Gorpcore Fashion | Cute Hiking Outfits For Your Next Adventure

Outdoor activities in the warm weather call for fresh, effortless looks perfect for beating the heat while staying cool and comfortable. Designed for high temperatures, summer hiking outfits should maximize breathability, utilize moisture-wicking tech and provide sun protection to keep you feeling safe and energized on the trail.

Best for: Summer hikes, desert trails, and humid conditions.

• Top: Choose a breathable, moisture-wicking tank or a stylish sports bra for a laid-back, athletic vibe. Choose UPF-rated materials for added sun protection where you can and opt for mesh panels or open-back designs to increase airflow.

• Bottoms: Stretchy, comfortable shorts that move with you. High-waisted biker shorts provide coverage and prevent chafing, while lightweight hiking shorts with built-in liners add functionality for longer treks. Pockets are always a bonus!

• Footwear: Lightweight trail running shoes or light hiking boots with quick-drying properties are great for keeping your feet cool. A breathable mesh upper helps prevent overheating, while grippy outsoles ensure stability on sandy or rocky paths.

• Accessories: A cap and lightweight sunglasses are essential for summer hikes to shield you from the sun. Don’t forget a hydration pack or water bottle sling for staying hydrated on sweltering days and longer hikes.

Switching a hike for a run one sunny weekend? Stay cool, and safe with our complete guide on what to wear for hot weather runs.

Master the art of layering with an outfit that adapts to fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable conditions. It’s all about choosing lightweight layers that will keep you warm in chilly mornings yet breathable when the sun peaks in the afternoon. The milder seasons offer the best weather to wear your technical shell jackets, choose a scenic route, and get the snap.

Best for: Transitional weather, morning-to-evening hikes.

• Top: Start with a lightweight t-shirt or breathable long sleeve for versatility depending on the temperature. Opt for a merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic blend that regulates body temperature without overheating. Choose lightweight mid layers like thin sweaters or 1/2 zip fleece pullovers.

• Bottoms: Woven hiking pants with stretch or convertible zip-off pants for adaptability. If you prefer shorts, opt for a pair of pocket biker shorts and wear them with some chunky high walking socks for added warmth.

• Outerwear: A sleek, packable zip-up jacket for wind resistance and light rain. Or for cooler conditions, consider a softshell or windbreaker with a water-repellent coating to stay dry.

• Footwear: Spring and Fall can throw all types of weather at us. So choose waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support to handle various terrain and potential muddy patches.

• Accessories: You’ll need somewhere to keep your layers, and stylish hiking backpack is perfect for storing extra layers and snacks. Fingerless gloves and a lightweight beanie will help trap in the warmth during chilly starts without causing overheating later in the day.

For those days when your hike is more about the aesthetic than the altitude gain, this cute hiking outfit idea blends gorpcore fashion with trail-ready function. It’s perfect for a scenic trail walk followed by brunch or errands in town when your hiking fit transforms to your all-day outfit.

Best for: City hikes, national parks, and mixed-terrain walking.

• Top: Wear a cropped long-sleeve top or hiking tank top for a stylish, sporty, yet effortless vibe. Pair with a stylish sports bra in case the weather calls for removing layers.

• Bottoms: Flowy hiking pants or cargo joggers with adjustable waistbands for a relaxed, put-together look. If opting for hiking leggings, go for a sleek, seamless pair that transitions easily from trail to street.

• Outerwear: A lightweight hooded windbreaker or cropped fleece for layering. Earth-tone neutrals or color-block prints will add a trendy edge to the outfit.

• Footwear: Chunky trail sneakers or relaxed hiking boots for a streetwear-meets-outdoor feel. Heard of leopard print hiking boots anyone?

• Accessories: Choose a stylish crossbody bag for essentials. Sporty wraparound sunglasses and an oversized cap will complete the Gorpcore-inspired look.

