• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

TotalHiker

Your Hiking Guide

  • Apparel
  • Gear
  • Hikes
  • Info
Total Hiker > Apparel > What To Wear Hiking on the Trails

What To Wear Hiking on the Trails

Hiking safely requires must-have gear such as a backpack, maps, and first-aid kit, but it is equally as important to wear the right hiking outfit when you head out onto the trails.

Not only do suitable clothes keep you comfortable, but it may also be a matter of safety if you run in inclement weather, get wet or the temperature changes unexpectedly.

Hiking Outfit Explained

Choosing the correct clothing to wear when hiking depends upon many factors: Trail type, temperature and weather report, and the length of your hike.

Always take these things into consideration when you decide what to put on before you head out into the wilderness.

Hiking Boots and Socks

Many hikers believe that any pair of athletic shoes and usual cotton socks are enough for times on the trail. This combination will lead to blisters and sore feet faster than anything.

Instead, invest in a pair of comfortable, high-quality hiking shoes or boots. They should offer ankle support, a sturdy sole to protect from rough trails, be waterproof or water-resistant and very durable.

Proper hiking socks should be used to keep your feet dry and comfortable. For especially wet trails, Gore-Tex is an option.

Fabrics and Materials

Leave the cotton T-shirts at home when you go hiking. Instead of keeping you dry and comfortable, cotton holds onto moisture and leads to poor temperature regulation.

It can actually be dangerous if the temperatures drop as you change location or altitude. Choose synthetic materials instead. They can be just as soft as cotton, are lightweight and quickly sweat away from your body in order to keep you drier.

  Hiking Rain Gear Guide : Soft Shell Vs Hard Shell Jackets and More

One popular synthetic is Techwick. It is often used for tight T-shirts or under layers for comfort purposes only. Polyester and other manufactured fabrics not only wick away moisture more quickly, but allow for greater airflow that can help keep your body temperature stable.

Lightweight shirts with long sleeves are great for layering, plus give you some protection from the sun, insects and scratchy plants along the trail. Short-sleeved shirts are a great option for base layers and warm temperatures.

One natural fabric that is perfect for wicking moisture, reducing odors and maintaining a comfortable temperature level is merino wool. While this is often used for inner layers during chilly weather, lightweight garments are suitable for warmer weather as well.

The Pants Vs Shorts Debate

If you are hiking in the hot summer months, shorts may be the natural selection to wear when you are out in the wilds. As long as the weather stays dry and the temperatures high, and you will not be walking through brambles or poison ivy, shorts are a good option.

A pair of durable pants in a lightweight fabric that dries quickly, such as nylon or spandex, is an excellent choice to protect your legs from irritating plants, scratches and scrapes and insects as well.

They are also more suitable for hikes in locations where the weather might change quickly or the temperature fluctuates.

Rain Gear

Even if the weather forecast doesn’t give a positive indication of rainfall, a light rain jacket is still a practical addition to the backpack.

Climatic conditions on the hiking trails can change suddenly, especially if hiking in mountainous regions. A preferred rain jacket should be lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

  Essential Guide to Winter Hiking Gear

A proper hiking rain jacket makes it possible for body moisture and sweat to escape while stopping the penetration of rain.

Other options for the hiking trails include the ponchos which are perfect for keeping you dry in the event of the occasional rainstorm.

Headwear

Wear a hat if walking on the trails under the blazing sun. This protects the face from being constantly exposed to the direct UV rays.

A preferred hat is full-brimmed for sunny climates. Others can be breathable and water-resistant for cooler climates.

Layers

Temperatures can easily change on the hiking trails, so it benefits to hike well-prepared and that includes wearing layers. A three-layer system is a practical choice to stay warm and comfortable in the changeable weather conditions.

The base layer, closest to the skin, should consist of a garment in a light, moisture-wicking material.

A second-layer should include a light-medium fleece material, and the outer layer is there to protect against rainfall and wind.

Summary

A bit of preparation goes a long way when hiking. So remember to check out the weather forecast and any local trail advice for what you should be wearing.

The latter is particularly important as the number of times I have set out in the blazing sun, only to find myself enveloped in fog and cold hail at altitude does not bear thinking about! So make sure you are prepared!

Enjoy the trails

Matt

Matt Green, is an avid hiker and lover of the great outdoors. He is always planning his next big trip or hitting the trails for a solo hike.

  The Definitive Guide to Layering for Outdoor Adventuring

He’s traveled extensively to many remote regions and has plenty of experience exploring various terrains, and stories to tell.

Contents

  • 1 Hiking Outfit Explained
  • 2 Hiking Boots and Socks
  • 3 Fabrics and Materials
  • 4 The Pants Vs Shorts Debate
  • 5 Rain Gear
  • 6 Headwear
  • 7 Layers
  • 8 Summary

March 24, 2020

Primary Sidebar

How Long Do Hiking Boots Last

How Long Do Hiking Boots Last? The Ultimate Test of Time

What is the difference between women’s and men’s hiking boots?

The Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Right Hiking Boots

KÜHL RENEGADE CONVERTIBLE PANTS review

Kühl Renegade Convertible Cargo Pants Review

How To Use Leukotape For Blisters

How To Use Leukotape For Blisters – Treatment & Prevention

What Are The Best Hiking Sandals

What Are The Best Hiking Sandals for 2023?

More on Hiking Apparel >>

Footer

  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • About Total Hiker
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Cookie Policy
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2023 Total Hiker

Affiliate Disclosure

We believe in being as transparent as possible when it comes to this site. With this in mind, please be aware that we may receive remuneration for some of the products we review on this site.

Total Hiker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com (and other Amazon programs).

We will also list ads from time to time. You should be able to see these as text links or blocks of ads which have a small notation indicating “Ads by Google” or “AdChoices”.

Our mission is to help our visitors, but this is also very clearly a for-profit site and you should realize as much. We include only those products that we believe could benefit you, some of which we may get a commission if you purchase them. However, we also provide links on the site to information resources for which we receive no compensation.

If you have any questions whatsoever, please contact us using the "contact" option on the site menu and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Being Social

FaceBook

Twitter

Trademark Dislosure

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

In addition, any other trademarks and logos we mention on this site are also the property of their respective owners.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
SAVE & ACCEPT