Our experts test the best plus-size hiking gear 2025

Well-fitting gear is not only a matter of comfort and confidence outdoors, but safety. In changeable and challenging weather conditions, walkers must be able to rely upon their gear to do the basics: sleeping bags roomy enough to keep you warm at night; waterproof jackets you can actually zip up over waists against the rain; packs that fit on hips and shoulders laden with camping gear; trousers that don’t gape at the back; boots that don’t blister wide calves. Gear that doesn’t fit properly can literally stop you in your tracks.

After much campaigning, some brands are beginning to understand the importance of crafting plus-size hiking gear to suit bigger bodies. This doesn’t mean simply sizing everything up but tailoring all-important technical clothing to different shapes.

Founding member of Every Body Outdoors, Steph Wetherell presents some of the best kit for plus-size bodies she’s tested, with additional testing from Every Body Outdoors supporter and President of CPRE, the countryside charity, Mary-Ann Ochota, as well as Francesca Donovan, Production and Online Editor of The Great Outdoors.

A selection of the best plus-size hiking gear we’ve tested

Quick List
Best jacket: Paramo Alta III (available from Go Outdoors)
Best lightweight jacket: Rab Kangri (extended size range available at Cotswold Outdoor)
Best trousers: Maier Sports Lulaka (available from Vampire Outdoors)
Best daypack: Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit (available from Osprey)
Best backpacking pack: Gregory Amber Plus 65l (available from Gregory Packs)
Best winter sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Questar (available from Cascade Designs)
Best mid-layer: Outdoor Research Vigour (available from Outdoor Research)

Paramo Alta III

Quick Specs

Price: $460 / £340 (available from Go Outdoors) Weight: 1005g (size XXL) Materials: Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric Hood: Wire peaked, volume adjustable Front Closure: Two way locking zip Underarm/Side Zips: Upper arm vents Pockets: 6 (2 zipped waist, 1 zipped 1 velcro chest, 2 zipped internal) Hem: Drawcord Cuffs: Adjustable – can be pushed up, velcro fastening Sizes: XS – 3XL Women/Mens version: Yes (S – XXL) paramo-clothing.com

The Alta III is a versatile jacket from their range, perfectly suited for hill and mountain walking and with a longer (and more pear shaped) cut than their smocks, and a two way zip and arm vents to help with ventilation.

Where this jacket comes into its own is in the rain. Even in some long and torrentially wet walks (including a particularly damp adventure on the Kinder Plateau), this jacket kept me warm and dry and didn’t wet through. It’s less windproof than some hard-shells I’ve worn, but the extra warmth that the jacket itself brings means I haven’t struggled with this. I’m also a fan of the reinforced panels on the shoulders to provide additional protection when carrying a pack as this is an area where I’ve found other jackets have let in water.

The jacket can be reproofed at home with Nikwax products, and one of the other benefits of the fabric choice is that it’s easy to repair as you don’t have to worry about piercing the shell. That means simple repairs can be carried out at home, and Paramo offer a repair service for bigger repairs. The commitment to sustainability goes further and you can return unwanted jackets for repurposing or recycling in exchange for credit against a new jacket. The new extended sizing opens up these jackets to a new audience. At the price point, this isn’t a cheap jacket, but it’s one that will last for years without compromising on its performance.

Read more: Paramo Alta III jacket review

Rab Kangri

Quick Specs
Price: $444 / £330 (extended size range available at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com) Weight: 545g (size 20) Materials: 3 layer GORE-TEX Hood: Wire peaked, volume adjustable Front Closure: Two way zip Underarm/Side Zips: Underarm vents Pockets: 3 (2 zipped waist, 1 zipped internal) Hem: Elasticated Cuffs: Velcro fastening Sizes: 6 – 24 Women/Mens version: Yes (XS – 3XL) rab.equipment

The Rab Kangri is a well-designed and versatile hard shell jacket, ideal for days in the hills and mountains. If you’re looking for an all-round jacket that is light and packable enough to carry in case of a shower, but also durable and waterproof enough to keep you dry for several hours of torrential rain, this is an excellent option – especially given its new extended sizing.

