Plus Size Womens Outdoor Clothing

by Diane Spicer

Searching for the best plus size womens outdoor clothing  (also called extended sizes) for hikers?

You know, hiking clothes which fit and look good while working hard for you on the trail during a hike or hiking trip?

They are hard to find. You can find it with these tips!

The grim reality of plus size womens outdoor clothing

Somehow, it's difficult for most outdoor gear companies to fathom the reality on the trail.

Women hikers come in all ages, sizes, shapes and heights.

What a frustrating experience!

• Searching for high performance hiking clothing, available in plus sizes, shouldn't be impossible.
• Finding stuff that actually fits a woman's curves, why is that so hard?

Luckily, you're on the right page!

You're in the right spot if you're looking for ideas on what to wear hiking.

That includes:

• plus size convertible hiking pants, skirts or shorts
• moisture wicking shirts and sports bras
• waterproof rain pants

Hiking For Her is an affiliate of the brands on this page, for one reason: they make good stuff!

If you buy through the links on this website, you pay nothing extra. HFH receives a small percentage of your sales price.

Shopping for plus size womens outdoor clothing 

Ever have this happen to you?

You go into an outdoor clothing retail shop.

You spend a few minutes browsing through the selections.

You look at the hiking pants, hiking shirts, rain gear and other womens hiking apparel and active wear.

You continue to search for your size.

Nada.

As in zip. Zilch.

Nothing.

Frustration turns to anger.

• Big sigh, then a deep breath before you move on to the men's department, or leave the store in disgust.

Please don't take the lack of women's extended sizes in hiking clothes personally.

• You are not alone in your quest for the best plus size womens outdoor clothing for hiking trips and day hikes.

Take heart! Things are changing!

Someday soon, size inclusive hiking clothing will be a reality.

From every outdoor retailer.

Why do I make that prediction?

A few of the leading outdoor clothing brands, names like REI Co-op and Columbia, offer more plus sizes.

And there are women owned stores at the forefront of the movement, making good strides.

• They know that a woman needs specific sized and technical details to fit right and perform well on a hike.

Keep reading as we name some names.

Retailers who get it!

Don't waste any more time in frustration or anger as you shop for extended size outdoor clothing.

Instead, go straight to the outdoor gear companies who pay attention.

They have selections for all women hikers.

That includes those of us who are not served by the size range that most hiking clothes in the U.S. and Canada.

• That seems to be up to size 14 or so.

Your feedback as a female hiker matters

Every time you visit their store or website, let them know that your needs exist.

And don't be shy about sending them feedback and posting reviews of their products.

Hitting the trail isn't a privilege for women "of a certain size", right?

• Hiking clothes for plus size women needs to become the norm, not the exception.
  

REI Co-op is expanding their offerings
for female hikers all the time

REI Co-op continues to add options every season, most in the 1X to 3X range, and you can get an overview of their selection here.

More to love about REI: When you become a member (one time $20 fee), you receive a 10% rebate on your annual qualifying purchases.

Plus:

• Free shipping on lots of items
• Excellent return and exchange policies
• Member only sales and coupons
  

Read more about the REI Co-op member rewards here.

Now, let's zoom in for a closer look at examples of plus size womens outdoor clothing that work well on the trail.

Best plus size womens outdoor clothing:
shopping note

There are brands available on Amazon that REI does not carry, and vice versa. It pays to bounce around between them, comparing prices and features.

Look for high performance, a comfortable price point, and durability in hiking clothes.

Now let's take a look at these brands and the sizing available from them. 

Women's plus size hiking pants available on Amazon

Baleaf is a company that has made a sincere effort to offer sizing for every hiker.

Their hiking cargo pants are water resistant, making them good for keeping moisture off your legs on an early morning dew covered trail.

Other good hiking features:

• UPF 50 for sun protection
• Cord locks for adjustment options at waist and ankles
• 4 secure zippered pockets to store your snacks, lip balm, and other necessities
• Machine wash, hang to dry, and these pants will last a long time.

Size range: XL - 5XL with multiple color choices

Another option for plus size hiking pants

If you need waterproof hiking pants, here's a pair of 90% nylon, 10% spandex pants that will keep you dry.

More nice features:

• Elastic waistband plus drawstring 
• Breathable fabric
• Size range: XL - 4XL

Women's plus size hiking pants available from REI Co-op

If you're not a member, join to save money and reap all the benefits of membership.

These REI Trailmade Barrel pants give you a relaxed fit with an ankle-length, barrel-leg shape.

More features that work for you on a hike:

• 96% nylon/4% spandex (bluesign approved) so breathability + quick drying
• UPF 50
• 5 pockets
• Double-layer knee panels for added durability
• Inseam length range: Petite sizes: 24.5 in.; Regular sizes: 27 in.; Tall sizes: 30 in.
• Sizing: XL - 3XL

Rain pants in plus sizing for hikers on Amazon

Every hiker meets rain squalls and wet brushy trail conditions, so be prepared with an easy-on pair of waterproof rain pants in plus sizing.

