Creating a clothing system that is going to work for you is an important part of preparing for any hike. What you carry with you is all you have out there, so making sure your clothing system is going to offer insulation from cold, let you to breathe freely, dry fast, and protect you from weather extremes of heavy rain, snowfall, strong winds, and direct sun requires some prior planning. So, it pays to do a little prior research into what your clothing set up will be to make sure you’re covering all your bases for not only a safer but more enjoyable hike.

Please note, gear and clothing is very subjective so the list, items and set up outlined in this blog post may not work for everyone, regardless, we hope it gives you some ideas for figuring out what clothing system works best for you, and most likely you’ll find that as you get more hiking miles in you’ll fine tune your set up over time.

Security and Comfort

It is critical to have enough clothing to both insulate and protect you in the outdoors. Being stranded in a remote location with insufficient supplies can be very dangerous. But there's no need to be afraid; know your limitations, prepare appropriately and go out confidently, knowing that your shelter and sleep systems, clothing, and abilities will see you through anything nature delivers to you.

Don't Overpack - Streamline

Hikers frequently overpack due to worries and the challenges trekking places on our gear, making backpacks needlessly heavy and cumbersome. That is why it is critical to invest in outdoor clothing that will function as a system that can be easily modified to fit changing situations. Maintaining a simple and lightweight clothing system can improve your comfort overall by lowering the load pressure on you.

The Foundations

1. Layering

You should aim for layers that can be worn together for optimum warmth or pared down for optimal ventilation. Your top & bottom layers, hat, jacket & gloves should function well together for an outfit that is appropriate for a range of differing weather conditions. 

2. Mix and match

A backpacker's clothing functions similarly to a minimal capsule wardrobe with the same fundamental items worn daily and supplemented for specific situations or various seasons. Everything a hiker is wearing, or packing should be adaptable and well-fitted for layering. 

3. Embrace the Grime

Since you’ll be wearing the same set of clothes for the duration of the journey, things will get a little dirty and smelly, which lets be honest – it’s all part of the back packing experience! 

4. Materials

Since we’re continually exposed to dampness when hiking through sweat, precipitation, snow, and river crossings, it is vital that our garments dry as rapidly as possible. Fabrics that remain damp (i.e. cotton) trap wetness against the skin and can cause major issues such as hypothermia, blisters, chafing and rashes, therefore it's best to avoid those if possible. Both nylon & polyester are good in wicking wetness away from the skin. They also dry fast, are quite robust, lightweight, and inexpensive.

• Funny Hiking T Shirts
• Couples Hiking Hoodies
• Sleeveless Muscle Shirt
• Hikers Water Bottle/a>
• Hikers Canvas Bag

What To Wear

Clothing by Season

Summer

Some good options on summer excursions include shorts and a short sleeve t-shirt as the temperatures will be higher, a sun hoodie is also a good idea to protect your skin from sunburn, add a good pair of socks, trail shoes, gaiters, sunhat and sunglasses to round out the outfit. It’s also a good idea to bring a long sleeved shirt, a wind breaker and/or a raincoat for if it starts to cool down (remember the weather can change rapidly).

Once at camp, having a pair of hiking trousers, a pair of clean socks, a warm hat and a fleece jacket to change into is a good idea as even during hot days the nights can still get cold.

Spring & Fall

Because the shoulder seasons usually are cooler and rainier, a few more clothing items are required. We recommend taking your entire summer gear setup for these outings, but replace the shorts with hiking leggings or trousers, include an insulated jacket to retain warmth, and maybe also include base layers for at night-time.

If the forecast looks bleak, rain pants, a rain jacket and rain gloves (and maybe even a spare pair or two of socks) will great additions to your set up.

Winter

Hiking and back-packing in the winter demands a more clothing since being warm and dry is more difficult when temperatures drop below freezing. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and ensure that your nightly shelter and sleeping arrangement are appropriate to keep you properly insulated and warm overnight.

You may want to add base layers, with an insulated jacket, a warm hat, lined gloves and rain mittens when hiking in cold weather when it's snowing or wet. If it gets extra chilly a light weight fleecy jacket can also be added beneath your insulated jacket.

