Best Plus Size Womens Outdoor Clothing For 2019

Columbia makes hiking pants in sizes ranging from 16W to 24W, like these Just Right Straight Leg Pants.

Non-convertible pants are great for hiking when rain is more than a distant possibility.

The waist band is adjustable.

This fabric stands up to trail debris and mud.

Here's the thing about these pants: there's only one little zippered pocket.

Some women hikers don't like to clutter up pants with a lot of pockets, so if you're a pocket scoffer, these are for you!

Columbia also has another option in plus size womens outdoor clothing well worth a look:

Convertible pants (lower legs zip off fast to convert to shorts) in two different length options, called the Saturday Trail pants.

Take a look at these because they have:

UPF 50 sun protective fabric that dries fast
a bit of elastane for good moveability on the trail
one zip closure pocket
multiple color options

If you'd prefer knee length trail pants in this style, here they are!

REI Co-op

These REI Co-op Sierra convertible pants have all of the technical features you look for in hiking pants:

moisture wicking and fast dry nylon fabric
UPF 30 protection against ultraviolet rays
waistband designed for comfortable bending and twisting motions
lots of pockets
fast conversion from pants to shorts

Heading out on chilly trails in the fall?

You need more layers!

Here's your fall hiking clothing guide

Works great for springtime hikes, too.

REI also offers waterproof rain pants at various price points.

Here's a good pair for summer hiking:

These pants pack down small until you need them.

The elastic waistband with draw cord allows you to accommodate your clothing layering system.

The zippered leg vents mean you don't have to take off your boots to get these pants on when you feel the first rain drops.

The right pair of rain pants can make or break a hike, so match them to your hiking plans.

This pair has more technical features to stand up to rugged weather, and thus a higher price point.

Read my review for all of the reasons why I wear them year round.

L.L. Bean
has been around a long time!

L.L. Bean makes these Comfort Trail Pants.

Great features to customize your fit, including:

misses, petite and women's sizing
variable inseams
18W to 26W sizes
waist tabs

Worthy trail features include:

fast drying nylon fabric with a bit of spandex stretchability
moisture wicking mesh in the waistband
gusseted crotch for freer movements
and lots of pockets :)

These are also available in a cropped version, if you'd prefer your calves to be unencumbered in warmer hiking weather.

Trail tip:

Be sure your underwear plays nicely with your hiking pants.

Get a few ideas for the best hiking underwear to wear under your pants and shorts here.

More extended size
hiking clothing options
for leg coverage

Would you rather hike in shorts?

Read this for ideas on how to size up, and locate, a comfortable pair of womens hiking shorts in your size.

Or take a look at this great example of plus size women's outdoor clothing: a trailworthy pair of hiking shorts.

These Columbia Saturday Trail hiking shorts check all the boxes for a hiker:

Omni-Shield™ water-resistant fabric
Omni-Shade™ UPF 50+ sun protection shields you from harmful UV rays
96% nylon/4% elastane for comfort and free movement
enough coverage for your hard working legs

Would you prefer leggings?

Sometimes it just feels good to pull on a pair of cozy leggings and head off down the trail, knowing that you have the stretchy fabric for full movement and the coverage to keep you out of harm's way on the trail.

These high waisted leggings are available in sizes 1X - 3X.

4 color choices, too!

The fabric is 87% polyester, 13% Elastane for moisture wicking and flexibility as you move down the trail.

Tapered legs make it easy to pull your hiking socks up over your ankles, keeping ticks at bay and debris out of your boots.

Best plus size
full coverage hiking shirts

This Sahara long sleeved shirt gives you stretchy fabric (nylon plus spandex), ventilation with quick dry underarm panels, and sleeve versatility to keep you safe from biting insects, scratchy trail brush, and cool breezes.

Five color choices, so you can have one for every hiking season and then some.

This shirt is going to work hard for you on the trail, and look good, too.

Another plus size long sleeve
hiking shirt option for you

Columbia's extended sizing options to the rescue again!

Here's the Columbia Silver Ridge Lite Shirt: a button front long sleeved shirt like this works on or off the trail, because it has good features:

UPF 40 sun protection
moisture wicking fabric that dries fast
vents so you can stay cool on the trail
a couple of nicely placed pockets

Base layer shirt options

Need a base layer for cool weather spring and fall hikes?

This SmartWool merino crew has long sleeves and its midweight makes a great addition to your clothing layering system.

It goes well with that Silver Ridge shirt above!

And another base layer choice to consider

32 Degrees is a company beginning to land on the radar for hiking women, due to their affordable price points and extended sizing.

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

90% polyester for wicking, 10% spandex for full range of motion, and lots of color choices!

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 while working up a sweat gaining that view point or campsite.

Here's a nice scoop neck option from Nike, with Dri-Fit moisture wicking fabric and a nice sleeve length for a summer hike.

Love that true blue color, but it's also available in a soft teal and a goes-with-anything gray, in sizes 1X - 3X.

Tank top options for you

For great choices in tank tops, check out these SkirtSports options.

This woman owned and operated company not only designs active clothing with the female body's curves in mind, they allow hikers and runners to test their styles.

The Breakaway tank offers a V neck and soft jersey fabric for moisture wicking freedom of movement, plus full back coverage to prevent chafing from your backpack.

The wide shoulder straps are compatible with a hiking backpack.

Here's another option for a tank top made for the trail. The Eclipse shirt features a v-neck and racerback style.

The wicking fabric, and longer length (prevents chafing from your backpack's hip belt) will also be appreciated on the trail.

Best plus size
womens outdoor clothing:
hiking skirts

Not everyone is on board with hiking in a skirt.

Read more about the pros and cons here

If you are a fan of leg freedom, you have some mighty fine options for the trail.

The Free Flow skirt you see here is offered in three different prints, sizes 1X - 3X.

You will appreciate the built in shorts when you bend over to pick up your water bottle, and the moisture-wicking lightweight fabric works hard for you on warm weather hikes.

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!

This bra is available in 40DD through 42E, and will eliminate the need to double up on flimsy sports bras when you hit the trail.