Cold Weather Hiking Outfits for Plus-Size Women: The Ultimate Guide
Hello, adventurous souls! As a proud and loud-about-it plus-size hiker, I’m here to share my experiences and recommendations for the best cold-weather hiking outfits.
We’ll dive into the art of layering, discuss the importance of functional and attractive gear, and review some fantastic products from brands that are finally catering to plus-size women.
So, let’s suit up and hit those trails!
The Art of Layering
Layering is crucial for regulating your body temperature and staying comfortable during cold hikes. Here’s a breakdown of layering basics:
Base Layer
The base layer is your first line of defense against the cold. It should be moisture-wicking and lightweight to keep sweat away from your skin. Think long-sleeved tops and legging-style pants that conform to your body but aren’t too tight or restrictive.
Avoid cotton! It clings when you sweat and doesn’t dry as quickly as wool or synthetic materials, leaving you shivering in cold, soggy layers longer.
Midlayer
Midlayers are all about insulation and trapping body heat. What types of midlayer you choose depend on weather conditions: How cold is it? How long will you be out? Consider flannels, fleeces, wool sweaters, light jackets, and puffy vests.
Outer Layer
Your outer layer should protect you from wind and water. Think puffy coats and waterproof pants.
The warmness level of puffy coats varies based on their fill. If it’s not pouring rain, I prefer a rain-resistant pant, which is lighter and more breathable.
Snow pants are too warm for me, but they’re a good idea if you run cold or if you’re participating in snow sports rather than hiking snowy trails.
Shell
A shell is a piece that shields you from rain, wind, and snow. A hooded waterproof jacket is essential.
My go-to combo? A puffy coat under a rain jacket, which are generally thin and only protect from wind and rain.
Waterproof puffy coats also exist. Make sure your shell is big enough to fit over all your layers.
Accessories
Don’t forget your accessories! I suggest wearing a knit cap long enough to cover your ears or a fleece-lined cold-weather headband.
Waterproof gloves are a must. I prefer the kind that transition from mittens to fingerless gloves for dexterity. A Buff is great for face coverage, especially in the wind.
I rarely put on all of these layers at the outset of a hike. Usually, I start out with my base layer, midlayer, rain-resistant pants or, if it’s raining or snowing, a shell and rain pants.
When I get moving, I heat up fast. I put on my top-half outer layers as I need them. Don’t let yourself get soaked before putting them on!
Best Plus-Size Base Layers
Columbia Midweight Stretch Long Sleeve Shirt and Tight
- Price: $58.20 / $54.99
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining
This set is true to size and super stretchy. I was skeptical about the Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining, but it really does create a shield of breathable warmth.
I was amazed at how toasty and comfortable I was walking for hours in 25-degree weather. The fit is fantastic, and the stretch allows for a full range of motion.
Smartwool 250 Base Layers
- Price: $114.88
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 250-gram merino wool
I wanted to love these because they’re so good looking, and the merino wool is soft, breathable, and odor resistant.
However, the bottoms bear all the signs of the manufacturer sizing up from the original straight sizes—and that just doesn’t cut it.
They’re too short-waisted for my round, high butt, and the waistband is a little too firm, so it folds over every time I sit down.
It’s not uncomfortable, but I don’t like messing with it constantly. The tops, however, are a dream.
They fit beautifully, they look like they’re expensive, and they make me feel like a fancy hiker.
Best Plus-Size Midlayers
Columbia Women’s Glacial Iv Half Zip
- Price: $45
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 100% Polyester
Crafted from soft featherweight microfleece, the Columbia Women’s Glacial IV Half Zip is designed for ultimate warmth and comfort.
The color-blocking design adds a touch of style, making it a versatile piece for both outdoor adventures and casual wear.
The half-zip closure and collared neck provide extra comfort, while the modern classic fit ensures it’s lightweight and perfect for active outdoor activities.
Keeps me nice and warm and is very comfortable; Fabric was super lightweight. I expected it to be a thicker fabric. Small overall. I found it to be cheaply made for a Columbia product. Disappointed.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Mid-Weight Puffer Vest
- Price: $47.50
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 100% Polyester plain weave shell fabric
This midweight puffer vest is the perfect essential for bringing comfort and warmth to your everyday adventures. It features a classic quilted pattern, flattering seam details for the perfect fit, front zipper closure, zip pockets, and a stand collar.
The water-resistant polyester taffeta shell is fully lined, quilted, and insulated, designed to keep you extra protected on the coldest winter days.
I had a red one and liked it so much that I bought three more—blue, green, and gray. These fit just as expected and hold up well in the washer/dryer.
The colors are great, and the price is appropriate. This vest is a little warmer than a light sweater or jacket, so often in the winter, it’s my only outerwear.
But it looks great under a jacket too. It’s nice and warm because of the fleece inside, and it has a nice hidden pocket inside to keep your phone, keys, etc.
I ordered a large, and it fits great. I definitely recommend this product.
Columbia Women’s Sequoia Grove Half Zip Fleece
- Price: $60
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 100% Polyester
The Columbia Women’s Sequoia Grove Half Zip Fleece is a fantastic midlayer option for plus-size hikers. This pullover features a 1/2-zip style that seals out the chill with a zip-up collar, allowing you to lock in warmth on a whim. Made from 100% recycled polyester, this fleece is not only soft and comfortable but also eco-friendly.
