CAMPING
The Best Summer Camping Outfits
From shirts, shorts, and baselayers to sandals, dresses, and puffy jackets, here’s everything you need this summer to camp in style
BY DAVID YOUNG
Summertime camping is the best. And the clothes you camp in should be too. Whether it’s a quick-drying tank top for daytime hikes or a warm fleece to wear around the campfire, your camping attire should be comfortable and breathable. Not only that, it needs to be rugged enough to withstand the weather elements. Features like moisture-wicking fabrics or UPF-rated sun protection are especially helpful, along with bonuses like vents or mesh panels. Below, we’ve gathered a list of camp-ready clothes to help you create the best camping outfits for any occasion.
Designed for fun in the sun, the Stanley Park Tank features Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection and Omni-Wick advanced sweat-wicking to help you stay cool and dry. Perfect for layering when you plan a long day on the trail.
Everyone needs a good tee for lounging around the camp. The Daisy Days Gradient Short Sleeve T-Shirt is a cotton-blend tee featuring a gradient graphic inspired by the great outdoors. Look good while enjoying the coziness of Columbia’s comfort stretch fabric. For the men’s option, check out the Taku River.
The PFG Tamiami II offers a functional, comfortable shirt that will keep your focus on catching fish, not trying to stay cool. The Tamiami features Omni-Shade UPF 40 for maximum protection during long hours in the sun, as well as a mesh-lined back vent to keep you cool. There is also a women’s version of this shirt.
Turn some heads with the Sapphire Point Tank. This comfy tank is 100% cotton and comes in five popular colors, including Sea Wave. With comfort-stretch technology, this tank is great for hanging around camp or hitting the hiking trail.
After a day on the trail, it’s time to kick off the hiking boots and slip into something more comfortable. With the Kea II Sandal, you can let your tired feet breathe and recover. The Techlite midsole shock absorption and Omni-Grip traction rubber makes these sandals great for walking around camp even in wet conditions.
A pair of comfy quick-drying shorts are a must for summer camping excursions. The PFG Backcast III Water Shorts come in a range of colors and include built-in mesh briefs so you can go from the water to camp without changing. They also feature UPF 50 Omni-Shade sun protection. The Backcast comes in a women’s version too.
Camping shirts are a great way to look good and stay cool. The Camp Henry IV camping shirt accomplishes both of these with easy-breezy 100% cotton. With colorful floral patterns, this shirt livens up any camping outfit. Men can check out the PFG Super Tamiami short sleeve shirt.
The perfect piece for a great camping outfit, the Pleasant Creek Stretch Dress is a sporty dress ready for adventure. With Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection and splash-and-stain Omni-Shield repellency, this dress will take you from trail to S’mores around the campfire.
Cargo shorts are a staple of any good camping outfit, and with the Silver Ridge Cargo shorts you can go from camp to hiking to rafting with ease. The Silver Ridge has Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection, Omni-Wick technology to keep you dry, and a side elastic waistband for comfort and easy movement. For the women’s option, check out the Sandy River Cargo Shorts.
When it comes to comfortable camping clothes, it’s hard to beat the Sandy River II Printed Shorts. Lightweight nylon means the best in comfort, whether relaxing at the river or cruising down a camp trail. These shorts will keep you feeling and looking cool all summer.
The Benton Springs Full Zip Hoodie is ideal for cool summer nights. Go from trail to tent with this everyday layer. The classic fleece zip-up includes a warm hood and pockets for any adventure with a chill in the air. It’s also available in plus size. Men can check out the Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie.
Trek Capri Leggings have flexible stretch to keep you moving all summer long. And with sun-blocking and moisture-wicking technology, you’ll stay comfortable too. These high-rise leggings also feature a side cargo pocket for your phone or other small items.
The Midweight Stretch Half Zip Baselayer Shirt is the ideal layer for camping. This half-zip shirt is great on its own for cool summer evenings or as a baselayer if you’re camping above the tree line. Complete with Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology and Omni-Wick to keep you dry, this is a versatile layer for any adventure.
With the Anytime Casual Skort, there’s nothing you can’t do this summer. From chilling in camp to hiking through a spring storm, this mid-rise skort delivers both comfort and style. Offering rain-and-stain repellency and UPF 50 sun protection, it also comes in a plus-size version.
Featuring Omni-Shade UPF 50 and Omni-Shield technology, the fashionable Bowen Lookout Tee blocks harmful UV rays and repels stains. Composed of 86% Polyester and 14% Elastane, this tee will keep you feeling cool and comfortable on or off the trail.
Slip into the Escape Thrive Endure Shoe and the new Techlite Plush midsole will comfort your feet while you focus on the forest. This shoe features the Navic Fit System to lock down the midfoot and OutDry waterproof-breathable construction to keep your feet dry. Also available in the women's womens version.
From trail to town, the Switchback III Jacket is a great layering piece for a camping outfit. This versatile waterproof nylon shell is light enough to fold into its own pocket for easy storage yet durable enough to withstand a sudden summer afternoon downpour. It’s also available in plus size.
The Alpine Chill Zero Romper offers both style and comfort for summer camping. Featuring Omni-Freeze ZERO in the waistband and back panel, this romper will keep you cool out on the trail, while Omni-Wick technology and comfort stretch fabric will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable from sunrise to sunset. Also available in a short-sleeved version.
When it comes to layers, these Midweight Stretch Baselayer Tights are key to keeping warm. With thermal-reflective lining, you can wear them while sleeping, or as a baselayer for hiking. The ultra-wicking fabric moves sweat away from your skin in a flash, and an antimicrobial treatment protects against bacterial growth. These tights are a must for your camping wardrobe.
The PFG Freezer III Dress offers an array of vibrant colors and patterns, like Atoll Kona and Red Hibiscus, to add flair to any camping event. And with Omni-Freeze and Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection, you’ll stay cool and dry, whether you’re cruising down the river or relaxing by the lake. This stretchy, silky-smooth lightweight dress is also available in plus-size versions.
Summer camping doesn’t always guarantee warm weather. For those cold nights or camping at higher elevations, the Wolf Creek Falls Insulated Jacket features lightweight Thermarator insulation and Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining to fend off the cold and let you enjoy even chilly summer nights.
One of the best jackets for camping is the Infinity Summit Omni-Heat Infinity Down Hooded Jacket. This lightweight 800-fill down jacket is an ideal layer to block cold, retain heat, and maintain breathability. With Double Wall layered construction, you won’t have to worry about camping in the cold with this jacket.
Sometimes even summer nights can get cold, and having an insulated jacket for camping is key to staying warm. The Heavenly Hooded Jacket offers water-resistant warmth and Omni-Heat thermal reflective technology. And the light-as-air synthetic down in a sleek, swishy shell will keep you feeling like you’re still wearing your summer clothes. There is also a plus-size version available.
The Watertight II Rain Jacket is the best camping rain gear for your pack. This Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable, fully seam-sealed jacket gets you ready for any condition during camping season. And it even comes with its own built-in storage pocket. Also available in big and tall options.
Need more camping gear? Check out Columbia Sportswear’s selection