How to choose your hiking clothes?
It is important not to go hiking without wearing the right clothes. Indeed, depending on the environment in which you are going to evolve, you may need specific equipment to protect yourself, feel comfortable and avoid taking risks. To make the best choice, it is essential to check the weather forecast before you leave and to anticipate bad weather. This is especially true in the mountains where the weather is often unstable. Find out below how to choose your hiking clothes.
Choosing clothing for the upper body
Choosing clothes for hiking may seem more complicated than it really is. By following tips such as the three-layer system, you'll be comfortable in your clothing and won't be too hot or too cold when hiking.
Choosing your hiking clothes: Teillon and Verdon technical sweatshirts
The first layer allows you to evacuate perspiration and regulate your body temperature: it is generally a synthetic fibre or merino wool t-shirt. We advise you to avoid cotton clothes which will absorb moisture and need time to dry. The second layer is insulating and keeps your body warm. We advise you to use fleece clothing which fulfils this role perfectly. Finally, the third layer protects against the elements (wind, rain, snow, etc.). You can opt for a windbreaker or a waterproof and breathable jacket.
To be prepared for all eventualities, you can carry a rain poncho in addition to your windbreaker. It takes up very little space and ensures that you are not helpless in the face of weather conditions such as showers.
Choosing lower body clothing
To choose lower body clothing, you need to find out what the weather is going to be like. The choice will depend on the temperature, the difficulty of the hike and the natural environment that you will cross (high grass, brambles, meadows...). You can therefore choose hiking trousers, breathable shorts, trousers or even sports leggings.
During the summer, you can wear shorts to avoid the heat or light trousers to protect you from UV rays. During winter or mid-season, it is best to go for long trousers that can be lined with fleece or brushed to avoid the cold. Finally, a good alternative is trousers that can be transformed into shorts depending on the heat and the environment.
As for the choice of materials, hiking trousers are often made of synthetic fibres in order to be lighter, to wick moisture better and to dry quickly. If you are planning to go out in the rain, you should choose trousers with a waterproof membrane.
The important thing is that your outfit should fit snugly enough to allow you to move freely without being too tight. This will prevent your skin from rubbing against the garment and becoming uncomfortable. Another criterion to consider is the pockets. If you are going on a trek in the mountains for several days, it is almost essential to have pockets. This allows you to have the items you need within easy reach.
Protecting the extremities of the body
Finally, it is important not to neglect the extremities of your body, no matter when you go hiking. In summer, protect your head with a hat or cap. You can also take ultra-light gloves with UV protection to protect against the sun, especially at high altitudes. In winter, a hat, thicker gloves and a neck warmer are essential to avoid catching cold. This is because most of your body heat escapes through your extremities.
When choosing socks, in summer as well as in winter, choose socks designed for hiking: you will avoid blisters, improve your comfort and evacuate perspiration better than with classic cotton socks.
As you can see, it is in your best interest not to wear street clothes when hiking. It is better to choose clothes designed specifically for hiking that are light, comfortable, breathable and versatile.