Hiking is a fun and beautiful way to move your body out of kindness! This complete list of plus size hiking gear will have you ready for the trails in no time.
Have you thought about exploring hiking but felt afraid it might be too challenging or new? For a long time I felt like hiking was not for me because of my body size and fitness level, but in the last few years I got out of my comfort zone and learned so much about hiking. After facing several challenging hikes and trying different gear, I’m giving you the complete list of plus size hiking gear you need before you hit the trails.
You’re going to read about plus size hiking backpacks, wide width hiking shoes, hiking poles and other hiking accommodations, and more.
After reading about these plus size hiking essentials, you’ll be ready to hit the trails with confidence.
This post is all about plus size hiking essentials.
1. Plus Size Hiking Pants or Shorts
Pants or shorts? Both. Weather and terrain are two main factors in what kind of bottoms to wear. If you’re hiking in the heat, shorts are totally an option! But if you’re going to be in a tick-heavy area or somewhere with a lot of brush, pants or leggings will protect you the best.
For warmer hikes, I like to wear my Superfit Hero bike shorts, which are available up to size 7X. My fave plus size hiking leggings are from Athelta, but Alder Apparel also makes a great pair of hiking pants up to a size 6X. Alder Apparel makes hiking shorts as well, but I find they are too short to prevent chub rub, so not the best hiking choice! Either way you can use the code Maggie10 for 10% off your first order at Alder Apparel!
2. Wide Width Hiking Boots
Footwear is essential! If you’re hiking on gravel or paved trails, you can get by with a good pair of walking shoes. But if you are going through dirt or rocky trails, it’s a good idea to invest in a pair of solid hiking boots. If you can get fitted for boots in person that’s a great option, but not always easy to do. If you’re shopping online, make sure you have extra room in the toe box for when you are hiking downhill. This could mean sizing up 1/2 a size or more depending on the boot.
The women’s wide width hiking boots I recommend are these boots from Merrell. They have great arch and ankle support and are waterproof too, which is great for muddy days. As someone who trips a lot, these boots have saved my ankles more than once.
3. Hydration Bladder
Stopping every ten minutes to dig out your water bottle and gulp it down becomes annoying. My partner introduced me to hydration packs, which are basically bags of water that you wear in your backpack and can drink from while you are hiking. They have a little hose and mouthpiece that attach to your backpack strap.
Having water so easily accessible is important during hot and/or long hikes because you have to stay hydrated! I use this backpack from Cotopaxi but you can find smaller hydration packs and even fanny packs, whatever fits your style.
[RELATED POST: 5 Inspiring Mantras for a Challenging Plus Size Workout]
4. Hiking Poles
There’s a whole chapter about accommodations in my ebook Weightless: How to Lose the Guilt and Heal Your Relationship with Movement, and hiking poles is #1 on my list! Not only do they help with lower back pain, hiking poles also provide stability, especially going downhill.
I use these hiking poles from Amazon! They come in several different colors and are adjustable for height. Plus they’re less than $40!
Click here to shop hiking poles on Amazon.
5. Plus Size Hiking Jacket
No matter where you live, a plus size hiking jacket is a must! You want to find something that is lightweight but warm and easy to layer.
My favorite pullover is this L.L. Bean high-pile pullover which is available up to 3X. For a warmer option, Alder Apparel has a super cozy fleece that’s available in sizes up to 6X that can be worn open or closed, has a ton of generous pockets, comes in several colors, and is cute to boot! Use the code Maggie10 for 10% off your Alder Apparel order!
6. Plus Size Hiking Backpack
You don’t *need* a plus size specific hiking backpack, but if you plan to do long day hikes, pack a huge picnic, or hike to camp, it’s worth the investment. And it will save your back! If you’re a smaller plus size person, I love my Cotopaxi backpack with hydration bladder pocket because it is super lightweight and has tons of room.
Gregory is the only place to find plus size hiking backpacks, and their smallest pack is only $90. AND it has a pocket for your hydration bladder!
Bonus: PStyle
Yes, there will come a time where you have to pee in the woods. Traditionally, one would pull down their pants, grab onto a nearby tree, and squat. But that’s not easy for everyone and I have had nightmares about falling into my own pee. So if you are willing to put in the practice, the Pstyle is a standing pee device that you can use anywhere and you don’t have to show your butt OR squat. I haven’t tried this yet but the online plus size hiking community loves it.
Shop the Pstyle on Amazon here
This post was all about plus size hiking essentials.
Ready to fall in love with movement? I wrote a book for that! Weightless: How to Lost the Guilt and Heal Your Relationship with Movement is a self-guided ebook with tons of journal prompts and a detailed resource list. This is the perfect guide to getting back to movement- wherever you’re starting from!
Click here to buy the book for instant download!
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