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Wondering what to wear on your next hiking adventure?
When I first got into hiking, I didn’t always have a great idea of what I should be wearing. I often wore cotton shirts, which meant they would stick to me after I started sweating, and I had no idea how to choose a pair of hiking boots so I felt comfortable while on the trail.
Over time, I’ve found the items that have made getting outside so much more comfortable and that works for me. Knowing these hiking essentials has allowed me to focus a lot more on the adventure I am having and a lot less on whether my underwear is riding up. It took a lot of trial and error, though!
You’ll come up with your own hiking wardrobe that works for you, but I thought I would share what has been a good fit for me and what might get you started as you get out more. These items are the ones I tend to gravitate toward–which is why I tend to wear the same few items in every picture!
In summary: This article will cover the main things you should wear while on the trail and some additional items that will make your hiking experience much more comfortable!
Quick tip: If in doubt, consider testing the item on the trail. Many brands let you try things and return them if they aren’t working for you after one or two uses.
A note on layering
Before you go ahead and purchase a whole new wardrobe for hiking, knowing how to layer can keep you from buying more items than you need. Layering allows you to regulate your body temperature as you hike–you can put on or take off items as needed.
For most hikes, you probably won’t need layers upon layers, but having them available can help you stay comfortable as weather changes or if you run into rain or snow.
Dressing for seasons
Likewise, different seasons might require different items. Hiking during the heat of the summer months is very different than hiking during the cooler fall months. You might need thicker fabrics, more layers, and items like gloves depending on the temperature. Before you hit the trail, make sure to check the weather beforehand so you can plan accordingly.
Top half
Since your top half is where you tend to lose the most heat, you’re likely to have more items to layer. Ideally, for the items that touch your skin, you want them to be moisture-wicking so you don’t have to deal with it holding in sweat. For the layers that go over your moisture-wicking shirts, consider items that will hold in heat or protect you from the elements.
Sports bra
Sports bras keep everything in place while you are on the trail. Since most of them are designed to be moisture-wicking, this also helps to keep sweat from saturating the fabric. While what bra you choose to hike in is a personal choice, I highly recommend a sports bra since it is also less likely to rub on any gear you might be carrying too.
Hiking shirt
I usually wear a lightweight hiking shirt as my first layer. I usually avoid cotton if I can since it tends to hold in that sweat more than other fabrics like polyester. Short sleeve is what I most commonly wear during the warmer months–even if it is cooler, I tend to warm up quick after a mile or two on the trail.
Long-sleeve hiking shirt
I also always bring along a long-sleeve, lightweight shirt, as well. This helps if you are dealing with hot sun and you don’t want to get burned. Having one with a hood and UV ray protection is ideal since it not only gives you another layer when things cool off, but it also keeps you from getting too hot too.
Fleece
Chilly mornings mean that you should have another layer–preferably one that retains heat! A lightweight fleece always goes in my daypack just in case we reach the top of a mountain and it’s cool, or during different times of the day when it gets cold. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, but it also helps if you stop and take a break from your hike–you’ll cool down fast and this helps you to stay warm!
Hiking jacket
A puffy jacket is another must-have item I tend to carry with me unless it is a very hot day. Like a fleece, it keeps you warm and also protects you from the elements. You’re also going to need to have a rain jacket with you–read a bit further down on why a rain jacket is one of the essentials you’ll need!
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Bottom half
While it’s not as important to keep your bottom half warm, there are some considerations in what type of pant you want to wear. Some hikers swear by leggings, while others want a more lightweight option. Depending on how cool it is outside, you might even want to wear both!
Moisture-wicking underwear
A must-have is moisture-wicking underwear. Just like having a quality sports bra, you want underwear that won’t ride up or rub while you are hiking and that won’t retain a ton of sweat. For backpackers, this is especially true since you might be wearing the same pair of underwear for multiple days.
Hiking leggings
Some hikers swear by leggings. Personally, they have to be very comfortable for me to hike in them, or sometimes I wear them as a base layer under my hiking pants. Make sure you double check the type of fabric (avoid cotton) they are made of so they don’t hold in some of that sweat. Since leggings sit so close to the skin, you want to make sure they won’t hold the sweat in too!
