While some companies do offer a waistbeltextension for their pack to fit plus-size bodies comfortably, with this pack I don't even need one," Ortiz said. Here are my recommendations for the best plus size outdoor clothing from the best hiking pants to waterproof jackets, underwear and sports bras, footwear, trail pants, tops, softshell and fleece jackets, and more! Editor's note:Blonsky is now an ambassador for Pearl Izumi but she made the recommendation for these bibs in July 2021, before that partnership, so we do not view this recommendation as a conflict of interest. Its as if they think people with bodies above a 3X dont want to go outsidebut they shouldnt have the right to make that decision for us by limiting our clothing options. The fabric is rated for UPF 50 sun protection, and the shorts land right above the knee, giving you that longer inseam that protects against chub rub. Note that the waistband isnt wide, which more structured pants (vs. leggings) tend to need so that bending and sitting isnt uncomfortable for people with bellies. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider She especially loves the diverse color offerings. That being said, some options exist, and with inclusivity and additional body positivity making their way to the forefront at outdoor companies, Im hopeful that someday things will change. Its definitely more suited as a mid-layer for shorter hikes or lounging around camp, however, since what you gain in warmth you lose in breathability. Thank you for supporting us! At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. The small business makes custom suits for every body type, regardless of size or gender identity. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. Active Women's Plus Size Stretch Woven Athletic Skort with Attached Bike Short and Pockets. Most outdoor brands only offer sizes up to 2XL, which inherently excludes people with larger bodies. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Its comfortable enough that I wear the Indy off the trail too, as I work from home and venture out locally. The author is wearing a Patagonia Mens XL wool flannel and Nike tights Photo courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta. Despite the fact that the average woman is a size 16 or 18 (XL-2X), this is often the sizing ceiling for the majority of outdoor brands if they even go up to 2X at all. The Athleta Contender Mesh are nearly perfect if you plan to do day hikes from your campsite. The Force Utility Knit leggings are still an investment, but Carhartt offers a payment plan called Afterpay, making them more accessible. We welcome your feedback. The latter term tends to make non-fat people uncomfortable because of its history of weaponization, but all adventurers here confirmed they self-identify this way, just as they would with non-stigmatized descriptions like "tall" or "blonde" or "petite.". Both are well worth it, thoughespecially the jacket, since it can be worn in so many settings on and off the trail. Ive found the Athleta Contender Mesh Tight and other Athleta plus-size leggings to be a great exception to that rule. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make. But her Torrid activewear skort (no longer sold by the brand) has held up since 2015 for everything from rafting to hiking to backpacking to just living life. The Chaffree Womens Briefs are made to keep your skin cool and dry. I find the L.L. It doesnt have the drawstring, but it has the SPF 50 quick-dry material and the same pockets. I love how versatile they arenot overly heavy while backpacking, but rock-solid for day hiking. A trip guide for the 160-mile loop along the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail with trailheads, gear list, resupply trail towns and suggested itinerary, Heres what we learned on 4 thru-hikes of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) state-by-state strategy, gear lists, permits, resupply for section and thru hikers, A guide to backpacking Hawaii in Haleakal National Park in Maui, including itineraries for the best 3-day overnight hikes in Haleakal crater and to the summit. Athletas size range tops out at 3X, and these shortslike the rest of their lineare pricey. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Megan Banker, rock climber, mountaineer, chiropractor and owner of Verve Lifestyle Center in Portland, OR,echoed the praise: "Their activewear crop leggings are perfect for hiking or rock climbing when I don't want to wear actual pants, and they do not budge. Photo courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta. During my most recent backpacking trip, a quick in and out in Mokelumne Wilderness, I wore these and was able to rinse and dry them in just a few hours; pulling them back on, I felt fresh and ready to go. 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Ashley Manning, outdoor enthusiast and founder of Ashley's Adventure, is a fan of Torrid's activewear line, which is at least moisture-wicking and durable enough for most activities. I knew I needed a hydration pack, but in my previous experience, most don't fit over my 38H bust and 43" waist," Blonsky explains. Overall, I've felt less fatigue and strain since switching to these boots.". "As a plus-size hiker, I prefer using aluminum poles as they are sturdier than carbon fiber.". While I want Athleta to bring back more plus-size outerwear options, Im so glad that this PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacketfrom L.L. She added she's also long-had one of Torrid's sports bras, which she says work for most of her active needs. Theyre long enough that I can pull my hiking socks over them, so evenings spent at camp are comfortable when Im wearing these with my Chacos, which are featured in my upcoming Best Plus Sized Outdoor Gear guide. