The delicate balance between looking civilised and not being weighed down by a backpack that ways a tonne is difficult. I have lived out of a backpack for various lengths of time and can confirm that there will be times when you are putting dirty kit back on.
Most outdoor clothing are made to be quick drying and odour resistant so many backpackers will only take one change of dry clothes for the evening to keep warm. Although, more changes may be required for higher personal hygiene standards and variable weather conditions.
To understand how often you should change your clothes depends upon each item of clothing and the type of backpacking trip you are going on. In this article I have created a helpful table to suggest clothing items and when I would change them and discussed other considerations to make for your clothing choices.
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How Often Should You Change Your Clothes When Backpacking?
When backpacking you are limited to what you have on your back. That is all you have for survival and comfort. There simply is not a laundrette around every corner so clothes will get and remain dirty and wet! Therefore, I believe there are two main concepts when it comes to backpacking;
- Always have a complete dry set of clothes
- Bring layers
Wet clothes irritate your skin and make you cold. It is a vital survival skill to have a dry set of warm clothes to change into once you’re in your tent. This may not be so vital if you’re travelling between hostels but no one wants to sleep in wet clothing.
On the other hand, dirty and sweaty clothing touching your skin for prolonged periods can also cause rashes and other irritation to your skin.
The weather is unlikely to stay constant when you’re backpacking, therefore layers are essential for keeping warm. Some places simply have hugely variable weather and it pays to be prepared. Other weather changes are more predictable such as higher elevations are likely to be cooler and exposed. When it is warm, remove a layer. When it is cooler or you have stopped add a layer.
The table below demonstrates what clothing I would take in my back pack, based upon a more temperate climate. I will be wearing one pair, the other packed. I would consider more where I have put a + on trips over a week long. This is not an exhaustive list and there are many more non clothing items I would take too.
| Item of clothing | How many to bring | When I would change it |
| Socks | Number of days of trip + 2 spare pairs | Daily |
| Underwear | Number of days of trip + 2 spare pairs | Daily |
| Sports bra (if required) | 2 + | Midway through if dry |
| Trousers | 2 + | Only wear my clean pair for evenings/sleeping |
| Short sleeve tops | At least 2 | If two only wear clean set in evenings/sleeping. If more pairs every 2/3 days |
| Thermal top | 1 | Never |
| Thermal trousers | 1 | Never |
| Windbreak | 1 | Never |
| Fleece | At least 2 | Only wear my clean one for evenings/sleeping. If you get cold bring more to layer up |
| Waterproof Jacket | 1 | Never |
| Waterproof Trousers | 1 | Never |
| Gloves | 2 | When wet |
| Hat (warm and sun hat) | 1 | Never |
This is my personal check list for items. I know other backpackers who have antibacterial boxers and who swear by not changing them. I also despise wet socks and underwear so I always bring a few spares to allow myself a dry pair for the evening.
My feet get cold easily too so I keep a pair in my sleeping bag ready to go. The other dry spare pair I will sometimes put under my waterproof socks if I still need to do activities in the evening so I don’t have to put back on wet socks!
How often you change your clothes depends how damp and smelly you are or expect to be. Clothing that is made for backpacking will be more hygienic and comfortable than those which are not.
What Materials Should Backpackers Choose?
Most activewear brands have this down to a T. Many items from outdoor shops or sport shops will be suitable. These items are designed to be durable, quick drying and wick sweat away from the body. Then the material should match what you need it for. Base layers will have a different function to your outer layers which you will want to be waterproof.
1. Wool
I am a huge fan of merino wool. It is soft, super quick drying, has moisture wicking properties and keeps you warm even if it is wet. Nearly all my hiking socks (I do choose lighter options in the summer) are merino wool and so are my thermals.
Many of these items come in various temperature keys so choose one according to your trip and preference.
If you are going to get some merino wool gloves and socks are the place to start. My favourite to date socks are Bridgedale hiking socks (Amazon). I got recommended them and now I am recommending them to you. They are merino and just seem to be the right thickness for everything, keeping my feet just the right temperature and saving me from blisters. Of course Bridgedale hasn’t left out the men and the equivalent are these Bridgedale hiking socks.
