Hiking clothes aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Many factors can affect what you should wear, like the weather, the type of ground you’ll be on, how far you’re going, and how long you’ll be out there. Picking the right hiking clothing and shoes can really make or break your hiking experience—either you’ll have a great time or it could turn into a total drag.
What to Wear
If you're ready to hit the trails, you should be properly dressed for that activity. Comfortable, durable clothes that will allow you to move freely, but also will wick away moisture are always a good choice. Here's the list:
• Comfortable, durable pants - Your hiking pants should allow you to move easily, so go for moisture-wicking and stretchy materials for your bottoms.
• Moisture-wicking shirt - Depending on the weather, choose a short-sleeve or long-sleeve top made from materials like merino wool, nylon, or polyester to keep you cool and dry.
• Warm jacket - A polyester fleece is a solid hiking clothing choice, but if it’s chilly, consider a puffy coat with polyester fill or water-resistant down.
• Rain jacket: Look for something that’s both waterproof and breathable. It should keep the rain and wind out while allowing sweat to escape. If the forecast looks wet, throw in some rain pants too.
• Head and eye protection - Protect your head from the sun and rain, with a hat and don’t forget your sunglasses.
• Sturdy footwear - You don’t need heavy-duty boots, but make sure your shoes offer good support, protection from rocks and roots, and grip on wet and dry trails.
Tips on Dressing for Hiking
Layering
This classic approach means each layer of hikng clothes serves a specific purpose, allowing you to easily adjust as the weather changes. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that sits close to your skin, then add an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer layer, like a rain jacket, to stay ready for any hike. Check out Layering Basics for more tips.
Consider the Fabrics
Opt for polyester, nylon, or merino wool for your base layers. These materials are great because they wick moisture away from your skin and dry quickly, making them perfect for base layers like underwear, sports bras, and both short- and long-sleeve shirts. Their moisture management also makes them suitable for all your other clothing.
Functionality
Prioritize function over fashion: feeling uncomfortable ruins any look. Luckily, many brands today focus on comfort and performance without sacrificing style. Just make sure the pieces you choose can handle the demands of your activities.
Have Weather in Mind
Dressing appropriately for the conditions can greatly affect your comfort and safety. Weather forecasts can change, and different elevations can bring unexpected weather, so be prepared for cooler, wetter, or hotter conditions than expected. Pack or wear layers accordingly. Also, consider the season—like a warm wool hat and gloves for winter hikes or a wide-brimmed sun hat for summer outings.
Materials
Merino wool is super comfy as a base layer; it feels great against your skin and keeps you warm when it’s cold, while also helping to cool you off when it’s hot outside. Even if it gets wet, merino wool still keeps you warm, and its natural ability to resist odours means that after a few days of hiking, your base layers will still smell pretty fresh.
On the other hand, synthetic sports shirts and bottoms are usually lighter and can wick away moisture even faster, making them feel cooler on your skin. Some of these T-shirts and pants even have odour-resistant tech that mimics what merino wool does naturally.
Know the Trail Conditions
If you're hiking through dense woods, tall grass, or forested areas, think about wearing long sleeves, pants, or clothes with built-in insect repellent to fend off ticks and mosquitoes. In desert areas, taller hiking boots can provide extra protection. For urban hikes, you might want to choose outfits that are versatile and stylish enough to transition from city streets to nature trails seamlessly.
What Not to Wear
Cotton and Denim
Cotton, including denim made from cotton fibres, tends to soak up moisture, which can leave you feeling sweaty in the heat and chilly when it gets cold and wet. If you can, opt for other natural or synthetic materials that wick moisture away. However, cotton can still be okay for shorter hikes in nice weather.
Clothes You Don't Want to Mess Up
Hiking can get dirty, and if you have a favourite piece of clothing you want to keep clean, it’s better to leave it at home. Keep these types of clothes for other occasions, and stick to suitable hiking outfits.
Wrong Footwear
Picking the right shoes for hiking is super important for your comfort and safety. Go for sturdy, well-fitting shoes or hiking sandals that can take on the terrain. Avoid wearing brand-new shoes on longer hikes; it’s smarter to break them in on shorter trails to prevent sore feet and blisters.
Jewellery
Think about your jewellery before hitting the trail. Loose items like necklaces and bracelets can get caught on branches, and rings or earrings might get lost, turning a fun hike into a bummer. It’s usually best to leave anything valuable or irreplaceable at home when you go hiking.
