Prevent donning certain attire during your hiking excursions for a more enjoyable journey.
Hiking can be a rewarding outdoor activity, but it's essential to dress appropriately to ensure comfort and safety. Here are some common mistakes hikers often make and tips to help you avoid them.
Clothing Mistakes
- Wearing cotton garments: Cotton retains moisture, which can lead to heavy, wet clothing and increase the risk of hypothermia, especially in cold conditions. Instead, choose synthetic fabrics or merino wool that are quick drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
- Not layering properly: Proper layering involves a base layer (moisture-wicking), an insulation layer (warmth), and a waterproof/windproof shell. Skipping layers or wearing inappropriate combinations can cause overheating or chill.
- Wearing non-hiking apparel: Street clothes or casual wear do not regulate temperature, wick moisture, block wind or rain, or provide breathability. Even some ski or athletic clothes may be too bulky or heavy for hiking.
- Bringing only light insulation: For cold environments, relying solely on a thin down jacket can be dangerous. A robust, well-insulated down jacket is recommended to protect against severe weather.
- Wearing inappropriate or ill-fitting footwear: Wearing shoes that are not designed for hiking, or shoes that are too small or too large, can cause blisters, ankle injuries, and discomfort.
- Forgetting rain gear: Not carrying a waterproof jacket or shell can result in being soaked during unexpected rain, affecting comfort and safety.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
- Choose appropriate fabrics: Use materials like synthetic fibers or merino wool for all clothing layers.
- Use a layering system: Base, insulation, and shell layers allow you to regulate body temperature and adapt to weather changes.
- Wear hiking-specific clothing and footwear: Select gear designed for hiking demands, tested for fit and comfort before your hike.
- Bring adequate insulation: Include a warm down jacket suitable for worst-case weather scenarios.
- Carry rain protection: Always have a waterproof, breathable jacket or shell in your pack.
- Test all clothing and footwear on shorter hikes to ensure comfort and functionality before longer trips.
In addition to these tips, consider the following advice:
- Wool socks are a good alternative as they dry quickly and regulate heat. Darn Tough's Coolmax® socks are a vegan alternative to wool socks.
- Moisture-wicking hats, hats with ventilation features, and hats with SPF protection are ideal for hiking.
- Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and merino wool make for better hiking underwear. Avoid cotton underwear while hiking due to its lack of moisture-wicking properties and durability.
- Wearing bright colors on high-risk trails can help hunters and emergency responders find you in case of an accident.
- Flatlock seams are flat on both sides and are often found in base layers and heftier garments like fleece jackets.
- If there is even a small chance of a breeze, choose a hat with a chin strap so it doesn't fly away.
- Choose hues that are easily distinguishable from the environment where you will be hiking.
- Denim jeans are not suitable for hiking as they can chafe, are not breathable, and are not suitable for extreme weather conditions.
- Liners made from synthetic materials can further limit friction between feet and shoes.
- Baseball caps are not the most functional choice for hiking due to their lack of a 360-degree brim.
- Hiking in cotton socks can lead to blisters and chafing, especially in wet conditions. Toe socks and liners can help prevent blisters between toes.
- Opt for a hat with a 360-degree brim, a wide brim, or a balaclava for hiking in exposed conditions.
- UV protection and VLT are not synonymous; UV deals with invisible UV rays while VLT regards visible light.
- Testing shoes can help identify shoe options based on the trails you plan to hike.
- Sunglasses should be removable for taking photos, seeing clearly on shady sections of the trail, and seeing at night once dusk settles in.
- Jewelry can be a risk to lose on the trail, snag on branches, or cause discomfort.
- Sunglasses should filter out 98% to 100% of UV radiation.
By following these tips, you can ensure a comfortable and safe hiking experience. Happy trails!
[1] OutdoorGearLab [2] REI Co-op [3] Backpacker [5] National Park Service
- When purchasing fashion-and-beauty products, consider darn tough's Coolmax® socks as a sustainable and functional alternative to wool socks for hiking.
- For a home-and-garden project, consider selecting hiking-specific clothing and footwear, such as those from REI Co-op, Backpacker, and National Park Service, to ensure optimal performance on the trail.