For hikes in frosty temperatures, layering is everything. Winter hiking outfits need to be built for warmth, wind resistance, and moisture management to keep you comfortable, yet agile enough so you can move with ease. Choose thin, protective layers and always bring an extra layer, it’s better to be able to take layers off than not have them at all.

Best for: Snowy trails, winter hikes, cold-weather trekking.

• Base Layer: Choose a long-sleeve baselayer with sweat-wicking properties to keep your core warm and dry. Look for merino wool blends or technical fabrics for optimal insulation.

• Mid Layer: A toasty mid-layer like 1/4 zip insulated fleece or zip-down jacket will provide necessary warmth without bulk.

• Bottoms: Thick hiking leggings (for the start of winter) or fleece-lined hiking pants are your best option for providing warmth without sacrificing mobility. Make sure your hiking trousers have water-resistant coatings to help keep snow and moisture out.

• Outerwear: This is serious jacket territory now. For winter hikes, look for thick insulated jackets with windproof and waterproof technology and down or synthetic puffers for sub-zero conditions. Ensure your jacket has a hood for extra protection and warmth.

• Footwear: Choose insulated waterproof hiking boots with deep treads for grip on icy or snowy surfaces. For really snowy terrains, gaiters can be added to prevent snow from getting into your boots.

• Accessories: Thermal gloves, a fleece-lined beanie, and a neck gaiter are essentials for trapping body heat. Don’t forget sunglasses or goggles if hiking in bright, snowy landscapes… they’ll make the shot too.

Gorpcore is an outdoor-inspired fashion trend taken from hiking the term ‘Gorp’ which stands for “good ol' raisins and peanuts” or “granola, oats, raisins, peanuts”. The outdoorsy aesthetic has been huge on social media over the last 4-5 years, but the term Gorpcore was actually coined in 2017 by Jason Chen in a 2017 article for The Cut Magazine [1]. It describes an aesthetic that blends technical hiking gear with everyday streetwear. It incorporates functional materials like Gore-Tex, fleece, and nylon while emphasizing practical yet stylish layering.

The best hiking outfit truly depends on the conditions, but a moisture-wicking base layer, comfortable hiking pants, and durable footwear are essential for any hike. Layering is key for keeping warm in the cold weather, while accessories like hats and sunglasses are a must for extra protection on sunny trails. At the end of the day the aim is to feel comfortable, looking stylish is a plus, but with the right pieces you can shop from this article, cute hiking outfits will be a breeze.

Yes, a supportive sports bra is recommended for comfort, movement, and sweat management when hiking. Low-impact sports bras may be enough for those going on short city hikes or with smaller chests, but for those who need more support, are hiking more intense trails or wearing a sports bra as your only layer, we’d suggest choosing medium or high-impact options. Look for moisture-wicking and breathable materials to stay dry and irritation-free. To find your perfect fit, check out our sports bra size guide.

The 3-layer rule for hiking starts with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating mid-layer, and lastly a weather-resistant outer layer. This layering system ensures comfort in various weather conditions and helps regulate body temperature. Of course, you can add and take layers off depending on the weather, but this is a great guide to follow to stay comfortable on the trails.

Both leggings and pants have benefits, and it really comes down to your personal preference. Hiking leggings offer flexibility and comfort for casual hikes and can be a stylish option for those who like athleisure dressing. Hiking pants, on the other hand, provide extra durability and protection for more hardcore hikes, and can often be converted to shorts, offering the best of both worlds. Why not combine them both for cold-weather hikes?

Proper hiking attire uses technical fabrics to help regulate temperature, wick moisture away, prevent chafing and protect you from the elements. Hiking gear is designed for movement, with flexibility and durability for all types of terrains.

Avoid cotton for hiking, as it absorbs sweat and dries slowly which will leave you soggy and uncomfortable. Instead, opt for moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool for breathability and temperature control. Look for functional features like zipped pockets ventilation panels, adjustable cuffs and toggles to tighten for extra practicality, keeping you prepared for changing conditions.