One of the many things I love about hiking is that you do not need tonnes of expensive equipment to give it a go. All you need is a can do attitude and a quick google to find a suitable trail to enjoy.
To begin hiking, use what is already in your wardrobe. Gym clothing is especially adaptable to the trails as they tend to be moisture wicking and flexible. Trail running shoes, or trainers with a thick soles are also a good choice for the majority of hiking trails.
There are walks for everyone, from short family trips to up and over the hills and therefore it can be super easy just to hop in your everyday clothes. Below I share some tips to make the best choices given what you have.
To help fund this blog, this page may contain affiliate links. This is where I may earn a small commission from any sales as a result of clicking my links without any additional cost to you.
What Are The Fundamental Clothing Rules For Hiking
Clothing is the only thing that stands between you and your environment when you hike. In extreme cases it comes down to pure survival but in every case comfort is key. There is truth to the saying:
There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing
This all breaks down to the key rule of hiking. Layers, layers and more layers. The moment you start walking, you will get hot. The moment you stop, your temperature will drop. Add in changes in the weather, exposure and altitude and you have a challenge maintaining a good body temperate.
So you have to have a fair few adjustable layers. Add a layer when you feel nippy, take it off again when it warms up. This means you do not want thick layers, or items of clothing that you can’t put another layer on top.
What To Wear Instead Of Hiking Clothing?
You really can’t go wrong with trying to copy what hiking garments are designed to do. Typically this means outdoor wear or sports gear. This is because these styles tend to be durable, moisture wicking, quick drying and allow for maximum movement. Below I cover each aspect of your hiking attire and what to look for in your wardrobe.
1. Shoes
Shoes are the most important part of what you take on a hike, clothing wise. Poor choice in shoes can lead to avoidable blisters, injuries and trips.
Grip is everything. Whatever shoe you decide, check the sole. Does it have good deep groves? These are likely going to give you so much more grip than something with a smooth sole.
If you don’t have walking boots or shoes, trail-running shoes are an excellent choice. They are also super popular with avid hikers on trails where boots are simply not necessary (no bogs, deep snow or scrambling for example). Trail-running shoes are designed to protect your feet and can even be waterproof. Not sure what trail running shoes are? Check out these Altra lone peak 8 women’s trail runners (Amazon) or the Altra lone peak 9 men’s (Amazon).
My next point of call, which I have done is check your trainers. There is so much variety on how suitable they are for a hike that I have done a whole article looking at them which you can check out here.
Try and use a pair of trainers with deep grooves and a harder sole. I have worn away all the texture on a bottom of a pair of trainers which I wore into town. I was sliding all over the place in a downpour and am lucky I stayed on my feet. A thicker sole will also make walking over pointy rocks more comfortable.
I would also consider the materials. Mesh is super breathable which can be beneficial on a hotter day, but also rips easily and lets water in immediately. Thicker fabrics will likely be more durable and water resistant. Dewy grass can saturate a shoe even if the sun is shining.
Whatever shoe you decide to wear, ensure that they are suitably worn in and comfortable. Test them walking up and down prolonged hills. The way your foot shifts in your shoe can change how they feel and if any hotspots appear. Remember blisters can form rapidly. I have had some awful shoes in the past and ended up with blisters within five minutes of a 20 minute ‘wear them in’ walk around the block.
Fear not though, if you know or find yourself feeling a hotspot come along just pop on a blister plaster. The sooner you identify it the better.
2. Socks
You need socks that are longer than your shoes. Don’t try to hike in invisible socks because you end up with places rubbing. This is also true if the sock starts to fall down.
Sports socks are a good option here. Some running socks if you have them also have padded zones to help with hotspots and for comfort. These, so long as they are long enough for your shoe choice are perfect. Otherwise any activewear socks will be fine.
Try and avoid cotton socks where you can as they will just hold onto the moisture (sweat) of your feet and make you feel damp. It is normally good practice to take a dry change of socks but it is especially worth it if you have to wear cotton socks for anything longer than a few hours.
Socks are your best protection against blisters. So getting a good pair can make a lot of difference on the trail. Failing that, plaster up. Prevention is better than a cure of a blister. Take some blister plasters with you and put one on as soon as you feel any friction or hotspot appear or before your hike even starts if you are prone.
3. Underwear
For shorter hikes you can get away with any underwear you find comfortable. If you’re camping, obviously give yourself a change. You do not really want anything lacy or that collects all that sweat. The irritation is real. Also the more protection for your bottom when you sit on a bramble is worth it!
Cycling style shorts can be an excellent option for those who suffer thigh chafing too. Gives you some protection as long as they don’t ride up your legs. Test a few pairs out by walk, jog or do squats. There is also nothing wrong with wearing them for a day or two to see how they wear across the day, especially if you only worn them over a workout before.
4. Bras
Ladies, some support will likely be required on a hike. Short walks you will get away with your everyday bra, however, if you have the option of a sports bra, this will offer you better support. This is especially true when the terrain is a bit more challenging (if you have to cross your arms coming down the stairs, it likely isn’t suitable for your hike!).
Sports bras are the best here. They keep the boob sweat at bay and offer support whatever the activity level. For most, you will not need anything more than a low to medium support level unless you really want to take it to the hills! They also are designed for movement so the straps will not fall off your shoulders.
Another tip I have found useful is check where the fastenings and adjusters are. If you’re wearing a backpack for a long time, those little clips may start to dig in so a seamless option may be a better fit.
If you want more information of wearing bras for hiking, check out my full article here.
