When you step out into the Great Outdoors on a hike, you’ll need to ensure you’ve got the right kit for the task at hand. Sure, hiking doesn’t require much than your regular clothes, but if you want to take the sport seriously, then you’ll need specialized gear to enhance your experience on the trail.
What you wear on your hike depends on a variety of environmental factors. The weather plays a massive role in hiking, and you’ll need to ensure you have the right clothing to meet the demands of the trail.
If you’re hiking at a cold location, make sure you strategically wear your layers, allowing you to peel them off as the temperature rises, and you start to feel warm.
Whether your hiking up Mount Everest or taking a stroll through public land with your family, here is a list of all the equipment you need.
Critical Factors for Consideration When Selecting Hiking Clothing
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Looking good on the trail in the latest hiking fashion is awesome, but it’s expensive. When selecting your gear, make sure you work with a budget and buy the best equipment and clothing you can afford.
When choosing your hiking gear, you need to consider the following factors.
- Safety – The Great Outdoors is a beautiful and unforgiving environment. If you don’t prepare yourself for all the possible environmental conditions you might encounter on your hike, then there’s no “off” switch to mother nature. Ensuring you have the right kit to stay dry in a rainstorm, and protect you from hazards on the trail, is essential for every hiker.
- Comfort – It’s tempting to take to the trail in a cotton t-shirt. While this dress code is fine in warm weather, it’s a recipe for disaster in the cold. Cotton is a light and airy fabric, but it also soaks up sweat. After a few hours on the trail, your body will be working at full tilt, and you’ll find yourself sweating profusely. Your sweat will drench a cotton t-shirt, leaving you feeling cold when you stop moving.
- Affordability – Premium hiking brands know how to charge for products. If you’re thinking about buying new clothing for hiking, then take some time to shop around for affordable deals that save you money on your kit.
What to Wear Hiking – The Definitive Guide
Wearing the right clothing on your hike is critical if you want to enjoy the experience. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of each of your gear items individually.
Moisture-Wicking T-Shirt
As we mentioned earlier, hiking is all about staying comfortable during your walk. Cotton t-shirts are a big no-no in this case. Instead of wearing a cotton tee on your hike, invest in a t-shirt with flexible and moisture-wicking fabrics.
Columbia’s Thistletown T-Shirt is an ideal tee for hiking, This shirt moves the moisture away from the inside of the shirt, to the outside.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: Columbia Men's Thistletown Park Short Sleeve Crew Shirt features our signature UPF 15 fabric that helps to blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as wicking technology to help keep you dry and cool on the trail.
- SIGNATURE LOGO: Our signature Columbia logo is featured at the chest for subtle style.
- COMFORTABLE FABRIC: 67% polyester and 33% cotton fabric is soft on the skin and allows for a comfortable fit.
- VERSATILE STYLE: A crew neckline and short sleeves make this shirt versatile enough for everyday, casual wear.
- OMNI-SHADE: Be safe and protected. Omni-Shade blocks UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. The tight weave construction with UV absorbent yarns block the full spectrum of harmful UV rays.
As a result, you stay dry during your hike, even when you’re pouring sweat. The shirt won’t cling to your skin like a soaked cotton tee, and it keeps body odor to a minimum.
Moisture-wicking tees are available from a variety of brands, and you don’t have to go with a hiking brand to enjoy the benefits of moisture-wicking material. Leading sports companies like Nike, have a comprehensive range of t-shirts available in moisture-wicking and breathable materials, at an affordable price point.
Upper Body Layers
Layering is an important technique that hikers must learn to master. Depending on the air temperature of your hiking trail, you might need more or fewer layers to meet the environmental conditions. Let’s look at a layering technique for winter walking, and you can use this as a guideline for your layering technique.
The Smartwool Merino 1/4-Zip Top is an excellent choice for a light jacket to go over your moisture-wicking t-shirt. This model zips to your neck, keeping you warm. The merino wool material lets the top breathe well, keeping sweat build-up at a minimum.
A hooded down jacket from Patagonia or Canada Goose is a great option for a heavy jacket to help you hike through cold weather. These jackets are both lightweight and warm, and it’s easy to stuff them into your daypack if the weather warms up.
A heavy jacket is essential in cold-weather hiking, and it could save your life if you find yourself caught out in the cold overnight.
Rain Jackets and Windbreakers
When the weather turns bad, or if your hiking in wet, windy, and rainy conditions, you’re going to need a windbreaker or rain jacket to keep you warm and dry.
Choose a water-resistant model, with a breathable and stretchable fabric. Select a jacket with Gore-Tex construction for the best resistance against wear and tear while you’re hiking.
You can choose to wear a rain jacket, but it if warm outside, then you might get away with wearing a rain poncho over your t-shirt.
However, if you’re hiking in cold conditions, getting wet can mean the difference between life and death. If your skin has is continuously exposed to the cold through a soaked t-shirt, then hypothermia is only a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Gore-Tex material offers fantastic rain protection. Choose a jacket that has features like vents and an adjustable hood. Make sure your jacket packs down so you can store it in your daypack if the weather warms up.
