Trekking poles help reduce the pressure on your knees when you hike. They can also help with stability. I use trekking poles on any hikes that have significant elevation gain. Got long-distance hikes on your mind? The best clothes for backpacking are very durable, quick-drying and weather-resistant. This means a good quality rain jacket and a pair of rain pants. Wool, specifically merino wool, is a common material for base layers, underwear and socks — really anything that directly touches your skin.
This material is moisture-wicking and quick-drying and is naturally odour resistant. Even when wet, wool will continue to insulate and keep you warm. Fleece which is made from polyester is commonly used as an insulating later, most often for sweaters but also for pants. Fleece is made out of polyester that is brushed to make the fibres thicker to provide excellent warmth. It is also incredibly quick drying. Both of these materials are used for various pieces of outdoor clothing.
Most quick-drying athletic wear is made from polyester. Synthetic base layers are also made from polyester. Hiking pants are usually made from polyester too. Nylon, on the other hand, is used for down- and synthetic down jackets. Both of these materials are great at moisture wicking and drying quickly. They are much more affordable than merino wool. Cotton is an atrocious material for the backcountry. It absorbs sweat, which in the summer will leave you feeling sticky, and in the winter can chill you to the point of hypothermia.
If it gets wet, it will be wet for the rest of your trip. So how does all the above clothing come together? When you dress for the outdoors, you want to dress in layers.
The base layer goes right against your skin. Its job is to take moisture namely, sweat away from your body. The mid-layer , also called the insulating layer, is what keeps you warm. Finally, the outer layer is what protects you from the elements. You want this to be both breathable and waterproof not water-resistant. What to wear hiking in hot weather? While this comes down to personal preference, I recommend covering up to avoid sunburns.
Just be sure to dress in layers so you can add or subtract clothing as your temperature changes. Once you start to advance to more challenging conditions and terrain, however, what clothes you wear hiking can be the difference between having fun and being uncomfortable and possibly unsafe — whether that be too hot, too cold, or too wet.
That means dispose of waste properly, minimize your impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. One of the most important tips to keep in mind when deciding on what to wear hiking is to dress in layers. When you layer your hiking clothes, you can easily add or shed pieces of clothing depending on temperature changes or how strenuous the hike is.
Typically, the layer closest to your skin should be a moisture-wicking tee. Then you can add warmer layers like a long-sleeve shirt, a wind-breaker, or an insulated jacket. Ideally, hiking clothes should be made of moisture-wicking materials that dry fast. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester ideally made from recycled materials are better choices because they wick away moisture and are breathable. What to wear hiking may change depending on the season. Winter hiking will require more warm layers and insulated gear while hiking in the fall may mean dressing for cooler and wet conditions.
For more tips on how to dress for seasonal hikes, check out these blog posts:. The Patagonia Cool Capilene shirt is also available as a long-sleeved option. Even with long sleeves, it breathes well and never leaves me feeling too sweaty.
It wicks moisture, dries quickly and the stretch fabric moves with you. Check price: REI. Layering is important so you can stay warm in changing conditions. One of my go-to choices for a mid-weight hiking baselayer is the Patagonia Capilene Thermal Zip-neck. I also wear it to bed on camping trips. Some outdoor women prefer wool for warmer layers. Made from sustainable merino wool, this Icebreaker Zone Half-Zip baselayer is incredibly soft and very warm. They are pricey, but this is one of the more durable wool layers I own and also serves as a functional layer for winter sports as well.
Icebreaker has strong animal welfare standards which is also very important to me. This is a great jacket for cold weather hiking and camping, and it also makes an effective and comfortable layer under a ski shell. This jacket is made for warmer weather where you want some protection from wind or bugs or even the sun. The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and you need to be prepared. Getting wet can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous. Any old shorts will do as long as they are comfortable.
For the least expensive option, go to Marshalls or TJ Max where you can usually find some cute yoga shorts in the exercise section. My favorite feature is the pockets. It made it easy to access my phone for photos or to carry my ID and credit card if we were headed to the store. Finally, the material dries quickly, whether they are wet from a swim or stream crossing. Another great pair to check out is the Patagonia Baggies.
When it comes to what to wear for winter hiking, layers are crucial. Hiking pants, a warm hat, and gloves can help keep you warm, as can a thicker pair of moisture wicking hiking socks. You might also consider a moisture wicking pair of tights to wear under your pants for added warmth.
Remember, too, that spring tends to be the rainiest season of the year, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, so a rain jacket and rain pants will be extra important. I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel.
Come join me! Subscribe for FREE access to my library of fun blogging worksheets and learn how to get paid to travel more! Subscribe to my email list to snag instant access to my library of workbooks, checklists, tutorials and other resources to help you earn more money -- and have more fun -- blogging. Oh, and it's totally FREE! Curious what to wear when you go hiking? My goal is to: help you stay temperate by choosing cozy yet breathable clothing, prepare for the elements and unexpected weather conditions, stay safe and healthy, and, of course, have fun and feel confident on the trail.
Table of Contents. Wearing layers on a chilly day hike. Photo via Jessie Festa. Hiking in my Clamberista Pants in the color Neptune. Staying cool and comfortable in my Sunbuster 2. The color shown here is Electric Orchid. Wearing a moisture wicking merino wool shirt at my base layer while hiking in the Himalayas.
My husband sporting a light-colored brimmed hat with a neck drape while hiking in the California desert. Rain pants are a must-have clothing accessory for hikers. Make sure you have a hiking backpack that fits correctly and is comfortable and functional.
Sunbuster 2. Related posts:. For footwear, many outdoor experts recommend hiking boots vs. The boots add traction and support, with an added bonus of keeping your feet dry if they are waterproof. In addition, a packable waterproof and windproof jacket will help keep you comfortable in these wet and unpredictable seasons. Moving inward, a long-sleeved hiking shirt makes a great mid-layer depending on how chilly it is during the hike.
Follow with a short- or long-sleeved wicking base layer. A zip-up fleece jacket is a good addition if the temperatures are chilly. Last but not least, a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes or the rain from drenching your head!
Summer: Personally, I love summer hiking and the flexibility it gives for clothing choices! Hiking sandals and sneakers are appropriate for most terrain, though longer treks may still require hiking boots.
Breathable wicking materials no cotton are key for shirts, bottoms and hiking socks to keep the sweat off your skin. Lighter colors absorb less heat and can keep you cooler on hot days. And, unwanted hitchhikers tend to prefer darker colors. A wide-brimmed hat can keep the sun off your face and neck! Hiking boots, warm wicking socks, a wool or synthetic beanie hat and warm gloves are also key to a comfortable winter hike.
For more detailed tips for winter outerwear, check out these articles on adult winter gear and what to wear when hiking in the rain and winter. What other tips do you recommend for choosing hiking clothing? Let us know in the comments below! Rebecca Hosley is a transplant Coloradoan living in Washington State with her husband Derek and their two boys. She is a Branch Ambassador for the HiB Kitsap Peninsula Branch and is currently working towards exploring as much of the Pacific Northwest as possible before the next move takes her family elsewhere.
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