5. Bottom Layer
The most important part here is to avoid denim. I have a whole article about wearing jeans which you can read here which lists many cons (and some benefits) along with me timing how long it took different trousers to dry. Spoiler alert, jeans were second to last of my options.
Any cotton based fabric (which denim aka jeans are made from) will hold onto water and keep you feeling cold. Fortunately, there are some other options that are likely in your wardrobe.
Trousers or shorts? The choice is ultimately up to you. Shorts can be excellent for freedom of movement and keeping you cool but exposes your legs. If your trail is well marked and open so long as you pack your suncream you shouldn’t have too many issues. Fabric shorts are also extremely light so it may be worth chucking a pair in your bag should the weather brighten up.
On the other hand, trousers offer better protection against brambles, nettles and bugs and if you are like me protection against the itchiness caused by long grass brushing against you.
For the best option here, you should look for is your gym attire. Do you have a pair of leggings or yoga pants that feel comfortable? These are excellent for mobility and keeping the sweat away from your skin. Just try and avoid your favourite pair, leggings rip so easily. A brush up against a bramble bush and bye, bye leggings.
Failing that, any comfortable trousers will be fine on a shorter walk if the weather holds. The thicker the trousers the hotter they will be and the more likely they will absorb water and hold it against your skin unless they are designed to be moisture wicking.
If you do own a pair of waterproof trousers, then make sure to take them along. Many of the issues caused by non-technical clothing are due to when they get wet. Waterproof trousers can mitigate some of that if used in time and effectively. Sadly, they do not help with sweating!
6. Base Layer
Most sports tops will be excellent here. They dry fast, keep the sweat from your skin and many have anti-microbial properties whether it’s wool or synthetic.
For shorter walks, on cooler dry days, any comfy top will do (you just might have more noticeable sweat patches). Anything too tight will be uncomfortable or will ride up especially if you are wearing a backpack. I would also check where the labels sit with regards to backpacks because I have had them rub before when normally they are fine.
Unless you really feel the cold, or it is going to be super cold you probably will not want to wear an ordinary long sleeve top, especially a thermal one whilst you are hiking. You will simply get too hot. It’s better to have a long sleeve layer to put on top than start off with in most cases. The only exception to this I would say is if you have a long sleeve running or working out top that is fully breathable.
If you don’t believe me, I have been hiking surrounded by snow and just been in a long sleeve hiking top and still been perfectly warm. When you’re moving you will soon heat up. The only time you will feel cold is when you stop.
I would avoid vest tops, especially super thin straps for a few reasons. Firstly, it can chafe when you put the backpack on, even if it is not particularly heavy. Then you have the exposure to the sun and shoulders burn. And the bag will likely rub off even the most dilegently applied suncream. And finally, the mix of backpack straps and t-shirt straps leads to some interesting tan lines.
7. Layers
This can be challenging as most hikers will wear some form of fleece for warmth. Great if you already have one for say cold weather runs or in-between at the gym but if you don’t finding a good layering system can be a challenge.
You want clothing that will comfortably sit on top of each other and even if it is only the one then your waterproof layer needs to sit on top. Hoodies are normally far too thick to wear and made of cotton. So you will likely be stuck between too hot and too cold the whole hike and if it rains you will not be in for a good time. If you have some thin sweaters that will be a lot better choice.
Another excellent layer is to have a wind shell. Perhaps you already have one for running. These are super thin so do not do much for warmth but keeping a wind chill off you can make all the difference. This is particularly useful if you are someone who tends to run warm. Using your waterproof layer as a wind shell is very effective but can be a little too hot on warmer days.
8. Waterproof Shell
A waterproof layer is a must on any hike. Whatever coat you have, try and take the lightest and most water resistant you have.
Thick down puffer jackets are not suitable for hiking (although very nice when you have stopped if it’s dry). They are hot and hold onto moisture so if it rains, the jacket becomes useless.
Any thin anorak will be OK for short hikes and little downpours. These are worth brining along unless you already have a decent rain jacket.
These jackets are also excellent for keeping the wind off you too and can always work as an additional layer if you’re feeling cold. If you do have a jacket, if you can choose one with a peaked hood. This helps to keep the rain off your face or it just rolls down and drips off your nose. You can always use a peak cap for the same effect if your coat doesn’t have this.
9. Backpack
Any rucksack is suitable for short hikes so long as it comfortably fits in enough water (at least 1L, more depending on length of hike, remoteness, weather and personal preferences), your layers when not in use and snacks. Of course, the longer you are out the more you will need to take such as lunch or if you’re not on a well marked route then map and compass (always useful either way).
No backpack is fully waterproof, especially after hours of rain so make sure everything, especially your clothing and electricals are waterproofed either in waterproof bags or sealable freezer style bags.
10. Accessories
Hat, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses and suncream.
Beanies make a noticeable difference to how warm you feel and can help protect your ears from the wind. Gloves again for warmth but they can also offer protection to your hands should you need to scramble.
Protection front the sun is as much of an issue in winter as it is summer. Snow reflects light and causes awful glare and another lesson I learnt the hard way. Also, in many countries in the northern hemisphere the sun sits lower in the sky in winter meaning it is constantly in your eyes. Sunglasses, if nothing else are one of the most overlooked things in my opinion.
Sunhat and suncream are a given. No one wants heat stroke on a trail nor horrible sun burn.
Conclusion
Everyone should feel comfortable getting out for a good old hike with whatever they have. It’s great that you have taken the time to get a better idea of what works and what doesn’t on the trail. Learning from other peoples mistakes before you make them yourself is a faster route to success. Hopefully this means you will have a very fun trip and catch the hiking bug!
Happy Hiking!
