Hiking Gear For Plus Size Women

No matter your size, having the right gear is essential for a great hike. As a plus-size woman myself, I know how challenging it can be to find comfortable, affordable hiking gear that actually fits well. If you love hiking but struggle to find gear that works for your body, I’ve got you covered! I'm sharing some of my favourite websites and stores that offer quality hiking gear for us plus size ladies and our adventures.

*Please note: Most of the recommendations mentioned here are available up to a size 24, though availability may vary by item and retailer.

Baselayers

A baselayer is the foundation of your clothing system—it's the layer worn closest to your skin. Its primary function is to keep you warm, regulate your body temperature, and ensure comfort during any activity. Base layers are designed to wick sweat and moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.

There are several types of base layers to choose from, including Synthetic, Merino Wool, and Bamboo. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and intended use. From my experience working in an outdoor store over the past few years, Merino Wool has consistently been a popular option—for good reason.

If you're after an affordable base layer, the Peter Storm Active Long-Sleeve T-Shirt offers great value for the price. It’s also available in a short-sleeve version if you prefer less coverage. Peter Storm provides a decent size range too, with most styles available from size 10 to 22.

For those leaning toward merino wool and willing to invest a bit more, Peter Storm also offers a Merino Crew Baselayer that's worth considering.

If you need sizes beyond 20, Mountain Warehouse has a good selection of plus-size base layers for women.

Midlayers

The midlayer is your second layer, that's worn over your baselayer. The rold of the mid layer is to keep you warm by insulating and trapping body heat whilst still being breathable enough to allow all moisture to escape without making you feel cold and uncomfortable.

As a plus size hiker myself, one of my favourite midlayers is the OEX Carberry Hoodie. OEX have a great range of clothing for activities from hiking to running, and their sizes go up to size 20 and from experience, the sizing is very reasonable in most of their pieces. 

Mountain Warehouse have this Womens Reflective Half-Zip Midlayer if you are looking for sizes up to size 24, but also at a reasonable price too. 

Outer Layer

The outer layer is your waterproof and windproof shield, designed to keep you dry and protect you from the elements. Choosing the right one often comes down to personal preference and budget. That said, based on my experience and conversations with others, investing a bit more in a quality outer layer can really pay off.

When shopping for a waterproof yet breathable jacket, it’s important to choose one that suits the type of hiking you’ll be doing. Be sure to check how waterproof, insulated and breathable the jacket actually is—those features can make a big difference in your comfort on the trail.

There are plenty of waterproof jackets out there, but as a plus-size woman, finding the right one for hiking can sometimes be a challenge. One brand that offers a decent size range is Revolution Race. Their long-time bestseller, the Silence Proshell 3L Jacket, is a great option—available in various colours and up to a size 22/4XL.

When it comes to waterproof and breathable jackets, many people specifically look for Gore-Tex. While this material often comes with a higher price tag, it’s a worthwhile investment for a durable, high-quality jacket—especially if it's well cared for. The Berghaus Maitland Gore-Tex Jacket is a popular choice, although it currently only goes up to a size 18.

Down insulation generally offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic alternatives, making it ideal for cold, dry conditions. However, synthetic insulation performs much better in wet weather, as it retains its insulating properties even when damp—unlike down, which loses its effectiveness when wet. If you're on a budget, synthetic is often the more affordable option, while down tends to come at a higher price point.

The Flex Stretch Down Jacket from Revolution Race is a great option, going up to a size 22/4XL. It's warm, lightweight, and offers plenty of flexibility and freedom of movement—perfect for active hikes. Another brand worth mentioning is North Ridge, which offers inclusive sizing. As a plus-size woman myself, I own several pieces from North Ridge and find them really comfortable. The North Ridge Tech Down Jacket features 650 fill power duck down insulation and a Polyamide Ripstop fabric with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating. From personal experience, it’s both warm and cosy—an excellent choice for colder days.

If you're after something more budget-friendly but still reliable, the Peter Storm Loch Down Jacket is a solid option. It's on the more affordable end, yet still features 90/10 duck-down insulation with 650 fill power. You can also find this jacket in various lengths, depending on your preference and needs.

Trousers

Trousers comes down to preference, from your hiking trousers, leggings to shorts. Craghoppers Kiwi Pro Stretch trousers are a popular choice for those looking for a comfortable mid-rise walking trouser that also have the stretch material and a reasonable price. If you prefer wearing leggings for your hike, the Monira Hiking Leggings is a high waist design, has ISOFLEX and designed to provide flexibility and support for all your movements. Again, Mountain Warehouse has a range of water resistant plus size hiking leggings and their breathable and balance high-waisted leggings are a comfortable pair of leggings that are super absorbent, moisture wicking, stretchy, light weight and much more! 

If you're planning a hike during the autumn or winter seasons - it's best to pack some waterproof trousers, just incase. I personally, highly recommend Berghaus Stormcloud Waterproof Overtrousers and their sizes go up to size 20. Again, Mountain Warehouse do have waterproof overtrousers that go up to size 24.

Overall, it can still be quite difficult to find a good range of hiking clothing for sizes beyond a size 24. However, I do hope this post has helped those who are sizes up to size 24 and hopefully found new stores/websites they can now look into and buy some decent hiking gear for their next adventure.