How to Dress for Hiking
Avoid heavy base layers if you plan on hiking in warm weather., Wear the right thickness of thermal underwear for cool weather., Avoid cotton., Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin., Choose the right socks for the weather., Dress...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Avoid heavy base layers if you plan on hiking in warm weather.
Long underwear is smart for colder weather, but it does not make much sense if you plan on hiking through the woods in the middle of summer. -
Step 2: Wear the right thickness of thermal underwear for cool weather.
Thermal underwear comes in light, mid, and expedition weights.
The colder the conditions and the longer you plan on being out in them, the heavier you should go with. , Cotton soaks up moisture, meaning that your clothes will get damp, uncomfortable, and may even cause you to catch a chill in cold weather once you start sweating.
Cotton is not appropriate if you're hiking in rainy weather. , Merino wool and some silk can accomplish this task, but specially designed synthetic fabrics may do the most thorough job of it.
Look for athletic wear that specifically advertises "wick-away" capabilities. , Like your base layers, choose synthetic or wool socks to wick away moisture, which can be a cause of blisters.
Whether or not you choose a thin or thick sock is a matter of personal preference with a consideration to the outdoor temperatures.
In cold wintry weather choose a thick, warm sock.
In humid summer weather a thin sock will do.
Some people find that layering socks or wearing a thin liner sock under a thicker sock prevents blisters. , Layering is especially important for cold weather hiking.
As you warm up, you can remove some of the layers to prevent yourself from overheating.
When you need the extra warmth, you can put the layers back on. , Your skin needs to breathe, and overheating can cause a variety of health problems.
Some people prefer hiking skirts or kilts for even more ventilation.
If you want to avoid insects or sun exposure, wear long sleeves and pants made of the most breathable, lightweight material you can find. , Long sleeves and long pants are just the start.
Vests, jackets, and tights are also important tools you can use to keep yourself warm. , Polyester fleece is a popular option because it is lightweight and breathable.
Merino wool and goose down are also common choices, but goose down must be kept dry to remain effective.
There are new kinds of down that are water-resistant. , A basic waterproof exterior keeps you dry during mild to moderate precipitation, regardless of the temperature outside.
A fleece interior keeps you warm during the winter, and selecting a removable interior makes it easier to adapt the jacket to warm weather use. , Windbreakers prevent you from catching a chill on a breezy day, but they do not provide much insulation for more extreme conditions. , Waterproof shells are designed to carry your perspiration from the inside of your jacket out, while simultaneously preventing large drops of precipitation from finding their way inside the jacket.
These jackets are the most useful, but they also tend to be the most expensive. , These jackets are less expensive than their waterproof counterparts.
Tightly woven fabric blocks out wind and light rain, but it will soak through in heavy downpours. , Even if your base and mid layers are heavily insulated, your outer layer still needs to provide you with additional warmth. , Non-breathable shells are generally very durable and waterproof, but they trap your body heat inside and prevent your skin from breathing.
As a result, you risk overheating or getting chilled from being damp. , Hoods, pockets, and vents are all useful, but they also drive up the price of a jacket.
If you plan on hiking seriously, however, you should invest in a hooded jacket with plenty of pocket space and zipper vents that can regulate your temperature. , Hiking boots are appropriate for simple and advanced hikes because they provide your foot with good support and protect you from ground-level hazards like thorns and snake bites.
Whether or not you want to select a low top or high-top boot is a matter of personal preference.
Pick out a pair with waterproofing to keep your feet dry if you will be hiking in wet terrain.
Realize that waterproof boots are less breathable in warm conditions. , Hiking shoes or trail runners provide you with enough support for even terrain and give you the flexibility you need for hikes that also include some basic rock climbing.
Look for hiking shoes with strong, secure grips. , If you plan on hiking in the cold, an insulated cap prevents you from losing too much body heat through your head.
If you plan on hiking in warm weather, bring a brimmed hat that can shield your face and neck from the sun. , The best gloves are waterproof with a separate cloth interior.
A neck gaiter can also provide extra warmth. , Back packs are best for cold weather, since they offer enough room for you to carry extra layers of clothing along with water and food.
Fanny packs are suitable for warm weather, when you do not need to worry about storing extra layers of clothing but still need to carry water and snacks. -
Step 3: Avoid cotton.
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Step 4: Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin.
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Step 5: Choose the right socks for the weather.
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Step 6: Dress in layers.
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Step 7: Stick with short sleeves and shorts when hiking in hot weather.
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Step 8: Look for garments that can keep you warm in cold weather.
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Step 9: Wear fabrics that wick away moisture while keeping you warm.
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Step 10: Purchase a jacket with a water-resistant exterior and a removable fleece interior for the most versatility.
