What to Wear on Your Next Great Hike: The Best Outfit
Choosing appropriate hiking attire is far more critical than it is to look good, especially as winter approaches. Your clothing acts as a barrier between you and the elements in the backcountry. Hiking clothing is critical for maintaining a comfortable, dry, comfortable, and warm body temperature while out on the trail.
Preparing in advance and purchasing the necessary equipment and gear will save you considerable time and stress in the long run.
The right gear is the difference between a pleasant hike and an agonizing limp. The following is a list of the clothing you will need for your gear's top and base layers.
1. Base Layers
When it comes to hiking clothing, a good base layer serves as the foundation for your layering system, and it's critical to get it right. This layer comes into contact with your skin, and two factors significantly influence it. The ease with which moisture can permeate the outer layers and the level of comfort.
When shopping for base layers, your potential options would be cotton, synthetics, and merino wool.
Cotton
Cotton feels cold and soggy when wet, and it will not dry. Cotton contains poor moisture-wicking properties, making it the worst fabric for hiking and a surefire way to develop hypothermia in cold weather. Avoid cotton unless you’re going for a short, half-hour hike.
Merino Wool
This fabric has fine fibres making garments luxuriously soft to the touch. The material has a natural Temperature control that Helps you stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
Synthetics
Polyester and other synthetic fabrics wick away moisture, are lightweight, breathable, and absorb body heat. Additionally, blends of synthetic and merino wool may be available. If you cannot afford merino, synthetic wool is an excellent substitute.
2. Mid-Base Layers
Adding an insulated mid-layer over your base layers can keep your body warm and comfortable during long-hikes. For your mid-layer, you can use a technical t-shirt, a warm fleece jacket, a gilet, a thick hoodie-style layer, an insulated down jacket, or a synthetic option.
It is preferable to have a single large piece of clothing, like a jumper, than several lighter super warm layers. Before purchasing a jumper, layering is the best way to stay comfortable and manage your body temperature while hiking.
If you plan to hike light, we recommend a trekking shirt without a base layer if you're walking in warm, sunny weather. It’s also a great fit if the weather is cool but not cold enough to warrant walking in a jumper or fleece over your base layer.
3. Outer Layer
Some hiking trails are prone to lower than low temperatures, with some in a constant state of rainfall. This is why you need to wear clothing that keeps you dry during wet days. If you’re going to these environments, you need to bring a reliable waterproof jacket on your hikes. It also helps to wear waterproof sneakers or boots.
4. Bottom Half
Are you wondering what to wear on the lower half of your body while hiking? We recommend breathable classic-cut hiking pants for men, while women can wear more form-fitting trekking tights.
A pair of thermal leggings worn underneath lightweight hiking pants may benefit you during cold weather. Alternatively, consider investing in a couple of heavier, warmer hiking pants.
Conclusion
As always, it's critical to be prepared for both expected and unexpected conditions and to maintain maximum comfort at all times. You won't even notice the change in your surroundings if you're wearing the right clothes. This is why it’s best to stay comfortable when performing any physically arduous task.
Ready to invest in your hiking gear? The importance of having the right outdoor gear is something that Adventureco is well aware of. Everything you need to get started can be found in our online shop. Come see us today for all of your outdoor and camping essentials in Brisbane.
