Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Base Layer
• Method 2 of 4: Insulating clothing
• Method 3 of 4: Outer Protective Layer of Clothes
• Method 4 of 4: Additional clothing
• Tips
• What do you need

The type of clothing for a hiking trip largely depends on the conditions in which your trip will take place. You will need significantly less clothing for a short summer hike than for a long winter one. Nevertheless, despite the specifics, in any case, you need to wear clothes that wick away moisture from your body and prevent it from accumulating. You must wear the base, insulation and outer layers of clothing.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Base Layer

1. 1 Avoid heavy-duty base layer clothing if you plan to hike in warm weather. Warm underwear is appropriate for colder weather, but doesn't make sense for a mid-summer forest trip.
2. 2 For cooler weather, wear the correct thickness of thermal underwear. There are three types of thermal underwear: light, medium and for extreme conditions. The colder the weather and the longer the hike, the thicker your thermal underwear should be.
3. 3 Avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, making your clothes damp, uncomfortable, and can lead to colds if you start to sweat.
4. 4 Look for fabrics that wick moisture away from your body. Merino wool and silk can cope with the task, but synthetic fabrics specially invented for this purpose are best suited. Look for sportswear that has moisture-wicking properties on it.
5. 5 For maximum comfort, wear socks in layers. Wear thin polyester socks first, and thick woolen socks on top. This way, you can prevent the appearance of calluses from long hikes.

Method 2 of 4: Insulating clothing

1. 1 Dress in layers. This is especially important for hiking in cold weather. As you get warmer, you may want to remove some layers of clothing to avoid overheating. You can put the removed layers back on when you need extra warmth.
2. 2 For hikes in hot weather, lean towards short sleeves and shorts. Your skin needs to breathe, and overheating can lead to various health problems. If you are unable to expose your skin due to insects or similar problems, wear long sleeves and pants made from the lightest material you can find.
3. 3 Look for clothing that will keep you warm in cold weather. For starters, it should be long sleeved clothes and trousers. Vests, jackets, tights can also be used by you to keep warm.
4. 4 Wear fabric that wicks away moisture but gives you warmth. Polyester fleece is a popular choice due to its light weight and breathable structure. Merino wool and goose down are also popular, but the down must be kept dry to maintain its effectiveness.

Method 3 of 4: Outer Protective Layer of Clothes

1. 1 Buy a jacket with a water-repellent outer layer and a removable fleece lining for maximum versatility. The base water-repellent layer will keep you dry in light to moderate rainfall, regardless of the air temperature. The fleece lining will keep you warm in winter. The choice of a removable lining allows the garment to be used in warmer seasons.
2. 2 In warm or slightly chilly weather, opt for a simple windbreaker. A windbreaker will help prevent colds on a windy day, but will not provide you with much thermal insulation in more extreme conditions.
3. 3 Look for waterproof, breathable outerwear if you plan on hiking in harsh conditions. This garment is designed to wick the vapors from your body outside and at the same time prevent large drops of water from seeping into the jacket. These jackets are the most useful, but they are also usually the most expensive.
4. 4 Use water-repellent outerwear as a compromise. These jackets are cheaper than the above. The dense weave of the fabric blocks wind and light rain, but will not withstand heavy rainfall.
5. 5 Remember to wear insulated clothing when hiking in cold weather. Even if your base and middle layers provide good insulation, outerwear should also provide you with extra warmth.
6. 6 Avoid wearing non-breathable clothing. These garments are usually very durable and water resistant, but they do not dissipate heat from your body or allow your skin to breathe. As a result, you run the risk of overheating.
7. 7 Invest in additional options. Hoods, pockets, flaps are no doubt useful, but add to the price of jackets. However, if you're serious about hiking, you should invest in a hooded jacket with plenty of pockets and zip vents to allow you to adjust the temperature.

Method 4 of 4: Additional clothing

1. 1 Wear dedicated, all-round hiking boots. Hiking boots are appropriate for light and advanced types of trekking as they provide the feet with additional ankle support and protect against hazards such as thorns or snake bites. Choose a pair of shoes that are water-repellent to keep your feet dry.
2. 2 If flexibility is your thing, lean towards hiking boots. Hiking boots will give your feet enough support on level ground, leaving plenty of flexibility for climbing up rocks. Look for a pair of shoes with secure fasteners.
3. 3 Don't forget the headdress. If you are planning a hike in cold weather, a warm hat will prevent unnecessary heat loss from your body through your bare head. If you plan to hike in warm weather, bring a light cap or brimmed hat to help protect your face and neck from the sun.
4. 4 Bring gloves when hiking in cold weather. The best gloves are those with a water-repellent surface and a separate inner fabric layer.
5. 5 Take a backpack or belt bag with you. Backpacks are good for cold weather as they provide you with ample space for additional clothing in addition to food and water supplies. Waist bags are suitable for warm weather when you don't need to worry about spare clothes, but still need water and food.

Tips

• Carry plenty of fluids with you. Even if your clothes are as breathable as possible, you will still be perspiring. With sweat, your body loses water. You must replenish your body's water supply to stay healthy and avoid overheating.
• If hiking is new to you, start a little at a time. Walk on easy-to-cross terrain for short distances first, before moving on to uneven terrain and long hikes.

What do you need

• Underwear
• Shirts
• Shorts
• Trousers
• Vests
• Tights
• Jackets
• Thick outerwear
• Hats
• Gloves
• Tourist shoes
• Backpack or waist bag