Choosing the right hiking clothes is fundamental to ensuring comfort, protection, and performance on the trail. The primary consideration is the layering system, consisting of a base layer, insulating layer, and outer layer.
The base layer, in direct contact with your skin, should be moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from your body, preventing discomfort and potential chafing. Materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics are popular choices for base layers.
The insulating layer provides warmth by trapping and retaining body heat. Fleece jackets or down vests are examples of effective insulating layers. The choice depends on the expected temperature and weather conditions.
The outer layer, or shell, acts as a barrier against wind, rain, and snow. Waterproof and breathable materials like Gore-Tex are common for outer layers. The shell protects against the elements while allowing moisture to escape, preventing overheating.
Consider the climate and terrain of your hike when choosing pants. Lightweight, quick-drying materials are suitable for warm weather, while insulated, water-resistant pants are essential for colder conditions.
Socks are often overlooked but are critical for foot comfort. Choose moisture-wicking, breathable socks to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry. High-quality, supportive hiking boots or shoes are equally important for overall comfort and foot protection.
Accessories like a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, sunglasses, and gloves for colder weather should not be overlooked. Additionally, a comfortable backpack to carry essentials, including a map, water, and snacks, is an essential part of your hiking attire.
Ultimately, the fundamentals of hiking clothes revolve around layering appropriately, choosing moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics, and considering the specific conditions of your hike. Well-chosen hiking attire enhances your overall experience, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than discomfort.
Hiking Clothes Base Layers
Base layers are the foundational element of hiking clothes, playing a crucial role in maintaining comfort and regulating temperature on the trail. Comprising tops and bottoms, base layers are in direct contact with your skin.
For tops, opt for materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics known for their moisture-wicking properties. These materials efficiently draw sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and preventing chafing. Merino wool, in particular, also possesses natural odor-resistant properties.
When it comes to bottoms, consider leggings or shorts made from similar moisture-wicking materials. The goal is to create a breathable barrier that helps regulate body temperature, whether you’re breaking a sweat on a steep ascent or cooling down during a rest.
Choosing the right fit is essential; base layers should be snug but not constricting to facilitate effective moisture transfer. In colder conditions, consider a heavier-weight base layer for added insulation.
Overall, the base layer sets the tone for your hiking attire, creating a foundation for comfort and performance. Whether you’re tackling warm or chilly trails, a well-chosen base layer ensures that moisture management and temperature regulation remain at the forefront of your hiking experience.
Shirt, Pants and Shorts
When choosing shirts for hiking, prioritize moisture-wicking fabrics like synthetic blends or merino wool. These materials efficiently move sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Consider long-sleeve options for sun protection or cooler weather, and short-sleeve shirts for warmer conditions.
For hiking pants, opt for lightweight and quick-drying materials. Convertible pants with zip-off legs are versatile, allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures. Ensure a comfortable fit and consider features like reinforced knees for durability on rugged terrain.
Hiking shorts are ideal for warm weather or less challenging trails. Look for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool. Choose a length that provides freedom of movement and prevents chafing. Some hiking shorts come with integrated liners for added comfort.
Ultimately, the key is to prioritize comfort, functionality, and weather-appropriate choices. Whether you opt for long or short sleeves, convertible pants or shorts, selecting hiking apparel tailored to your preferences and the expected conditions enhances your overall experience on the trail.
Hiking Clothes Mid-Lyers
Fleece Top
This is one of your most versatile pieces. On colder days, you can wear it while hiking and/or sleeping. On warmer nights when you don’t need to wear it sleeping, it serves as a soft pillow. Even if you’ve been hiking in a t-shirt all day, a fleece feels good to pull on as the sun goes down. To save ounces, choose one with a quarter zip and no pockets.