Figuring Out Your Layering System

Take a look at the list below for ideas - the goal is to develop your own system that is going to work well for you and the kind of hike you're doing, whether that be hiking and camping in warm, chilly, and damp climates. Build around the most crucial non-optional components, being deliberate and thoughtful about each item.

Make judgments based on your preferences and the weather/conditions.

Clothing Layers

Long-Sleeved Shirt - In general, a long-sleeved shirt will be one of the most useful pieces of clothing you carry. Depending on the temperature and your own style, you might opt for a breathable lightweight sun hoodie to keep your upper body protected from the sun in hot conditions. Or, if it’s cooler, choose a warmer long-sleeved layer.

Short-sleeved shirt – choosing a light weight and fast-drying synthetic tee-shirt that is breathable will make for nicer hiking in hot weather. Short sleeves will protect your shoulders from rubbing and abrasion from backpack straps, but bare in mind if the sun is out or if mosquitoes are biting, you'll need to apply additional sunscreen and insect repellent.

Jacket (insulated layer) - opt for a warm, light, compressible, high-quality synthetic or fleece jacket (ideally hooded) that will be your backcountry insurance and is worth the cost. Even in the summer, it's easy to overlook how chilly things may be in mountain terrain and desert. It can be considerably colder after the sun has set than you may imagine. Wearing an insulated jacket provides warmth during breaks, around the campsite, and may be a vital addition to your sleep system when the weather is really cold. Your insulated jacket may just become your favorite and most often utilized item of equipment.

Rain Jacket - A light waterproof hooded rain jacket is a must-have all year round for any hiking or backpacking trip. The weather can change quickly especially in mountainous areas, so packing a rain jacket is always a good idea even if the weather looks fine. When it’s not raining, a rain jacket can also help maintain body heat if the weather is very windy. When necessary, size bigger to fit over your extra layers below the rain jacket (base layers / insulated or fleecy jacket).

Ponchos / Alternative Rain Wear are optional - Some hikers choose ponchos over rain jackets since they are lightweight, will cover your bag and have good breathability. They can be used as a ground-sheet or to create an emergency shelter. They are, however, a little uncomfortable and perform far poorer at repelling water in windy or stormy situations. People generally like the adaptability of a rain jacket and pants, but a lightweight poncho provides decent emergency rainwear for excursions when the forecasted weather is fine.

Fleece Jacket or Optional Pullover - Fleece will keep your upper body warm even if it becomes wet, so adding a fleecy jacket to your gear system for very cold/wet outings is an excellent idea. Choose a type that is light to medium weight and, if possible, has a neck zipper for ventilation.

Base Layer Top  - Some hikers keep an optional ultralight, base clothing layer for camp to wear and sleep in at the end of the day. This layer can also be used as an extra layer while hiking if the temperature drops.

Hikers Trousers – Light weight, tight-woven (usually nylon or polyester), breathable, fast-dry pants. To wear during hiking in moderate or milder weather, or even in hot weather, to shield skin from bush, direct sunlight and/or ticks & mosquitoes.

Shorts or a skirt (optional) - When the bugs aren't stinging and you're not bushwhacking, fast-drying jogging shorts or a hiking skirt are both a great option. 

Rain pants (optional) - A lightweight, waterproof, but minimum rain layer is optional but can be a good addition to you clothing set up when trekking or camping in damp, cold or windy situations.

Base layer bottoms (optional) - Typically intended to wear at camp and to sleep in, but could be worn beneath additional layers while trekking in extremely wet and/or cold conditions.

Underwear (1-2 pairs) – make sure these are comfortable, breathable, and fast-drying for everyday wear. Cycle through the pairs, cleaning and air-dry as required. To keep at least 1 pair clean, only wear them at camp after you've wash for the day.

Headwear

Sun Hat – choose a hat that has a brim wide enough to keep the sun out of your eyes, is breathable, dries fast and packs easily. A essential item to protect your face from sunburn and can also be used in rainy weather to keep raindrops off your face. Baseball caps work well with hoods, but don't protect ears & neck from strong sun, so apply sunscreen liberally or wear a bandana.

