Hiking Capsule Wardrobe: Less is More
Estimated reading time: 25 minutes
If you love the outdoors enough to need to put together a hiking wardrobe, you probably care about the environment. If sustainability is one of your priorities, you likely already know that a minimalist lifestyle is one way to be more eco-friendly. Whether you spend all of your free time outdoors, you need advice on what to wear hiking, or you just like the outdoorsy chic style, we can help you create a year-round hiking capsule wardrobe. Don’t forget, the most earth-friendly and best hiking clothes are those you already own!
Jump ahead:
Hiking Capsule Wardrobe General Tips
Footwear
Bottoms
Tops
Outerwear
Winter Warriors
Accessories
Second-Hand for Sustainability
Sustainable Brands
Checklist
First of All, What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is one that contains fewer items that are of high quality, long-lasting, and versatile. Bonus if they are second-hand, and/or ethically made using eco-friendly materials. Wear your pieces with others from your daily wardrobe to create outdoorsy outfits you can sport anytime!
The idea of a capsule wardrobe is not new, but with the advent of fast fashion, it has fallen by the wayside. In the name of sustainability, and following the minimalist Project 333 trend in 2010, the concept is gaining more popularity.
Hiking capsule wardrobe tips
Here are some general “rules” to consider when building your outdoor capsule wardrobe:
- You are aiming for the less is more goal. This means a versatile wardrobe with items that can be worn in many scenarios for many different activities.
- When it comes to the best strategy, it’s all about layered hiking clothing! This way you can purchase just a few handfuls of items and be prepared for all seasons.
- Look for eco-friendly materials, such as 100% cotton, hemp, ethically sourced wool, and fabrics made from recycled materials.
- Check a brand’s approach to ethical manufacturing and responsible sourcing to ensure the people who made your clothing possible are paid and treated fairly.
- Don’t be afraid to pay more for higher-quality, durable items to build your activewear capsule wardrobe. They will last longer and you’ll need fewer pieces, meaning you actually save money in the long run!
- Buying second-hand outdoor gear for your hiking capsule wardrobe doubles up your sustainability!
- Take care of your clothing so it will last longer. Follow the care instructions on the label and mend any damage before it gets worse.
Let’s Start at the Bottom
As much as we all love to feel the grass beneath our feet and the sand between our toes, sustainable outdoor footwear is a must in your hiking capsule wardrobe. If you want to be a true minimalist, you might opt to vow allegiance to one kind of hiking footwear. My loyalty falls to trail runners, since they can be worn in essentially any outdoor scenario. Since my partner and I live a nomadic lifestyle, versatility is necessary in everything we choose to own (and carry on our backs when we travel!)
If you have the space, and know that you will use them often enough to justify the purchase, I would recommend owning the following active outdoor footwear:
- Active sandal – one that straps on to your foot, is comfortable enough for hiking in hot weather, and can be worn in the water.
- A hiking shoe, trail runner, or regular running shoe – which you choose will depend on your preference and likely what kind of terrain you tend to tackle.
- A hiking boot – if you do any winter or really wet hiking, need the extra support, or you like the really rugged and rough terrain.
Some Sustainable Footwear recommendations:
WVSport Waterproof Hiking Shoes from Will’s Vegan Store (available in men’s and women’s) – made from animal-free materials, such as bio-based vegan leather from organic cereal crops.
WVSport waterproof hiking shoes – will’s vegan Store
About this item:
- Certified carbon-neutral
- Delivered in paper and cardboard packaging
- Return it free of charge for 365 days
- Always and forever vegan
- Pictured: The WVSport Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandal (all gender) – vegan, made with recycled and recyclable materials. My best friend owns these and LOVES them.
Hurricane XLT2 Sandal – teva
About this item:
- Quick-dry webbing made from recycled plastic
- Injection-molded strap
- Verifiable REPREVE® polyester yarn by Unifi®
- Vegan
- Comes in many colours and patterns.
