Choosing the Right Gear: What to Wear When Hiking
When you’re just starting out, figuring out what to wear on a hike can take some trial and error. Everyone has different needs—are you constantly hot, always cold, or somewhere in between? Maybe your body tends to fluctuate in temperature like mine does. Whatever the case, finding the right clothing for your hiking adventures is key to staying comfortable.
The options are endless; tank top, short sleeve, long sleeve, shorts, knee length pants, ankle pants, sweaters, jackets, etc. Your clothing choices will ultimately be personal, but there’s one thing all these options have in common: the fabric they’re made from.
Remember, your clothing is another piece of gear, and as such, it is important to pick the right clothes for the job. Let’s dive into what to wear and the best fabrics for a successful and comfortable hiking experience.
What to Wear to Avoid Embarrassment
First and foremost, let’s avoid disaster on the trail! Loose clothing is a no-go. While it might seem comfortable, baggy clothes can get caught on branches, rocks, and other obstacles, leading to potential injury or accidents of yourself and possibly others. No one wants a broken arm just because your pants were baggy.
Make sure your clothes are not restrictive either. I assume you don’t want to be walking around with a rip in your pants because they are too tight, even if a breeze in the summer does feel nice.
Let’s take about what to wear based on what your clothes are made of.
Just Say NO to Cotton
Let’s get one big thing out of the way: Say goodbye to cotton. When it comes to hiking and outdoor adventures, cotton should be left at home. This includes jeans, since denim is made from cotton. Cotton has been known as the “silent killer” because once cotton becomes wet, it stays wet. Therefore, cotton has a rather long drying time. In cold weather, a prolonged drying time can mean hypothermia and even death.
Say Hello to My Little Poly
With cotton out of the picture, let’s talk about what to wear instead. A great choice for outdoor activities is 100% polyester or polyester blends. Polyester is commonly blended with spandex, rayon, or nylon to create a fabric that wicks away sweat and is quick drying. They are flexible fabrics, which are perfect for hiking, rock hopping, climbing over obstacles, wading, swimming, kayaking, etc. They come in a variety of weaves to suit different weather conditions, making them ideal for both warm and cold weather and ensuring you stay comfortable no matter what challenges the trail throws your way.
Merino Wool You Be Mine?
No matter where you live, chances are you’ll face cold weather at some point – yes, even Arizona gets snow! That’s where Merino wool comes in. It’s soft, super warm, breathable, antimicrobial, and quick-drying. I highly recommend investing in Merino wool clothing for those hikes or outdoor activities when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Staying dry and warm means staying alive. Merino wool will keep you comfortable and safe in the winter, all the way down to your toes.
Pack It Down
One of my personal favorites for staying warm is a packable down jacket. They are super lightweight and take up very little space in your hiking bag, an ounce counter’s dream. Down jackets have different fill counts – the higher the fill count equals more feathers, and the warmer the jacket. Whether you’re braving a chilly morning or need extra warmth during a hike, a down jacket is an essential, compact layer to have on hand.
Overall Thoughts
These are just the basics of choosing what to wear for your adventure clothes. Always make choices on what to wear while hiking with safety in mind, but make sure you are comfortable as well. Adventure on!
Interested in being an ounce counter? Check out this post.
Author
liv@livlifeoutdoors.com
