Introduction
When hiking for the first time, clothing might be an essential part of your hike. Fashion might not be very important on the trail, but your hiking outfit can make a lot of difference between a fun hike and a miserable one. This doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole collection of available hiking gear. Only wearing important items can help you a lot during a hike. Let’s look at some of the appropriate dressing tips for you to have a wonderful time outdoors.
Monitor The Weather Pattern:
The first and foremost thing you need to do before setting off on a hike is to check the weather for the day of the hike. You can not pick your hiking outfit until you know what you are dressing for. Be smart when you monitor the weather pattern, as the weather might differ from the place you are starting to the point you end in. High elevations and summits tend to be a lot colder and windier than other spots.
Be well-prepared for the weather and dress accordingly. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. Rainy weather can be a nightmare while hiking, so carry essentials and dress according to the forecast.
Shoes:
Wearing proper shoes can help you enjoy the hike. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Sneakers might be a bad option. Choose shoes you won’t mind getting dirty. Shoes with extra traction provide a grip on slippery surfaces. Steep and slippery hikes can be very challenging, and wearing good-quality shoes will be a great help for you in general. If you want to spend some money, you can get yourself a good hiking boot that is going to last you for a long time.
If you hike a lot, you might want to get water-resistant boots that will help you cross small streams and even walk on snow. For summer hiking, many hikers prefer light synthetic shoes that can help you cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time. Hiking shoes come with a lot of different materials and insoles; check the shoes that best suit you and will be comfortable for a short hike.
Hiking Tops:
Regular t-shirts might not be the best choice for a hike. They do not wick sweat and can feel sticky as you move along the trail. Athletic hiking tops are recommended, as they can wick sweat and help you stay dry for the entire hike. Avoid tank tops for the hike, as you will be carrying a backpack for the entire hike.
For colder temperatures, carry a long-sleeved shirt along with you. Sweaters are not recommended, as they will feel heavy as you walk. Hiking jackets can be a great option, as they contain extra space for you to carry other essentials and will help you keep warm. Avoid polyester shirts, as they can feel irritating; opt for cotton clothes, as they will feel much better. Choose wisely, as you may regret the decision to wear a bad hiking top.
Hiking Bottoms:
Running shorts are perfect for short hikes as you won’t be traveling much. They are light and elegant and will feel much better. Leggings or long pants do provide extra protection from thorns, bushes, cuts, and scratches; however, they might feel heavy, and you may sweat considerably more when wearing them. Look for pants that will dry quickly if they get wet.
Avoid cotton pants as they may take a lot more time to dry up than regular pants. Shorts are the best option as they won’t get damaged or dirty quickly. They feel much lighter than regular pants and will allow you to move quickly through the trail.
Socks:
Any athletic apparel will do for most items on this list. But if there’s one area to splurge for hiking-specific garments, it is socks. A good pair of socks can make the difference between a pleasant, enjoyable hike and a miserable one. Hiking socks are made up of wool and quick-drying material and will provide cushioning to your feet for the entire hike. For cold climates and wet temperatures, carry an extra pair of socks.
Backpacks:
A good backpack allows you to carry all the extra essentials. Food and water can be stored in the backpack. A good backpack with extra small compartments will be a perfect choice as you can divide your essentials into many small parts.
If rain is forecasted, carry a water-resistant bag with you. It can help your essentials stay dry despite the rain. You can even carry a navigation tool in your backpack. Most backpacks also provide support to your back and will help you move quicker along the trail, making them an integral part of a hike.
Things to Avoid Wearing During a Hike:
- Avoid Jeans or cotton pants, as they can take a lot of time to dry up if they get wet. They are also not as comfortable as shorts during a hike.
- Avoid wearing thick or woolen sweaters, which can feel heavy during the hike.
- Rain boots are one of the worst choices you can go with. They feel heavy and do not provide any traction during the hike.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes, as they may directly affect your comfort and reduce your mobility along the hike.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry as you may lose them. They are also pretty uncomfortable in such situations.
- Lastly, avoid overpacking your clothes. Only carry clothes that are very essential during the hike.
Also Read: Beginner’s Guide to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
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