Capsule Versatility Bonus: these would be great for a beach day, kayaking, and camping!
What About Socks?
If you have temperamental feet, you will need to choose your socks for your hiking capsule wardrobe carefully. I have somehow managed to avoid blisters for several years no matter the socks I wear (quickly knocks on wood). Since you’ll be donning these socks in some pretty harsh conditions, quality and durability are key here.
Some recommendations for your hiking capsule wardrobe:
Coalatree has one of the widest ranges of organic & recycled products for outdoor recreation in the market. They started out as a self-sustaining organic farm in Colorado, and their signature coffee grounds material was introduced in 2015.
COLORED JAVA SOCKS: SUSTAINABLE HIKING SOCKS – CoalaTree
About this item:
- Made from recycled coffee grounds
- Dries ultra fast
- Neutralizes odours
- Virtually seamless™ toes enhance comfort
Capsule Versatility Bonus: warm enough to wear at camp!
Technical Socks from BAM – choose from a variety of designs and styles, made from a combination of merino wool, recycled materials, and organic cotton. 95% of the fibres BAM uses are bio-based, organic or recycled, and their goal is 100% by 2030.
technical socks – bam bamboo clothing
About this item:
- B Corp certification
- Bamboo viscose producers hold Oekotex Step Level 3 certification
- Choose from a variety of technical socks in different styles and colours
- Made from sustainably-sourced bamboo, recycled polyamide, merino wool, and organic cotton
Capsule Versatility Bonus: wear these with any shoes, loafers or slip-ons!
Legs for Days
Since hiking without pants or shorts would be, well, uncomfortable, let’s talk about pants and shorts. First, you’ll need to choose the length and ruggedness of your leg wear. This will likely be based on the weather and the type of trail you’re attacking. As someone who usually throws caution to the wind when it comes to getting scratched by flora or having wet legs, if it’s summer, I’m wearing shorts.
Shorts – hiking clothes for summer
Even once you’ve decided on the length, fit and style then need to be considered. For a summer seasonal capsule wardrobe, I would recommend two pairs of shorts. Either in two different styles to fit a variety of activities, or, if you find some you really love and are versatile, get two pairs. Choosing what to wear on a summer hike doesn’t have to be difficult!
Some recommendations:
Ethical Biker Short by The Good Tee (women) – short tights that move with you, made from 92% Fair Trade Cotton and 8% lycra. Breathable for hiking in hot weather, and comfortable enough for camp wear. Use coupon code TGTANDSS for 10% off!
The Ethical Biker – The good tee
About this item:
- Next-to-skin organic cotton/lycra blend is soft & breathable
- Double-layer waistband
- 92% Fairtrade organic cotton/ 8% lycra
- Super versatile for multiple activities
Capsule Versatility Bonus: These are super versatile and could be used for hiking, yoga, running, cycling and more.
Summit Cloughton Belted Walking Shorts from BAM Bamboo Clothing (men) – made from 35% bamboo viscose, 32% organic cotton, 30% Lyocell eucalyptus, only 3% elastane. Although this particular style is not available in women’s, BAM Bamboo Clothing has a huge selection of other active shorts for the ladies!
Summit Cloughton Belted Walking Shorts – BAM
About this item:
- 35% Bamboo Viscose, 32% Organic Cotton, 30% Lyocell Eucalyptus, only 3% Elastane
- Oversized zipped patch pockets finished with triple stitching
- Back pocket with welt trim and popper
- Elasticated waistband with cotton webbed belt
- Eucalyptus lyocell fabric has added stretch for even more comfort and freedom of movement
Capsule Versatility Bonus: Stylish enough to wear for running errands, on an evening walk, or on a coffee date too!
Seleena Skort from Toad & Co (women) – I’ve never hiked in a skort or hiking dress, but I know some who have and swear by it! This one is breathable and made from 48% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 48% Organic Cotton & 4% Elastane. It even has a pocket in the elastic shorts.