2. Polyester
This is also a good choice. It is durable and also has moisture wicking properties keeping you feeling dry on a sweaty trip. Polyester is also more budget friendly than wool or nylon because it is synthetically made. The downsides of this material is that it is prone to static and is not very breathable on its own so is regularly blended with other materials to improve this trait.
3. Nylon
Often used in waterproof jackets due to its water resistant properties and durability. Like polyester it can also be blended with other materials to adapt its properties to best suit the task intended.
4. GORE-TEX
This is a brand named developed material made from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). I personally do have a GORE-TEX jacket and compared to my previous one it is so much better. The jacket is waterproof, winderproof and breathable.
There is nothing worse than feeling damp on the inside of your jacket knowing it is sweat so I really do recommend finding a breathable jacket.
GORE-TEX is not the only one out there with many brands now utilising similar synthetic materials and these can be more budget friendly than the original. Many companies will score their jackets on water resistant and breathability. The higher numbers the better they usually are.
There are likely many other materials to choose from. The main take away is so long as you find it comfortable and it can do the task required of it (waterproof not just water resistant) then any clothing is suitable.
What Materials Should You Avoid When Backpacking?
Materials that absorb and retain water should not be brought backpacking. They become cold and heavy once wet and keep sweat next to the skin. They may be comfortable initially, but they will cause you problems in the long run. The two materials to avoid are;
- Cotton
- Denim
Now you know what materials to be looking for in your wardrobe and how many you need. There are a few more helpful clothing tips I need to share with you so you can avoid making the same mistakes as I have in the past!
Tips For Choosing What Clothing To Wear Backpacking
I have trailed a few approaches and more often than not learnt the hard way. I am going to tell you what works for me so you don’t make the same mistake!
1. Do not wear vest tops
You would think I would have learnt my lesson by now but I have made this mistake at least twice. Luckily, they were both on short walks which is why I stupidly assumed it would be ok. It wasn’t.
Your backpack, however small will chafe your arms. I was only carrying some water and still returned home with bright pink patches where it was rubbing against my skin.
The second lesson I learnt that unless you are fortunate enough to not burn you will get odd tan lines. Your backpack will rub off the suncream even if you regularly reapply it.
This means that there is a guaranteed gap between where your backpack sits, your vest strap sits and ladies where your bra strap sits on your shoulders. Unless you’re going for the patchwork quilt look, leave the vest top at home!
2. Bring shorts
Convertible trousers are a common choice as they allow you to quickly adapt to the weather conditions and terrain. Once you start moving, things get hot quickly so shorts can be extremely comfortable. These can also be a good choice for the evening or to sleep in. Less fabric, less bulk to carry.
3. Don’t hike in shorts
This may feel completely counter intuitive to what I said above. Hiking in shorts CAN be a good idea. The caveat to that is when you’re walking through long grass, brambles or nettles.
A good pair of walking trousers can protect your legs from bugs bites and scratches. My suggestion is have a pair of trousers or convertible trousers accessible for when the conditions change to pop over your shorts or change completely.
Of course, you still need to check yourself over once you are back at camp whatever you wear. Ticks in particular are notorious for getting into places where the sun don’t shine!
4. Try on your clothes WITH your backpack
Had my walking trousers on and a moisture wicking short sleeve sports top. Wore the top many times for workouts and never had a problem until it paired up the whole ensemble. About an hour into the walk something was irritating my side. Gave it a once over and sure enough it was turning pink. Readjusted and continued. Sure enough the irritation continued.
The backpack was causing the label of my top to rub against my skin. Nothing I tried, prevented the rubbing for long. The moral of the story is try your complete outfit with your backpack even if individually they are fine.
5. Bring UV protection (clothes and suncream!)
Even in hot climates consider a long sleeve top which will give you UV protection. Some of these are even designed to try and keep you cool and choosing light colours can help reflect light away from you.
Where you can’t cover up, slather on the suncream. This is also important in winter. I have burnt in February before…in the UK. Snow can make this even worse as it reflects the suns rays right back at you.
Travel bottles save you so much money and give you many more options than those tiny bottles of product in stores. I have updated my travel kit recently after breaking the pink plastic bottle you see in the photo above and I now have silicone bottles. These bottles are so much better in terms of squeezing product out and cleaning them afterwards. The only downside is I can no longer see how much product is left but at least I can get to it! You can get your own silicone travel set on Amazon.