Take a look at these Columbia Women's Storm Surge II hiking pants, available in XL - 3XL and three inseam lengths.

More to love:

• Adjustable waistband and cuff tabs at ankles
• Multilayered waterproof protection, yet breathable
• Regular fit; no need to wear another layer underneath in mild conditions

REI waterproof hiking pants in plus sizing

You have two price point options, with slightly different features, from REI Co-op.

Lower price option: REI Trailmade rain pants in 3 inseam lengths and sizes XL - 3L.

These are 2.5-layer, fully seam-sealed polyester shell pants. That makes them windproof, waterproof and highly breathable, all things that work to your advantage in less than ideal weather conditions.

They have 11 inch ankle zippers, so you don't have to take off your pants to fiddle with or remove your hiking boots.

For a slightly higher price, consider these REI Rainier rain pants. They offer you some additional features:

• Full-length outseam zippers, giving you the ability to ventilate your legs as conditions change and to get those pants on and off over your boots.
• Articulated knees for ease of movement
• Zippered hand pockets
• Three inseam choices

Note to self: You get a rebate on these pants if purchased at full price, so factor that 10% savings into your calculations. The REI website actually calculates it for you so you can see what you're saving.

Would you prefer leggings?

Sometimes it feels good to pull on a pair of cozy leggings.

You can head off down the trail, knowing that you have the stretchy fabric for full movement.

Plus, the coverage to keep you out of harm's way on the trail.

These leggings from Amazon are a good choice for outdoor wear.

Amazon long sleeve shirts in plus sizing for hikers

32 Degrees is a company beginning to land on the radar for hiking women.

Why?

Due to their affordable price points and extended sizing.

Consider this long sleeve base layer shirt: ideal for cool weather day hiking, snowshoeing, and backpacking.

It features 90% polyester for wicking, 10% spandex for full range of motion, sizing to XXL and lots of color choices!

Would you prefer buttons?

Columbia gives you a shirt in OmniShade and OmniWick fabric, fold-over collar, button-up front, two chest pockets, vents and a roomy relaxed fit.

Sizing is available in XL - 3X and lots of color choices. See this shirt at Amazon

Best plus size full coverage hiking shirts from REI

Shirts are versatile pieces of hiking clothing. They can serve as base layers underneath a vest or jacket, or stand alone in mild weather when you want to limit exposure to bugs or sunlight.

This REI lightweight long-sleeve crew style base layer shirt sizes XL - 3X belongs in your hiking layer system for these reasons:

• Recycled polyester/spandex is quick drying and wicks sweat away from your body as you hike and is soft against your skin
• Underarm gussets for wide range of motion
• UPF 50
• Shirt tail style to protect your waist from chafing

Warm weather hiking shirt choices
in plus size womens outdoor clothing

When warm weather hiking trails beckon you, you want to stay as cool and dry as possible.

And you know you'll work up a sweat, gaining that view point or perfect campsite.

Here's a nice hiking shirt option, REI Co-op's Active Pursuits T shirt.

Love the soft moisture wicking fabric.

And it's a nice sleeve length for a summer hike.

In sizes 1X - 3X, and several color choices it will become a staple in your hiking clothes rotation.

Amazon offers you a Baleaf short sleeve relaxed fit shirt, sizing XL - 5X.

This shirt is 100% polyester so it won't cling to odors while keeping you cool and dry on the trail.

The crew neck and curved hem give you freedom of movement and coverage.

What lies beneath plus size womens outdoor clothing?
Supportive sports bras!

Need a supportive yet comfortable plus size sports bra under that shirt?

Of course you do! Who doesn't!

It takes a mighty effort to find the right sports bra for hiking.

• Read this to get started
  

Or try this Brooks convertible 2.0 sports bra, available in sizing up to 40F and available at REI.

You can view it at Amazon, too.

Plus size womens outdoor clothing take aways

You deserve high performance technical hiking clothing that fits and looks great.

Hopefully the ideas on this page will help you find it or at least give you some suggestions of companies to explore.

Just a few more ideas before you go...

1. Don't be discouraged if your size and fit is hard to find in hiking attire.

• Your desire to hit the trail will motivate you to keep hunting for hiking clothing that works as hard as you do to get you to some great outdoor destinations.

2. Start by looking at the styles and companies mentioned here, because lots of other hiking women have recommended them.

3. Look at Juno (not an affiliate link) for a full line of women's active wear in your size, too.

5. If you're petite and plus size, read my tips for the best women's petite hiking pants with extended sizing.

I've gathered lots more extended size hiking clothing options for you here, too.

Happy trails to you!

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Best Plus Size Womens Hiking Outfits

About the author

Would you like to support Hiking For Her's mission to get women of all ages, sizes and abilities onto hiking trails?

Purchase your outdoor clothing through the links on this page, and a small amount of money flows into HFH's coffers to keep the hiking tips flowing freely to you.

Best part? It costs you nothing extra :)

Thank you!