What To Wear For A Hike? (Summer / Winter)
When it comes to hitting the trails, having the right gear is crucial for a comfortable and successful hike. From choosing the right footwear to layering properly to prepare for changing temperatures, there are many factors to consider when it comes to what to wear.
In this article, we will provide tips on how to dress appropriately for a hike in hot and cold weather, as well as offer guidance on selecting the best footwear and clothing for the trail. By following these recommendations, you can be well-equipped and ready to tackle any hike, no matter the weather.
What to wear for a hike in hot weather?
For hot weather hikes, wear lightweight, breathable clothing in light colors, to help to regulate your body temperature and keep you cool. Protect your head and skin with a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothing. Moisture-wicking underwear and socks can prevent chafing and blisters during physical activity.
If you hike in warm areas, you want to wear clothes that make you feel cool and breezy. Choose a lightweight and breathable fabrics that let cool air in and hot air out. Breathable clothing makes you feel much cooler, so you can enjoy the hike better. With that in mind, it’s better to wear loose-fitting clothing, because they let the air in better.
Light clothes also heat up less by the sun, because they reflect the sun rays away, instead of absorbing them like dark clothes. Light colors like white, yellow, and tan will feel much better, so choose them if you can.
In hot weather, protecting yourself from the sun is absolutely essential. Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and if you can, go with a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from being sunburnt. You should also use sunscreen to protect your skin, and if you can, wear long clothing to cover your skin as much as possible.
Wearing sunglasses can make you feel more comfortable when the sun is bright, and it also protects your eyes.
The most common options for pants on a hike are convertible pants and leggings. There are other alternatives, and if you want to learn more about them I wrote an entire post about hiking pants where I detail everything you need to know.
Moisture-wicking underwear and socks are one of my top recommendations for hiking in hot weather. With moisture-wicking underwear, you’ll feel more breezy, and you’re way less likely to suffer from chafing, which is partially caused by moisture. Moisture-wicking, breathable socks reduce the chances of blisters and have a better feel overall.
I previously wrote an entire post about what to wear when hiking in hot weather, where I explain everything in more detail and suggest some additional tips that can make your hiking experience much better. Make sure to read it too.
What to wear for a hike in cold weather?
For a cold weather hike, it is advisable to dress in layers to retain heat. Begin with a base layer to absorb sweat and moisture, followed by a mid-layer for insulation, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Bring warm accessories such as a hat, gloves, and socks to protect your head and limbs from the cold.
When dressing for a cold weather hike, you want to layer clothing, so you can add or remove layers as you go if you’re too cold or too hot.
- Start with a warm base layer. If the weather is somewhat mild, you can wear a top base layer, and if it’s very cold, you might want to wear both a top base layer and bottoms. Base layers come in different fabric thicknesses, and are designed for different temperature ranges. They should be moisture-wicking to prevent chafing.
- If you need more warmth, you can wear a mid-layer on top of the base layer. Common mid-layers are fleece jackets and pants, which can provide a lot of warmth. They come in different thickness levels as well.
- On top of the previous layers, you’ll need to add a top layer of rainwear, designed to keep you from getting wet. Most rain jackets and pants are suitable for the job and keep you safe and dry from rain and snow.
Besides the layers, you should protect your head, hands, and feet from the cold, and keep heat from escaping from your body. Wear a warm hat and gloves, as well as warm, moisture-wicking socks. You’ll feel much hotter wearing these and avoid uncomfortable sensations in your head and limbs.
The materials of your clothes also have a lot to do with how well they preserve your body heat. Favor quality materials like merino wool, fleece, and synthetic insulation, to keep you warm in the cold weather hike. The pros and cons of different hiking clothing materials are detailed here:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino wool | Breathable, moisture-wicking, naturally odor-resistant | Expensive, may be itchy for some | All weather conditions |
| Fleece | Warm, lightweight, breathable | Absorbs moisture, not as durable as some other materials | Cold to moderate weather |
| Synthetic insulation | Lightweight, breathable, quick-drying | Not as durable as some other materials | Cold to moderate weather |
| Nylon | Durable, lightweight, moisture-wicking | Not as breathable as some other materials | All weather conditions |
| Polyester | Breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying | Not as durable as some other materials | All weather conditions |
Make sure to check the forecast before going on the hike. The weather can change quickly, and you want to make sure the clothing you bring is enough to keep you safe and warm during the hike. You also want to make sure it’s not too cold to hike.