Puffy Insulated Jacket or Vest
Depending on the weather forecast, you may want a fairly substantial down jacket if it’s going to be cold or snowy. If milder temperatures are on tap, bring a down vest, lighter weight down jacket or synthetic insulated puffy. It’s good to be prepared for any sudden downturn in temperature. Any of these should compress compactly.
Soft Shell
A third option is a soft-shell jacket. Often these are water-resistant (not waterproof), may block wind, and may have a light fleecy lining for a bit of warmth. You still need to bring a solid rain jacket for keeping dry in a storm, and soft shells are not very compressible.
Rain Jacket and Pants
Those dark clouds gathering will make you glad you brought your hard-shell outerwear. Choose a rain jacket and pants that are waterproof and breathable. This makes them fairly comfortable to backpack in. The key to avoiding hypothermia is keeping dry.
You should choose a jacket that has pack compatible pockets and adjustable hood, so you retain visibility as you hike. Pants with full-length side zippers can be the easiest to get on and off while leaving your boots on. Look for pants with an elastic or adjustable waist, and pockets, which can be a plus.
Even on dry days, backpackers wear hard shell outerwear as protection from wind and cold. Some hikers believe rainwear is the only layer that keeps mosquitoes from biting.
Hiking Clothes Accessories
Socks
Socks are one of the most important hiking clothes accessories you can bring backpacking. If possible, try out all kinds of socks and sock combinations well in advance of a long backpacking trip so you know what feels good with the boots or shoes you’ll be wearing. A wool or synthetic blend with plenty of cushioning works best for a great many people, especially those wearing boots. Many people like to wear a pair of thin liner socks underneath a heavier pair. I recommend toe socks. You will have less friction between the toes. If you are hiking in trail runners, you may want a lighter weight pair of socks.
Sock Tip
While on your hiking lunch break during the day take off your boots and socks and let your socks dry in the sun. Dip your feet in a stream or lake if there is one, but make sure you let them dry out before you set out on the trail again. Do the same at the end of the day in camp, so that you go to bed with clean, happy feet in a clean pair of socks dedicated to sleep.
Hats
Bring two types of hats, one for sun protection and one for warmth. If you’re fighting sun in the desert, consider a wide brimmed hat or a billed cap with a sun cape attached. Your warm hat can be a simple wool or synthetic cap, one you can also sleep in.
Gloves For Warmth
As long as the weather stays fairly mild, you can get by with a pair of stretch three-season gloves with a smooth exterior that resists light moisture and a fleecy interior that offers a little warmth.
Gloves For Sun
Even our hands need UV protection so wear sun-blocking gloves on desert hikes. These can be full fingered, or half fingered and can be found in hiking or paddling departments. Look for a pair rated UPF 50+, or at least UPF 30.
Other Accessories
A cotton bandana (finally cotton gets its day) or a polyester neck gaiter are great to have for all kinds of reasons. Either can be worn on your head to keep hair out of your eyes, or around the neck for sun protection (or warmth in the case of the neck gaiter.) These are also great hiking clothes accessories.
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Review of Best Clothing Articles
The North Face
Men’s Paramount Trail Convertible Pants
Easiest to Use
Classic look that’s great for most activities.
Pros
Available in seven neutral colors. The convertible design of these pants allows them to be turned into shorts for warmer adventures. Lightweight fabric helps you stay cool. These pants have an elastic waist and a drawstring closure, and the fabric is treated with a special finish to be water-resistant. These pants have a relaxed fit so you can be active and comfortable.
Cons
The pants have an odd fit and pocket placement.
Price
$48.00
Dickies
Women’s Relaxed Fit Cargo Pants
Bargain Pick
A practical and rugged option for women.
Pros
Offered in seven solid colors. Made of quality, 100% breathable cotton. The fabric is washed and softened for comfort. Care is easy as these pants are machine washable. These pants have a straight-leg silhouette with a relaxed fit. They are lined. Designed to sit slightly below the waist for a flattering look. Generous cargo pockets on the thighs can hold necessities.
Cons
Buyers have reported these have zero stretch and are on the heavy side.
