If you’re looking for an inexpensive and outdoorsy date idea there is nothing better than going for a hike. My husband and I go on hiking dates regularly and I find it’s not only a fun activity that we can enjoy together, but it also gives us an opportunity to talk and connect without distractions. I have a complete guide on how to plan a hiking date, but this post is focused on what to wear on a hiking date.
While you can obviously wear your regular hiking clothes, I think it’s fun to treat a hiking date like a special occasion and use things that are already in your closet to dress up a little bit. This guide breaks down how I style my hiking date outfits to look cute while staying safe on the trail!
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What to Wear on a Hiking Date
Hiking Skorts
If there’s one thing you need to know about me, it’s that you’ll pretty much never catch me wearing regular hiking pants. I pretty much always hike in leggings (specifically Lululemon Align leggings), but during the summer sometimes I switch things up and wear a hiking skort. Swapping out your regular hiking pants for a skort is probably the easiest swap to make your outfit a little bit cuter for a hiking date.
My top recommendation for a hiking skort is the Vuori Clementine skirt (don’t worry, it has built-in shorts). I got this skort at the beginning of last summer and it quickly became my go-to piece for hikes. In fact, I was wearing it so much that my mom got me a second one for my birthday!
I have curvier thighs, so it can be hard to find built-in shorts that are actually comfortable. The shorts in the Vuori Clementine skirt are very stretchy and fit me like a glove. There are little grippy bits on the bottom of the shorts to help them stay put, but I find that the shorts do roll up if I’m hiking fast or climbing a steep trail. It doesn’t bother me because they’re so stretchy, but it may be uncomfortable for some folks.
If you’re going on a hiking date in a cooler climate or time of year, or skorts just aren’t your thing, then I would recommend wearing your favorite pair of leggings. You could also throw on an athletic/tennis dress for a cute hiking date outfit. Ultimately, you want something that makes you look good and feel good!
Kate Outdoors Recommends:
- Any athletic skort you have on hand (pickleball skorts, tennis skorts, workout skorts, etc.)
- Vuori Clementine Skirt | Price: $68 | Sizes: XS-XL
- Your favorite leggings or athletic dress
Hiking Tops
When it comes to deciding what top to wear on your hiking date, you want to consider your location, the weather, and the time of year. During the summer you can wear a cute tank or crop top, like the Lululemon Align Tank, and layer it with a sun shirt (check out my review of the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody).
If you’re going on a hiking date during cooler months, then I recommend pairing a cozy midlayer, like a Patagonia R1, with your favorite hiking jacket. I’m a fan of the Patagonia Nano Puff because it comes in fun colors and easily packs down into itself.
Of course, when it comes to staying cozy on a hiking date, there’s no better option than your partner’s fleece or flannel. You also can’t go wrong with a cute athleisure jacket, like the Lululemon Define Jacket. You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing a top for your hiking date, so don’t be afraid to mix pieces you already have to combine function and style.
Kate Outdoors Recommends:
- Your partner’s fleece or flannel
- Patagonia R1 Pullover Price: $139 Sizes: XS-XL
- Lululemon Define Jacket | Price: $118 | Sizes: 0-14
- Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody Price: $99 Sizes: XS-XL
- Lululemon Align Tank Top | Price: $68 | Sizes: 0-20
Hiking Shoes & Socks
When it comes to choosing the right shoe for your hiking date, it really comes down to your personal preferences. I recommend just wearing the hiking boots or trail runners that you would normally wear on a hike. You might want to give them a little scrub down before heading out so they look fresh, but there’s no need to go out and get something new just for the date (unless you’re actually in the market for a new pair of hiking shoes!).
My favorite hiking shoes of all time are my hot pink Altra Lone Peak 7s. While the most recent Lone Peak 9s don’t come in the same color, they do come in a pretty shade of purple and a dusty olive with bright pink accents. Altra Lone Peaks are best known for their wide toe box and zero drop heel, so they aren’t for everyone, but they’re my go-to hiking shoe. Read my complete review of the Altra Lone Peaks.
Wearing a good pair of socks is also essential for your hiking date. Nothing will put a damper on the date like getting blisters, so avoid wearing cotton socks and opt for moisture-wicking fabrics, like wool. You can check out my review comparing Smartwool vs. Darn Tough to learn more about my 2 favorite hiking sock brands.
Kate Outdoors Recommends:
Hiking Shoes
- Altra Long Peak Trail Runners | Price: $140 | Sizes: 5.5-12
- Merrell Moab 3 | Price: $140 Sizes: 6-12
Hiking Socks
- Smartwool Low Ankle Socks | Price: $19 | Sizes: S-L
- Darn Tough Beartown Socks | Price: $25 | Sizes: S-L
Hiking Accessories
No hiking date outfit would be complete without some accessories. When I go hiking I typically wear a hat, sunglasses, my Garmin watch, and a silicone wedding ring. You can also add a bandana or scarf to help accessorize your hiking outfit.
When it comes to choosing a hat for your hiking date you can either go for a trendy, wide brim hat, or a more classic baseball cap. My husband got me a really cute hat that says “Let’s Go For a Hike” for Christmas last year, so that’s what I’ve been wearing on recent hiking dates. I also love my black wide brim hat that I got from Target years ago that has made many appearances on my Instagram feed.
The last recommendation I have when preparing for a hiking date is to make sure that you have your own pack and basic gear, including water and snacks. It’s possible that you or your partner could get hurt or separated, so you don’t want your partner to be carrying everything. You can be safe and prepared, and still look cute doing it!
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