hiking and photography attire article cover, smoky mountains

Women’s Hiking and Photography Attire that’s Easy & Looks Good

by Sheen Watkins

Soon we’ll be wearing our cool weather women’s hiking and photography attire in the crisp outdoors. It’s just past Labor Day weekend and our Michigan temps are already starting to drop.

There’s something about this time of year. Change of seasons. Trees with brilliant colors. A new direction. A start to the school year for many. Even today, there’s still that “back to school” mindset from years ago that takes root this time of year.

Add in our our current lifestyle changes from recent events, there’s a practicality factor too! We’re returning in some respects, to simpler living and a greater appreciation for the little things that make hearts smile.

life's simple pleasures a deer on a hill

Today’s Mindset

Time to look in the closet to see what goes, stays and what’s needed. With the shifting trends to working and living more from our home base, simple and easy just makes sense and cents! And, our traditional ‘business casual attire’ is shifting.

The more time I spend with my camera gear and in the great outdoors, the less I worry about what to wear on a given day! Instead, it’s ensuring we’re prepared for the outdoor elements with diverse, fun choices. Attire purchases today mix and match across the wardrobe. Plus, they also work across multiple seasons.

Durability doesn’t mean that you have to forego attire that makes you feel and look good. Quite the contrary!

As outdoor enthusiasts, our attire needs to be durable and last through years of wear and tear. Today’s fabrics, easy and fun styles, go from the woods, to relaxing by the fire to dinner.

Women’s Hiking and Photography Attire

We’ll highlight our favorite picks that prove to work and live with our hiking and photography lifestyle. We’ll start from the ‘ground’ up with our feet to the tops of our heads.

Hiking and Photography Attire for our Feet

From the street beat to the deep woods, our two picks work with city style, easy walks to hitting the deep trails.

First up, the Romika Waterproof Cassie (Amazon). This cute, comfortable and fun black bootie lasts, period. As the temps drop, these booties travel business meetings, wet streets, light trails and then into nice restaurants.

The treated leather also survives Michigan salted streets. My second pair is on order after wearing out the pair I bought in 2017. My only wish? That they came in red. Sigh!

Next, our hiking boots for rougher terrains that call for greater foot support. The Oboz Bridger B-Dry Hiking Boot (Amazon) rocks the trails and sport a great look too. Another long lasting purchase! My last pair was purchased in 2017 and it’s still hitting the trails with ease and comfort. Oh yes, these do come in Rio Red and a couple of other colors too. Fab!

I’ve had too many blisters not to recommend socks that keep toes snuggly warm, dry and blister free. In addition to Thorlo’s Over the Calf Compression socks, Smartwool is another proven brand for active folks with their Smartwool Women’s socks and base layer attire (Amazon). My sock box erupts with both Thorlos Socks and Smartwool Hiking Socks for Women (Amazon).

Pants and Tights

Fall’s transition means cool mornings and evenings with warmth midday. The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Pant (Amazon) in black packs lightweight, quick dry fabric with a slightly ruched effect. The fit is slimming, cute and comfortable without being tight. I roll them up to my calves if I need that capri look.

Travel on the horizon? These fold up tiny and never look like they’ve been squished.

As temps drop and the need for heavier fabrics dip in, the prAna – Women’s Briann Pant (Amazon) fits the bill. They’ve been through airports, the woods, car washes and sandy terrains. Stretchy and a slim fit without looking like you’re trying to hard. Easy peasy!

Business call or Zoom call? Pair these little gems with your favorite tops for work and you’re rocking the work style. You can even stand up on your video call and not worry!

Zoom Conference Call in Today’s Attire: Screenshot by Sheen Watkins

Tops & Tee’s

Athleta‘s outdoor yoga gear lives and breathes in the fall elements. Their UpTempo Hoodie (check the for sale colors too!) makes for an easy, fun style that that’s great solo. If really chilly, works over and under layers too. Lot’s of colors to choose from.

Another easy pic with cute back details is the Bestisun Long Sleeve Workout top or the Yincro’s Casual Long Sleeve Tunic Top (both at Amazon).

Caps

We’re not in any hurry for winter’s arrival. However, our heads still need protection. Caps with some brims interfere and hit my camera.

Recently, I’ve been opting for a brimless baseball style cap. Protects the top of my head and keeps hair out of my face. Plus it doesn’t blow off in Michigan’s winds. Hence, the sailing cap or skull cap has our vote. The adjustable MonkeyJack Men Women Skullcap Beanie is both cute and durable. If wanting to do a deeper dive into skull caps and beanies – Amazon has a huge selection to choose from too.

Hiking and Photography Attire: That’s a Wrap

Well, almost. When heading into our hikes and adventures, being prepared doesn’t have to cost a fortune or weigh tons. The more I hike with my camera gear, the less I want to carry and wear. With cooler days, I toss in Columbia Women’s Switchback Adjustable Waterproof Rain Jacket (Amazon). It’s light and holds in body heat on cooler and wet days.

Don’t Forget the Skin Your In.

Our recent blog of Awesome and Proven Skin Care Products for Active Lifestyles shares skin care products that stand the test of all seasons. As much as we need to have the right outer wear, the elements takes it toll on our skin.

If you have women’s hiking & photography attire that’s easy & looks good that you love, we hope you’ll share in the comments below.

Back to school? Nope, back to the trails. Let the adventures continue!

1 comment

Create and Process Fall Nature Photography Images that Glow ~ Aperture & Light September 12, 2020 - 2:13 pm

[…] For landscape and nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts, we’re also falling in love (pardon the pun) with our fresh new season. (See recent blog: Women’s Hiking and Photography Attires that’s Easy and Looks Good) […]

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