The ultimate test of a waterproof jacket is whether it keeps you dry and comfortable, and the GORE-TEX 3 layer fabric meant this one held up pretty well. Thanks to some stormy weather over the winter it faced some pretty bleak, wet and blustery walks in South Wales, during which I stayed reassuringly dry, and after months of use it still beads well. While I definitely got warm in it going up big hills, the two-way pit zips really helped to provide some ventilation and stop me getting too sweaty. It also survived well in a particularly bramble filled section of Welsh hillside, emerging unscathed and proving to be pretty hard wearing.

The jacket has most of the technical functionality I look for in a jacket – the two way zip has a zipper that’s easy to use wearing gloves, a fleece lined chin guard, a storm flap and a popper at the bottom to keep it secure. I didn’t have any water coming through the zip, even in the heaviest rain.

Read more: Rab Kangri review

Maier Sports Lulaka

Quick Specs

Price: $135 / £99.85-£114.95 (available from Vampire Outdoors)  Weight: 387g (size EU 48) Materials: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane OR Elasticated nylon  Features: Four-way stretch fabric, PFC water repellent finish  Pockets: 2 zipped hip, 1 zipped thigh, 1 zipped internal security  Hem: Roll up, drawcord adjustable  Sizes: EU 34 – 52 (UK 8-26)  Men’s version: Yes (called Nil) – EU 44-72 (UK 30-58)  www.maier-sports.com

Maier Sports are a German brand well known as a trouser specialist, offering 61 different sizes and a selection of fits across their range. A key selling point is that many of their trousers are available in plus sizes (up to a UK26). As a size 20 and a keen long-distance walker, I’ve found it almost impossible to find technical trousers in my size that actually fit my body well and perform in variable weather conditions, so the Maier Sports Lulaka Trousers were immediately worth a closer look. 

The star of the show is the four-way stretch fabric, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for long days on the hills, and they fit well around my bum, hips and belly. There is also plenty of space around the thighs, where I know a lot of plus size people often struggle to find trousers that fit. The Maier Sports Lulaka are fairly high waisted, which is helpful if you hold weight on your belly, and the waistband is elasticated and comes with a removable belt. The fabric is so stretchy and the fit so good that even without the belt (I have a 10 inch difference between my hip and waist measurements) – they don’t fall down and sit snugly around my waist.  

Read more: Maier Sports Lulaka trousers review

Alpine Parrot Ponderosa

Quick Specs

Price: $139 / £125 (available from Vampire Outdoors) Weight: 360g Materials: Nylon/Elastane mix: Quick drying, breathable, 2-way stretch, UPF 40 protection. Integrated webbing belt. Bluesign certified fabric and dyes. Features: A curved, high-rise waist and built-in belt, key ring loop, button and loop to roll hem up to capri mid-calf, three colours. Pockets: 2 front pockets, 1 thigh pocket with zip, 2 back pockets. Hem: sewn Sizes: UK Women’s 16/18 – 32 (US 14-30) in two curve ratios – Mountain Fit (wider hips) and River Fit (slimmer hips) Mens version: no alpineparrot.com

Size 16 is now the UK average dress size, but the majority of technical outdoor clothing stops at a 16. Less-technical pieces in a range sometimes go up to size 18 or 20, but they might not meet your needs for a serious mountain day, and are often ‘sized up’ from smaller sizes, meaning that the proportions are out of whack, and don’t actually fit anyone well. The Alpine Ponderosa trousers are part of the answer to this issue.

