Author
Gabi Stadulis, Leah Balagopal
There’s something about wearing a dress that just pumps me full of unexpected confidence. And these days, that’s just around the house. Wear one outside in the sunshine, rollerskating around the park, or hiking on a favorite trail, and that confidence—and comfort—goes through the roof.
The "adventure dress" isn't new. In fact, it's old. So old that its resurgence feels new again. This time, the renewed push centers both on comfort and practicality, and on empowering people to wear whatever the hell they want. Whether you choose to wear a skirt or dress as an act of defiance to those who view femme-presenting people in the context of outdoor sports as somehow less capable for their gender or outfit choices, or simply because you think it’s comfortable, having the option is the important thing.
Beyond how it makes you feel, the practical case for hiking dresses and running skirts in place of hiking pants is strong, too. They’re breathable, great for ventilation, encourage free movement, and of course, make backcountry bathroom breaks easier than ever. Case in point: In the thru-hiking community, rain skirts have become a functional item for backpackers of all genders and a common sight on the Appalachian Trail, PCT, etc. Dresses and skirts for outdoor activities just make sense, so we thought we’d share our favorites.
The following 10 items are our top picks for the best skirts and dresses for hiking, trail running, camping, you name it.
10 Best Hiking Shirts and Dresses for All Outdoorists
Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress
The very dress that inspired this list, the Exercise Dress is an Outdoor Voices staple, re-released seasonally with new patterns and colors. Form-fitting with built-in tights and flattering on any body type, this dress is your one-stop-shop for any warm weather activity—running, biking, hiking, and heck, maybe even bouldering. Perhaps not backpacking though, as the body suit design may make going to the bathroom a real ordeal.
Pockets: Phone pocket
Built-in Bra: Yes
Built-in Shorts: Yes
Price: $100
Houdini Stride Skirt
Lightweight and quick-drying with great breathability, this knee-length skirt from Sweden’s lesser known purveyor of design-driven, eco-friendly outdoors apparel is truly versatile option to wear hiking, gardening, and elsewear. Made with 70% recycled polyester, this Stride is lightweight enough to stuff in the top of your pack to make for a quick changing station at camp, too. Large slits on the sides allow for a full range of motion, and zipper pockets ensure valuables stay safe.
Pockets: Yes
Built-in Shorts: No
Price: $100
Rec Room Backspin Strap Dress
This no-frills dress has an integrated bra and is made with performance fabric. A lack of built-in shorts makes for easy on and off and quick layering with leggings at camp. With a higher neck and longer length than most other options on the list, this modest dress is the top option for those looking for more coverage.
Pockets: No
Built-in Bra: Yes
Built-in Shorts: No
Price: $148
Girlfriend Collective Plum Skort
High-rise and snug in all the right places, this skort is made from sweat wicking and sustainable materials, has hidden mesh pockets, and side slits for maximum movement and versatility. It also comes in a variety of tasteful colors that aren't explicitly outdoorsy.
Pockets: Yes
Built-in Shorts: Yes
Price: $62
Lululemon Pace Rival Mid-Rise Skirt
Whether you want to be ready to hit the tennis courts or to go for a run, Lululemon’s Pace Rival Skirt has got you covered. Made from Lululemon's proprietary lightweight, quick-drying Luxtreme fabric, it will keep you cool even on the hottest days. In addition to the pockets integrated into the short liner, the Pace has a hidden media pocket with a cord exit so that your tunes don’t have to stop when you’re on the go.
Pockets: Yes
Built-in Shorts: Yes
Price: $78
Outdoor Voices Hudson Skort
Outdoor Voices made its brand all about "Doing Things," and this medium coverage skort has everything you need for exactly that. The list includes clever hidden pockets and built-in shorts, plus a comfy waistband.
Pockets: Phone pocket, zippered side pocket, waistband pocket
Built-in Shorts: Yes
Price: $58
Nike Golf Skirt
Our only pleated skirt on the list, this super cute option from the Swoosh is for anyone with an active lifestyle. It's marketed for golf but is quite practical for many uses from running to hiking thanks to its lightweight fabric and integrated shorts. After all, isn’t golf just another sport where people walk around outside with a bunch of gear?
Pockets: Yes
Built-in Shorts: Yes
Price: $70
Athleta Om My Way Dress
With Athelta’s Om My Way Dress, you can go from working out to a brunch in a matter of minutes. No frills and better for it, the dress is relaxed, quick-drying and easy to style up or down depending on the intended activity. It's available in plus sizes, too.
Pockets: No
Built-in Bra: No
Built-in Shorts: No
Price: $89
Carve Designs Cody Sundress
This free-flowing dress is an ideal option to throw on over a bathing suit after a surf at the beach. It provides UPF 50+ sun protection and the drawstrings make it adjustable to the length that suits you. It's also made from 94% recycled materials and a touch of spandex for a flattering semi-fitted fit. This would be the perfect dress to slip into day one of a river trip—and never take off.
Pockets: No
Built-in Bra: No
Built-in Shorts: No
Price: $74
Patagonia Fleetwith Dress
Part of Patagonia’s Fair Trade Certified sewn collection, the Fleetwith Dress is great for hiking, traveling and also the environment. It has an encased drawcord to customize the fit and it has a DWR treatment to wick away unwanted moisture. It's also versatile and functional, with not one, not two, but three pockets to stash any essentials you may need.
Pockets: Yes
Built-in Bra: No
Built-in Shorts: No
Price: $75
Other Great Hiking Skirts & Dresses
We also like Prana's Railay Skort, which includes a subtle elastic waistband, Mountain Hardwear's Dynama Skort, which is like a stretchy, UPF 50-rated, DWR-treated mini skirt, and Backcountry's Stansbury, which is an insulated skirt ideal for extra warmth for winter hiking.
Published 06-07-2022
