By Rob Goodwin
If you’re an avid hiker, then you know that the right gear makes each hike more efficient. But gear isn’t the only necessity for a long hiking trek.
Clothing is also an essential priority if you want to get the most out of your hiking experience. Here is a hiker’s guide for dressing for the outdoors.
Get the Essentials
The first tip for hikers when dressing for the outdoors is to get the essentials. While there’s not necessarily a set uniform for hikers, there are clothing options that are more ideal than others.
For example, items like a shirt, jacket, pants, and shoes are all necessary for proper hiking attire. You want clothing that can withstand elements like heat, wind, rain, snow, etc.
Then you’ll also need a durable pair of hiking boots or shoes that are versatile and provide your feet with stability for long hiking treks.
Layering Hiking Clothes
Utilizing layering is the second way you can dress appropriately while hiking. Whether you’re hiking in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, layering is a helpful technique to use when dressing for the outdoors.
The great thing about layers is that you can always add more if the weather is cold, or take some off if the weather is warm. The climate will often change on a hike as you ascend to a higher altitude.
For example, you may just want to wear a T-shirt as you begin your hike, but when you get to the colder part of the mountain, you may want to add a jacket and some other layers to help regulate your temperature.
Prioritize Comfort
The third thing to keep in mind when dressing for an outdoor hike is prioritizing comfort. When you’re hiking you are exerting a significant amount of physical effort and you want to be as comfortable as possible while doing so.
Clothing with a sweat-wicking material will help to keep you cool during your hikes and avoid getting overheated. You want materials that provide comfort and functionality.
Then, in terms of footwear, you want shoes that are suitable for the hiking environment and protect your feet from the elements while also being enjoyable to wear. There are all kinds of tips for finding comfortable tactical boots that will be perfect for hiking.
Now that you’ve reviewed our tips for hiking clothes for the outdoors, you can dress for your next hike with ease and confidence. The right clothes really do make a hike that much more enjoyable, so make sure you’re dressing appropriately!
