What to Wear at a Montana Dude Ranch

I’m just back from a week at a Montana dude ranch. All my friends thought it was hilarious to envision: me on a dude ranch—and for seven nights, no less. It took me a day to adjust to the outdoorsiness of it all—the agenda included hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding—but, once I got over myself and my city-slicker ways, I fell in love with the wild, wild west.

You can read all about our trip to Averill’s Flathead Lake Lodge, one of the best family dude ranch vacations, but let’s first talk about one of my favorite parts: the attire or what to wear on a dude ranch. Never one to shy away from dressing for the occasion, I couldn’t wait to pull out my boots and hat, and fool everyone into thinking I do this every day. Crisp air, blue skies, and magical forests overgrown with huckleberries; there really is something to the simple life. Giddy up!

It definitely gets chilly in Montana, even in the summer. Our weather varied all week, so pack layers including a heavy sweater or shearling vest like the one I’m wearing. It is very casual, so no need to pack dressy outfits. My packing list included multiple pairs of jeans, boots for horseback riding and the nightly activities, flip flops for riding on the boat or hanging by the pool, swimsuit just in case, layers for early morning hikes and evening. I lived in button downs and my shearling vest. And even if you aren’t a hat girl, now is the time to flaunt one!