Hiking is a sporting activity where you walk for long hours in different landscapes to exercise while exploring nature. Do you love hiking or are you planning to go on a hike and you don’t know what to wear during this activity? This useful guide provides you with all the necessary information on what to wear for the activity.
Hiking Shirts
Wear shirts or T-shirts which don’t absorb moisture; instead, they should wick away the moisture from your body. Avoid cotton shirts because they soak up moisture and may make you catch a chill. Be sure to wear many insulating layers if you’re hiking in cold weather or camping to pass the night. Bright coloured shirts are right for you, in that they don’t absorb much heat during the day, especially when the sun is at its most glaring.
Hiking Jacket
It gets colder in the evening, so remember to pack a jacket to keep you warm. A hiking jacket may also provide warmth when you’re hiking during the wet seasons. The coat also prevents snow, and other large droplets of precipitation, from finding their way onto your body.
Pants and Shorts
Shorts are great if you’re hiking in warm weather. However, you’d want to protect your feet from the sun, long grass, and other things which might scratch your legs, by wearing long pants. Consider packing rain pants if the weatherman predicts a heavy downfall or if you’re hiking in the mountains where the weather changes without showing any signal.
Hiking Boots
Choose high-quality, comfortable hiking boots for stability and support on rugged landscapes as well as to protect your feet from thorns, snake bites, and other ground-level hazards. Make sure that the boots are breathable, especially when hiking in warm conditions. However, you should go for a waterproofing pair to keep your feet dry if you plan to explore a wet terrain. You may want to switch to hiking shoes if you want flexibility or if you’re on a flat terrain of sand and not-so-sharp stones. The shoes might also be a great option for short hikes, so ensure that they feature strong and secure grips.
Socks
Blisters are mostly associated with wearing shoes which don’t fit you well. But they can also be as a result of walking for long distances. So, be sure to wear at least two layers of socks made of wool to prevent the blisters. Socks may also protect your legs from injuries and scratches, especially when you’re hiking in grassy areas.
Hat
Wear a brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck against sunburn. An insulated hat may also be necessary if you’re hiking in the cold to prevent you from losing body heat. The hat shouldn’t cover your eyes to the point that you can’t see where you’re going.
Gloves
Wear waterproof gloves for extra warmth and protection from the cold.
The choice of what you wear during a hike depends on your preferences and the weather. You may want to research the area you’re visiting beforehand, to know what you should wear.