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Step 11: Opt for a simple windbreaker during warm and slightly cool weather.
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Step 12: Look for a waterproof
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Step 13: breathable shell if you plan on braving harsh conditions.
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Step 14: Compromise with a water-resistant shell.
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Step 15: Remember to wear insulation for cold weather hikes.
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Step 16: Avoid non-breathable shells.
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Step 17: Invest in additional features.
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Step 18: Wear hiking boots for the most versatility.
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Step 19: Shift to hiking shoes when you need flexibility.
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Step 20: Remember your hat.
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Step 21: Pack gloves for cold weather hikes.
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Step 22: Carry a backpack or fanny pack.
Detailed Guide
Long underwear is smart for colder weather, but it does not make much sense if you plan on hiking through the woods in the middle of summer.
Thermal underwear comes in light, mid, and expedition weights.
The colder the conditions and the longer you plan on being out in them, the heavier you should go with. , Cotton soaks up moisture, meaning that your clothes will get damp, uncomfortable, and may even cause you to catch a chill in cold weather once you start sweating.
Cotton is not appropriate if you're hiking in rainy weather. , Merino wool and some silk can accomplish this task, but specially designed synthetic fabrics may do the most thorough job of it.
Look for athletic wear that specifically advertises "wick-away" capabilities. , Like your base layers, choose synthetic or wool socks to wick away moisture, which can be a cause of blisters.
Whether or not you choose a thin or thick sock is a matter of personal preference with a consideration to the outdoor temperatures.
In cold wintry weather choose a thick, warm sock.
In humid summer weather a thin sock will do.
Some people find that layering socks or wearing a thin liner sock under a thicker sock prevents blisters. , Layering is especially important for cold weather hiking.
As you warm up, you can remove some of the layers to prevent yourself from overheating.
When you need the extra warmth, you can put the layers back on. , Your skin needs to breathe, and overheating can cause a variety of health problems.
Some people prefer hiking skirts or kilts for even more ventilation.
If you want to avoid insects or sun exposure, wear long sleeves and pants made of the most breathable, lightweight material you can find. , Long sleeves and long pants are just the start.
Vests, jackets, and tights are also important tools you can use to keep yourself warm. , Polyester fleece is a popular option because it is lightweight and breathable.
Merino wool and goose down are also common choices, but goose down must be kept dry to remain effective.
There are new kinds of down that are water-resistant. , A basic waterproof exterior keeps you dry during mild to moderate precipitation, regardless of the temperature outside.
A fleece interior keeps you warm during the winter, and selecting a removable interior makes it easier to adapt the jacket to warm weather use. , Windbreakers prevent you from catching a chill on a breezy day, but they do not provide much insulation for more extreme conditions. , Waterproof shells are designed to carry your perspiration from the inside of your jacket out, while simultaneously preventing large drops of precipitation from finding their way inside the jacket.
These jackets are the most useful, but they also tend to be the most expensive. , These jackets are less expensive than their waterproof counterparts.
Tightly woven fabric blocks out wind and light rain, but it will soak through in heavy downpours. , Even if your base and mid layers are heavily insulated, your outer layer still needs to provide you with additional warmth. , Non-breathable shells are generally very durable and waterproof, but they trap your body heat inside and prevent your skin from breathing.
As a result, you risk overheating or getting chilled from being damp. , Hoods, pockets, and vents are all useful, but they also drive up the price of a jacket.
If you plan on hiking seriously, however, you should invest in a hooded jacket with plenty of pocket space and zipper vents that can regulate your temperature. , Hiking boots are appropriate for simple and advanced hikes because they provide your foot with good support and protect you from ground-level hazards like thorns and snake bites.
Whether or not you want to select a low top or high-top boot is a matter of personal preference.
Pick out a pair with waterproofing to keep your feet dry if you will be hiking in wet terrain.
Realize that waterproof boots are less breathable in warm conditions. , Hiking shoes or trail runners provide you with enough support for even terrain and give you the flexibility you need for hikes that also include some basic rock climbing.
Look for hiking shoes with strong, secure grips. , If you plan on hiking in the cold, an insulated cap prevents you from losing too much body heat through your head.
If you plan on hiking in warm weather, bring a brimmed hat that can shield your face and neck from the sun. , The best gloves are waterproof with a separate cloth interior.
A neck gaiter can also provide extra warmth. , Back packs are best for cold weather, since they offer enough room for you to carry extra layers of clothing along with water and food.
Fanny packs are suitable for warm weather, when you do not need to worry about storing extra layers of clothing but still need to carry water and snacks.
About the Author
Justin Armstrong
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in organization and beyond.
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