It goes without saying that when it comes to hiking in the desert, your outfit plays a much bigger role than just being cute for an aesthetic Instagram post. With the harsh weather conditions desert hikes can provide, your desert hiking clothes are more than an outfit but a way to keep you safe.

The best desert hiking outfit is one that protects you from the wide range of conditions you face in these beautiful but harsh environments. Many associate hiking in the desert with sun-protective hiking clothes and a powerful electrolyte mix but what about accounting for dust storms, sudden rainfall and even protection from the thorny overgrowth that lines the trails?

Rest assured, we’ve covered that all in this round-up of what to wear for desert hiking from head to toe.

Head: Wide Brim Hat

The bucket hat’s more practical older sister, the wide brim hat is a no-brainer in your desert hiking clothing. Not only do wide brim hats keep the sun out of your face, prevent eye strain and excessive skin damage but wearing a head covering actually keeps you cooler, protecting your scalp from radiant heat and lessening evaporation.

Features to Look For:

• Drawstring closure: Drawstrings aren’t just a fashion choic. They’re a functional must-have when the desert winds pick up and you need to secure it to your head.
• Flexible design: The harsh desert elements can come at you from any angle. A hat with a flexible design allows you to angle the hat for added protection from sun, wind and rain.
• Ponytail opening: Not a must but certainly helpful if you’re someone with long hair who likes to keep your hair off your neck.

Favorite Products

The Best All Around Wide Brim Hiking Hat

There’s a reason The North Face has been such a staple in the outdoor enthusiast world – they make products that work. The first time I wore my THE NORTH FACE Class V Brimmer I was hooked. If there was one piece of desert hiking gear I would recommend to everyone, it’s this. I’ve worn it in the blazing sun, during an unexpected rain storm and everything in between and it’s held up every time.

During the sunny days, it keeps me cool and protected from the intense rays. And when it rained unexpectedly, it repelled water from hitting my eyes so I could focus on the trail ahead.

Though I don’t have a particularly large head, I ordered the Large size so it wouldn’t be too tight. I’m so glad I did. It helped give me room for added air circulation and in case I wanted to put a wet bandana underneath to aid in faster cooling efforts.

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The Most Stylish Wide Brim Hiking Hat

The Solbari Ultra Wide Cotton Linen Hat may be, dare we say it, the chicest wide brim hiking hat you’ll find. While looking your best isn’t always the top priority when on a hike, it doesn’t hurt. It’s an 80-20 linen-cotton blend, making it ultra breathable and easy to pack.

Reviewers loved the fabric quality, style, and brim size of the hat. They mention it’s well-stitching, durable, and provides incredible sun coverage. Some also appreciate the comfort, face protection, and weight of the product. Bonus points for the ponytail opening.

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The Best Budget-Friendly Wide Brim Hiking Hat

For added sun protection consider the Camptrace Wide Brim UPF 50+ UV Protection Sun Hat. The back flap is handy for added sun safety for your neck, back and upper shoulders and features a hidden ponytail opening. Starting at only $19.99 and available in 7 colors, this is a great place to start for wide brim hat newbies.

Reviewers say they like the functionality, sun protection, and lightweight design of the hat. They mention it works great for yard work, hiking, and playing with kids outdoors. Some appreciate the color, comfort, and fit.

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Shoulders: Sun shirt

When it comes to desert hiking, protecting your skin from the harsh sun is just as important as staying hydrated. This is where sun-protective hiking clothes come into play, with UV protection clothing for hiking being a top priority for any desert adventurer.

A sun shirt is a must-have in your desert hiking outfit, offering not only a barrier against harmful UV rays but also a lightweight and breathable solution to staying cool under the intense sun. Investing in the right sun-protective gear can make all the difference between a fun day in the sun and a risky outdoor experience. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites.

Features to Look For:

• Fabric: Look for tightly woven, thicker fabrics in darker shades. Fabrics with a tighter weave have fewer holes for UV rays to pass through. Dark colors also absorb more UV rays than light colors. 
• Material: While you may enjoy the breathability that natural fabrics like cotton give in your every day wardrobe, they don’t always make the best hiking gear. Reach for synthetic, lightweight materials designed to wick sweat and fight UV rays. Need some ideas? Check out this guide to 6 sustainable activewear brands to find workout gear with a low carbon footprint.
• Fit: A loose fit is better than tight, stretched fabric which can create larger gaps in the fiber and let in more UV rays.
• UPF rating: Like SPF to sunscreen, clothing has UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings that indicate what percentage of the sun’s UV rays can pass through a fabric. A UPF of at least 30 is recommended for sufficient sun protection.

Favorite Products

6 Sustainable Activewear Brands You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Best Sun Shirt Overall

Sun protection doesn’t have to look like tech gear. The UPF 50+ BALEAF Sun Shirts are super cute, super soft , super affordable stapes for any breathable hiking outfits. With flattering side slits and a hi-low hem, they’re flattering on all body types. Plus they have thumb holes!

Reviewers like the fit, comfort, and flattering style of the shirt. They mention it’s roomy, feels soft, and breathable.

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Best Sun Shirt Made From Natural Fibers

If natural fibers are more your speed the Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer is perfect for any lightweight desert hiking outfit.

I know what you’re thinking… “WOOL? In the hot desert?” YES. Here’s why.

Merino wool’s natural crimped texture traps pockets of still air, providing insulation benefits in cold or hot weather, making it naturally temperature regulating. Plus merino wool is odor resistant so you can feel so fresh and so clean when you hit your post hike coffee spot.

Shop on Amazon – but be sure to get the colors in the 165 count to ensure you’re getting the lightest weight pieces.