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. It runs smallI wear a 3X when Im not usually a 3X in outerwearbut it is the warmest and most comfortable mid-layer I own. The Indy comes in several colorsI adore the Light Thistleand it's relatively affordable for a sports bra. I own these two identities, and my existence in them is a journey longer than any trail I'll ever hike. Backpack by The North Face Photo courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta. She settled in a small mountain town in Colorado where she now spends most of her time trying to keep up with a gang of rad adventure ladies and her dog Crocodile. In the winters, you can find her skiing and skinning, and in the summers, happily rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. Its extremely light but keeps you warm on cold days and nights. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. The Athleta Contender Mesh Tight is an investment, but I wear my Athleta leggings so much that Ive long ago stopped feeling the hit to my wallet. Bean gear has lasted for years, so you can feel confident that your initial investment wont go to waste. Its also worth getting on Columbias mailing list so you can snatch up what you need. I have medium-sized breasts and often find sports bras designed for a plus size woman to be thick and constricting, better suited towards high-impact workouts for large chests. Skirts also make going to the bathroom much easier. Copyright 2022 Treeline Review LLC. Like other extended-size offerings from REI, it only goes up to a 3X, proving that there is still room to grow when it comes to size inclusivity. ", "Ask any plus-size person what it's like to find a plus-size harness for rock climbing and alpine adventures, and you'll surely get a frustrated conversation," Banker said. A lot of plus- and extended-size long-sleeve shirts can be problematic in that theyre still not accommodating enough for larger arms, leading to a tight and uncomfortable feeling at the elbows. ", As an avid hiker in the rocky desert around Las Vegas (and elsewhere), Celeste Mick said she always recommends trekking poles. I pair this with the Smartwool Womens Merino 250 Base Layer CrewPlus and its a great combination for staying warm for hiking in chilly conditionsthough youll need more layers if youre going out in the snow. Banker said Columbia is her go-to for everyday hiking pants and base layers. The Packaway is also a winner in our Best Synthetic Insulated Jacket guide and was the only jacket we considered that uses recycled synthetic material for the face fabric. Carhartt is a brand built with durability in mind, so when I started looking around for plus-sized hiking gear, I knew it was a solid place to start. This brand isn't made for the outdoors so it doesn't stand against the [task] of walking over 300 miles; my leggings began to rub in the thigh area and rip after I left the Smokies on the AppalachianTrail," she told Insider. The venting is also suitable for long hauls in warm weather, so movement feels light and airy. I particularly like the wide waistband, which doesnt roll down as you move around, making them feel comfortable and secure. In this guide, I focus on gear for plus size adventurers, with recommendations on what's best in regards to sizing, support, fabric, and suitability for hiking, camping, and backpacking. L.L. For me, however, I never found a hiking skirt I truly enjoyed that wasnt a skorta skirt with shorts built-in. Still, I love mine so much that I bring it along every trip. It keeps your warmth in your core, keeping you snug but free to move around. It is an investment. Shorts from Target. The Coral Point Long Sleeve goes up to a 3X, which according to the size chart is a 24-26Wbut as always, check measurements before you buy. I will say, though, that Columbia as an outdoor brand is more size-inclusive than most outdoor clothing companies, with sizes going up to 24. If you're a fat climber, finding a comfortable harness that fits properly and has technical features like padding and gear loops is very difficult. The author is wearing the North face Denali jacket and Columbia leggings Photo courtesy of Gai Reyes-Acosta. "Overall, when you're a plus-size person, sometimes you have to come up with creative solutions," Celeste Mick, an avid hiker based in Las Vegas who runs Fat Girl for the Fit Soul, told Insider. They contain zero cotton, and the nylon and spandex fabric make them perfect for moving and sweating. Theyre priceyeach around $120so I would watch for a sale or buy them over time if the price is a factor, as it was for me. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. I love the Nike Indy Sports Bra because its light, super breathable, and meant for low-impact activity. Theyve been offering plus size clothing up to a size 26 for a long time, and I find their offerings to all be sturdy and well-made. I'm typically very comfortable in this PFD and sometimes I forget to take it off once I've hit camp while on multidays and will continue to work in it until someone points out that I'm still wearing it. In an effort to truly make getting outside more accessible to all, we talked to seven self-identified fat adventurers and athletes about their favorite pieces of gear be it creative solutions or specifically-made that actually fit their bodies and can keep up with them outside. ", "I love this pack because it's one of the first I found that actually fits my body well! But over the years I've bought and returned countless hiking clothes, plus size activewear, and outdoor gear that wasnt designed for my body. Purchasing