6. Sunglasses
In summer this is a no brainer. In winter they are still needed. Unless you are on the equator the sun will be in your eyes the entire day. Squinting all day is infuriating. The glare off of water and snow is also awful so bring them along!
7. Stop chafing
This one is definitely easier said than done. So many people struggle with rubbing especially between the thighs when walking long distances. Fortunately, there are a few suggestions here.
1. Cycling shorts
I have friends (male and female who swear by this). Pop on a pair, depending on brand you may not need to wear anything underneath and they are a robust layer designed to stay in place. Alternatively, females included here wear long moisture wicking boxers designed for activewear.
2. Vaseline
Ever since I had the skin on my knuckles crack on a January backpacking trip, Vaseline has been a permanent feature in my first aid kit. I take the small lip balm tins (Amazon) as it fits perfectly and still lasts ages. Place the Vaseline on the prime chafing spots to prevent irritation in the first place or apply generously to the area if you are already suffering.
Another product designed specifically for this problem of rubbing is the compeed anti-blister stick. This again can be applied to the problem area and can be used to prevent blisters on your ankles too.
8. Wear compatible colours
If you do not care about your fashion choices when backpacking then skip on ahead.
For those who do care about appearances, then it can be good practice to get hiking clothes that all go together. I love the bright colours associated with outdoor clothing and I currently do have a burgundy rucksack but not everything goes with this.
I normally try to keep to black trousers because my tops and fleeces are all bright colours. This way I know they will match my trousers more or less and the individual layers do not need to go because they are either on top or under another layer.
I also know for a fact that not all my tops go with my backpack so I will tailor the layers to ensure when I am in busier areas I am less vibrant! If you are out buying hiking gear, it saves so much effort to ensure it will go with everything you will be bringing.
9. Bring waterproof socks
I never really understood the need for these until very recently. The weather was awful and my boots had no chance. I even stepped into a field, only to find water filing over my boots.
If I had worn sliders I would have effectively been bare footed and trainers would have been useless the moment they touched the floor.
Fortunately, I had brought my waterproof socks. I popped on some dry socks and then the waterproof ones over the top (I find this approach warmer on my feet and more hygienic). My feet remained dry despite my soaking boots and I was able to move around the campsite.
10. Spare shoes
At a minimum I would bring flip flops (or sliders). They let your feet breathe on the evening, easy to chuck on and saves your feet from the inside of a campsite shower.
In addition, I would also consider the slightly heavier and bulkier option of a pair of trainers. Trainers protect your feet better from rocks and debris depending on where you end up and I find I can move easier in them. On an evening I may want to go for a shorter walk or into a pub and trainers are more acceptable than flip flips!
11. Consider pockets
Female clothing in particular almost never has functioning pockets. I love to live in leggings, but when I am hiking wearing them and take off my coat I am left pocketless.
This may be OK with you, especially if you have a hip belt that fits what you need in their pockets. For those of us who like to have access to their phone for photographs having a pocket in my trousers is so helpful.
Also check how secure the pockets are. Open pockets loose things. Choose a zip or popper option. End of story!
Another consideration is where your pockets on your jacket sits with regards to any hip belt you have. The hip belt may make these pockets inaccessible or worse push the items into your skin. When you are fully packed, pockets included make sure nothing is digging in before you set off on the trail!
12. Take a sewing kit
This is one of those items which when you need it, you NEED it. It only has to be a needle and some thread (unless you enjoy a sewing project) because it is for wardrobe malfunctions.
I would recommend this for any multi-day backpacking trip where you are away from shops because accidents do happen. Brambles frequently tear trousers, especially if your are wearing leggings. Small holes turn into big holes so repair them early.
If you are unfortunate enough to tear your trousers massively, at least you can save your dignity by sewing it up again. Remember, you do not have unlimited trousers in your backpack so maintaining kit is essential.
Another huge problem is the straps on your backpack can break. Unless you want to baby carry your backpack, if this happens you better get your sewing kit out and adapt best you can until it can be replaced. I have had both happen to me (it was a poor quality rucksack) and have heard of worse happening to fellow backpackers on longer trips!
Conclusion
As you go on through your backpacking experiences, I am sure you will come up with even more tips and tricks to get the best out of the trip. Whether you are experienced or new to the hobby, I hope I gave you some inspiration on how often you should change your clothes as well as other related clothing hacks. Happy Backpacking!
