Clothing strategies Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that fits your skin and add an insulating midlayer and a waterproof outer layer, such as a rain jacket, as needed to be ready for any hike. Technically speaking, hiking doesn’t require any special clothing. If you’re just starting out exploring nature and choosing short, easy trails, I recommend simply going outside in the clothes you already have. The key is to dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as your temperature changes. One of the most important tips to keep in mind when choosing your hiking clothes is to dress in layers.
Men usually wear long hiking pants and women opt for yoga pants. Yoga pants or leggings are great for women as they are comfortable, stretchy, lightweight, multi-functional and wick away sweat so you can wear them for almost any activity. In the UK, a waterproof jacket is the most important piece of clothing you should bring with you to protect against rain and keep you warm at high altitudes. A breathable style is recommended for demanding climbs
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Stretch hiking pants, zip-offs or shorts are ideal for hiking, as you can pack waterproof overpants in your bag in wet weather. When it rains, waterproof pants are ideal. You need a backpack that fits everything you need for the hike without complaining. You need enough space for extra clothing, food, water, and essentials like keys and phone.
A pair of hiking boots over the bottom of your pants and boots will help you prevent water or dirt from getting into the top of your boots. Even though it doesn’t feel as warm when you set off, bring sunscreen just to be on the safe side. If you’re going on a longer hike, tents, cooking equipment, sleeping bags, and furniture can make life a bit easier. For those particularly cold days when you need something thicker, these Brooks Momentum thermal pants have a thermal layer that insulates during cold hikes
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Especially when it comes to sturdy hiking boots and leather shoes, you should allow time to get used to it instead of taking your shiny new boots with you right away. As a low ankle hiking boot, I love the Sawtooth X BDry from Oboz. It is lightweight yet robust and waterproof and has a grippy bottom that gives you plenty of grip when hiking in all conditions and on all paths. Carry extra warm layers in your backpack in case temperatures fluctuate during your hike and prepare for rain. I often wear hiking leggings when trekking, even in fall, and that could work as an option if you’re not a big fan
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My team and I have tried out a lot of different women’s hiking clothing, and over the years I’ve really focused on what I should wear when hiking and what features and materials are best for hiking clothing. ExOfficio is my favorite brand as they make some of the best underwear on the market, specifically for travel and hiking. By using multiple layers, you can keep your backpack lightweight and always have the most comprehensive hiking gear with you, no matter what conditions the trail presents. I like the Osprey Mira 22-liter daypack for long day hikes so I can bring lunch, my camera, and extra clothing
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While I usually choose them for indoor workouts (again, I like full sunscreen), these two tanks are also great for hiking. Most hikers opt for half-height boots that reach just above the ankle bone. They are great for long hikes, although they are often overkill for short day hikes. With such a wide range of hiking clothing available from a wide variety of outdoor brands around the world, figuring out what to wear while hiking quickly goes from a simple task to an intensive endeavor. In this post, I’m sharing the best hiking clothes that I wear in a combination on every single hiking or backpacking trip I go on
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I personally prefer to be fast, and I choose to hike in trail running shoes rather than hiking boots or shoes.
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