Women's outdoor clothing guide

As the Scandinavians say "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes", okay I think we can all agree at times there is very bad weather and we would rather stay at home but a bit of cold and rain shouldn't stop you from getting outside and the same can be said on very hot and sunny days, what is key though is being prepared so you can get the most out of your time outdoors.

If you read my blog you will know we love getting out come rain or shine, as a family and on my own and over the years I have invested in a few key pieces that have lasted me a really long time. So I thought I would put together a mini outdoor clothing guide, all about the basics one should have when going on a hike, to the coast or exploring somewhere new.


The layering system

As a rule of thumb, it's a good idea to use the layering system especially when your planning a longer walk, hike or spending time in nature with kids, this way you can remove items when your warm and add them when you get cold.

The layering system on a basic level is three layers including the base layer, a second mid-layer which used to trap warmth, such as a nice fleece and thirdly the Outer layer which is usually a waterproof jacket for wet weather or a down/windproof jacket when it's cold but dry.

Of course, if you know it's going to be very hot or you're visiting a warmer destination you can adjust this but having an extra layer on hand is a good idea no matter where you go, especially if your hiking up a peak as it's usually a few degrees colder at the top, even in places like Spain for example.

In colder weather, the base layer should help to draw moisture away from the skin so Merino wool or Polyester can be better than cotton but during the warmer months, t-shirts and vest can work well. There I love at the moment are

1. Patagonia Organic Tank Top currently on sale from Blue Tomato for £18.36 - not only is this organic but also fairtrade and Patagonia is apart of the 1% for the Planet alliance which donates to the preservation of the natural environment 

2. Howies Women's Merino Baselayer on sale at Howie's for £27.50 - Howies is an ethical clothing brand and this base layer is breathable, wicks away moisture and regulates body temperature. 

3. Rab Women's Maze Tank  £27 - A stylish outdoor tank top with an integrated support bra 

Midlayer Fleece

1. Damart Zip Fleece £25 - a nice cosy layer zip fleece with a high neckline to help keep the cold out. Easy to wash and dry and a great mid-layer

2. Just Togs Women's Gilet £25.50 - this stylish windproof gilet is great for layering and has a fitted hood with side popper pockets. 

3. Patagonia Snap-T fleece pullover £88 - this midweight double-sided fleece made using 85% recycled polyester and is fair trade certified. 

Women's Jackets

1. Carhartt Nimbus Pullover £105 - warm pullover jacket that is fleece lined with water repellent fabric and adjustable hood from a classic workwear brand.

2. Patagonia down hooded insulator anorak £158.86 - this Patagonia anorak is wind and water-repellent and very warm with an adjustable hood. 

3. Lighthouse clothing Bowline jacket £59.99 - this rubberised jacket is waterproof and perfect for festivals and anytime you want to keep dry. I have a yellow version of this jacket and its fantastic. 

When it comes to trousers it can be a bit trickier - for very cold days layering is also key and you can get some thermal leggings, othertimes hiking trousers or active style leggings will be fine and for summer shorts can be the way to go. 

1. Montane Terra Ridge Women's trousers £42.50 - these water-repellent and fast-drying pants are perfect for outdoor activities. They are tough wearing and have hidden pockets. 

2. H&M conscious collection sports leggings £19.99 - perfect for both indoor and outdoor activities, these high-waisted ankle-length leggings are fast-drying and super comfy. 

3. Damart adjustable shorts, on sale £8.50 - these stylish and practical shirts are adjustable so you can choose the length. They are also cool and light made from cotton twill as well as being soft and stretch at the sides for a perfect fit. 

The perfect outdoor accessories

1. Bambuddha Lollipops bamboo sunglasses £86.01- these cool and eco-friendly bamboo sunglasses come with a lifetime guarantee so it's a good investment not just for you but also the planet.  

2. Fjallraven Kanken backpack £79.41 - such an iconic backpack that are hard-wearing and water-repellent, with simple shoulder straps and practical design they are perfect for any outdoor adventure.

3. IsoBaa Merino beanie £30 - this double-layered beanie with keep you warm in winter and can fit under a helmet or hit, making it versatile and comfortable, plus it's quick-drying. 

The main thing is to research, be prepared and invest in long-lasting clothing because that will mean the difference between something lasting one season or a few years.