Hiking shorts
During the hotter months, I tend to gravitate toward hiking shorts over pants. This cools me down a little more than having pants on, and you can find plenty of options that are moisture-wicking and comfortable–I wouldn’t recommend hiking in jean shorts!
Hiking pants
Hiking pants in moisture-wicking fabrics are my go-to options for bottom layers. Many outdoor companies also make a zip-off option that you can use for both pants and shorts, so if you would rather not choose, these can be a great solution. Like other hiking items, I tend to pick moisture-wicking fabrics that are soft–you don’t want chaffing after miles on the trail!
Quick tip: Since hiking pants are typically loose, you might want to look into a belt designed for hiking if they don’t fit perfectly around the waist.
Rain gear
The gear you choose for hiking in the rain might be slightly different than what you would wear on a blue-bird day. You might need materials that handle moisture better than other materials for a regular hiking day, and more layers might come in handy too depending if the temperature is lower.
Rain jacket
Even if I am hiking on a sunny day, I always bring a rain jacket with me in my day pack. I don’t know how many times this has kept me from getting drenched. You want a jacket made of a material like Gore-Tex, which will keep your under layers from getting wet–nothing is more miserable than hiking with water sticking to sweaty skin.
Moisture-wicking pants
Likewise, moisture-wicking pants are a must-have when you are are planning on getting wet. Like a rain jacket, Gore-Tex can be a good bet, but it does tent to trap heat inside. You might not need fabric that heavy, but do make sure that your pants are at least semi-waterproof so you’re not soaked.
Hiking boots or shoes
You don’t need the fanciest hiking boots on the market in order to hit the trail. When I first got into hiking, my trusty running shoes worked just fine! As I began to take on tougher hikes and I needed some more support, I began to look into a sturdier pair of boots. I will say that what footwear you choose is up to you–I know some hikers who swear by trail runners and will never choose a heavier boot.
The main thing is to make sure you have enough ankle support and traction for the hike you’ve chosen. Once you have an idea of whether you are hiking with a bunch of shale or if it’s a fairly flat trail, you can decide if you need to upgrade your footwear or not.
Hiking socks
While whether you choose hiking boots or trail runners is up to you, I highly recommend merino wool hiking socks no matter what type of footwear you have. Wool wicks sweat, and if you tend to have sweaty feet like I do, then this can help you from developing blisters. There are so many great brands out there, and it’s worth spending a little more in order to make sure you don’t have to cut your hike short.
Accessories
While these items might be the last you think about when you are putting together your hiking wardrobe, they are actually quite important. You should always have some sort of sun protection with you (part of the essentials), even if it looks like an overcast day. These are the accessories that I always choose to have with me–especially when it’s sunny out.
Hat
A hat with a brim is a must-have whether you are hiking on a hot day or a cooler one. I’ve found this to be the most effective way to avoid my face getting burned, as well as wearing some SPF face lotion when out on the trail. Any baseball cap can do–you don’t have to go crazy finding a hat that is meant for hiking.
Buff
You can use a buff for so many different things! When hiking in the heat, I might pour some cool water on it and put it around my neck. On a dusty trail, it can help to protect your nose and mouth, and I sometimes use it as a headband to keep my hair back. Most of all, I find it useful for blocking the sun on my neck–this is another item you might want to purchase with UV ray protection.
Sunglasses
Speaking of UV ray protection, sunglasses are needed for sunny and most overcast days. I have some pretty sensitive eyes, so I always pop a pair on top of my head or throw some in my daypack. Like your other gear, a pair of sunglasses doesn’t need to be expensive in order to get the job done, but do look for a pair with UVA/UVB protection.
Conclusion
It’s amazing how wearing the right thing hiking can make such a huge difference when on the trail. Not only can it make your time outside more comfortable, but in some case, can keep you from avoiding injury or illness too–hypothermia from soaked clothes is not fun. You also don’t need to purchase the most expensive gear on the market in order to hike–most budget items will do just fine!
Have any questions about what you should wear while hiking? Let me know in the comments!