Price
$43.99
Free Soldier
Men’s Lined Cargo Pants
Most Stylish
Action-oriented wear for skiing, hiking, or lounging
Pros
Available in 10 colors including one camouflage pattern. These pants are fleece-line for winter adventuring. The lining is anti-static fleece so no unpleasant shocks when dressing i the cold. It is designed to wick moisture away, so you stay dry. The material is 94% polyester and 6% spandex so they have a bit of stretch to them. They have water-repellant treatment and also block the wind. This pair includes a removable belt.
Cons
Some sizing issues have been reported.
Price
$36.99
Free Soldier
Womens Softshell Nylon Ski Pants
Most Versatile
Great for stylish hiking.
Pros
Available i n 9 mostly dark solid colors but if stealth isn’t a priority they have purple too. These pants are made of 92% nylon with an 8% spandex shell. The fleece lining is 100% polyester. The lining is also lightweight enough so that you won’t overheat. The fabric is quite stretchy and is breathable. A water-repellent finish on the pants will keep you dry.
Cons
Buyers say that these run small. You may want to size up.
Price
$48.00
Baleaf
Women’s Hiking Cargo Pants
Feature-Packed
Lots of options in a capri style.
Pros
Available in 12 solid colors with some unusual and attractive shades available. The fabric is 88% nylon and is stretch woven for an easy fit. The fabric also provides UPF 50+ protection so you won’t get sunburned even on long hikes. These pants dry quickly and are water-resistant, so weather conditions won’t slow you down. Four pockets with zip closures for accessories complete the pair.
Cons
Not great for cold weather.
Price
$38.99
Hiking Socks
Feideer
Men’s Hiking Walking Socks
Custom Favorite
Excellent Socks for an active lifestyle at a great price.
Pros
These moisture-wicking men’s hiking socks are well ventilated through a mesh design. They are made of mostly cotton with some polyester and spandex. These socks are great for the outdoors, walking, hiking, and more. Package of five.
Cons
These socks tend to run small, so you may want to size up when ordering.
Price
$45.52
Yuedge
Men’s Moisture Wicking Work Boot Socks
Simple Yet Solid
Great socks for hiking and outdoor activities. Also suitable for yard work or athletes.
Pros
These excellent work socks are 80% cotton and perfect for hiking and walking. They are moisture-wicking, come in a variety of colors, are very comfortable, and feature a seamless splicing design. Great for outdoor activities.
Cons
There were some complaints about these socks being too small. You may want to size up.
Price
$18.99
Endurance
Merino Wool Hiking & Walking Socks
Expert Recommended
Developed with and recommended by an Everest mountaineer. These socks are designed for long-lasting comfort on rugged adventures.
Pros
Merino wool blend keeps feet comfortable and dry. Designed with ventilation mesh lanes that wick moisture. Extra cushioning and padding to reduce blisters and aching. Ethical manufacturing and material sourcing.
Cons
Some report that these seemed to be sized a bit larger than average. Package of three.
Price
$31.95
Darn Tough
Light Hiker No-show Socks
Most Stylish
Excellent for hiking when you want a no-show sock. They do not come in a multi-pack.
Pros
These no-show ankle socks made for hiking are a great buy. They have many five-star reviews backing them, are moisture-wicking, resist smells, and are thermo-regulating. The comfortable merino wool makes these a customer favorite.
Cons
Appears to be only one pair of socks included in the purchase, so they are a bit expensive.
Price
$15.99
Darn Tough
Men’s Micro Crew Cushion Hiking Socks
Performance Fit
Pros
A value-priced yet rugged pair of hiking socks from an industry leading manufacturer.
Warm and durable yet lightweight. The socks keep feet dry and have exclusive antibacterial wool construction that also helps prevent blisters.61% merino wool.
Cons
Some buyers, especially those with smaller feet, say these socks run on the larger size. Package of one.
Price
$26.95
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