They come in two fits – Mountain and River – to accommodate the different ways people carry weight. At each waist size, the Mountain Fit is cut for a narrower waist and a fuller, curvier bottom and hips. The River Fit is for people who have similar measurements at waist and hips. The size chart shows thigh circumference too, helping you work out which fit is for you (“measure the circumference of the juiciest part of the thigh,” the size chart reassuringly tells you). You should select your size based on measurements, not on your regular clothing size.

The trousers are high rise and sit smoothly under a rucksack waistband. The fabric is lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy. It’s soft, breathable, and offers UPF40 sun protection. After four days camping and hiking they continued to hold their shape, look good and not smell.

Read more: Mary-Ann’s full review of the Ponderosa pants

Therm-a-Rest Questar

Quick Specs

Price: $409.95 / £360 (available from Cascade Designs) Weight: 1.17kg (small), 1.21kg (regular), 1.38kg (long) Fill: 650 hydrophobic down Shell: 20D Polyester with DWR Zip: eg 2-way full length YKK Auto lock centre Length: 185cm (small), 203cm (regular), 216cm (long) – to fit 168cm (small), 183cm (regular), 198cm (long) Rating: -10C comfort, -18C limit Sizes: Small, regular, long Women/Men’s version: Unisex cascadedesigns.com

For those with a larger body, or just people seeking a more spacious bag, the Thermarest Questar is a great choice for a four season sleeping that is still packable and light enough to take on longer trips. As a cold sleeper, the -10C comfort rating is enough for my winter outings, but the 1.2kg weight and fairly small pack size and well-designed compression sack means that I can still comfortably carry it on multi-day trips if needed. With any down sleeping bag there’s a concern about if the bag gets wet but the 650 Fill Duck Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is designed to absorb a lot less water and dry really quickly. It’s overall a warm bag, backed up by some nice features, including a foot pocket to help warm your feet up.

The fit is the highlight though. My experience of unisex bags has been that they fit men well, but not so much anyone with hips. However, this one does actually allow a good amount of space around the hip area whilst remining well proportioned from shoulder to feet. The With Additional Room for Multiple positions (W.A.R.M.) fit is designed to be comfortable regardless of what position you sleep in, but also allows extra space for those of us who want or need a few inches more than offered by most sleeping bags. It was spacious enough for me to comfortably turn over inside and for the bag to not be too tight around me.

Read more: Steph’s full Therm-a-Rest Questar review

Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit

Quick Specs
Price: $200 / £155 (available from Osprey) Weight: 1.29kg (33 litre) Materials: Main, 100% recycled 100D nylon, bottom 100% recycled 420D nylon Features: Extended hip belt, extended shoulder straps, repositioned pockets Sizes: 22 litre, 33 litre Women/Mens version: Yes – Talon www.osprey.com

The extended fit design is focused on a few areas, most notably the hip belt which has been redesigned to extend the padded section and reposition the pockets. The belt will fit up to a 70 inch hip, but you’d likely struggle to tighten it sufficiently if you’re smaller than a size 18. Osprey have previously offered free hip belt extensions, but the comfort difference offered by a completely redesigned hip belt is significant. The rucksack actually hugs my hips instead of perching on the back of them, the strap doesn’t dig into my belly and the rucksack moves around so much less.

In addition the shoulder straps have padding further down, so no more chaffing for me on my upper arms, and the sternum strap has been extended to accommodate larger chests.

The rucksack is also packed with all the other features you’d hope for with rucksack and many more. The injection-moulded Airscape back panel is a great balance of rigidity and flexibility, and I found it really comfortable to wear on long hikes, even when fully loaded. The back panel has a foam ridges covered in mesh and this definitely helped with ventilation, though I still inevitably got a sweaty back on the hottest days. While the extended fit changes might seem like minor things, the comfort difference for those of us in larger bodies is immeasurable and I honestly don’t think I ever want to wear a non-extended fit pack again.