Warm Beany or Hat – a simple, light and comfy beany is the best item of gear to add or remove quickly for thermoregulation whether on the road, at rest breaks, at campsites, or in your sleeping bag. Fleece is ideal since it keeps you warm even when it’s wet.

Buff (optional)– an optional multifunction headgear item that may be used as a hair or head band. Some people love them, while others choose not to bring one.

A pair of sunglasses - decent sunglasses are a must have for almost every trek into the wilderness. Polarized glasses are best because they reduce glare, making them gentler on the eyes.

Camp Clothing

After you've set up camp for the night, you may want to change into another set of clothes. Keeping a set of camp clothing aside that is comfortable to sleep in, may aid in getting a better nights rest and also helps to keep your sleeping bag fresher longer. When temperatures are colder/wetter than predicted, you may need to wear an extra clothing layer, but this should only be done as a last option.

Change back into your sweaty/dirty hiking clothing in the morning before setting out on the trail to keep your camp clothes clean. That may undoubtedly feel awkward at first, but you'll be relieved to have clean/dry gear when you arrive at camp again that night.

Footwear

Choose any of the following footwear options based on your itinerary:

• Terrain
• Weather forecast/time of year/trail conditions
• Pack weight
• Personal preferences and requirements

Trail running or hiking shoes – Lightweight trail shoes are great for spring, summer, and autumn treks. They keep your feet nimble, reduce blisters, dry fast, provide outstanding grip, and don't tire out your legs on lengthy hikes. Choose a size that has a little more wiggle area in the toes box to allow for swelling of the feet.

Light Hiking Boots - While trail running shoes have grown increasingly popular in both hiking and back packing circles, many individuals still like the strength & support that hiking boots provide. Boots provide excellent protection on rough, tough terrain as well as cold, wet treks, particularly if there is considerable snow traversing or highly muddy/mucky paths involved. Choose light, comfortable footwear that enable your feet to bend, and also be sure to break your shoes in before your trip.

Sandals – although for many sandals are often the least preferred trail footwear, an increasing number of hikers are choosing them in preference to other footwear choices. When everything goes as planned, sandals can be both comfortable and breathable and they dry fast after river crossings or heavy rain. However, sandals give minimal ankle support and expose your feet to cuts and scratches, rocks, roots and other sharp items on the course, so tread cautiously. If you wear sandals, pack some socks to wear if the weather gets chilly or damp. Also, pack your first-aid kit with lots of tape to prevent any rough edges from rubbing on your feet.

Camp shoes (optional) – Some hikers choose to bring an extra pair of light shoes for resting at campsite/s or wearing in towns or villages (if through-hiking). Ideal camp shoes are light, compact, fast to dry, and provide toe protection. They should ideally be suitable with warm socks as well.

Gaiters (optional) – but if you’re running in trail shoes, a pair of light gaiters do assist in keeping debris out of your shoes. This keeps your feet comfier on extended trail days, and you will need to stop considerably less times to remove stones from your boots. The main disadvantage is gaiters don't enable your boots and feet to breathe as effectively as they should, and they add an extra task each time you remove your shoes or put them back on.

Socks

1-2 Pairs of Hiking Socks - Fast-drying synthetic hiking socks are a great option as you can wash and dry in the sun as needed. If you're going on a cold/wet excursion, carry at least 1 extra pair of thick socks to keep your feet warm.

Camp Sleeping Socks - Keep a clean and dry pair of warm socks on hand for around camp and to sleep in on cooler nights to help stay warm.

Mittens and Gloves

Lining Gloves - Simple thin gloves are great to help keep your hands toasty whilst on the go. Check that your rain mitts and liner gloves can be layered if necessary.

Fleece gloves (optional) – medium or thin weight gloves are ideal for hiking or staying warm in camp for somewhat cooler spring and autumn outings. Again, be sure these will work with the rain mittens you take.

Rain mittens / shell gloves (optional) - waterproof mittens assist in preserving body heat especially when layered with additional gloves which protect your hands from the extremes of wet, wind and cold.

So there you have it, we hope this blog post have given you some ideas on how to create your own hiking clothing system so that you can step out on your next hiking adventure feeling prepared and ready!