There is a reason there is a whole genre of self-help literature dedicated to people who hiked in the mountains and returned changed individuals with a whole new perspective on life. If you have ever gone on a good hiking trip, you will be familiar with the fact that it is, without exaggeration, a life-changing experience. All the time spent close to nature is cleansing for the soul; however, the entire experience can be disrupted by something as simple as you failing to wear the correct clothing. Instead of gazing at the stars introspecting, you’re trying to fend off hypothermia.
The importance of appropriate clothing cannot be emphasized enough, especially when on a hiking trip. After all, your clothes are your first line of defense against elements of nature that hold no respect for anyone. If you are planning a hiking trip, you must meticulously plan out the clothes you will wear and pack in your rucksack. Since most hiking spots are in places that are not accessible by normal modes of communication, it is important to prepare for all scenarios.
The kind of clothing you need to wear and pack depends on the weather conditions and terrain of the place you will be hiking in. Therefore, your clothing choices will differ according to the season. Let’s systematically break down all the clothing essentials you need by each season and provide an easy checklist to go through when packing for a hiking trip.
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Clothing to Wear and Pack to Hiking According to Each Season
The rule of thumb for any outdoor attire is layering. Layering gives you control and helps you regulate your body temperature according to the weather conditions you are facing. However, there are some essentials that are reserved for certain seasons. Hiking is an activity that is not restricted by season, and adventurers even go out of their way to battle extreme weather conditions to feel close to nature. Therefore, the weather is perhaps the biggest factor when choosing clothes for your hiking trip. Second is practicality and comfort. Here are the hiking clothes you should pack and wear for each season:
1. Winter
This is perhaps the weather you must prepare the most for when going on a hiking trip. If the terrain you’re hiking on is snowy or chilly, you need to be fully prepared.
The essential for winter is a thermal layer. There are now excellent kin thermals on the market that retain body heat and serve as an excellent first layer as you bundle up to go against the cold. The mid layers can consist of thick insulating material such as wool or fleece. The final layer should be waterproof on the outside and preferably fleece-lined to keep out the cold. Mountain climbers on the K2 prove that there is now clothing good enough to combat frigid temperatures.
If you are hiking in the snow, waterproof shoes and gaiters are essential. Gaiters are worn on the bottom of the pants to stop snow from getting in.
2. Summer
Summer is the season when hiking activities are at their peak due to vacations and favorable weather conditions. Although the sunlight might look incredible filtering in from the trees, it can also easily damage your skin and give you sunburn. With the ever-increasing number of heat waves, there is also a chance of heat stroke. Therefore, wearing clothing that will keep you cool and protect you from the sun is important.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt made out of sweat-wicking material as it performs two functions simultaneously. It keeps you cool and helps your skin get protected from excessive sun exposure. Make sure that your clothing is loose and breathable to regulate your body temperature.
Many times it can get chilly, especially if you are hiking up a mountain; pack a windbreaker in case of lower temperatures.
3. Fall/Spring
Temperatures can swing quickly between warm and cold during both these seasons, therefore, it is important to wear clothing that is suitable for both conditions. A sweat wicking base layer, along with an optional fleece pullover is ideal for both these seasons. You might opt for short or pants by looking at the weather forecast.
4. Rain
It can rain in every season, but this needs a separate section since you need to pack rain-appropriate clothing for every hiking trip. It is essential to have a waterproof layer in case it rains. A raincoat does the trick, and most times a windbreaker can suffice as well. Also make sure your hiking boots are 100% waterproof because wet socks are a nightmare.
Some Extra Clothing You Should Pack
There are some clothing essentials that you should pack extra because they can always come in handy. This includes basics, like t-shirts, socks and underwear. It is always important to be prepared for any condition and extra articles of these clothing will help you feel fresh long into your hiking trips.
Final Thoughts
If you want to get up close with nature and be alone with your thoughts, there is no better activity than hiking. However, to ensure that the focus remains on the soothing nature, it is important to dress in clothes which protect you from natural elements. Consider the weather you will be hiking in, your own personal threshold for certain temperatures, and then plan out your perfect hiking outfit. If you feel cold easily, always carry a warm layer just in case. You definitely do not want your memories of your hiking adventure to be marred by your incorrect clothing choices.