Utility clothing and streetwear specialist with over 10 years' experience in customer advice, fit and fabric selection.
But first… What NOT to wear hiking
Let’s start with what you should not wear when hiking. An old colleague of mine once told a story about a backpacking trip in the Upper Peninsula with his wife; after a long day of sweating, they crawled into their tent for the night, and his wife couldn’t stop shivering from the cold.
It didn’t make sense: she was wearing appropriate cold-weather gear, merino wool. Then she realized her bra was made of cotton and had trapped all her sweat from the day.
What’s the takeaway? Wearing the wrong clothes while hiking can lead to serious problems.
Cotton: Cotton is a hydrophilic fabric, meaning it absorbs water, making it one of the most common fabrics to avoid when thinking about what to wear hiking. Our kitchen towels are made of this fabric because they absorb water daily, and our sweatshirts are made of cotton because they are warm and cozy. However, the second anything made of cotton gets damp, it absorbs moisture and takes hours to dry.
Denim: Manufacturers make denim using thick cotton yarn. Therefore, wearing denim in the backcountry or on a hike will cause the same issues as any other cotton garment. It will absorb water and leave you damp, cold, and unable to warm up.
How to Choose Hiking Clothes?
It is important to note that the temperature at your planned destination can vary, so make sure to research your location well when preparing your hiking outfit.
Layering: There is a good chance you will start in cooler weather, warm up as the hike climbs, and cool down on the descent. You will want layers that adapt to your changing temperature throughout the day.
Comfort is key: You want clothes that will keep you comfortable while maneuvering over rough terrain, shale, and tree roots. Try a few different styles and fits to find the clothing that best suits your body type.
Prepare for the weather: Mountain terrain is known for changing weather throughout the day. 30% chance of rain? Bring waterproof layers!
Over-preparedness: We can all agree that it is better to have a few extra layers than not enough. Nobody wants to reach the summit unable to feel their fingers. Bring an extra pair of gloves, toss in some hand warmers. You won’t regret being over-prepared.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Hiking Outfit
Wool: Wool, made from sheep, is the fabric of choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Wool has come a long way in recent decades. It used to be a terrible, itchy fabric you wouldn’t want near your skin. Now, it is soft as cashmere and wicks moisture like a pro. Wool doesn’t hold onto moisture either, so you can wear it for days without worrying about odors.
Nylon: Ripstop nylon is best as an outer layer because it is tear-resistant and extremely durable. Many manufacturers include nylon in outer layers combined with polyester for wicking and windproof capabilities.
Fleece: Fleece, made from polyester, has long been a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts because it doesn’t retain liquids and has insulating properties.
Polyester: A champion of moisture-wicking and wind resistance, polyester was a staple before we found better ways to process wool. Polyester works well as a base layer for these reasons, and you can usually find it at a lower price point.
Down: Down jackets are not ideal in wet conditions, but they are perfect for staying warm in dropping temperatures. Down jackets are easy to pack and don’t take up much space in your travel bag. However, as soon as they encounter moisture, the feathers clump into a wet, useless mess.
Synthetic: As an alternative to down, synthetic is a good blend. They are hydrophobic, so they don’t lose their ability to keep you warm when wet and dry quickly in the rain.
How to Layer Your Hiking Clothes
Layers are the foundation of a comfortable day of hiking. Here are some layering basics to know when deciding what to wear hiking.
Underwear / Bra: Start with a pair of synthetic or wool underwear and bras. As a first layer, you want to ensure the garment closest to your skin will wick moisture away from sensitive areas.
Base layers: For hikes in temperate climates, you might not need a base layer. The base layer refers to the layer of clothing closest to your skin (excluding underwear). For hiking in colder weather, a merino base layer on your legs and arms will help wick sweat and regulate temperature.
Insulation: Once you have regulated your temperature and started moving moisture away from the body, you will want to keep all the heat you have stored. Similar to home insulation, if you heat it up but have no way to keep it inside, you will soon be cold. Down and synthetic fabrics help trap heat and keep it close to your body.
