What to Wear Hiking

Hey there my nature-loving friend!  Thanks for being here today :)

So, I was wondering…..are you ready to take your adventures to the next level?  Do you want to be more comfortable, confident, and prepared out on the trail?  

If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s talk about what to wear hiking!

Your clothing choices can make all the difference while you are out exploring, both in comfort and safety.  Today I wanted to take a minute to share what’s in my closet in the hopes that I can help you decide what will work best for you as you hike.  Each item listed below has been put through the wringer…both on my own personal hiking trips and during my work as a park ranger.  Some of these items I have had for 5-10 years!

My only disclaimer is this:  I focus on high-quality, budget-friendly outdoor gear.  I don’t claim to own the best of the best — I frankly can’t afford it.  But I want to show you that you can get GREAT stuff on a limited budget!!

That said, technically you don’t need much to start hiking.  When you’re first starting out, it’s okay to just get out there with whatever you have.  Just be sure you are prepared for the weather and wear layers so that you can add and subtract as the outside temperature changes.

When you’re ready, investing in some key articles of clothing will be the best gift you can give your adventurin’ self!  You’ll feel comfortable and confident as you explore some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Base Layers

When choosing what to wear hiking, you’ll first want to focus on the clothing layers that are nearest to your skin.  These clothing items are called BASE LAYERS.

Base layers help regulate your body temperature by wicking sweat away from your skin.  Keeping dry is important while hiking– it helps you avoid hypothermia in cold temps and helps keep your body keep cool in the heat.  Look for apparel made of synthetic fabrics (such as polyester, nylon, or spandex) or merino wool.

Short-Sleeved Wicking Shirt

The day I stopped hiking in cotton was the day my life changed!  Hiking in a shirt drenched in sweat is no fun — you will feel sticky and uncomfortable.  And let’s face it.  No one wants to hike downwind from your smelly shirt!

The good news is that it doesn’t take much to solve that problem.  Look for a shirt made out of synthetic material — I usually try to find 100% polyester.

My favorite hiking shirt right now is this Nike Dri Fit Athletic Shirt {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon} that I got for around $20.   After a long day out on the trail, this shirt stays dry and funky smell-free!  I also like how lightweight and comfy the fabric is…plus the price is just right.

The only drawback?  The fabric is a little sheer so if you’re worried about that, you may want to stick with the darker color options.

FOR MEN:  My husband John loves hiking in the Under Armour Tech T-Shirt {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.  It’s great at wicking sweat and the price is very affordable.

 

Long-Sleeved Wicking Shirt

In addition to a short-sleeved wicking shirt, it’s a good idea to have a long-sleeved one that will provide some warmth.  You’ll still want this layer to be moisture wicking so that it can work harmoniously with your other base layers.

My number one top choice for a long-sleeved base layer is this Smartwool Midweight Zip Top {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon}.  It’s made of 100% merino wool which will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable as you hike.

This shirt packs down small so I always just throw it in my backpack just in case.  It’s fantastic for hiking in the fall or spring or when heading deep into the mountains during the summer.  It doesn’t keep me super warm, but it’s great for using as a base layer (along with my short-sleeved shirt) that can be layered on with additional clothing for those chilly nights.

FOR MEN:  Check out the REI Screeline Half-Zip Shirt {available only at REI}.  This is a fantastic and affordable long sleeve option.

 

Sports Bra and Undies

Don’t forget the clothing items that are right up against your skin!  To truly be comfortable, it’s important to invest in sports bras and undies that work with your other base layers — that is, they also need to be made of wicking fabrics so that you stay nice and dry.

When you’re just getting started hiking, simple synthetic underwear will do (look for polyester, spandex, or nylon).  If you hike often, I definitely suggest investing in a few high quality pieces.

My favorites??  The Moving Comfort JustRight Racer Sports Bra {price check: REI / Amazon } and the ExOfficio Bikini Briefs {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.

Moving Comfort makes great sports bras for active women.  The JustRight Racer offers high support, wicks sweat, and is incredibly comfortable.

As for the undies, the best pair I’ve found on the market are the ExOfficio Bikini Briefs.  They dry quickly and are odor resistant.  I prefer the bikini briefs, but many different styles and cuts are offered.  When choosing a style, I recommend staying away from the string bikini cut — you’ll need more coverage if you don’t want them to “slide around” while you hike.

 

Outerwear

The purpose of outerwear is to protect you from the elements while on the trail.  I typically just stick with good solid jacket for warmth and a waterproof rain shell to block out the wind and keep me dry.

Warm Jacket

When looking for an insulating layer that is going to provide a lot of warmth, it’s important to find a jacket that is lightweight.  You’ll want it to pack down small enough that it won’t take up much space in your bag — if it’s too bulky you’ll be tempted to leave it at home!

 

I highly recommend the Patagonia Nano Puff {price check : REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.  This jacket uses PrimaLoft technology to keep you warm without the weight of a regular coat — it even stays warm when wet.

