Ladies, I’m sure we can all agree that the quality of clothing available for women to wear in the outdoors is seriously lame. At least the stuff they call “hunting” clothing. It is usually men’s clothing scaled down in size. I pretty much never wear it. It steals my joy.
So what I’ve learned to do is mix it up and find things from mostly non-hunting retailers.
As long as you’re comfortable, warm, dry, and feel distinctly like a woman, then you’ve found the right clothing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And don’t feel like you have to dress like a boy to be a good outdoor adventurer.
Here is what to look for when preparing to join me on one of my Adventure Getaways, or any other trip into the wild:
To watch my latest video on the subject in my Modern Pioneering YouTube series (subscribe for free!) click here:
Here are some other examples:
1. A Fab Jacket
I love this Beretta jacket.
I also love this one that I own. (How do you like my hawk? His name is Fred. Not really, I made that up. He and I kissed. True story.)
What is nice about it is that it has suspenders so you can have the jacket hang from your shoulders and keep it with you without wearing it when it gets hot.
Exhibit A:
There are so many feminine and well tailored Beretta jacket options, take a look. If you ever make it through New York City or Dallas you should stop into their gallery store for even more options.
The jacket should be comfortable, warm, and durable, wherever you get it.
2. Good Boots
I have these great knee length boots from LL Bean’s signature line that are lovely.
These boots are also great because they are lined for the extra cold months.
I also love these amazing Sorel boots in the field.
They’re super easy to slip on and off because they have a draw string on the top so you don’t have to spend hours lacing them up. Just kick them off and recline by the fire. You have plenty of room for thick wool socks in there.
3. Cute + Comfortable Pants
Find a feminine camo? Not always that easy, The ones I have are from Zara but there are others out there. For example, these pants are good looking and feminine enough to wear to dinner.
They aren’t waterproof though so if you’re in serious terrain look for something that has a waterproof canvas material so you don’t get stuck by thorns. Just make sure the waist isn’t too tight and the inseam isn’t too short, that’s the worst.
4. Scarf
Just because you carry a gun does not mean you can’t wear a stylish scarf. This one from Burberry I love cause it is so warm, but wherever you get one, just get pretty with it. (See the picture below for another camo scarf option from Ralph Lauren. It served as my Rambo mouth cover at my recent Adventure Getaway in Montana).
5. Vest
Not too cold? Not warm enough? Go for a great vest. Here is one to check out. This one is thin enough to fit under my jacket so that I can have layers to work with.
(Photo by Marla Meridith)6. Some fun jewelry!
That bracelet you see is made from up-cycled shotgun shells! Cute and a conversation starter. I will be launching a line of my own in about 2 weeks… stay tuned for the pretty details.
7. Sunglasses
I am so, so light sensitive. These sunglasses can go city to hunting in no time and I don’t step into the daylight without them.
Or you can go more classic hunter with these shooting glasses, but not quite as cute.
8. Hunting Knife
The Laguiole knife, named after a French town, is claimed to be the best knife in the world. I would agree and I’ve done everything from gut a deer to opening a gizzard with it. It’s super sharp, just the right size, and can fit in your pocket. Check them out here.
9. Hat
Keeping your head warm is very important in the field (or when butchering), but don’t settle for just another hat. Go fur! And get festive with it.
Here is another favorite. Looking fly is easy in this Orvis Winghhooter’s Hat.
10. A pretty gun (see 10 Rules for Women on Getting the Right Gun Fit + Mount)
Because it’s nice to look at something pretty while you wait for your dinner 😉
What are your favorite things to wear in the outdoors?
Share with us in the comments!
15 Comments
Deb H
I personally like a backpacking type of skirt. I find them especially handy when nature calls and there is no restroom around. you can be a little more discrete.
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/hiking-skirts/ this site lists a comprehensive list of skirts.
Cara
Thanks for the suggestions. Any thoughts on the best upland vest? Currently using the She Safari but I’m in the market for a new one. Beretta’s new one looks great. I hope for multi season wear (manageable in the heat), front loading and fit for a lady.
Stacy A
Dear Georgia,
I love this article. I would love to hear your opinion on Eddie Bauer’s “Sport Shop” women’s items. I have really enjoyed following your articles. Soon – I will be on a trip! Happy Hunting. -Stacy
Aimee @ Simple Bites
Georgia, THANK you for this great post. I’m not a hunter, but as a homesteader who does her fair share of butchering and days in the field, I am always looking (key word) for cute and comfortable clothes/boots that fir the bill.
You’ve got a lot of great ideas here. I’m off to follow a few leads.
One thing I was successful with this past summer was an amazing pair of camo pants from Anthropologie. I don’t think I took them off for a week, they were that comfortable. Sanctuary makes them; here’s the link: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/clothes-pants/27937390.jsp
Looking forward to that jewelry line! Sign me up for a few. 😉
K
Lots of female hunters out west love our ‘Stormy Kromer’ hats!
Harry Babin
As a long time (very long time) hunter/backpacker/climber/ect . I enjoy your stories and this article is right on. (only critism is with the boots in South Texas, thorns go right through them!) Keep writing!
Parker Pearson
Thank you!! I’ve put off the gift of a pheasant hunt for 2 years (at Primland no less!) because I had no idea of proper attire. Walked into a big hunting store but men were unfortunately no help. Shooting clays is one thing, but I know hunting has traditions. Didn’t want to show up looking like a rube. Ladies share your suggestions! Please!
Carole @ Rustic Artistry
The suspenders in the jacket are brilliant! Would be great for my cold weather hunting jacket for hiking in to the stand without getting sweaty. And definitely looking forward to seeing your shotgun jewelry line.
Anne
Eddie Bauer Sport Shop clothing is great! I have the sporting fleece, skyliner vest, toppenish sweater, and upland pants. I also have a pair of the Cabela’s ladies upland pants and they are just as nice as the EB pants and were less than half the price. Filson also makes great ladies wingshooting apparel, including the upland vest and chaps, which are a must if you’re hunting in thorny terrain.
Julianne
Georgia (or anyone who knows)…what IS THAT UPLAND JACKET WITH THE SUSPENDERS IN THE PICTURE OF YOU AND “FRED”?! wHAT MAKE IS IT? i LOVE IT…WOULD WANT TO TAKE IT HAWKING WITH ME AND PHEASANT HUNTING
Julianne
The caps are weird on this…I seriously don’t mean to be shouting 🙂
Georgia Pellegrini
It’s a Beretta field jacket! It is quite a few years old but I’m sure you can still find something similar there 🙂
Henry P Brown Iv
So i come to this site because my girlfriend is in LOVE with the beretta field jacket.
You mention its a couple years old but she Has me searching to the mOon and back. If anyone knows someone, or where i can pUrchase this model from years paSt please let me know. Until then i will keep searching!
Hannah
This aerie had no element wear. Sure they’re all cute but they aren’t versatile at all. You can’t hike this wear….just hunt. Barf.