Outer layer: There are two types of outer layers: softshell and hardshell. Softshells are made with more flexible fabrics to maximize movement. They are wind and water-resistant, but in a downpour, they might not hold up against the rain. Hardshell layers are generally produced with GoreTex technology and are 100% windproof and waterproof. They are ideal for keeping all the heat you have generated inside.
How to Choose Your Hiking Shoes?
It used to be easy to choose a pair of hiking shoes, but now, outdoor store fronts offer a variety of boots, shoes, and sandals intended for hiking. How do you choose?
Traditional hiking boots: Ankle-length and thick-soled hiking boots are the traditional choice for many hikers on the trail. They are sturdy and protect the ankles when maneuvering over difficult terrain, such as shale, rock fields, or tree roots. Waterproof hiking boots are less breathable, but worth it when traveling in wet conditions, and mesh hiking boots are better for summer hikes to let air into your boots and cool your feet.
Hiking shoes: Hiking shoes are gaining popularity, especially when weight is a consideration and you aren’t worried about ankle stability. This is a good option for shorter hikes when fatigue is not a factor.
Hiking sandals: Originally used around camp or during multi-day river trips, hiking sandals have expanded their use to outdoor outings, hiking, and daily wear. Hiking sandals have a heavier tread to withstand difficult terrain and tighten enough to feel secure.
Trail running shoes: Less traditional and increasingly popular, trail running shoes are becoming the top choice for hikers. Some trail running shoes have a solid tread to navigate all types of difficult terrain and won’t weigh your feet down. They don’t offer tons of support, so if you are carrying a heavy pack, a hiking shoe might be a better option.
Recommendations for Hiking Tops
These top layers serve different purposes, so depending on your activity level or destination, choose what you want to wear carefully.
Short-sleeve t-shirts: These are a great option for hikes in late spring, summer, and early autumn. If you are heading out in the middle of the day, wear a wool or polyester t-shirt.
Sweatshirt: These sweatshirts wick moisture and regulate temperature. You can also wear sweatshirts made from a lightweight fabric to protect you from the sun while keeping you cool.
Fleece / synthetic / down pullovers: Many outdoor brands now offer some type of pullover as an extra layer to keep you warm on cooler hikes.
Recommendations for Hiking Bottoms
A few additional considerations regarding the bottoms you should wear for hiking. What type of terrain are you hiking on? If you might come into contact with poison oak, consider wearing pants, even if you are hiking in warmer climates.
Hiking shorts: Hiking shorts are perfect for moving quickly through nature and are made with a fabric that wicks heat and protects you.
Hiking pants: Quick-dry fabrics are the #1 rule if you want effective hiking pants. Cargo pants are very popular because hikers love having plenty of places to store their gear.
Leggings: Leggings can be great for flexibility, but if you have to travel on any type of brushy terrain, it is better to avoid them. Most are not made with fabric to withstand harsh environments.
Hiking Accessories
A few extra accessories can take your hike from comfortable to downright luxurious. Here are our recommendations.
Sunglasses: Particularly useful when crossing snowy terrain or in the middle of sunny summer days. Protect your eyes and enjoy the view! Don’t forget your case to protect your glasses in case you need to store them at the bottom of your pack.
Stormproof lighter: Fire is one of the most useful elements when hiking, especially when planning to sleep under the stars and heat up your evening meal. A stormproof lighter is definitely the most suitable for these circumstances due to its robustness and its ability to stay lit in any situation. You can easily find them on the Briquet Tek shop.
Hat: Hats are useful for keeping the sun out of your eyes and for protecting sensitive areas like your ears, neck, and hairline from the sun’s rays.
Gaiters: Keep dirt, mud, burrs, and sticks out of your shoes with gaiters. Gaiters attach easily to hiking boots or shoes and are also available in Goretex versions for wet and rainy conditions.
Anti-slip crampons: Anti-slip crampons are a total game-changer when hiking on packed snow or ice. There are a few different versions depending on the type of terrain you are traversing, but if you don’t want or need to invest in full crampons, a pair of traction cleats will likely do the trick.