Seleena Skort – Toad & co
About this item:
- Made with organic cotton & TENCEL™ Lyocell
- Shipped in a recyclable, FSC-certified paper sleeve
- Bluesign® Certified
- Next to skin soft while keeping things breezy and cool
Capsule Versatility Bonus: where can’t you wear a little black skort?!
Pants – hiking attire for fall or cooler weather
If you (or the weather) have determined that long pants are required, there are still other decisions to be made. Do you need something waterproof? How flexible do you like your fabrics? I personally don’t own any waterproof bottoms, but if you live or hike somewhere where it rains often, you may want to consider something that will keep your legs dry. Once again, two or three diverse and versatile pairs should be all you need to keep minimalism and a hiking capsule wardrobe in mind.
Some recommendations for your hiking capsule wardrobe:
Coalatree Trailhead Pants – available for men and women, these 360 ° 4-Way Stretch pants allow flexibility for hiking, climbing, or any other outdoor activity you like to get up to!
trailhead Pants – coalatree
About this item:
- 88% Bluesign® Approved Nylon 12% Spandex
- Water Resistant & Stain Proof
- Breathable and stink-proof fabric
- Packable – Stash into Front Pocket
Capsule Versatility Bonus: it might depend on your dress code at work, but I definitely could have worn these for an outdoorsy style teaching in my classroom!
Organic Stretch Midi Legging by MATE (women) – I like to hike in leggings as opposed to structured pants for maximum flexibility, like these ones offer. They are made from 92% organic cotton and only 8% spandex.
Capsule Versatility Bonus: wear them for any activity, or under a comfy t-shirt or sweater for relaxing days.
Cold weather trekker?
If you hike in the winter and need advice on what to wear on a cold hike, once again, it’s all about layers! Start with a warm and breathable base layer with a wind and/or water resistant top layer. I usually wear the leggings I would normally hike in as my base layer. For those of us that hail from a place where temps can reach -40 degrees (that’s Fahrenheit and Celsius), you may want to consider a flexible insulated pant as your top layer!
Some recommendations for your hiking capsule wardrobe:
Alpine Onset Merino Bottoms from Outdoor Research (available in men’s and women’s) – a breathable, quick-drying, and lightweight base layer made from 47% Merino Wool, 47% Recycled Polyester (Repreve) & 6% Elastane Jersey.
alpine onset merino bottoms – Outdoor Research
About this item:
- Naturally anti-odor
- 100% merino wool for superior moisture wicking and durability
- Perfect foundation for an elite performance outerwear kit
Capsule Versatility Bonus: wear them solo at camp or to sleep in cooler tent temps!
Let’s Talk Tops
I can’t say it enough – layering is key! The best hiking clothes are those that are quick-drying and moisture wicking, and provide warmth and/or rain protection. We’ll start with summer hiking attire and layer our way up.
For the ladies – we all know that bras are so personal and no one bra works for everyone! Choose what has the right support for you, and is comfortable. The other main factor you want to consider is a quick dry sports bra for hiking. We’ve all been there – a bra soaked with sweat can make us cold to the bone as soon as we stop moving! Look for sustainable fabrics that are also sweat wicking like merino wool or bamboo.
On a really hot day, I will wear a tank top. I’ll opt for a t-shirt if I want more sun protection or to avoid backpack straps causing chaffing on my shoulders. On these days, I don’t worry too much about the fabric in terms of quick-drying or sweat wicking as there is no chance I will get a chill (I tend to run hot). On a day where the weather might be a little less stable, opt for moisture wicking hiking shirts and tank tops.
Ideally, a capsule wardrobe for hiking would include 1-2 tanks, 2-3 t-shirts, 2 long sleeved shirts, one or two warmer layers like a fleece or (synthetic) down puffer jacket, and one jacket for rain and wind protection. On very cool days, you could have all four layers on at once!
