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Need Help?What To Wear for Hiking: Trek the Best in Comfort
Having the right gear can make or break your next hiking trip. But what exactly should you pack if you’re a complete beginner or trekking new and/or unfamiliar conditions? In this guide, we'll tell you what to wear for hiking, so you can be comfortable and prepared for the trails ahead.
What To Wear for Hiking Checklist
Comfort is key for hiking. Choosing clothes that won’t chafe or irritate your skin as you explore the trails and wander to and from nature’s wonders becomes non-negotiable the further you plan to venture out. Keep the weather and trail conditions in mind before investing or planning out your outfit. Cooler weather and warmer conditions will each require their own different things.
We do dive deeper into what you should wear while hiking further in this guide by season and layer. However, here’s a quick, complete checklist of all the basics you’ll want to grab before you head for the trails:
Clothes Guide By Layer
Comfort and durability are the two kings when it comes to hiking gear. Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics are the best choice. They will help you stay cool and comfortable on even the most formidable trails. Thankfully, manufacturers of all budgets make it easy to choose from a wide selection of durable materials and attractive styles.
Base Layers
Your base layer is your foundation—the piece of clothing that you put on first and that will stay close to your skin throughout your hike. It’s important to choose a material that will wick away sweat and keep you comfortable, no matter what the temperature is outside.
In general, we recommend synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. However, the materials you prefer may differ!
| Essential Base Layer Guide | |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Description & Recommendations |
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Underwear |
The underwear you choose for your next hike should have a few features in mind. Aside from great wicking capabilities, you’ll want to stay far away from cotton. We recommend you look out for non-chafing material to maximize your trail comfort. |
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Sports bra |
Depending on the amount of strenuous or intense activity your hike requires, you’ll want to find a sports bra with the right support in mind. |
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Tank top |
Tank tops can be one of the most versatile pieces in your hiking wardrobe. They’re lightweight, but they’re great for adding one extra layer on colder days. Tank tops are best for wearing on warm days, though.
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Wool socks |
Wool socks are the perfect hiking sock! When you buy them, always make sure they are taller than your boot. Some hikes might see you through deeper creeks or streams, so it’s a good idea to pack an extra pair in your day pack just in case. |
Middle Layers
The perfect set of clothes isn’t just about comfort. Performance matters, too! The right insulation combination helps in making sure that you can enjoy your hike with gear that can keep up with you on the trail.
Middle layers are important because they help insulate and wick away moisture so you're left feeling cool on a warm day or hot in an autumn chill — all without sacrificing warmth!
| Essential Middle Layer Guide | |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Description & Recommendations |
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Short-sleeve T-shirt |
Depending on where you live (or where you hike), short-sleeve T-shirts are a great staple for warmer year-round climates or in the spring and summer for colder ones. |
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Long-sleeve T-shirt |
Long-sleeve T-shirts are another necessity for any hiker’s closet. Even in warmer conditions, they can help better protect you from the sun’s rays. Some long-sleeve shirts are actually built with UPF ratings. |
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Shorts |
From warmer, cloudy days to sweat-soaked days, shorts can be a great choice for hiking — though we do recommend opting for convertible pants to ensure you aren’t exposed to the sun without proper protection.
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Cargo pants |
If extra storage is a priority for you, then trekking through the wilderness in cargo pants is probably your best option! These pants have pockets everywhere, giving you more flexibility in what you can carry with convenient access. |
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Fleece pants |
On the coldest of days or conditions, fleece pants help retain your body’s heat to keep you warm while you hike. Fleece pants are a must-have item for hikers who live in areas prone to harsh, wintery conditions. |
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Convertible zip-off pants |
The best of both worlds, convertible pants are another versatile staple and choice beloved by most hikers for their flexibility on those days with the most unpredictable of weather. Zip off the bottom pieces, and you’ll have shorts! |
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Lightweight fleece jacket |
Lightweight jackets are a great layer to add to your year-round hiking gear kit. Fleece or not, having a lightweight and water-resistant jacket will keep you warm on unexpectedly cooler days as well as drier on misty, rainy days. |
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Insulated jacket or sweater |
A thicker insulated jacket or sweater is non-negotiable for the fall through early spring — especially for hikers in colder or northern areas prone to harsher hiking conditions. |
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Insulated vest |
In mild conditions in the spring, fall, and winter, an insulated vest is a great option for hikers to pack. It’s often less bulky than a full jacket, but you’ll still be able to take full advantage of keeping your body’s core warm. |
Outer Layers
While it may not always make sense to wear your outer layers on a hike in the summer, winter can be an altogether different story. Even in wetter and windier conditions, you'll need special gear to help you weather every trail condition.
The better gear you have access to, the more versatile trails you will get to hike! We’ve compiled a list of the most essential outer layers to consider:
| Essential Outer Layer Guide | |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Description & Recommendations |
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Windbreaker |
If you’re fortunate to have a steady forecast, windbreakers can help you hike on especially windy days. Keep in mind that windbreakers don’t usually offer any or the best rain protection. |
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Rain jacket |
Rain jackets offer hikers great flexibility and protection on rainy days. Nowadays, they’re often breathable — meaning you won’t be sweating as you make your way on the trail ahead of you. |
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Rain pants |
Rain pants are an obvious choice for mild temperatures paired with rainy weather. They help compliment your rain jacket and protect the layers underneath from getting soggy while you hike. |
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Neck gaiters |
Neck gaiters are perfect for the coldest days that try to stand in your way from your next adventure. You can buy different gaiters for all of the major seasons to protect you from snow gusts or even intense sunny days.
