Many campers wear their old regular clothes, and some get all REI’d up.
Depending on what you’re going to do while camping, you can decide on the outfits with features such as pockets, quick dry, and cinchable ankles.
Watch out for synthetics around fire.
If you’re planning the same, here are the 10 best camping outfit ideas for every season, that look cool and comfortable.
1. Breathable Shirt & Cargo Pants
This is a classic hiking outfit.
Breathable shirts are versatile, lightweight, breathable, and dry out quickly, making it easy for you to get in the same pair for a long time and multiple wearings.
When you hike or trek on the trails, you get sweaty every time you push yourself up. And heavy and thick-coated fleece doesn’t suit you there.
So, a thin shirt (full-sleeved) or a t-shirt not only makes you feel comfortable, but also helps you pack with minimal space.
What I like about cargo pants is that they have multiple pockets to hold camping gear. Get convertible cargo pants and make sure it has a built-in adjustable belt strap.
After this outfit, you can show up as a commando officer.
2. Layered Outfit for Cold Nights
If you’re going camping in winter or cold regions, you must pack essential warm clothes in layers.
Unlike casual jackets or overcoats, the layered outfit helps survive unpredictable mountain or forest temperatures.
Don’t take cottons as they retain moisture, dry slowly, and stop insulating when wet. Instead, get wool and synthetics that maintain most of their insulating properties even when wet.
Here is the simple rule: first base layer, then fleece, and outer, waterproof jacket or coat. But you’re going to freezing temperatures, so find this layering strategy.
- Head and neck: Smartwool beanie + smartwool neck gaiter or balaclava (Alternatives: buff scarf and wool headband)
- Face:a facemask if not covered
- Hands: wool liner gloves ⇒ softshell gloves ⇒ waterproof mittens
- Torso: Smartwool quarter-zip ⇒ grid fleece ⇒ synthetic down jacket ⇒ softshell (uninsulated) or hardshell
- Legs: grid fleece long or synthetic underwear ⇒ softshell (insulated) pants or trousers ⇒ hardshell pants
- Feet: high-rise wool socks or extra cushion socks ⇒ insulated boots (winter hiking boots)
3. Tank Top & Shorts
When camping in summer, everyone prefers wearing lightweight clothing as the heat is already intense.
In this case, tank tops can be a savior for you. It won’t make you feel heavy and insulated with the shoulder and sleeve cover.
When deciding on tank tops, make sure you consider skin, the material, your sweat, and your pack straps. I think cotton can keep you cooler, and nothing goes dry when it’s 80% humidity.
The only problem I find with this is that you would get sunburn on the back of the shoulders.
Anyway, I love pairing tank tops with shorts for hiking. Get the shorts that are stretchy, flexible, breathable fabric, quick drying, have mesh pockets, and include a belt. Plus a zipper phone pocket in both back pockets.
4. Rain-Ready Camping Outfit
Usually, you would need a waterproof jacket, rain pants, and sturdy boots to walk around in the rain.
I find rain jackets are always a compromise, and you can decide on the best one based on expected temperatures, humidity, and activity level/terrain.
There, you also need rain pants.
They are handy for an extra layer in the tent camp, which can be really useful when it’s been windy and wet, before you climb into your quilt.
It must be a rainy reason to pack all these outfits. Otherwise, you labor carrying the big loads only to pass two hours of rain.
5. Hoodie & Joggers
The gentle breeze and cool evening or cold night make a perfect environment for campfire activities.
So, you need some wears when relaxing by the fire. I often have a hoodie to save my back from getting a chill spine.
Consider hoodies that are insulated and warm, and water-resistant. Fleece hoodies are getting popular these days for such conditions.
Don’t go out in a rugged pair of pants, which only makes you struggle to adjust your knees. Instead, take lightweight joggers, which not only work well around the campfire but also allow you to go hiking.
I prefer these for shoulder season trail runs. They breathe better than hiking trousers.
Anyway, if you’re a campfire lover, choose fire-resistant fabrics to avoid spark damage.
6. Leggings & Oversized Tee
Leggings are lightweight and excellent for brushing and air circulation while hiking around.
They also provide UV rays and tick protection for summer camping. Ticks cannot bite through a bit loose leggings like hiking pants.
Also, you feel much more at ease and comfortable wearing socks over the bottoms of leggings than tucking the hiking pants into socks.
To pair this, you would need oversized T-shirts or loose-fitting shirts. They work great for a hot and dry climate. After showering or swimming and surfing, they work great for dousing with water for the evaporation cooling.
This ultra comfy outfit is perfect for women campers. It is easy to move in and great for lounging or light walks.
7. Convertible Pants & Long Sleeve Shirt
Whether it is summer or winter, convertible pants and long-sleeve shirts are suitable for all weathers on the trip.
What I like about convertible pants is that they zip into shorts, so you don’t need to pack shorts for a short trip. This helps you save space for other gear.
Some convertible pants are lighter than regular pants.
Long-sleeve shirts are a must-have for hiking, rafting, boating, and camping. They are lightweight, breathable, and fast drying.
Also, they come with a hoodie to protect from the sun (UV) and wind. You can opt for these shirts made of cotton.
8. Wool Sweater & Thermal Pants
I love to wear a rustic outdoor outfit for a backcountry camping trip. And what could be better than taking a wool sweater and thermal pants in this context?
This is traditional but effective in keeping yourself warm.
The good quality wool sweaters are easy to care for, and you rarely need to wash them until they get dirty. After a night by the campfire, I feel the odor from my wool sweaters disappear.
If you are active enough on foot, you can survive on hiking pants and regular pants in the morning and evening cold.
Thermal or insulated pants are great for non-strenuous activities like walking the dog or standing around in cold temperatures.
They work best for fall or winter camping.
9. UPF Shirt & Wide-Brim Hat
If you want to camp under the scorching sun, you must have a sun-protected outfit.
Take UPF shirts that are lightweight and especially made to protect you from the sun. They come with long sleeves, wicking, and quick-drying qualities.
Sometimes, they also have a hood and thumb loops.
If not a hoodie, you can pop the collar and wear a broad-brimmed hat. If you feel hot, roll up and button the fronts for ventilation.
The brimmed hats also protect you from much of the breeze and are comparable to a baseball hat in cooling.
10. Stylish Jacket & Skinny Jeans
Let’s get a picture. But “I don’t have a nice outfit for picture.”
Have you also been in the same situation on the trip? So, you have some camp-chic outfits based on your trip length.
Unlike an overcoat, a hiking jacket, or only a warm fleece, get a stylish jacket. It can be anything from a leather jacket to a trucker jacket.
I love to wear a hoodie under a trucker. That’s really trendy and cool.
To match it, you can have skinny jeans. Many complain about jeans during the trip, but many former campers (who are near their old age) and even my dad used to hike in jeans.
If not all through the journey, it’s okay to wear for Instagram-worthy photos.
Final Thoughts
I have a dedicated outfit for camping, and mostly clothes are wicking, quick drying, and (some) tick-resistant.
For summer camping, you can get lightweight, breathable pants and shirts. Also, long sleeves and full pants are great for sunburn protection.
Waterproof ability and multiple layers for insulation can be good for winter.
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