible enough to allow for maximum movement. It’s also lightweight, which is great for damp or humid climates. That’s exactly why this was my jacket of choice for hiking the cloud forests of Ecuador, where I tested its flexibility while squatting, reaching, or dodging tree frogs to photograph the world’s smallest species of orchid.

To buy: amazon.com, $32

Running Girl Strappy Sports Bra

Sure, this sweat-wicking bra may lead to some funky tan lines, but just view those lines as proof of your adventurous lifestyle, because this bra is worth it. It wears like cotton (meaning it’s soft on the skin) but stays in place like a good sports bra should (no constant adjusting, shifting, or squirming while hiking necessary). It’s padded in all the right places (with removable cups), machine washable, and super supportive.

To buy: amazon.com, $22 (originally $25)

Made By Johnny Ultralight Packable Down Jacket

I discovered the magic of down jackets after a night hike in Norway to find the Northern Lights. As I sat around a fire, miserably cold inside my ski jacket, my Norwegian hiking guide swapped jackets with me so I could step out and watch the lights dance across the night sky. The takeaway? Ski jackets are for skiing, and down jackets are the best hiking winter gear invention ever. Plus, this water-repellant version packs down into a burrito-sized pouch, which is great when you’re on the move and the weather warms up as the sun comes out.

To buy: amazon.com, $47 (originally $59)

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