What you choose to wear while hiking can be important. Certain clothing will have an impact on how comfortable you are, and in some cases may even prevent injuries. This guide explains exactly what to wear when going hiking.
What type of hike?
How you should dress for a country walk is likely to be very different to how you should dress for a mountain climb. It’s important to take into account the distance, the terrain and the climate.
When it comes to shorter country walks, you typically have the option to dress more fashionably. That said, practicality can still be important. Items like these British made wax jackets for men are a good example of clothing that is ideal for these walks – they’re fairly waterproof and hardwearing, while still having a casual look.
Going on a multi-day hike would typically benefit from more heavy duty clothing. This is where you may want less casual and more serious-looking clothing like a gore-tex jacket, which is more waterproof and breathable.
Do I need hiking boots?
Hiking boots may seem like an essential piece of kit, but they’re not always necessary. Sneakers are perfectly fine for shorter hikes over easy terrain. In hot weather, a pair of hiking sandals may meanwhile offer better breathability.
Hiking boots are necessary for walking over rough terrain – especially over long distances. They offer more ankle support and cushioning, reducing the risk of a sprain. Invest in a good pair of hiking boots to ensure maximum comfort, and try to wear them in before doing any challenging hikes.
What type of socks?
If you’re going to be hiking over a long distance, don’t wear regular socks. Regular socks trap the sweat in, which can increase the risk of blisters and bacterial infections.
Moisture wicking socks are a better choice as they repel moisture onto the outside of the sock. This keeps your feet warm and dry, as well as reducing blisters and infections.
Trousers, leggings or shorts?
Trousers, leggings and shorts all have their individual benefits when hiking. There’s no right choice, but you may want to consider the benefits of each when making a decision.
Some people prefer trousers because they’re hardwearing, plus they can help protect the legs from sharp rocks or thorns. A good pair of waterproof trousers is also guaranteed to keep your legs dry.
Leggings offer free movement while keeping your legs warm. Some people find them less restrictive than trousers and better for activities like scrambling. That said, they may be more likely to tear and less likely to protect your legs from sharp rocks and thorns
Shorts offer the most breathability and can be ideal for hikes in hot weather. However, they do leave your legs exposed where they may be more prone to getting scratched. Some trousers have the option of being able to turn into shorts (such as these convertible hiking trousers for men), which could give you the best of both worlds.
What about my upper half?
When it comes to your top half, there are all kinds of clothing options to explore. What you should wear depends a lot on how serious the hike is and what the weather is likely to be like.
With more casual hikes, you may be able to get away with more casual clothing. As already mentioned, wax jackets are a good choice. You can also consider hiking shirts for when it’s warmer.
With more serious hikes, you may want to think more carefully about your choice of layers. Ideally, you want clothing that is light and breathable. A moisture wicking shirt could make a great base layer. If the temperature is likely to get cold, you may want to bring an extra fleece layer to put on top. A waterproof lightweight jacket is meanwhile worth packing in case it rains. If you’re certain it’s likely to just be hot sunny weather, you may just be able to wear a t-shirt of a crop top (make sure to wear sunscreen on any exposed skin, as you could soon burn without it).
Extra accessories like hats and gloves are also an option. Try to keep these practical for hiking.