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Other Gear
Other gear we recommend you wear includes:
| Essential Guide for Other Gear | |
|---|---|
| Item Type | Description & Recommendations |
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Hiking boots/shoes |
While hiking shoes are perfectly acceptable, quality hiking boots will provide you with the best foot and ankle support as well as protection from trail debris and the best traction. |
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Hats |
Hats are a must-have item to wear in any season. They’ll protect your eyes from the sun as well as keep your head warm in the winter.
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Backpacks or day packs |
Usually water-resistant, hiking backpacks are engineered to have practical pockets with ample storage options. Some will be better suited for day trips, while more spacious ones may suit multi-day adventures. |
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Gloves or mittens |
Gloves aren’t always mandatory, but they are typically made with varying thickness to compliment different seasons. Gloves won’t typically be needed in late spring through late summer or early fall depending on where you live. |
Clothing by Season
Weather forecasts are a hiker’s best friend! Always check your local reports no more than 48 hours before your next hike. Afternoon rain showers can surprise you when you least expect them to, so pack a spare middle or outer layer to stay prepared for most weather conditions. Here’s what we recommend wearing based on different seasons:
- Summer: Tank top + undergarments + wool socks (base layer), shorts/pants + short-sleeve T-shirt (middle layer), windbreaker/rain jacket (outer layer)
- Winter: Undergarments + wool socks (base layer), fleece/cargo pants + insulated jacket/sweater (middle layer), windbreaker/rain jacket and pants + neck gaiter (outer layer)
- Spring/Fall: Tank top + undergarments + wool socks (base layer), cargo pants + short-sleeve T-shirt + lightweight fleece jacket (middle layer), windbreaker/rain jacket (outer layer)
Expert Tip:
Pants are better for every season than shorts! Trails can have a lot of bushes, overgrown trees, poison ivy, or ill-placed rocks. Pants offer hikers the best protection from scrapes, bruises, or falls.
Best Hiking Clothes Materials
Not all clothing material is made equal — just like hiking! Some hikers may need more UPF protection whereas others may prefer top-quality moisture-wicking capabilities in their clothes. We recommend two types of materials for hikers traversing trails of all skill levels: wool and synthetic (or a hybrid of both) fabric.
| Essential Guide for Other Gear | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Wool | Synthetic/Hybrid |
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Wicking performance |
Good |
Best |
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Durability |
Good |
Best |
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Odor resistance |
Best |
Good |
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Warmth to weight ratio |
Best |
Good |
|
Price |
Good |
Best |
Layering Guide
No matter what season during which you hike, layers are an important part of your prep work. It’s the best strategy to protect yourself from the elements (like rain, wind, snow, etc.). There are also great benefits in layering in warmer conditions, too! Layering in the summer can help give you much-needed UPF protection from the sun as well as protect you from bugs and brush as you trek the trail.
- Underwear: Always opt for moisture-wicking fabrics for your undergarment layer with a supportive fit for your adventure.
- Base layers: The base layer should be made of a material that wicks away sweat, like wool or synthetic fabrics.
- Middle layer: The middle layer should provide insulation, like fleece or down.
- Outer layer: The outer layer should be waterproof and windproof, like a shell jacket.
Expert Tip:
Even in the muggiest, hottest climates, weather changes can happen when you least expect them to. Having the ability to add or subtract layers helps keep you prepared for every scenario.
How To Layer When Hiking the Southern U.S.
Trails in the South and southwest can be warmer and more exposed to the sun than many other trails found in the northern regions of the United States. As a result, there are some key pieces of gear that you are going to want to make sure to pack. With the potential for extreme swings in weather, it is good to have a system in place for layering.
With the following three elements, you can adapt to almost any condition while staying comfortable during your hike:
- UPF sun protective clothing
- Quick-drying layers
- Hats that provide ample shade
Expert Tip:
Before you start packing, take a minute and select items you can take on or off to help regulate your body temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should you not take on a hike?
No matter the season, you should never wear the following while hiking:
- Demin
- Cotton
- No-show socks
- Silk
- Ill-suited shoes (like flip flops or Crocs)
- Heavy backpacks
- No-sleeve shirts
- Perfume
Expert Tip:
When you first start out hiking, you might be tempted to buy everything on this list. Always remember to use what you have before you invest in any new gear. If in doubt, choose attire that you’d wear to the gym: specifically made from materials that wick moisture (or retain heat if it’s winter) and that are comfortable.
Q. Are leggings good for hiking?
Leggings are a fantastic option for hikers! They’re form-fitting and allow your body to “breathe” as you push forward on the most stubborn of trails ahead of you. Just keep in mind that your leggings (or even yoga pants) should be made of moisture-wicking material. We would not recommend cotton for more demanding hikes.
Q. What should I pack for hiking in the southern United States?
When you plan to hike the southern U.S., you should always pack lightweight clothing specifically made with a quick-drying material to combat the intense heat. UPF protection is especially important on sunnier days.
The varied terrain throughout the south and southwest is filled with everything from cactus to everglades, and coyotes to crocodiles. When hiking through this region it is important to take some special care in packing. The South can be an environment of extremes — hot during the day and colder at night.