- Raincoats Material : Rain coats for women is made of 100%Polyester. It's waterproof and windproof, keeps you dry in every rainy days. Waterproof material is soft touch,lightweight, easy to packable.
- Rain Jackets Design :drawstring hooded and drawstring hem, lightweight and waterproof,quick-drying，two front pockets and zipper design.a hood to protect your head and neck from the rain and wind, and handy pockets to keep your valuables safe and dry.
- Lightweight & Packable Jackets: The rain coats for women, Lightweight fabric and packable with a carrier bag, easy to carry when in the outside, casual loose fashionable style.The zip up design makes it easy to put on and take off, and allows you to adjust the ventilation and temperature inside the raincoat as needed.
- Women Raincoats for Occasions:Thanks to the windproof feature, make this womens rain jackets not only using in rainy days, also can work as a windbreaker for your outdoor, climbing, fishing, riding, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.Our raincoat with casual and simple look, making it a versatile and fashionable addition to any outdoor wardrobe. Be prepared for any weather without sacrificing style.And also can be used as a daily casual jackets to keep warm
- Raincoats CARE:It’s a super lightweight and convenient piece for all year around .This rain coats are waterproof,windproof,and easy cleaning. Do not machine wash, machine wash can easily damage the waterproof fabric. It is recommended to use hand washing to maintain the waterproof effect of the fabric
Shorts
When hiking, its best to choose lightweight material’s in your clothing that is both water-resistant and moisture-wicking. Ladies can wear spandex or leggings for a comfortable fit. Leggings don’t catch on branches along the trail, and they offer you the most mobility out of any type of shorts or pants.
There are plenty of offerings from leading brands like The North Face, but you might find the price tag a little on the expensive side when shopping for your kit.
We recommend you select a pair of shorts from your wardrobe that you enjoy wearing for prolonged periods. Try to avoid baggy shorts, as they catch on obstacles along the trail, and they also lead to chafing on your inner thighs.
Look for features in your shorts like adjustable elasticated drawstrings, mesh pockets, and fast-drying materials. If you’re planning on wearing leggings, then the waistband can also act as a pocket.
- US size, Men's shorts with partial elastic waist for comfort fit, equipped with a belt, Suitable for most people and body shape. Elastic wear, water repellent, wear-resisting, breathe freely, comfortable.
- Mens casual shorts using high performance wicking fabric for outdoor sports, Lightweight short features Advanced moisture-wicking technology that pulls moisture away to keep you cool and dry, Suitable for most men, boys or teens.
- Advanced UPF 50 sun protection technology men's hiking shorts for maximum protection against the sun, reduces your exposure to harmful UVA/UVB radiation. High-performance wicking fabric, high quality fabric for outdoor sports.
- Cargo Shorts For Men: Multi pockets men's shorts features 2 front slash pockets,2 back pockets, plus 2 thigh pockets with zipper closure for your belongings.
- Mens Summer Shorts: Mid and high rise, 3D cutting, Suitable for Daily wear, hiking, hunting, travelling, camping, fishing, mountaineering, biking, cycling.
Pants and Sleeves
When the temperatures drop, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear to meet the demands of the environment. Ladies can choose fleece-lined leggings for extra warmth and comfort. As a bonus, you can wear your leggings with your regular casual clothes when taking trips to the store and running errands.
Sleeves and pants are also essential hiking gear for walking in grassy areas. Lyme disease caused by a bite from the Lone Star tick can end up causing health complications for the rest of your life. Wearing long pants in grassy areas helps to prevent ticks from latching onto your legs.
As an additional tip, make sure you remove your pants after your hike and have a friend or family member check you for ticks. Long sleeve shirts are great for keeping the bugs off of your skin, and they prevent sunburn in hot weather.
We recommend that you don’t hike in jeans. The denim will start to cause chaffing after a few miles of hiking, and you’ll have to turn around or suffer through the pain. Choose lightweight pants designed for hiking. Select a pair that feature design components like removable zipper legs on the lower half of the pants, and construction with top-quality materials, such as Gore-Tex.
- Stay cool, fresh and comfortable all day with our lightweight, breathable, water-resistant and quick-dry women's hiking pants.
- UV protection is a priority when exploring the great outdoors, which is why our pants offer UPF 50+ built-in to keep you safe from the sun's harmful rays.
- Convenience is key when hiking, so we designed our women's hiking pants with four zip-closure security pockets, an elastic waist with a drawstring, and articulated knees to give the perfect fit.
- The adjustable cord locks around the cuffs allow for easy leg opening adjustment to keep bugs out and ensure they fit perfectly, no matter what adventure you take them on.
- Don't let sizing be a hassle! We launched petite(27‘’ inseam) and tall (31‘’ inseam) version if you got a petite or tall figure, pick it. Plus, our pants are easily machine washable for extra convenience.
Rain Gear
When it comes to protecting yourself from the rain, you’ll need a set of rain gear to ensure you stay dry and warm during the downpour or shower. A poncho is lightweight, and you can fit it into your daypack without taking up too much space.
