The 19 best pieces of plus-size outdoor gear, according to athletes and influencers

Pearl Izumi PRO Bib Shorts

Size range: XS-XXL

After Marley Blonsky, a Seattle-based bike adventurer and activist for inclusivity 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.

"The fabric is smooth, chamois fits nicely and provides ample cushioning (without feeling like a diaper or causing extra chafing) and the sizing is true-to-size," she told Insider.

"The best part of these bibs is the sleek design — no extra seams anywhere, silicone grips on the leg opening help the leg stay in place without causing sausage legs, and it has a drop tail, which means you don't have to get naked to go pee! A definite winner all around, especially because these go up to a XXL." (For context, Blonsky wears the XXL here and a size 18-20 in jeans.)

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.

Orange Mud Gear Vest Pro 1L Hydration Pack

Size range: Adjustable

"This year I've found myself doing longer endurance rides requiring me to carry more water than ever before. 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. She came across Orange Mud during the Expo of Unbound Gravel, a 50-mile gravel race under 95-degree Kansas sun. "I was blown away by the size inclusiveness of this hydration pack — the owner helped me fit the backpack specifically to my body and I had plenty of room to go bigger if I needed too."

Orange Mud offers a variety of hydration vests, some designed to carry a water bottle, others a bladder, and others a soft flask. 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.

Luv Martha Swimsuits

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. The small business makes custom suits for every body type, regardless of size or gender identity.

You can choose from over 30 styles and from a constantly-changing library of fabrics. "They're just literally so perfect and unique," she says. And since you give them your measurements, it's a suit meant to support your body, whatever that body looks like.

Sock It To Me

Size range: Up to shoe size W14.5/M13 or 21-inch circumference calves

"I love hiking and I had a hard time finding socks that went over my calves," Lopez shares. Then she found Sock It To Me, which makes inclusive socks for wide calves up to 21 inches in circumference. (It also makes no-show and crew socks that fit a variety of feet.)

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. What's more, its cotton-poly blend socks are certified to be free of harmful chemicals and, therefore, irritant-free.

Misty Mountain Cadillac harness

Size range: XS-XXL

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. "After a significant amount of searching, this is the comfiest, most size-inclusive harness I've been able to find so far," said Sam Ortiz, a mountaineer and adventure photographer based near Seattle, and founder of Climb Big.

"This harness [in size XXL] will comfortably fit up to a typical 4X, depending on body shape. Not only does it offer one of the most extended waistbelts I've been able to find, but it's padding makes it great for all-day wear and ample gear loops are available to store gear for outdoor climbing."

Deuter Aircontact Lite 60 + 10 SL pack

Size range: One size

"I love this pack because it's one of the first I found that actually fits my body well! While some companies do offer a waistbelt extension for their pack to fit plus-size bodies comfortably, with this pack I don't even need one," Ortiz said. "I also appreciate Deuter as a company, as they've made a point to sponsor initiatives led by women of color."

Eddie Bauer's technical plus line

Size range: XS-3X

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.

"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.

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.

She especially loves the diverse color offerings. "Often plus-size outdoor activewear is only offered in dull or muted colors, like blacks, greys, and browns. Eddie Bauer offers women's sizes up to 24W or 3x, which is what I wear."

Osprey Duro 15L

Size range: S/M and M/L

Martinus Evans, San Francisco Bay Area-based runner and founder of Slow AF Run Club, told Insider this hydration pack has gotten him through countless runs.

"What I love the most are the amount of space that it has, and the number of pockets. There are pockets everywhere on this thing," he said. "It's also lightweight and, as a 6'3" man who weighs over 300 pounds, it actually fits me."

Torrid's activewear

Size range: 10-30, 38DD-44DD

One thing I heard over and over again was that in lieu of options for plus-size technical pants, fat adventurers often have to settle for hiking and backpacking in basic activewear. 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 wear Torrid's skort and leggings a lot because the material is super tough and built for plus-size people. 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 Appalachian Trail," she told Insider.

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. She added she's also long-had one of Torrid's sports bras, which she says work for most of her active needs.

Torrid leggings

Torrid sports bra

Columbia's technical plus line

Size range: XS-3X

Manning is also a big fan of Columbia's extended sizes.

"Last year, I lived in Salt Lake City and worked at a ski resort. My life wouldn't have been the same without Columbia's Alpine Insulated Jacket" [pictured above, left]. She also loves Columbia's skorts [pictured above, right], which only go up to a 3XL as of yet, but "the material is amazing."

Columbia Women's Whirlibird™ IV Interchange Jacket - Plus Size

Columbia Women's Anytime Casual™ Skort

Astral Layla PFD

Size range: XS-XL

Finding a PFD that fits your body is crucial no matter what size you are, if you want to kayak, SUP, or do anything on the river safely. Manning's go-to is the Astral Layla PFD, which is technically still limited sizing but she said does fit around her body and has room to continue to size up.

"The whitewater industry definitely is lagging behind when it comes to being size inclusive," she said. "Astral accounted for a female shape, including the chest, which makes a huge difference at the end of the day. 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."

Leki Cressida Cor-Tec Poles

Size range: One size

As an avid hiker in the rocky desert around Las Vegas (and elsewhere), Celeste Mick said she always recommends trekking poles. "There are several reasons why it's important: it protects your knees, aid balance, and reduce fatigue."

Her go-tos are Lekiusa Cressida Cor-Tec. "As a plus-size hiker, I prefer using aluminum poles as they are sturdier than carbon fiber."

Hoka One One Tennine Hiking Boots

Size range: 5-11

Comfort, safety, and happiness start in your footwear — and if you have feet and ankles wider than a standard boot, or if you're putting more weight onto a footbed, there aren't many options for supportive boots.

"It took me several trials and toenails until I found my holy grail — Hoka One One Tennine hiking boots," Mick said. "They have great ankle support but are also cushioned for comfort. One of my favorite features is the compression-molded foam midsole that provides stable footing and absorbs impact. Overall, I've felt less fatigue and strain since switching to these boots."

SuperFit Hero

Size range: L-7X

SuperFit Hero is new to the scene and technically an activewear brand, but it was given a glowing recommendation by two of our adventurers.

"When it comes to activewear, I rely on SuperFit Hero, not only because of their inclusivity (sizes up to 7XL) but also their great support and durability. They are true-to-size, offering a good amount of compression without feeling restricted or uncomfortable," Mick said.

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."

They both also gave SuperFit Hero's sports bras five stars for being supportive without squishing, having a wide chest band to prevent the bra from rolling up or bunching

SuperFit Hero Superhold Pocket Capris

SuperFit Hero Superhold Sports Bra

Columbia Sportswear Women's Saturday Trail Stretch Plus

Size range: 2-16, 16W-24W

Columbia is easily one of the best brands making technical, plus-size clothing. Banker said Columbia is her go-to for everyday hiking pants and base layers.

"I really like that I can shop in the Women's Plus Size section and find things that are my size without having to venture over to the men's section," she pointed out. "The sizing is done well and typically true to size for the things I've owned from them."

Mammut Ophir 3 Slide harness

Size range: S-XXL

"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. "There are a few gems that exist though and the Mammut Ophir 3 slide harness is one of them. The women's ones are a no-go for me, but the men's XXL fits great and even has some extra room for layering. It is light and folds down small for alpine situations but also comfortable enough for a long multi-pitch day."