the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof boots felt like I was taking a big step towards becoming the hiker I knew I could be. As for sizing, they only go up to a 3X, but they seem to be generally true to size. We are proud to be independent. Dedicated plus-size retailers have lots of athletic wear options, many of which I use hiking and backpacking, but most of their products dont have the technical details like specific weaves, weight, or ventilation I crave. See my guide to The Best Plus Size Winter Gear or The Best Plus Size Winter Outdoor Clothing. We operate independently from our advertising team. It is light and folds down small for alpine situations but also comfortable enough for a long multi-pitch day.". Here are the models that work for me. Im a sucker for a zip fleece, and the Eddie Bauer Quest Fleece Zip is a solid choice. You can choose from over 30 styles and from a constantly-changing library of fabrics. My favorite part about the build? As a note, it does fit close to the body, which may or may not be what youre looking for. Year-round, she's trying not to have an asthma attack at CrossFit and almost always ending the day with a glass of red wine. That being said, trail pants can be hard to come by for folks above a size 14. Gear Reviews, Apparel and Footwear, Apparel, Camping, plus-size, plus size, outdoor apparel, outdoor clothing, layering, the north face, athleta, nike, L.L Bean, main, gabi reyes-acosta, daypacks, backpacking-related, hiking, backpacks, backpacks for hiking, hiking backpacks, hiking backpack, backpack for hiking, osprey, osprey talon, osprey stratos, osprey packs, granite gear, hyperlite mountain gear, hmg, deuter, osprey backpack, liam purtle, main, Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, Womens Buck Naked Performance Hipster Underwear, Columbia Saturday Trail II Convertible Pants, makes lots of their tights in this length, Smartwool Women's Merino 250 Base Layer Crew-Plus, Smartwool Womens Merino 250 Base Layer Crew-Plus, Smartwool Womens Merino 250 Base Layer CrewPlus, L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket, Continental Divide Trail Gear List and Strategy. The Carhartt Force Utility Knit Leggings are particularly great for hiking because theyre abrasion-resistant, so theyre a bit thicker than your average leggings, and have reinforced knee panels. "This year I've found myself doing longer endurance rides requiring me to carry more water than ever before. Unlike my friends, I couldnt splurge on a pair of Lululemons (which sells up to size 20 in their most popular items). After Marley Blonsky, a Seattle-based bike adventurer and activist forinclusivity in the cycling industry, wore these Pearl Izumi chamois on a 60-mile gravel ride while filming All Bodies on Bikes, they immediately became her go-to bibs. But small chested fat women exist! One takeaway I want you to have is that brands and retailers can do so much more. That being said, its heavy, bulky, and doesnt pack down small, so if you plan to backpack, be mindful of how much weight and space it will add to your pack. You may think the biggest barrier to technical gear is the cost, but really it's finding gear that actually fits your body and can keep up with your adventures. I have always wanted a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket but never could fit into their sizing (Patagonias sizing for the Nanopuff includes womens XXL and the mens Nanopuff includes XXL). Great ventilation means that after a long day, I dont feel sweaty or constricted, which sometimes happens with spandex bottoms. I could make Athletas prices work, though, so splurge I did. as well as other partner offers and accept our, Health, Fitness, and Outdoors Updates Editor. I first tested the waterproofing on the Moab 2s by hiking 12 miles at Point Reyes National Seashore, crossing creeks, and letting the ocean roll up my toes. She focuses on why our bodies and brains work the way they do and how we can optimize both. "I also appreciate Deuter as a company, as they've made a point to sponsor initiatives led by women of color.". If you have a hard time finding a swimsuit that fits you correctly in all the right places, Elise Lopez, an adventurer and motorcyclist based in Lakewood, CO says to check out Luv Martha Swim. "Eddie Bauer has done a great job, especially with their most recent lines, at offering high-quality, plus-size gear made to withstand the elements," Ortiz pointed out. In general, its difficult to find technical fleece for plus size bodies, but this one gets pretty close. I love the activewear company Athleta, and their Mesh Me Up shorts are no exception. "The whitewater industry definitely is lagging behind when it comes to being size inclusive," she said. Although nature lovers like to proclaim that the outdoors are for everyone, a lack of access to well-fitting, technical gear has become a form of gatekeeping. I really like the zipper side pockets that hold my chapstick and my extra hair tie when Im out hiking, and I find the cinching especially helpful if Im sliding on a pair of gaiters or want a modicum of protection against ticks. Some outdoor companies have started offering "extended" sizing, but some don't go past XXL (looking at you, Patagonia), while others only offer lifestyle clothing instead of technical gear. "Plus-size" refers to a category of measurement for clothing (like "petite"), while "fat" is a neutral adjective. These are my go-to hiking underwearthey dont chafe at the top seam or inner thighs, nor do they roll down under my leggings. That said, some brands are catching up and delivering outdoor clothing that fits, supports, and celebrates plus-sized bodies. Blonsky's favorite, the Gear Vest Pro 1L, has adjustable