Read more: Steph’s full Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit pack review

Gregory Amber Plus 65l

Quick Specs

Price: $239.95 | £200 (available from Gregory Packs) Weight: 1613g (one size) Materials: Body: 210D nylon, 420D high-density nylon. Base: 840D Ballistic Polyester. Harness/Hipbelt/Lumbar: multi-density closed and open cell foams. Chasis Support: Alloy Steel Frame. Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester with Pfc-free Dwr Closure: Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression with floating zippered lid | Back: Wishbone alloy frame, VersaFit adjustable suspension Hipbelt: FitTune adjustable hipbelt with extended length in the plus size Pockets: Main body with removable divider plus dual access from top and bottom, floating zippered lid, dual side mesh pockets featuring side trail access, front oversized stretch mesh pocket, hydration sleeve, dual trekking pole/tool attachment points with bungee closure system, dedicated zip pocket for raincover Features: plus size fit, compartment solutions, breathable padding Sizes: one size Men’s version: Yes (Katmai Plus 65l) gregorypacks.com

With the Gregory Amber Plus size 65l, Gregory has designed a pack with plus-sized bodies in mind that is adjustable enough to suit many shapes. The extended length women’s specific hipbelt (allowing for 4 inches of adjustment) and generous depth of hip buckle eliminated any cutting into the stomach and provided maximum coverage and comfort. Huge pockets are placed within easy reach – I usually have to fumble behind me to access misplaced pockets on ill-fitting packs – and will easily store any large smartphone and a compass plus snacks.

I was concerned the extended harness length and wide angle between shoulder straps would prove too big – I am 5’7 with wide hips and narrow shoulders – but I found my fit easily. Likewise, the VersaFit adjustable torso system proved simple, strong and durable. The sternum strap is placed perfectly for me, sitting snugly and minimising wriggle in the shoulder region.

Any concerns about bulkiness evaporated as I scrambled Crib Goch with this on my back. I was carrying a full load and never felt unstable. The 3D foam breathable back panel meant I didn’t sweat excessively and experienced no rubbing. This pack is so comfortable, it’s worth its weight.

Read more: Gregory Amber 65l backpack review

Outdoor Research Vigour

Quick Specs
Price: $99 / £95 (available from Outdoor Research) Weight: 356g (Size 2X) Materials: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex Features: Half zip, thumb holes, chest pocket Sizes: Regular: XS – XL, Plus size: 1X – 4X Women/men’s version: Yes outdoorresearch.com / outdooraction.co.uk / vampireoutdoorgear.com

A grid fleece is an essential piece of kit if you are looking for something more breathable or lightweight than a traditional fleece layer. The Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip is a mid-price option that performs well and has a really inclusive and wide size offering. As someone who runs hot when on the move – especially when hills are involved – I struggle with traditional fleeces and overheat quickly. Grid fleeces have become my saviour and I’ve tried out a wide range over the past few years, but this Outdoor Research offering has quickly become one of my go-to choices.

The Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip fleece is in a small square grid pattern on the inside of the fabric, and like other grid fleeces, this offers great breathability whilst still being able to offer a surprising amount of warmth. It also uses a trademarked technology called ActiveTemp, which is a thermoregulating polymer that dynamically reacts to your temperature. It’s difficult to precisely test this, but I did find I got less sweaty than normal (or dried quicker), even when tackling some sizeable hills.

It’s got some stretch to the fabric – not as much as some other fleeces, but enough to make it comfortable to wear and move in. The sleeves have great articulation – I got a full range of arm movement without the fleece moving or riding up, and I found that I didn’t need to adjust it even during longer days of walking.

Read more: Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip review

How we test

Steph Wetherell is a moderately pear-shaped UK size 20 as is 5’10 tall. As someone who runs fairly warm (and a fairly sweaty walker), she looks for good ventilation and breathability in her gear. But she’s a cold sleeper. Kit-wise, she often finds jackets too snug on the hips and as someone with a degree of hyper-flexibility in her knees, trekking poles have long been essential.