Apart from preparing your body physically, one of the most important things to get right before a hike is choosing the best hiking clothes. They can make the difference between enjoying the hike and barely making it through. Here’s what you need to know when you go shopping.
Boots
The wrong kind of footwear could make you hate hiking. You need boots that are waterproof, lightweight, durable and comfortable. Leather hiking boots last longer than fabric ones. Purchase your boots from a specialized hiking equipment shop where you’ll get proper advice. When you buy the boots, use them on shorter walks first to get your feet used to them.
Trousers
Should be sturdy to withstand pulling by twigs and thorns. For rainy conditions, you’ll need waterproof overtrousers.
Jackets
Hiking jackets should be waterproof but still allow sweat to escape from the body. Gortex is the most popular material for this. In addition, look out for reinforced shoulders to offer comfort against abrasion from backpack straps.
Socks
Experts in the hiking clothes arena recommend either a thin liner sock paired with a thick outer one, or just one thick pair. Avoid cotton socks as they don’t allow sweat to escape. Also, they rapidly cool foot sweat when you’re at rest- increasing chances of frostbite.
Hats
Whether hiking in hot or cold environments, you’ll need a hat to protect your head & hair from the elements. A lightweight hat is suitable for hot weather while beanies with ear flaps save the day in the cold.
Gloves
Protect your fingers from the biting cold using a pair of waterproof mitts or gloves.
General Tips
Avoid cotton and denim, as they absorb sweat but doesn’t evaporate it quickly. This is a disadvantage in cold weather.
Carry several layers of clothing that you can easily pile on/ pull off as needed depending on temp changes. The base layer should draw sweat away from the skin, middle layer insulate the body from heat loss while the outer layer should be waterproof.
