How To Choose The Right Hiking Clothes? (Top 5 tips)

 

A bit unsure of what to wear hiking? Here are top 5 tips on how to choose the best hiking clothes

1. Hiking Clothes Comes in Layers

In hiking, clothes and gear come in layers.

Each clothing layer fulfills a particular function, and the aim is to add or subtract clothing layers to match the weather conditions.

2. Hiking Clothes Should be Cost-effective, Durable, and Comfortable

Buying hiking clothes could be an expensive exercise.

For that, try to match your stylistic preferences with your budget, before you shop.

Also, ultralight hiking gear is a great choice, but it will also lighten your wallet.

so, purchasing and wearing the last season’s discounted hiking clothes, from the winter base layers to repurposed, upcycled, or clearance hiking apparel will do just fine

However, regardless of your hiking clothing choice (brand, color, style) never compromise on comfort!

3. Consider the Weather Condition

In hiking, your health and safety depend on your hiking plan, what you wear, and what you have packed.

Always choose hiking clothes depending on the weather conditions to avoid any unwanted surprises.

Moreover, as forecasts can be off, make sure you also pack hiking clothes for unexpected weather conditions, be it colder, wetter, snowier, or hotter than predicted.

In my experience, there’s no climbing day without at least a bit of bad weather.

Thus, I always have with me an extra set of hiking clothes and a fully charged smartphone just in case I get stuck somewhere.

4. The Material Choice is Important

Most adventure sports have certain materials you should avoid at all costs.

Equally, there are materials you should and should not wear hiking.

Merino Wool – Soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking merino wool is a material that dries quite fast.

Polyester/Nylon – More affordable versions of merino wool but with similar properties.

Fleece – Polyester fleece jackets have a soft feel thanks to thick fibers that generate warmth, and have water-repellent properties.

Silk – With a poor wicking ability, silk is not an ideal material for a strenuous hike.

Cotton – Cotton is inefficient at wicking and drying but it ‘excels’ at soaking up sweat and staying wet.

5. Function over fashion, ALWAYS

There’s a study showing that wearing fashionable clothes while doing sports boosts one’s confidence; the same applies to hiking.

However, in the case of hiking, looking good while feeling miserable – because you’ve twisted an ankle or your clothes are soaked – is not something you want.

When it comes to hiking clothes, the functionality, safety, and comfort of your garments and accessories must ALWAYS come first.

If after ensuring safety, functionality, and comfort, you find hiking apparel that matches your fashion taste and budget, go for it.