Topic: What to Wear Hiking (Read 42 times)
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Finding a good pair of hiking boots or shoes is not always an easy endeavor. And it can be a pricey one. But if you’re going to invest in one nicer item for your hikes, think about investing in good foot wear.
“You need boots you’re co*fortable in with good tread that are sturdy with some ankle support,” Peikon says.
Some people prefer heavy-duty hiking boots, others like trail runners. What you need depends on the terrain. Are you backpacking in rugged wilderness or hiking on smooth trails in the foothills outside your town? Are you going to be slopping through puddles and wet grass or spending most of your time in the desert? Think about your needs and then make a decision from there. We tested and reviewed the best minimalist shoes for hiking and trail running, the best hiking shoes and also the best waterproof boots to help you make the most informed decision.
Many people overlook gaiters, which can be a really efficient way to keep snow, water, brush, and sticks out of your boots and off your ankles. co*panies make a remarkable variety, so check out our best picks here.
Remember to break in whatever boots or shoes you plan on wearing. Brand new boots can result in agonizing blisters miles from the trailhead.
“The fabric of your socks really does matter a lot,” Peikon says. And she would know. She’s hiked and backpacked around the world in every condition imaginable. So trust her when she says cotton socks are one of the fastest routes to sweaty feet and blisters.
As with the base layers you wear on your top and bottom, your feet also need a moisture-wicking material like wool or synthetics. Today’s Merino wool has the added benefit that it’s soft and doesn’t retain odors.
Check out the best hiking socks for everything from managing moisture to the most co*fortable. Also find the best hiking socks on a budget.
Peikon also reco*mends double socks, ones that co*e with two layers to minimize rubbing which often leads to blisters.
Whether it’s chilly when you head out in the morning or will cool off before you finish at the end of the day, make sure you think about protecting your head and hands. If you’re somewhere it could get cold, consider a winter hat best suited for the condition. We offer our take on today’s best winter hats including the best beanies for running, for women and even the biggest splurge. If you’re headed out somewhere hot and sunny, like the deserts of the southwest or flats of the southeast, you’ll likely want a hat that keeps the sun off your face and deflects some heat from the top of your head. (Find our list of the best fishing hats here.)
Your hands are also important to protect from the elements. Do you need a waterproof glove? We got you covered. Are you going to be scrambling over rocks or trail running? Do you want a liner or one, great, overall pair of gloves? We break down all the options in this best gloves for hiking review.
One of the last items to consider when you’re wondering what to wear hiking is a good pair of sunglasses. They not only stave off headaches from too much sun, but also to protect your eyes from dirt, dust, and other airborne objects.
OL’s Thess exhaustively tested almost a dozen sunglasses in the desert and mountains to outline the best ones for your next adventure. Consider, for example, the Tifosi Seek 2.0 if you’re going to be running, the Maui Jim Wailua if you’re looking for something ultralight, the Costa Coleta if you want a great, overall pair of glasses, or the Goodr Everglades if you’re on a budget. You won’t regret heading out with glasses that protect eyes from whatever the outdoors may bring.
While trekking poles don’t fit directly into the category of what to wear hiking, you could consider them as important to your co*fort and safety as a piece of clothing. I never used to use hiking poles. I was strong and agile enough to get where I needed to go without the aid of a pole. But the more I hiked and backpacked—especially with a heavy pack—I realized their utility isn’t just for the older hikers among us.
Hiking poles keep you stable on uneven terrain. They can also take some of the brunt of a heavy pack off your ankles, knees, and hips. They can also help you cover more ground, faster. And some, like the Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Pole, will even help you pitch a tent. We reco*mend the Leki Makalu FX Carbon pole as the best overall one. But you could also consider the MSR Dynalock Explore Backcountry Pole as the most versatile, the Black Diamond Pursuit Shock as the best for day hikes and the Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Pole for, well, when you need something a bit more minimalist.
Do your future-self a favor and invest in poles that protect your joints and keep you safe on the trail.
What we wear at any given time is an incredibly personal decision, but when it co*es to being outdoors, it’s also one that can stand in the way of a positive experience. Wear the wrong clothes, you could be unco*fortable at best and in real trouble at worst. And while options for what to wear hiking seem endless, it’s not too hard to narrow down what suits you best.
Lastly, once you dress to meet the occasion, don’t forget to bring a backpack to hold some of those layers when they’re not needed, safety gear, extra food, and a water purifier.
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