Some recommendations:
The Unisex Go-To Tank by The Good Tee – if, like me, you’re not too worried about the quick-dry or moisture wicking properties of a tank top for hiking, this GOTS-certified organic cotton tank is a great choice.
The Unisex Go-to Tank –
The good tee
About this item:
- Perfect unisex sleeveless tank
- Mid-weight organic cotton jersey fabric
- Super soft and cozy perfect for layering
- Gender-neutral
Capsule Versatility Bonus: This classic tank can be paired with just about anything
Ridge Flow Shirt by Patagonia (available in men’s and women’s) – the best hiking shirt for hot weather is breathable, fast-drying and moisture wicking. Made from 100% recycled fabric, this shirt has it all!
Ridge Flow shirt – patagonia
About this item:
- Highly breathable
- Moisture-wicking
- Fast-drying
- Made in a fair trade certified™ factory
Capsule Versatility Bonus: This shirt can be worn for any type of physical activity!
The Suray Sun Shirt from Coalatree will protect you from the sun without adding extra heat! This odor resistant item has hidden and secure pockets to keep all your little hiking necessities within reach too.
Suray Sun Shirt from Coalatree
About this item:
- Sustainably made
- Quick-dry
- 50+ SPF protection
- Non-chemically coated fabric
Capsule Versatility Bonus: bring it to the beach for extra sun protection!
Cold weather trekker?
You’ll definitely need something warmer than a technical long-sleeve shirt to keep you warm! Wool or fleece are great choices.
Some recommendations for your hiking capsule wardrobe:
Men’s Alpaca Wool Sweater or Women’s Alpaca Wool Base Layer from Arms of Andes – these hiking tops are made from single-source free-roaming alpaca wool from Peru. Alpaca wool is lighter weight and has higher insulation than merino. It is also moisture wicking and softer without felting.
Alpaca Wool – Arms of andes
About this item:
- Lighter weight
- Higher insulation
- Moisture wicking
- Softer without felting
- Pictured: Alpaca Wool Base Layers from Arms of Andes
Capsule Versatility Bonus: Throw a blazer or vest over it and wear it to the office on cool days!
Recycled Zip-Through Hooded Fleece by Will’s Vegan Store (unisex) – made in Italy with 100% recycled polyester, certified carbon-neutral, and you can use the return to recycle service when this product is at its end of life.
Recycled Zip Through Hooded Fleece – Will’s vegan store
About this item:
- 100% recycled polyester
- Oeko tex standard 100% certified
- Two large side pockets with metal poppers to stop things from falling out
- Certified carbon-neutral
- Always vegan
Capsule Versatility Bonus: I can just picture wearing this at a pub in a mountain town!
Outer Layers for your hiking capsule wardrobe
On cooler or rainy days you might need a more water and wind-resistant outer layer to throw on over your tee, shorts, or warm base layers. Your capsule likely needs a good waterproof rain jacket and some wind or rain pants. Depending on how low the temps drop where you hike, you may also want to include a down jacket (or a synthetic option).
Some recommendations:
Trailhead Pants by Coalatree (unisex) – waterproof and breathable, four-way stretch, antimicrobial & tear-resistant. Buy them a size bigger if you plan to use them as an outer layer in cooler weather (drawstring waist means you can still wear them solo!) Use code ECOGEAR15 for 10% off your first purchase!
TRAILHEAD PANTS – coalatree
About this item:
- 100% durable ripstop nylon
- Water resistant & stain proof
- Breathable for all climates
- Antimicrobial
- Deep pockets
Capsule Versatility Bonus: definitely polished enough to wear out, and they pack down into the front pocket for travel or for use as a small pillow!
Outerknown Hooded Puffer – A lightweight and packable down or synthetic puffer jacket is a staple in a hiking capsule wardrobe. The shell of this reversible puffer is made with recycled polyester ripstop and it is insulated with 700-fill-power down certified by the Responsible Down Standard. And the whole jacket packs into the chest pocket!