The Sequoia Grove fleece is designed with handy features, including zippered hand pockets, an easy-reach zipper pull, and stretch binding at the cuffs, collar, and hem. Its regular fit provides a comfortable and casual range of motion, making it perfect for everyday wear and outdoor adventures.
This fleece is a versatile and essential piece that will quickly become a favorite in your hiking wardrobe. Its combination of comfort, functionality, and sustainability makes it a standout choice for plus-size hikers looking to stay warm and stylish on the trails.
Best Plus-Size Outer Layers
Columbia Women’s Plus Size Anytime Casual Pull on Pant
- Price: $38.99
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 96% Nylon, 4% Elastane
- Features:
- Repels moisture and dries quickly, avoiding stains and keeping you clean.
- Blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage.
- Mid-rise pull-on pants with rain-and-stain repellency and UPF 50 sun protection, perfect for any adventure.
- Made from a Summiteer Lite nylon blend that offers a hint of give, quick-drying properties, and all-day comfort.
- High-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and durable stitching ensure these pants will last for seasons to come.
I absolutely love these pants. The fit is great, the material feels good and is comfortable, and even though the tall size was not available and I had to order the regular, the length is perfect for my 5’10” height. I am ordering another color.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Heavyweight Long-Sleeve Hooded Puffer Coat
- Price: $48.43
- Sizes: Up to 6X
- Fabric: 100% Polyester
This heavyweight puffer coat is designed to keep you extra protected on the coldest winter days. The water-resistant polyester taffeta shell is fully lined, quilted, and insulated for maximum warmth. The classic hooded puffer features a flattering quilted pattern, front zipper and snap closure, zippered welt-front pockets, storm cuffs, and a fleece-lined hood and body for an extra layer of warmth.
The fleece lining is very soft and warm without being too hot, and it doesn’t extend down the length of the sleeves, which I like. The thumbhole sleeves are made of a different material than other parts of the coat, and they’re very soft and silky. The pockets are zippered, fleece-lined, large, and there’s even a Velcro one on the inside of the coat. The zippers and buttons all work well, and the coat is very well made and comfortable.
I did go up one size (I usually wear 3X and bought a 4X) so I could easily put it on over layers, and I probably could have just done my normal 3X. There is plenty of room. The green color is slightly darker than pictured, but I absolutely love the color.
Columbia Women’s Heavenly Hooded Jacket
- Price: $150
- Sizes: Up to 3X
- Fabric: 100% Polyester with Omni-Heat Reflective technology
The Columbia Women’s Heavenly Hooded Jacket is a fantastic addition to your cold-weather hiking gear. Featuring Omni-Heat Reflective technology, this jacket keeps you dry and warm by reflecting your body heat with embedded silver dots. The 100% polyester synthetic down lining ensures you stay cozy and protected during weather-heavy days.
This jacket is packed with handy features, including an interior security pocket, zippered hand pockets, and comfort cuffs with thumbholes. The adjustable hood and drop tail provide extra protection and comfort. With a classic fit, this jacket offers comfortable warmth and protection during your outdoor adventures.
Best Plus-Size Shells
REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket
- Price: $70
- Sizes: Up to X-Large
- Fabric: 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester Ripstop
This jacket is very nice, and I do like the water-resistant material. The style is very fashionable, and I especially love the color.
I normally don’t spend this much on a jacket, but I was curious as to what made this jacket different from the lower-priced jackets that are similar. I believe you’re paying for the quality of the material and the name brand.
This fits true to the size chart in the listing. Go by that size chart because I normally wear a medium, but the chart advised me to get a large, and I’m glad I did. I normally like my jackets to fit longer and have inside pockets as well as outside, but this doesn’t have that.
This has two pockets on the sides with a zipper for safe closure and carry. I’m keeping it because the color is pretty, and I know my daughter can use a raincoat for Italy.
I like that this not only zippers shut but also buttons shut as well, securing my warmth and keeping me dry. The attached hood is a cute touch but has no adjustable string to secure it. It is big enough to fit most all head shapes and sizes.
The jacket and zippers are both very durable and look like they will definitely weather any storm. Great for traveling, hiking, camping, and even great and practical for everyday use.
Accessories
Don’t forget to complete your outfit with a knit cap, waterproof gloves, and a Buff for face coverage. These accessories will keep you warm and protected in cold and windy conditions.
Why Plus-Size Winter Wear Matters
As a plus-size hiker, I’ve struggled to find good, functional, attractive winter wear. The outdoor industry hasn’t done enough to meet the needs of plus-size women and femmes. Many brands only offer larger sizes online, and many only up to a size 3X or a 22–24. All of that on top of the fact that technical gear is expensive and plus-size women and femmes are systematically paid less than our thinner peers.
But things are changing. Brands are finally starting to listen and cater to plus-size outdoor enthusiasts. The products I’ve reviewed here are now available in many stores, as opposed to only being available online, and sizing is more uniform (though note that not all of these items go above a size 3X).
No matter what size you are, you deserve gear that’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. Things that fit. And layers! Layering is about more than staying warm. Wearing the right materials helps regulate your comfort as your activity level or the weather changes.
Conclusion
Finding the right cold hiking outfit for plus-size women can be a challenge, but with these recommendations, you’ll be well on your way to staying warm, comfortable, and stylish on your adventures. Remember, layering is key, and don’t be afraid to mix and match brands to find what works best for you.
So, my fellow plus-size adventurers, let’s gear up and hit those trails with confidence. Stay warm, stay safe, and have a fantastic time out there!
Happy hiking!
