Dress for Hiking

The best approach when camping or hiking is to wear multiple layers of clothing. By wearing multiple layers, you can help keep warm during the winter months and cool during the summer. Simply adding or removing a garment is a quick and easy way to adapt to changing temperatures or a change in activity level.

There are a number of layers of clothing you should consider when hiking, starting with undergarments. If you’re hiking during cold weather, you should consider using polyester performance or “long” underwear. Unlike cotton, polyester keeps moisture off your body.

When hiking in the fall, you’ll want to put on a layer of fleece on top of your long underwear. Fleece helps trap the warmth of your body and keep away moisture. If you’re hiking during moderate weather, you might consider packing a fleece shirt in your pack in case you become cold.

A wind resistant and water resistant outer layer is helpful, as well. You can usually wear these clothes over your regular clothes, and they’ll help keep you dry and keep the wind from chilling you to the bone.

While rainwear isn’t always necessary, it doesn’t hurt to have a disposable poncho in your pack in case it does rain.

You’ll also want to consider wearing a hat. During colder weather, a hat will help keep the heat from escaping from your body. During warmer weather, a hat can protect your face from the sun. If you’re hiking in moderate weather, you might consider bringing a warmer hat as well as a lighter hat, so that you can switch between them as necessary.

It doesn’t hurt to wear more than one layer of socks when you’re hiking. Many hikers prefer to wear a thin polyester sock underneath an outer sock. This again keeps the moisture away from the body while trapping the heat.

Obviously, if you’re hiking during the warm summer months you aren’t going to need long johns. Likewise, if you’re hiking during the winter months, you don’t want to wear shorts and a tank top. Dressing in layers helps you keep from becoming too cool or too hot during those seasons when the temperature changes quite frequently.