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The type of clothing you choose for hiking will determine how enjoyable your hike will be. Wherever you go or whatever you do, you always want to feel comfortable and at ease. Your comfort depends highly on your clothes, your mood, and the environment. When you participate in certain activities or go for an adventure, the arrangements you make have to suit your comfort. Follow these tips to make your hiking trip a memorable and enjoyable one.
Choosing the right footwear is probably the most important decision you will make. But before choosing your footwear, you should consider the weather conditions and the environment.
If the hiking trail is extremely rocky, wear boots that go a bit above your ankle for stability. If the trail is very muddy or wet, wear boots that are waterproof or made with Gore Tex.
Whichever boots you choose to buy, make sure they fit properly. If the boot is slightly loose you will find it difficult to hike or walk and the looseness will cause your feet to blister.
In order to feel comfortable in your shoes, you have to wear proper socks. Wearing socks while hiking is extremely important as they keep you warm and dry. They prevent your foot from getting bruised and help keep your feet clean and soft. The thickness of your sock will depend upon the weather. This socks are great for cold conditions, but they can also create blisters by rubbing around in your boots. Lightweight socks are ideal for blister-free feet.
There are two types of socks that are recommended for hiking: Synthetic or Wool.
Synthetic socks are lighter in nature. They prevent your feet from stinking and provide a good amount of warmth
Merino Wool Socks are made primarily out of merino wool fibers and strengthened with synthetic fibers. The wool provides natural breathability and anti-bacterial features. Marino wool can provide a lot of warmth even in the most extreme weather conditions. For more information on Merino Wool check out our article on Why Buy Merino Wool Socks.
Pants of the highest quality help you protect your legs from getting scratches or bruises. Pants made out of nylon and polyester should are highly recommendable. Nylon pants are more long-lasting and resistant. If you’re going hiking in the winter, it is advisable to wear thick nylon pants as they provide a lot of warmth and comfort. Polyester pants are more stretchable in nature. They help you move around with ease.
Shorts can also be worn while hiking, but it is not recommended to wear them if the hiking trail is uneven and rocky. Shorts provide a lot of comfort and you can freely move in it. However, there are more chances of getting bruised or scratches as your legs will be exposed.
You may not think that the right underwear matters - until your old cotton underwear is rubbing against you in uncomfortable places! Underwear made out of polyester and merino wool are great choices. These materials provide warmth and comfort to the body. Don’t wear underwear made of cotton. Wearing cotton under garments will cause rashes on your skin. You can also wear long underwear bottoms. They are knee-length and provide more protection and warmth. They can help avoid rashes on your inner thigh.
Photo by Patrick Hendry
Upper body wear consists of long sleeve shirts, tank tops, t-shirts, sweaters etc. These clothing items act as base layers, protecting your skin from UV rays and moisture. It is recommended to wear mid-layers made of Merino wool during winters, as it provides you with more warmth and comfort. Warm clothes include woolen sweaters, jackets and thermals. These items will protect your body from the chill of the weather. Base layers made from polyester are often recommended in warm and dry weather conditions. They are lighter and so they help make hiking easier.
Photo by Taylor Grote
The right Head wear should be worn in all seasons (not just winter). Warm hiking hats and beanies made from merino wool provide extra warmth in cold temperatures. It is also recommendable to wear caps during summer, as they protect your head from sun rays, especially during extreme heat - and help against those pesky bugs too!
It is important to keep your palm and fingers protected. Gloves, such as all-in-one gloves, provide you with extra warmth. However, it gets difficult to use your hands at times because of the layers of your gloves. You can wear gloves that are not as thick to move your hands freely. The best materials for gloves are merino wool, polyester and synthetic fill.
To be comfortable and easy during your hiking trip, it is very necessary to put all these clothing tips to use. Before buying your clothes, remember to check the weather conditions and pack clothes accordingly.
