In the mountains, where the air is thinner and the style stakes are high, hiking apparel has never looked better. Function meets fashion somewhere between a high-alpine lake and your tailgate. These days, trail style walks a fine line between rugged performance and laid-back cool.
Ditch the tourist look and embrace staples that you’ll wear daily, regardless of whether you’re scrambling up a 14er or chasing kids through the woods (or at the park). Think quick-drying shorts in flattering cuts and technical tops that double as streetwear.
Whether you lean tailored and trim or lax and laidback, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite trail looks that prove practical doesn’t have to be plain.
Mountain Hardwear Mountain Stretch Tankette, Trail Stryder Belted Shorts + Stryder Full Zip Jacket
I never thought I would be writing a love letter to a cropped tight tankette. I’m firmly in the high-waisted, no drama (or belly-baring) stage of life. I’ve had two kids; my stomach has had its time in the spotlight. But the Mountain Stretch Tankette from Mountain Hardwear has made me change my tune.
It’s trim without being skin tight, sporty but not too spandex-y; cropped but not too short. Instead, the tank skims the body, hitting right at the waistband of high-rise shorts, creating that magical no-gap combo that flatters without fuss. A racerback cut adds an athletic edge, while the high neckline adds coverage to balance the cropped design. Think of it as a gateway crop for people who want performance layers, not tiny postage stamps.
Now, the shorts. Mountain Hardwear’s Trail Stryder Belted Shorts are proof that utility can be cute. The ultra-wide waistband is smooth and supportive, while the elastic waist and belt combo means you’re secure but not squeezed. While they don’t have much stretch (I had to shimmy to get them over my hips), once they’re on, the fit is flattering from all angles. Pro tip: size up if you’re between sizes.
These shorts are light, quick-drying, water-repellent and ready for anything from high-altitude hikes to camping hangouts. Pockets? Yes, of course. Two deep pockets plus a small zippered pocket (perfect for your keys or a credit card) in front and another zippered pocket in the back hold your essentials.
Colorado weather is always serving chaos. We started the day in Vail Village with 85 degrees Fahrenheit and blue skies, but at the top of Vail Pass, there was a 20-degree temperature drop and thunder rumbling in the distance. Luckily, I always carry a lightweight layer with me.
Enter the Mountain Hardwear Stryder Full Zip Jacket — a wind-resistant, water-repellent cropped cut in a pretty periwinkle with cargo pockets. It’s more trail chic than trail mix. It’s the right weight for light hikes, summer storms and socializing, but it shouldn’t be your only defense against monsoon rain. It was breathable while blocking the wind and added light warmth without that sticky feeling of Gore-Tex.
Post-hike, we headed to a party in the park, where the rain eventually caught up to us. The Stryder Jacket was the stylish alternative to a rain jacket, offering protection from the wind and rain while bolting between cupcakes and the car.
Backcountry Wasatch Ripstop 5″ Shorts + Destination Tank Top
I don’t consider myself a pink person. But give me rose and I’m in.
The Wasatch Ripstop 5” Shorts from Backcountry are a vibe: high-waisted, two-toned and the right mix of sleek meets sturdy. The no-stretch waistband has a classic zip and button closure plus a built-in belt.
They’re featherweight, quick-drying, and offer a hint of stretch to allow you to scramble without restrictions. But the real magic trick? A subtle rise in the hem at the outer thigh elongates your legs with a flattering silhouette. Add in two zippered front pockets and two deep back pockets, and these shorts are officially not just for the trail.
Backcountry’s Destination Tank Top is my forever plus one. It’s loose, breathable and lands perfectly low on your waist. It’s a shorter cut with plenty of coverage. The racerback and dropped armholes give a sneaky peek of your patterned sports bra, my favorite form of trail accessorizing.
Confession here: I have this tank in several colors thanks to the affordable price tag and easy fit.
