What should i wear backpacking

Hiking boots, warm wicking socks, a wool or synthetic beanie hat and warm gloves are also key to a comfortable winter hike.

For more detailed tips for winter outerwear, check out these articles on adult winter gear and what to wear when hiking in the rain and winter. What other tips do you recommend for choosing hiking clothing?

Let us know in the comments below! Rebecca Hosley is a transplant Coloradoan living in Washington State with her husband Derek and their two boys. She is a Branch Ambassador for the HiB Kitsap Peninsula Branch and is currently working towards exploring as much of the Pacific Northwest as possible before the next move takes her family elsewhere.

When she's not running after her boys on a trail, she enjoys traveling, reading, yoga, and movies. You can follow her family adventures on instagram frazzlednaturemom Read More by Rebecca. You must be logged in to post a comment.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to help organize and co-host a Fall Adventure event for families in the Rockwood […]. November 10, Alana Community. It was dinner time, and frustration was high. Cooped up inside all day, I was anxious to get my two […].

Toggle navigation. Photo by Jessica Human. Important Factors When Choosing Hiking Clothing While looking good on the trail is a bonus, there are factors to consider before you buy that adorable yet not so functional jacket or shirt for the trail: 1. The Basics 1. Shoes: The shoes you wear while hiking relies mainly on three factors: Personal preference: What do you find most comfortable?

I tend to stick with my clunky hiking boots most of the year due to the added ankle support and traction. I should have taken my Marmot Dri-Clime jacket for mornings, mountain tops and breaks. Thanks for the great engagement on this site. I always learn something and enjoy the conversation! Every hiker is different, and it is interesting to see all of the different styles.

Your email address will not be published. Daytime Clothing System When it comes to shirts, pants, and other clothes, most backpackers just carry one set of clothes to wear during the day and one set to sleep in. For trips that are three days or longer, many people will bring two or three pairs of socks to alternate between for day use and one pair just for sleeping with. For one and two night trips, one or two pairs, plus a pair of sleeping socks are usually sufficient. For trips that are three days or longer, two pairs or three pairs of underwear are usually sufficient, so you can rinse, dry, and wear different pairs in rotation.

Most people sleep in a separate set of sleeping clothes like long underwear at night. Layering For shirts, pants, and other clothes, you want to choose clothes that can be layered one on top of another to address different environmental needs. Nighttime Clothing System Most hikers carry a separate set of clothes to wear at night, which can be used as a backup for daytime use if they need more insulation. Wearing all my insulating layers on a cold morning Real-World Example Everyone has their own favorites when it comes to daytime and nighttime clothing selections.

I like the height of these socks even though I wear them with trail runners. I send them out to Insect Shield to have them pretreated with Permethrin to kill ticks and prevent Lyme disease. The shirt has a high UPF rating for sun protection and chest pockets, which I use frequently. Accessories — Always Worn Outdoor Research Thru-Gaiters — short stretchy gaiters that keep debris out of my shoes and provide tick and insect protection.

I self-treat them with Permethrin. I go through 2 pairs per year. Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Gloves — lightweight fingerless gloves that provide sun and insect protection. I also use them for fly fishing because they have silicone dots in the palm that are gentle for handling catch and release trout.

It provides sun protection and is pretreated with InsectShield. Waterproof and Windproof Layer — Layered As Necessary Rain and wind can chill you when backpacking, so its good to carry layers that you can use to deflect both. It has a 3-way adjustable hood, velcro wrist cuffs, taped seams, hip-belt compatible pockets, and pit zips.

I prefer rain pants over a rain skirt. These are delicate so I only use them for hiking on trails. It is too warm to wear for hiking though. It also makes an excellent adjunct to a backpacking quilt. Fleece beanie — Any old fleece hat will do.

Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we may but not always receive a small percentage of the transaction. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides. Thanks and we appreciate your support! We want layers and the right clothing to wick sweat off of us in colder climates.

Your email address will not be published. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Don't subscribe All Replies to my comments. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Don't underestimate what to wear hiking! Learn what hiking clothes to wear and how to layer effectively—no matter the season. Share on facebook. Share on twitter. Share on pinterest. Share on reddit. Share on email. What should I wear hiking? What pants should I wear? Do I really need a pair of hiking boots?

Table of Contents show. Wicking Hiking Shirts. Lightweight Hoody or Softshell Midlayer. Hiking Windbreaker or Rain Jacket. Hiking Shorts. Rain Pants. Merino Wool Socks. Hiking Underwear. Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes. Neck Gaiter or Scarf. Hat for Warmth or Cap for Sun Protection. Right Photo: Long Sleeve , Headband. For multi-day hikes, I always wear hiking pants. These are made from a durable material that is breathable while being weather resistant. Typically, that material is a polyester-nylon blend.

Another distinguishing feature of hiking pants is that there are usually lots of pockets. Some hiking pants are treated with DWR to be water-resistant, however, hiking pants are not waterproof. Hiking Leggings : There are also lots of leggings designed by outdoor brands specifically for hiking. They are made with durability and comfort in mind, and many have reinforcements around the knees, butt and seams to prevent tears.

Read More : Best Hiking Leggings. Any pair of athletic shorts works. Your insulating layer keeps you warm in case the temperature changes. These jackets are made with a nylon shell and insulated with down feathers or synthetic down feathers, which provide warmth.

Fleece Sweater : On warmer hikes, I bring a non-bulky fleece sweater. Fleece is a fabric made from polyester that is soft, warm, quick-drying and breathable, making it perfect for the outdoors. Left photo: Sweater , Buff. Right photo: Jacket. Weather, especially in mountains, can change on a dime.

Or, if something happens and you are stuck on a hike overnight, the rain jacket will help keep you warm. Photo: Leggings , Jacket. Depending on the type of hike and your preferences, there are a few different types of shoes to wear for hiking. Once you start doing longer hikes, hikes with elevation gain or you may be hiking in the rain you will want to upgrade to a hiking shoe or boot. Hiking shoes have better traction and stability than running shoes.

They also tend to be more waterproof or at least water-resistant and have more cushioning. Hiking boots are very similar to hiking shoes except that they have a higher ankle, which provides more ankle support than hiking shoes. They tend to be stiffer and take a while to break in. They are also heavier, which can be tiring when you have a lot of distance to cover. I have weak ankles, so I always hike in hiking boots.

This prevents the muscles around your foot from getting tired. Photo: Hiking Boots , Socks. Train runners are like a cross between running shoes and hiking shoes. They have more support and stability than a running shoe, and they are quick drying.