Best Extended Size Layers
To Keep You Warm And Comfy
On The Trail

By Diane Spicer

Are you a female hiker seeking the best extended size layers for fall hiking?

Bingo!

Here they are, just waiting for you to give them a look.

And to make your shopping (and shipping) experience fun and easy, let's visit REI Co-op's selection of plus size layering pieces for fall hikes.

Another place to look: Amazon.

Hiking For Her is an Amazon and a REI Co-op affiliate, so when you purchase using this website, HFH receives a small commission.

• You pay nothing extra, and I have the comfort of knowing you're in good hands.

Not a member of REI Co-op yet? Here are 14 reasons why being a member has its rewards for an outdoorsy woman.

Streamlined process

To save time, I pulled together the best of the best extended size layers for fall hiking for you, using REI Co-op's and Amazon's excellent website with detailed product descriptions.

• Secret sauce in this guide: my own extensive knowledge of high quality, durable and well designed hiking clothing for women
  
• Click on each photo for the complete scoop

Tip:

Be sure to read the customer reviews for even more insight into whether or not this clothing works well for your body type and hiking style.

Now let's get layering!

Best extended size layers
for fall hiking: the basics

What you wear against your skin is your base layer.

• Hiking clothing layering system details here
  

Want to start at the absolute beginning?

Time for some sports bras and undies that work hard for you on the trail.

Plus size sports bras

Unicorns are easier to find than a decent sports bra.

Unless you know where to look.

Here are some hints about hiking sports bras in extended sizes.

• You're on your own for the unicorns - I'll never tell!

Underwear choices

Let's get to the bottom
of your base layer
on a fall hike

Now that you've got support up top, and the right fabric to wick your sweat, it's time to start the actual layering process.

In chilly hiking weather you have a decision to make for your legs and hips: do you need an extra layer underneath your hiking pants?

If the answer is yes, here's a good option: prAna Pillar 7/8 Leggings

• Read my review here

Here's a slightly different design to accomplish the same big hiking goals you expect in a base layer: flexible fabric, moveability, and moisture wicking.

32 Degrees gives you one more option

Layering up trick:
shorts plus tights

Repurpose your summer hiking shorts by adding a base layer beneath them.

Here's a worthy combo: The prAna tights mentioned above paired with REI Co-op Active Pursuits Shorts.

The shorts feature sizing through 3X in breathable wicking 4-way stretch polyester.

The flat seams, stretchy elastic waistband, hand pockets (one of them zips shut) & easy pull on style give you good things on the trail.

Top choices:
best extended size layers
for fall hiking

So what makes a good top base layer?

Glad you asked!

You definitely want softness and the ability to pull a shirt on and off quickly and easily, so skip buttons and other closures.

• A relaxed neck line will help with this, and provide room for a soft fleece scarf on particularly chilly trails.

The fabric needs to be moisture wicking and fast drying, to handle the sweat you're going to be generating as you hike - think armpits and waist.

And long sleeves for fall hiking just make sense, especially if you can push or roll them up if you get too warm.

How about this Smartwool Merino long sleeve hiking shirt?

Trail tip:

A hiker can never have too many pieces of Smartwool technology in a layering system. This fabric is absolutely bombproof! So don't hesitate to invest in base layers from this company.

Best extended size layers
for fall hiking:
carefully consider your outer layer pants

If you skip a base layer and go straight to an outer layer to cover your lower half, be sure they're the right weight for your hiking style.

Here's a light weight nylon option that would work well even if you change your mind about hiking with a base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants in sizes through 3X (26W).

Plus they're convertible, so you can use these for summer hiking trails as well - earning them an even more worthy spot in your hiking wardrobe.

Not interested in a base layer beneath your pants?

Here's a more rugged hiking pants choice, in sizes through 3X:

These are suitable for later fall hikes when you know you'll be facing wet vegetation along the trail (or IN the vegetation during pit stops).

Or when you sit on the damp ground, scramble over saturated downed logs ... you get the idea! You want to stay dry whenever you contact something wet, right?

• These are the pants for you!
  

Trail tip:

If you decide to layer tights or leggings beneath your pants, be sure you size up appropriately.

The crotch and leg gussets noted in the pants above will really help you out with retaining free movement while trapping body heat in windy or wet conditions.

Sizing tip:

REI Co-op defines inseam lengths like this:

• SHORT (petite) INSEAM: 30 inches regardless of waist sizes.
• REGULAR INSEAM: 32 inches on all waist sizes.

Be sure to check the inseam data (when available, sometimes it's missing) before ordering hiking pants.

Top trailworthy outer options
for fall hiking

Some women hikers like to keep the layering going on top by adding a versatile vest before pulling on a jacket, like this REI Co-op 650 Down Vest in sizes through 3X.

Trail tip:

"650" fill power refers to the ability of the down to trap and store your body heat; this is a good weight for fall hiking.

In mildly cool conditions, you'll be able to rely upon this vest to keep you warm, without resorting to a jacket.

Also looks nice enough to wear around town, don't you think?

Another vest option in your best extended size layers for fall hiking

Here's more coverage

Another option: pull on a lightweight hoodie over your base layer shirt for full torso and arm coverage.

This REI Co-op Active Pursuits Hoodie has more going for it than a hood!

• Full front zipper to avoid the well known and dreaded "I'm trapped in my hoodie and can't get out" trail hazard
• Soft, stretchy cotton/fleece blend will do a nice job of trapping your body heat while giving you free movement
  
• Heads up: Don't use this as an outer layer when it's wet; it belongs beneath a jacket for rainy conditions
  

Time to get technical with the
best extended size layers
for fall hiking

Some hikers prefer to jump straight to an outer shell jacket layered over their base layer shirt.

Here's where technical features really make a difference.

This REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket, sizes through 3X, is worth a look. And it pairs nicely with the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Pants you saw above.

If you're seeking a jacket with venting options to regulate your body heat, here's the one:

Best extended size layers for fall hiking:
the end

Well, that about covers it!

And you ;)

We've narrowed down the best extended size layers for fall hiking.

But it's not really the end.

You're just getting started!

• Lots more plus size hiking clothing tips for you!

P.S. You want warm hands on a chilly hike, don't you?

• Keep the cold at bay with these tips.
  

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Best Extended Size Layers For Fall Hiking