While one of the great things about hiking is that you don’t technically need a lot to get started, comfort is really improved with the proper clothing, footwear and gear.
We’ve gone through a lot of clothing and gear over the years (our closet is filled with so many hiking shoes, it looks like Imelda Marcos took up hiking) and offer our recommendations, opinions, and tips here.
Just keep in mind that clothing and gear styles change constantly, and something may no longer be available or no longer works/fits as we described.
Pants/ShortsRegular, zip-offs
Hiking ShirtsShort and Long Sleeved
FootwearBoots, shoes, sandals
A really key clothing concept for hiking: learn to layer. By layering clothing, temperature can be regulated just by adding or removing a piece.
- Base Layer – wicking shirt (short or long-sleeved) next to your skin
- Insulation Layer – such as fleece shirt or jacket
- Protective Layer – wind/rain resistant shell
- Hat/Gloves – a lot of heat is lost through the head/hands
The goal is to stay comfortable, dry and avoid hypothermia. If you overheat, you’ll start sweating and your clothing becomes wet, putting you at risk.
Hiking Clothing and Gear Shopping Tips
- Quality pieces will last – We hike nearly every week and are using backpacks that are 6 or 7 years old… and our pants and wicking shirts range from a few yrs to 5+.
- Choose wisely. Since the gear can last and can be pricey – make sure you like it. We’ve kept using our backpacks and clothing not only because they last but because they are comfortable and useful. Take the time to research options and read reviews.
- Invest in decent hiking footwear – This is the one key piece that trumps everything else, regardless of how often you’ll hike.
- Get a core set of clothing – These basic items will cover an average hiker year-round: One wicking tee, one wicking long sleeve tee, fleece, rain shell, hiking pants and shorts, footwear, socks, hat, gloves and perhaps a warmer layer for winter.
- Save money with store brands – The fit and quality of store brands is often as good as the big brands… but costs less.
- Work the clearance racks – get more stuff that way! Last years styles and colors are your friend – the trail doesn’t care about fashion trends. Those with uncommon shoe sizes can really score here.
- Buy off season – try to plan purchases at end-of-season clearance sales. Try not to buy hiking shorts just as the weather warms up, buy new winter gloves at the end of winter, etc.
- Membership clubs – Some gear shops offer coupons to “members”, or offer year-end dividends on non-sale purchases.
- Only hike occasionally or just trying it out? – Then don’t break the bank on gear right away. Suitable basic items can be found at sports stores, and even Target has decent quality workout gear like performance shirts. Gain better clothing if you start to hike more frequently.
- Double-duty – We often justify purchases because they will get used in other ways. Hiking wicking shirts can double as weekly workout wear. Hiking pants or a fleece can make good travel clothing. One of our backpacks is our plane carry-on. Use YakTrax to walk the dog on icy sidewalks. We’ve even worn our gaiters to shovel deep snow off the driveway.
Remember…
Gear Rule #1: If you really love how a piece of clothing or footwear fits, always buy another because they will discontinue or change the style! Guaranteed.
Gear Rule #2: The only thing better than new gear, is new gear ON SALE!