Let’s dive into 8 tips on clothes for hiking. When it comes to building your wardrobe, I encourage more minimalist approach, buying only few pieces of gear, ideally pieces that are versatile. When you are starting to build your hiking clothes wardrobe, I recommend to start with getting the essentials first.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHES FOR HIKING
For items in this group, do not try to save money as these items are critical to your comfort during hiking. Of course most expensive is not necessarily the best, but do your research and make sure you pay the right price for the features the gear offers.
1. Shoes
Shoes are the single most important piece of gear you need to invest in. You need to find a pair that fits well and does not cause you blisters. There is several brands and options to choose from, every individual will need different recommendation. First you should decide if you want traditional hiking boot, trail runner or other type of sport shoe. More about choosing the right shoes HERE
Pro Tip 1: Always buy half or size bigger as your feet can swell, you might wear thick socks, etc.
Pro Tip 2: Take weight of the shoe into consideration, especially with boots, the lighter the better.
2. Socks
Socks are often overlooked as key gear but they can make or break your hike. I highly recommend to find the type that works for you and get several pairs. Socks should be from sweat wicking materials, ideally merino or performance materials, never use cotton.
Pro Tip: Read the full label to make sure the socks are not from cotton blend, many socks are even if they promoted as merino or performance.
One other factor is thickness of the sock, there are thin, regular and thick version. The thickness you choose depend on the environments you will be hiking in AND your comfort levels.
3. Jacket
Jackets are your protective layer against elements such as cold, wind, rain or snow. There are several types of jackets for different purposes, it all depends on the hikes and expected elements. Two main types of jackets are winter/ puffy/ down jacket aka soft shell and or autumn/spring/waterproof/windproof jacket aka hard shell. Especially hard shell would be a basis and the rest can be purchased based on need.
Pro Tip: Consider which features of the jacket are important to you and do not compromise. For example – Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Weight, Armpit ventilation, Hood
Good to Have
Of course you still need these items, but you might not need to purchase the most expensive or the most technical, unless you hike a lot or in extreme conditions.
4. T-shirts
All types, tank tops, short and long sleeves. There is a lot of different styles, materials and brands to choose from. They come at various price tags. If you have more money, you can buy merino or merino blends but quick drying performance materials which are cheaper will also do the trick.
Pro Tip: Get several thin layers and you can put them together if you are cold. For example you can use tank top, put short sleeve shirt over it and then long sleeve over that and possibly even light fleece or hoodie. If you get too warm, you can remove one of the shirts instead of sweating in one thick layer.
5. Pants/Shorts
For the bottoms, unless you plan to do big hikes in mountains, I do not see a need to spend a lot of money on expensive hiking pants. They are of course great as they are specifically designed for hiking and offers many useful features, but depending on a hike, I often just grab leggings or shorts.
The hiking pants can be beneficial as they are slightly more loose and are better choice while trekking in certain countries where leggings might not be culturally appropriate. While hiking in those countries I recommend to respect local traditions even if leggings are more comfortable for you.
Hiking pants are perfect for layering, so you can just pull them over leggings or thinner pair of hiking pants.
Pro Tip: If you do get a pair of hiking pants, get the style where you can zip off the bottom part and turn them into shorts. They are not very fashionable but they are very versatile.
6. Underwear
This is very much your preference, whatever makes you comfortable. Again avoid cotton and cotton blends and go for fast wicking materials. Personally I use my regular sports bras and regular non-cotton underwear.
Pro Tip: I do not see a need spending money on hiking specific underwear, just use whatever you already have unless you find out that its rubbing and creating hot spots.
Optional
Some clothes of hiking are not necessary. Or you do not need to spend as much, it depends on frequency of the use and your budget. If you live in rainy country, you will use your rain gear very often, so you should get the best that you can, same for hats and gloves.
7. Rain Gear
Depending on your country, rain gear might not be optional. I did put it as optional as beginners will avoid hiking in the rain. Even if that is the case, it is good to be ready.
You probably already have waterproof/water-resistant jacket if you followed this list. If you know there is large chance of rain you can also get waterproof pants. Usually cycling shops have great selection. Go size bigger as you will likely through them over your initial layer.
However the best piece of rain gear is poncho. Cheap light poncho is the best. Choose one that you can put quickly over yourself and your backpack.
8. Hats and Other
Again, depending on country/weather, this might not be optional.
Baseball cap might be essential during heat to protect you against sun. I usually go for trucker hats with net as the main material so I would not overheat.
Warm hat might be essential during winter to protect you against cold.
Buff is great and versatile piece of gear. You can use as headband, neck warmer and many other uses. You can actually even turn it into a hat so you don’t need to buy one.
Gloves for colder climate. To startwith, get medium thickness gloves. If budget allows you can get also thin pair which can also act as liner gloves under thicker pair. Thick pair is only needed if you plan to go into freezing and snowy conditions.