We recommend rain ponchos for light showers in warm conditions and a full rain jacket with insulation for avoiding the rain in colder climates.
Fast-Drying Underwear and a Sports Bra
Getting soaked in the rain is fun in the beginning, but it quickly becomes a pain. After the storm subsides, you’ll need to dry out your gear as soon as possible. This strategy avoids chafing in the folds of your skin in your groin and between your inner thighs.
Ladies can rely on sports bras made with moisture-wicking materials for their hiking bra. Most sports bras don’t have an underwire, but they still provide excellent support when running or hiking.
Look for a comfortable fit in your underwear, and with Gore-Tex fabric, you can even take a plunge in the swimming hole if you find one along the trail. The fabric dries quickly, especially in hot weather.
Quick-drying underwear is also a must for any hiker, male or female. As mentioned, wet underwear will cause chaffing, ruining your hiking experience.
If you do find that your underwear won’t dry in time, or you have wet clothes, try smearing some Vaseline on your inner thighs and the folds of your skin. The Vaseline reduces the friction, minimizing the chaffing of your skin.
Woolen Socks
Many first-time hikers make the mistake of wearing cotton socks on the trail. Cotton socks might be the comfy option when you’re at home or running errands, but they’re a terrible choice for hiking. Cotton socks have too much movement in the fabric, and they absorb moisture.
As a result, cotton socks will stretch when moist with the sweat of your feet. As the fabric swells, it distorts with the movement of your feet inside your shoes or hiking boots. Trying to walk miles in poorly fitting socks ends up in blisters all over your toes and the soles of your feet.
Instead of wearing cotton, try a wool sock for your hiking. Wool socks help to reduce sweating, keeping the sock tight against your foot, preventing the slippage that causes blisters. Choose wool socks with additional padding in the heel and ball of the foot for extra comfort when walking.
- Enhanced Comfort: Saucony Women’s Heel Tab Socks feature a padded heel tab to prevent chafing and provide ultimate comfort during workouts or everyday wear.
- Arch Support: Enjoy added stability and support with targeted arch compression, ensuring a snug fit that reduces fatigue and enhances performance.
- RunDry Moisture-Wicking Technology: Designed to keep feet dry and comfortable, these socks utilize advanced moisture-wicking properties to help regulate temperature and prevent odors.
- Versatile Design: Hitting the gym, going for a run, or running errands, these socks provide the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance for any occasion. Indoors, outdoors, running, hiking, biking, golfing, lounging. These socks cover them all!
- Extended Sizes: Small: Shoe Size: 4-7, Medium: Shoe Size: 5-10, Large: Shoe Size: 10-13
Hiking Boots or Shoes
Your shoes are possibly the most crucial part of your hiking gear. You’ll need a pair of hiking boots if you plan on traversing rough terrain on challenging hikes. We recommend a high-top hiking boot to protect your ankles, in case you stumble or put your foot wrong when navigating obstacles.
Low-top hiking shoes are a great choice for easy trails, and you can even get away with using cross-trainers on some beginner trails.
Make sure your shoes or boots have a good grip with a robust tread pattern and look for shoes that are both waterproof and breathable.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot features a seam-sealed construction, combined with our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, for long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
- DURABLE HIKING BOOT: This women's boot is inspired by classic mountaineering style. A durable mid cut waterproof hiker that provides great traction and comfort. This classic Columbia hiking boot, will deliver years of comfortable service.
- ALL TERRAIN TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole provides high grip across a wide variety of terrain, and versatile three season use.
- HANDY FEATURES: Treacherous days out on the trail are comfortable and worry-free with this hiking boot's waterproof combination of supportive leather and suede construction.
- REINFORCED TOE AND HEEL CONSTRUCTION: Designed for extended years of use, we’ve reinforced the toe and heel barriers, and extended the outsole toe overwrap to guard these key wear points.
Hiking Daypack
You’re also going to need a daypack for your hike as well. The daypack stores all of your hiking necessities, such as water, snacks, and your additional gear. The size of your daypack depends on your activities and the length of your hike.
We recommend you choose a model that has a mesh back. The mesh back prevents your back from touching the pack, allowing air to circulate and dry up the sweat before it starts to stick to your shirt and cause it to creep up your back.
Hat
Every hiker needs a hat to keep the sun off of their face. Baseball caps protect your face, but they do nothing to keep the sun off of your neck and ears. We recommend you go with a medium-brim circular-style hat that protects your entire head from the sun’s harmful UV Rays.
Sunglasses
The sun can get very bright as it moves higher in the sky, especially on clear days. A good pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses will ensure that your eyes don’t have to strain to block out the extra light.
Sunglasses also protect your eyes. They safeguard you from bugs, dirt, and debris floating in the wind.
Wrapping Up – Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!
Your last item to wear when hiking – is sunscreen. As mentioned, the sun is intense, and overexposure to UV rays results in a nasty sunburn. Your hat will protect your head, but your arms and legs require protection as well.
Choose a factor-50 sunblock for the best protection, and remember to reapply it every few hours for optimal protection from sunburn.