Best Sun Shirt for Cooling

It might feel counterintuitive to wear long sleeves when you know the sun is beating down on you but long sleeves don’t have to equate to being warm. The Commollis Sun Protection Long Sleeve Zip Up not only has a UPF 70 to protect your skin from harsh UV rays but uses breathable and lightweight fabric with multiple cooling panels for added airflow, making layering for desert hikes easy.

Reviewers like the cooling effect, comfort, and thickness of the coat. They mention it feels cool to the touch, is lightweight, and has a great fit. Some customers differ on the sizing so check the size chart before you click “order.”

BONUS: This cooling shirt has an Amazon Sustainability Features made with chemicals safer for human health and the environment as certified by OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100.

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Knees: Hiking Pants

Long pants aren’t always the first thing you think of when assembling the perfect desert hiking outfit – presumably for a hot climate. But as someone who’s been eaten up by countless thorny plants on my Las Vegas hikes, choosing sturdy and durable hiking pants is crucial, especially in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the desert.

As part of your desert hiking outfit, these pants must withstand rugged terrain, abrasive surfaces, and intense heat while offering protection and comfort. Quality hiking pants designed for durability not only resist wear and tear but also ensure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout your adventure, no matter how challenging the conditions become.

Since a good hiking pant will be durable enough to hold up to scraping against thorny overgrown plants or a potential fall against the gravel, it’s worth investing a bit more in your hiking pant.

Features to Look For:

• Material: Opt for lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester, which offer durability and comfort.
• Stretch and Flexibility: Ensure the pants allow for a full range of motion, especially if your hike involves scrambling or climbing.
• UV Protection: Look for pants with built-in UV protection for sun safety during long hikes.
• Water Resistance: A durable water-repellent (DWR) finish is useful for light rain and wet conditions.
• Pockets: Secure and accessible pockets for carrying essentials, like snacks.

Favorite Products

Best Budget-Friendly Hiking Pants

The BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pant offers great versatility at an even better price. A tie waistband, adjustable drawstring cuffs, and sizing available fro Petite to Regular to Tall, you can customize almost every inch of this hiking pant to fit your needs. It doesn’t hurt that the tapered leg fit is super flattering and will make you feel extra cute in all those Instagram pics you’ll be taking.

Reviewers loved the fit, comfort, and lightweight feel of the pants. They mention that the top elastic is flat and smooth on the inside, the fabric is light, and the zippered pockets are a great touch.

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Best Hiking Pants For The Long Haul

Known for their versatility and comfort, the Prana Halle Pants are made with a durable, water-repellent finish and offer excellent stretch. They’re great for both hiking and casual wear, making them a popular choice for when you don’t want to have to decide between fashion and function.

Reviewers like the flattering cut, stretchiness, and quality of the pants. They mention they look cute, are comfortable, and move with them effortlessly. Some also mention the fabric weight isn’t overly heavy, a must for hot weather hiking attire.

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Best Convertible 2-in-1 Hiking Pant

As two hiking bottoms in one, the Columbia Women’s Silver Ridge Utility Convertible Pant offers excellent value and can be converted into shorts, making them ideal for changing conditions. Made from quick-drying fabric, they make effective moisture-wicking desert hiking clothes, ensuring you stay comfortable even in the heat. Finally, they boast an impressive UPF 50 sun protection, essential for long hikes in sunny desert environments.

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Toes: Hiking Boots and Shoes

It’s been said shoes can make or break an outfit. When it comes to hiking, shoes can make or break your ankles.

Hyperbole aside, a supportive and protective pair of good shoes are critical to any good hiking outfit. Shoes with a rugged outsole for added grip on unstable surfaces and a sturdy base for added support will set your hike up for success from the start. Sure you can use your gym shoes in a pinch but if you’re going on more than 1 or 2 desert hikes, you’ll want to grab something like the hiking shoe recommendations below.

Features to Look For:

• Breathability: Opt for well-ventilated boots to keep your feet cool and dry in the heat.
• Lightweight: Lightweight shoes reduce fatigue during long hikes.
• Protection: Look for sturdy toe caps and durable materials to protect against sharp rocks and cacti.
• Traction: A sole with good grip is essential for navigating sandy, rocky, and uneven terrain.
• Support: Ensure good arch and ankle support to handle the varied desert landscape.

BONUS TIP: This may be a no brainer if you’re Gen-Z but as a millennial, I live and die by by ankle socks. However, when it comes to desert hikes, tube socks are your best friend. You’ll be kicking up all kinds of dust and dirt and a higher ankle or tube sock will help prevent some of that from getting in between your foot and shoe.

Favorite Products

Best Women’s Hiking Boot on Amazon

If you’re looking for a classic hiking boot at a reasonable price, the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot can’t be beat. An Amazon #1 Best Seller, this boot is made of supportive and waterproof leather and suede and a lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort.

Reviewers love the comfort, fit, and appearance of the boots. They mention they’re extremely comfortable, true to size, and the lace-up closure allows for a customizable fit. And with up to 15 different color combinations, you’re sure to find one that gets you excited about hitting the trail when you’d rather sleep in.

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Best Low Profile Women’s Hiking Boot

If the added ankle support of a higher boot makes you worry about longterm comfort (it can take a little getting used to), check out the Columbia Women’s Crestwood. Touted as the perfect combination of high function and performance, this all-purpose hiker will deliver years of comfortable service.

Reviewers rave about the comfort, fit, and sturdiness of the shoes. They mention they’re exceptionally comfortable, have a wide toe box, and appear well-made.

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Wrapping up, your desert hiking adventure is all about comfort, protection, and staying smart with your gear. By choosing the right sun-protective clothing, durable pants, and breathable boots, you’re not just surviving the desert—you’re thriving in it. With a little planning, you’ll be ready to soak in the epic views, tackle the tough terrain, and stay cool while doing it. So pack up, gear up, and get out there—you’ve got this!