Best Hiking Gear for Women
Real advice from years of trekking in the mountains: Some of the best hiking gear for women!
A Quick Note Before We Begin
Whether you’re prepping for your first multi-day trek or just looking for hiking gear that actually fits and functions, you’re in the right place.
Over the past few years, I’ve been backpacking through the Andes mountains of Ecuador, mostly as part of a documentary project called Paisajes Efímeros, or Ephemeral Landscapes, documenting the last tropical glaciers on Ecuador’s volcanoes.
This isn’t a list of trendy gear or affiliate links. They are just the pieces I’ve used again and again, the ones that make a difference when you’re tired, cold, or climbing a volcano you didn’t know was that steep.
Not Every MedTreks Trip Is a Hiking Trip (And That’s the Point)
At MedTreks, some adventures are all about hiking. Others just include a hike or two. And the best part? You don’t always have to hike if you don’t want to.
We always offer alternative activities, like a coffee farm visit, a museum tour, or just a good hammock moment. We know that everyone has different energy levels, different interests, and different definitions of adventure.
What I’ve Learned from Years of Trekking in the Andes
I’ve made a lot of packing mistakes so you don’t have to. One of the biggest lessons? Fit matters more than brand. A few hard-earned truths: Don’t get caught up in “ultralight” or “top-rated.” Look for what actually fits your body and your travel style.
- Backpacks: Teen-size backpacks fit my short torso better than any adult pack ever has.
- Trekking poles: I’ve used the same 95-100cm, aluminum, folding poles since 2018. Still going strong.
- Waist strap = non-negotiable. Carrying weight on your hips makes everything easier.
My Must-Have Outdoor Essentials
Clothing & Protection:
- Quick-dry cap
- Merino wool headband (my ears hate wind)
- Buff (multi-use: sun, wind, cold)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen + nighttime moisturizer
- Merino wool socks
- Sun gloves
- Sun hoody
- Quick-drying pants
Other Essentials:
With just these basics, I can adapt for a glacier, a trail, or a city street.
The Beauty of Versatile Gear
One of the best things about this kind of gear is how flexible it is. I’ve used the same setup for:
- Hiking up volcanoes
- CME lessons on a beach
- Wandering around a small town
- Riding horses through the forest
- Going to dinner after a long travel day
You don’t necessarily need five different outfits, you need gear that breathes, dries quickly, layers well, and makes you feel good.
Final Thoughts: Choose Comfort, Not Performance
You don’t have to hike the hardest trail to be adventurous. You don’t need the most high-tech gear to feel prepared. Adventure comes in many forms. It’s not about the summit… it’s about enjoying the journey feeling ready for whatever your version of the day brings. And the knowing about best hiking gear for women? It just helps you enjoy it more!
Join Us on the Trail (or Not)
Whether you love to hike or prefer your adventures a little more low-key, MedTreks trips are built around choice, flexibility, and community. Click here to explore our upcoming adventures and find the one that feels right for you.