The Nano Puff is small, lightweight, cozy, and water-resistant.  I don’t usually bring it along while day hiking, but I love having it on all of my overnight trips.   It stands up well to our cold Utah winters and it’s also an excellent choice for cross-country skiing!

FOR MEN:  Take a look at the men’s version of the Patagonia Nano Puff {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.

 

Rain Jacket

Weather up in the mountains can change in an instant!  After being caught in several large storms while hiking, I decided to invest in a lightweight rain jacket.  Now I just throw that baby into my daypack and it comes with me wherever I go!

Buying a good rain jacket can be a considerable investment, but to get more bang for your buck I recommend The North Face Venture {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.  First of all, it’s cute!  But besides that, it does a great job of keeping me dry.

This rain jacket also has pit zips for ventilation and it folds down to fit inside of itself — you can actually store it inside one of the jacket pockets!

FOR MEN:  My husband John has loved using the REI Motility Rain Jacket {available only at REI} on all of our hiking adventures!

Pants

I sure can be a clumsy hiker!  It’s not unusual for me to end up on the ground at least once on a day hike, which I why I’ve started favoring pants over shorts.  But I am picky about the pants I wear while hiking….and I usually don’t like the feel of synthetic fabrics against my legs.

My favorite hiking pants at the moment are my Marmot Ginny Pants {price check: REI / Backcountry }.  They are a cotton/nylon blend so they aren’t completely moisture wicking, but I like the feel and comfort of the fabric which is why I ultimately chose these ones over the many other pairs I tried on.

You can easily roll up the pants legs and secure them to hit right below the knee.  I haven’t had any chafing issues with these pants, but they are on the baggy side so if that’s a concern for you, you may want to stick with spandex.   Occasionally I wear spandex (I just bought a simple pair from a local department store) or if you’re looking for a good pair of pants that zip off into shorts (convertibles), check out these Marmot Lobos.

     

 

FOR MEN:  John raves about the Prana Stretch Zion Pants {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon } that he hikes in almost exclusively now.  They move well, wick moisture, and look great!

 

Socks

I have tried out so many different brands of hiking socks and I’m happy to say that I have finally fallen in love!

Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Socks {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon } are the only socks I ever wear on the trail anymore — and they have transformed my hiking feet!  I use them ALL THE TIME and they still look and feel like they are brand new.  I haven’t had a single blister since I started wearing Darn Tough’s — they fit nice and snug and my feet stay cool and dry.

I personally prefer the Light Hikers because my feet tend to overheat easily and I prefer my socks to be on the thinner side, but thicker socks are available.  I also own a pair of the Full Cushion Hiker Socks and they are fabulous…just a little too thick for my temperamental feet.

FOR MEN:  Here are the Darn Tough Light Hikers for men {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.

 

Shoes

The most important piece of hiking apparel is the pair of shoes you wear.  Your feet are doing the hard work and are under a lot of pressure — they definitely deserve some pampering!

I hesitate to recommend one particular hiking shoe because shoes are not a one-size-fits-all product.   With that being said, I am a loyal Merrell customer and I currently hike in the Merrell Moab Ventilators {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.

Each brand of hiking shoe is going to fit your feet a little differently.  I buy Merrells because they fit my feet more comfortably than any other brand I have ever tried.  As a park ranger, I was required to wear Vasque hiking boots and they just never quite felt comfortable, but I know people that swear by that brand.  I’ve also tried Keen, Teva, Salomon, The North Face, Lowa….you name it, I’ve tried it!

My suggestion to you is to head into your local REI and try on a bunch of their shoes.  Figure out what brand fits you best and what size is most comfortable, then price check online to find the best price for that particular shoe.

A hiking shoe is something I would never recommend purchasing without trying on first.

Now, one brand of shoe that I think that every adventurer should own is a pair of Z2 Classic Style Chacos {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon }.  I swear by these hiking sandals and have nearly loved them to death — I’ve had this particular pair for 10 years and they are still going strong!

I wear my Chacos on most trails that are around 3 miles or so…and I always bring them if I’m hiking to or through water.  They take some time getting used to (you need to form calluses in the right places) but they are a fabulous for most of your outdoor adventures.  I prefer the Z2 Classics because I think they are easier to adjust than the shoes with multiple straps.

FOR MEN: I converted my husband over to these Chacos {price check: REI / Backcountry / Amazon } while we were dating, and he hasn’t looked back!

 

 

Hopefully this list provides some guidance as you start to build up your hiking wardrobe — the right clothes can make all the difference.  Have a phenomenal time out there!

Do you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about what to wear hiking?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

Disclosure:  This post about what to wear hiking contains affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase.  I only recommend products that I personally use while out on the trail!  I appreciate your support and welcome any questions you may have about any products featured on my site.  Thanks! Ash