Buyer’s Guide: Women’s Outdoor Clothing

Build your ultimate layering system with the best hiking pants, technical jackets and toasty (but not too toasty) mid-layers.

Our team of staff experts – including Julia, Ana and Olivia, who get to decide what clothing and brands show up at MEC – share their picks for the best apparel out there. See what made the cut, from best value to performance picks.

Best women’s jackets of 2023

After a season of adventures, your shell jacket might need a little TLC to keep it shedding water. It’s easy to do with wash-in or spray-on products, and it makes your jacket last longer.

Best technical shell

Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket

$550.00

High performance GORE-TEX®, fully loaded with features: helmet-compatible hood, pit zips and more.

Most versatile

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket

$225.00

3-layer construction with a stowable hood to hike, camp or get across town while staying dry.

Best packable windbreaker

Patagonia Houdini Jacket

$135.00

So lightweight you’ll always bring it with you – and it’s made with recycled ripstop fabric too.

Best value

MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket

$129.95

You genuinely can't beat this price for a 2.5-layer jacket with fully taped seams.

More favourite jackets

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Best women’s mid-layers of 2023

Insulating mid-layers are key for changing weather. They keep you warm, stow away nicely if you get too hot, and move moisture through your layering system.

Best down puffy

Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody

$450.00

Premium 850-fill-power down for warmth, and packs up smaller than a water bottle – amazing.

Best synthetic puffy

Arc'teryx Atom Hoody

$320.00

The iconic puffer of mountain towns everywhere. Coreloft™ insulation retains warmth when wet.

Best technical mid-layer

Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Pullover

$189.00

Blocks wind, sheds light rain, breathes well, harness-friendly pocket – you’ll use this tons.

Best value

MEC Northern Light Hoodie

$219.95

A staff favourite and contender for “most versatile.” We also keep the price extra-nice.

More favourite mid-layers

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Best women’s hiking pants of 2023

Once you discover the brilliance of hiking pants, you’ll never hike in basic tights again. Think: pockets for snacks and maps, adjustability to wade through creeks, and tough fabric that stands up to bushwacking.