A lot of people forget to put sunscreen on when hiking in cold weather because they forget you can still be sunburnt even when it’s cold. Remember to bring sunscreen with you, in case it’ll be sunny.
What footwear to wear for a hike?
For a hike, it is advisable to wear hiking boots or shoes for their support, comfort, and traction. Alternatively, trail running shoes can be a lighter option. In cold weather, wear waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry. Ensure footwear fits well and is broken in to prevent discomfort and injury.
There are a lot of options how what footwear to wear for hiking, but in general hiking boots are the best option, as they’re designed specifically for hiking. You can wear other kinds of shoes, provided they’re comfortable, breathable, supportive, and that they have good traction.
I actually wrote an entire post about whether hiking boots are necessary, where I detail the different considerations, and the pros and cons
If you prefer a lighter option, a good quality trail running shoe can be good for hiking as well. They’re like running shoes, but with more protective materials, that should keep your feet safe on the trail.
In cold weather, it’s generally recommended that you take a waterproof shoes, so your socks and feet won’t get wet. Hiking boots and hiking shoes are good options, as many of them are waterproof.
If the hike requires you to pass through water, having a pair of sandals in your backpack is a really good idea. You can quickly switch to sandals, pass through the stream, dry your feet and switch back to your shoes. Some models can be supportive and fun to hike in, but they’re not that great for hiking long trails, so having both sandals and shoes is the balanced option.
Before going on the hike, make sure that your shoes fit properly, and that they have already been broken in. If you don’t, you might suffer from pain and blisters during the hike, which isn’t fun.
Hiking clothing tips
Here are some additional general tips for what to wear while hiking.
- Wear moisture-wicking fabrics. These fabrics keep you dry and comfortable and reduce chafing and blisters. Wearing moisture-wicking clothes also feel nicer when on the hike, because they don’t stick to your body as much when you sweat.
- Avoid cotton. While cotton is good for keeping warm, it absorbs moisture and gets really heavy when wet. Cotton clothes, like T-shirts and jets, aren’t a good fit for hiking because they get heavy and uncomfortable. They also take a really long time to dry, so they make you chafe more.
- Consider the weather and environment. The type of clothes you take on a hike should suit the weather conditions of the hike, and the hike itself. If you’re going on a short and easy hike, you can basically wear any clothes you want, and generally feel fine. If you’re going on a high-difficulty, technical hike, you need to wear appropriate clothing to keep you safe.
- Bring a light jacket or raincoat in case of inclement weather. Even if the weather forecast says the chances of rain are low, it’s always good to have a thin rain jacket folded in your backpack. Some jackets can be folded to a really small volume, and weigh almost nothing.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen and insect repellent. This is especially important in conditions where most people forget to apply them, like in cold conditions. Being sunburnt or having insect bites on your skin can make the hike really uncomfortable, so make sure to protect yourself and apply the appropriate products.
Conclusions
In this post, we’ve covered the topic of hiking clothing, and what to wear in different weather and trail conditions. Dressing appropriately for the hike is really important for your comfort and safety, so have that in mind when planning your next hike.
When considering what to wear for a hike, consider your clothing, footwear, and accessories you might need on the trail. Your clothing has a major effect on how you feel on the trail, so if you don’t have appropriate clothing, make sure to purchase them before going on the trail.
When hiking in summer, try to maximize airflow in your clothes, and choose breathable materials and clothing items. In winter, try to layer appropriately, so you can add or remove layers as you go and stay warm and dry.
Remember to protect your skin, no matter the weather conditions. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent to the hike, and apply them as required.
I hope this guide was helpful, and enjoy your hike!