Hooded Puffer – outerknown
About this item:
- Layerable, and intensely warm
- Shell made with recycled polyester
- Insulated with 700-fill-power down
- Certified by the responsible down standard
- Reversible
Capsule Versatility Bonus: the black side is neutral enough to wear anytime on a chilly day.
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench Jacket from REI (women’s) – if you’re not afraid to add a little colour to your hiking capsule, and you like having a dry butt, this one’s for you! Made from PFC-free, 100% recycled polyester with PVC-free waterproofing, it’s a great sustainable choice. REI has many eco-friendly rain jackets to choose from for men and women.
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Trench Jacket – Rei coop
About this item:
- Made from PFC-free 100% recycled polyester
- Durable & water repellent
- Windproof
- 1-touch hood adjustment
Capsule Versatility Bonus: wear it anytime it rains, or when you’re just feeling bright and happy!
Winter Warriors
Coming from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where it regularly gets colder than the surface of Mars in the winter, I feel you. Although I have now vowed to never unnecessarily experience that again, I have spent my fair share of time hiking in winter weather so cold you will get frostbite within seconds (fun!) For this, you’ll need more than just a fleece, I assure you.
Some recommendations for your hiking capsule wardrobe:
W’s Pace Jacket by Houdini – An insulated softshell jacket might be a necessary item for you hiking capsule wardrobe if you hike in cold temperatures. This softshell jacket is lightly insulated, made from 70% recycled polyester, and recyclable at end of life! I layer my softshell over my puffer jacket on ultra-cold days and as long as I’m moving I stay warm. (It should be noted I may be cold blooded!) Houdini has a ton of winter and all-season hiking attire and outdoor gear made from recycled and other eco-friendly materials.
W’s Pace Jacket – houdini
About this item:
- Made either from recycled and recyclable or renewable and biodegradable fibers
- 50% recycled fibers
- Wind and water resistant
- PFAS-free
Capsule Versatility Bonus: If you live where you need this, you know you need it a lot.
Eron 3L Pants from Picture Organic Clothing – snow pants that are waterproof, breathable, three layers of insulation and made from 54% Polyester & 46% Recycled Polyester!
ERON 3L PANTS – picture organic clothing
About this item:
- 54% polyester
- 46% recycled polyester
- Teflon ECOELITE® free durable water repellent
- Certified by global recyled standards
Capsule Versatility Bonus: wear them snowboarding/skiing, skating outdoors, or when making snowpeople and snow angels!
On top of Houdini and Picture Organic clothing, you can also find winter accessories like gloves & mitts, beanies (toques for us Canadians), buffs, winter gaiters, and more at Patagonia, REI, & Outdoor Research.
accessories for your hiking capsule wardrobe
You may now be clothed from head to toe, but we’re not done yet! Any hiker will tell you that there are a few more essentials we need to add to your hiking capsule wardrobe. Grab your eco-friendly backpack, toss in a hat, some sustainable sunnies, perhaps some light hiking gloves for summer, and an optional hiking scarf and then you’ll be ready to hit the trail! Don’t forget your reef-friendly SPF, insect repellent and first aid kit!
Some recommendations:
Everyday Backpack from 8000 Kicks – the world’s first waterproof hemp backpack! Expands from 18L up to 30L for all those trail snacks and layers you might need to bring on your day hike. Use code 8000KICKSANDSS for 10% off your order!
Everyday Backpack – 8000 kicks
About this item:
- Weatherproof (PFC free)
- Durable hemp fibers
- Fits a 15-inch laptop
- 18L expandable up to 30L
Baseline Hemp Hat from 8000 Kicks – why not go matchy-matchy with your backpack?