front and side straps for a one-size-fits-all snug approach, and can pack two 500ml soft flasks in the front pocket plus a 1 liter included bladder in the back. The brand uses a custom-built machine to create a higher thread count so the knee-high varieties won't fall down no matter your leg size and the graphics won't be distorted. There seems to be a myth of the curvy woman that having a larger overall clothing size translates to having a large chest. Nike still has a ways to go with plus size clothing options, however, as the sizing doesnt go past a 3X. You decide. They are true-to-size, offering a good amount of compression without feeling restricted or uncomfortable," Mick said. Bean is an outdoor brand that Ive long supported. These shorts also dont roll up at the leg or down at the waist, and bending and sitting dont feel constricting. Unfortunately, the Beyonder is out of stock for the winter season, but the Columbia Chill River Skort is not far. These pants are on the pricey end, but given that theyre such a foundational piece in your outdoor closet, theyre a good investment. Manning is also a big fan of Columbia's extended sizes. Orange Mud offers a variety of hydration vests, some designed to carry a water bottle, others a bladder, and others a soft flask. Hiking skirts and dresses have become popular, especially for backpackers who want ventilation and ease of movement as they bend, climb, and scramble. The Smartwool Womens Merino 250 Base Layer Crew-Plus is a long-sleeve, next-to-skin layer thats made of a heavier-knit Merino wool. I once went to The North Face Outlet in a desperate attempt to find a hiking rain jacket in my size. And since you give them your measurements, it's a suit meant to support your body, whatever that body looks like. Unfortunately, these only go up to a 2XL and seem true to sizeIm generally a 2XL in clothes, and these fit me well. You can also periodically check our Deals page or Athletas sale section and score finds from there. Ive found, generally, that most trail pants lack stretch, and bending and squatting can be difficult. If you want to do any outdoor activity beyond a basic trail walk hike a mountain, climb a V12, run a rapid, ride a bike you need gear that keeps you safe and protected against the elements. Hat is by Columbia. She's most passionate about mental health, exercise physiology, cooking, the science of cannabis, and making the outdoors more accessible for all (but actually).After growing up in Atlanta and living in New York, Rachael wanted out of cities so she packed up her belongings into her Honda Element to van-lifed around the country. Learn more. There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. "It took me several trials and toenails until I found my holy grail Hoka One One Tennine hiking boots," Mick said. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. I've learned a lot in my research and experiences with plus size hiking clothes and outdoor gear, and it's important to spread that knowledge so that others don't have to have to struggle. We spoke to 7 plus-sized adventurers about their favorite outdoor gear that fits well and is functional. Sizing goes up to a 3X. Because we all deserve to get outside and feel comfortable while doing so. "There are a few gems that exist though and the Mammut Ophir 3 slide harness is one of them. I didnt find a rain jacket, but I did find my now-favorite mid-layer, The North Face Denali 2 fleece jacket. This is perfect for multi-day trips where you wont be showering and want to limit what you pack. All of my L.L. Photo Courtesy of Gabi Reyes-Acosta. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Smartwool could do much more in terms of overall plus-size offerings. Ortiz has a lot of favorites from the line, including a rare find of technical outdoor plus-sized pants, the Guide Pro Pants; the Sandstone Backbone Jacket (pictured above); and the Cloud Cap Rain Jacket. Ive written before about how difficult it is to find plus size outdoor clothing made for camping and hiking. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! The shorts dont sit too close to my body but still prevent that much-dreaded chafing. If my feet are cold, wet, or hurting, every mile feels like a million. If you're really on a tight budget, Frogg Toggs makes affordable rain gear in 2X sizing and men's 3X sizing. "The most important thing is to be comfortable with your gear, which will allow you to explore and enjoy the adventure.". They reportedly contain Anti Bacterial properties to help keep infection at bay. Comfort and breathability start at the layers that touch skinespecially if you have skin that rubs and chafes like mine. I do like that this bra is made sustainably, with at least 50% of the polyester made from recycled plastic bottles which, according to Nikes website, reduces carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to virgin polyester., Athleta leggings, Athleta down jacket, REI flannel, Merrell boots. Theyre also a good price, ranging from $10 when on sale and up to $21 for some patterns. My body is a fat body, and it is Brown. While hiking shoes are also on offer as you search for footwear, I always recommend boots for heavier bodiestheyre built for better support over long distances. I've found the 8 inseam is a great length for hiking. They also ship from the UK, so you might wait longer to receive them if youre in the US. "Astral accounted for a female shape, including the chest, which makes a huge difference at the end of the day. Until that day, I will still be outside. For me, comfort starts and ends at my feet. She also loves Columbia's skorts [pictured above, right], which only go up to a 3XL as of yet, but "the material is amazing.".