Danner Ultralight OCTA Pullover + Utility Short
Danner is known for their hand-crafted, durable hiking boots — the kind that last longer than most relationships. They’re taking that same built-to-last quality into the apparel game. This summer, Danner quietly launched a new hiking collection with smart designs, high-performance fabrics and colors that hit the sweet spot between earthy and eye-catching.
The Ultralight OCTA Pullover is like the Swiss Army knife of layers. The octagon-shaped weave is engineered for breathability and warmth, so it plays nicely as a lightweight base layer and shines as a mid-layer. It hits the sweet spot on weight: more warmth than a long-sleeve shirt, but lighter and more packable than most fleeces. For someone who spends a lot of time analyzing the weather and discussing what gear to wear, this ultralight pullover was the magic middle layer I needed.
Danner didn’t skimp on design details. It hits at the hipbone with a stretchy reinforced contrasting hem for a flattering trim fit. There’s a generous zippered kangaroo pocket, discreet thumb holes and an extra-long zipper pull that’s easy to grab.
The Women’s Utility Shorts nail the “I didn’t try, but this looks good anyway” vibe. They have a slightly oversized, retro fit with subtle pleating that channels the rebellious counterculture energy of rock climbers in the ‘90s — but with updated features and fabrics. Made with durable nylon and secured with a high, wide elastic waistband with a webbing belt, these shorts are tough yet comfy, have a hint of nostalgia and a whole lot of pockets.
I’ve stopped carrying a purse because I’m either hauling around a backpack with our kids’ “essentials” or stuffing things into my pockets. Besides, who needs a purse when you have these shorts with six massive pockets? The front mesh pockets are basically bottomless, as are the back four, which have enough room to hold a water bottle, phone, keys, lip balm, granola bar, dog bags and treats, plus backup snacks. I’m like a human vending machine.
Just one tip: these run big, so size down. I’m wearing a small, the smallest size they offer.
Marmot AirExchange UPF 40 Overshirt + AirExchange UPF 40 Shorts
In a world where bright, bold sporty activewear reigns supreme, sometimes I just want a laid-back trail look. Neutral colors, an oversized fit and an effortlessly cool look. But in fabrics that are soft, lightweight and quick-drying, of course.
That’s where Marmot’s Women’s AirExchange UPF 40 Overshirt comes in: part shacket, part trail-slaying secret weapon. Drop shoulders, oversized fit and tunic-length cut lean into a mountain-modern aesthetic — relaxed but refined. The breathable fabric dries quickly and blocks the sun’s rays with UPF 40 protection, meaning you can wear it through peak UV hours without sacrificing your skin (or your vibe).
Toss it on over a tank when the sun’s blazing or keep it handy as a lightweight layer when the wind picks up. Wear it open like a shacket, buttoned up, sleeves rolled up or collar flipped up for bonus sun protection on your neck. This shirt’s versatility is what makes it shine. Plus, there are two sizable mesh pockets on the chest, including one with a zipper that’s big enough to fit a phone.
At first glance, the Women’s AirExchange UPF 40 Shorts look like your wear-everywhere classic short with a 4-inch inseam, mid-rise, tailored fit and button and zip closure. But don’t be fooled, these are secretly high-performance hiking shorts made with a stretchy, lightweight, fast-drying fabric that’s ideal for long days on the trail. An elastic waistband in the back of the shorts and an internal drawcord subtly create a secure fit without shouting that you’re wearing tech clothing. Think undercover trail agent energy. You could wear these to lunch and no one would know you crushed all that mileage before noon.
Pockets are minimal — the angled front pockets are perfect to put your hand in, but I wouldn’t put much else in there. Luckily, there’s a small zip pocket on the back to stash a key or a card.
Trail Tested, Outfit Approved
Whether you’re chasing summits or sipping coffee, do it in gear that works and wows. Trail style isn’t about blending in; it’s about showing up and feeling unstoppable.
Read more of The Outdoorista column here.