Baseline hemp hat – 8000 kicks
About this item:
- Breathable
- Made with 100% hemp fibers
- Durable
- Water-repellent coating
Sunski Sunglasses from Nisolo – Nisolo is committed to never using plastic or fossil fuel based materials unless they are 100% recycled and recyclable at the end of their life. They also partner with Ecosphere+ to invest in forest conservation in the Peruvian Amazon.
sunski sunglasses – nisolo
- Polarized lenses
- Plastic-free packaging
- Recycled frames
- Sunski Camina Sunglasses in Blush Terra Fade
Secondhand sustainability
Aside from your local thrift store or local online marketplaces, there are quite a few outdoor trail-ready clothing brands that have resale platforms where you can purchase used activewear for hiking and backpacking. Sustainability on a budget has never been easier. Here are a few to check out!
Outer Known’s Outerworn program
Houdini’s Reuse program
REI’s ReSupply program
Toad & Co’s Toad Again program
recommended Brands
Here is a round-up of the brands recommended throughout this article:
- Will’s Vegan Store – footwear, some clothing and accessories
- Teva – all kinds of footwear
- REI – functional outdoor apparel – basically everything you might need for the outdoors!
- The Good Tee – certified organic cotton clothing. Use code TGTANDSS for 10% your order!
- Toad & Co. – find versatile hiking outfits for men and women
- Patagonia – an all-around outdoor functional outdoor apparel store
- Outdoor Research – durable outdoor wear that covers most of your sustainable outdoor recreation needs!
- Arms of Andes – multi-purpose hiking gear made from sustainable and ethically sourced alpaca wool
- Coalatree – all-season hiking attire and some outdoor accessories. Use code ECOGEAR15 for 10% your first purchase.
- Outerknown – sustainable clothing and adventure accessories
- Houdini – performance-oriented outdoor clothing for all your needs
- Picture Organic Clothing – mostly cooler-weather gear for your fall and winter needs
- 8000 Kicks – hemp footwear and accessories. Use code 8000KICKSANDSS for 10% your order!
- Nisolo – sustainable footwear and accessories
- MATE the label – eco-friendly clothing, activewear and intimates
- BAM Bamboo Clothing – sustainable clothing made from bamboo and other organic materials
hiking capsule wardrobe Checklist
You’ll see that a capsule wardrobe made up of minimalist hiking gear doesn’t need to fill your whole closet! Choose items that can be worn several ways for different activities and scenarios and you may not even need all that much more to round out your complete everyday capsule wardrobe!
| 2 pair hiking shorts (or skort?) | runners, hiking shoes, or trail runners |
| 1-2 pair hiking pants | (insulated) hiking boots* |
| bottom base layer | hiking/comfortable sandals |
| water/wind resistant outer pant | 3-5 pairs of high quality socks |
| 1-2 tank tops | 1-2 moisture-wicking sports bras |
| 2-3 t-shirts, at least one technical | backpack |
| 2 long-sleeve shirts | hat |
| 1-2 warm tops (fleece/wool) | sunglasses |
| rain jacket | buff/beanie*/scarf |
| puffer jacket | mitts/gloves* |
| insulated jacket* | water bottle or bladder |
| rain/wind pant | eco-friendly sunscreen |
| insulated pant* | insect repellent |
| gaiters* | first aid kit/spot satellite device* |
Just 35 (ish) items (plus socks!) to complete your hiking and backpacking wardrobe! Bonus – this list doubles as a camping capsule wardrobe!
Final Thoughts about your hiking capsule wardrobe
You may think that you’ll need to spend a ton of money to buy hiking clothes for spring, summer, fall and winter, but not so! Build your hiking capsule wardrobe with fewer, versatile, eco-friendly pieces that are durable and long-lasting. In the end you’ll spend less than if you bought many cheaply made items.
Happy hiking (and camping!) in your streamlined adventure wardrobe!
All products recommended to you on Successfully Sustainable are independently researched in depth. To avoid waste and lead a minimal lifestyle, we test products only when required. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission. Learn more about this here.
