What is the best hiking outfit?
The right clothing allows you to enjoy your hike to the full. There are several things to consider when deciding what to wear: the climate, the weather conditions, the environment you will be walking through and the type of activity you will be doing. All these factors will influence the way you dress. They will allow you to make the right choice by choosing the best hiking outfit.
The best outfit for the weather
Depending on whether you are facing cold, heat, rain or wind, your hiking clothing will vary. If you are hiking in cold weather, in winter or in the high mountains, your goal is to wear insulating and breathable clothing. In this case, a thermal merino undergarment, a fleece or down jacket, a softshell or hardshell jacket with a windproof membrane and lined or brushed trousers will be perfect. These clothes will give you good protection against the cold and wind.
If you are hiking in warm weather, the best clothing is light and breathable. A technical synthetic t-shirt, a simple windbreaker and light shorts or trousers that can be converted should be suitable. Don't forget to protect yourself against UV rays with a hat or cap.
Finally, if you are hiking in wet weather, a rain jacket or cape with very good waterproofing will be essential. As well as rain trousers or gaiters to protect your shoes from the rain.
The best outfit for the type of activity
The best hiking clothing is that which is best suited to the type of activity being undertaken. Hiking clothing generally consists of one to three layers for the upper body: a t-shirt, fleece or down jacket and a protective jacket depending on the weather. The lower body is made up of outdoor trousers. This clothing allows you to be protected from bad weather while being warm and breathable enough to evacuate perspiration.
Ski touring is an intermediate activity between hiking and mountaineering. Its clothing is technical and needs to be breathable, insulating, protective and light. Technical underwear and gloves are essential. For the jacket, you can opt for an extremely breathable softshell, perfect for climbing. However, a waterproof jacket will be essential if the weather is not favourable (rain or snow). It will be more suitable for the descent.
Other activities such as Nordic walking require less equipment. Running tights or shorts, a technical T-shirt and walking socks are sufficient. In this case you should choose light, breathable and comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movements.
The best clothing for the duration of the activity
Without taking into account the type of activity, the duration will strongly influence the choice of clothing. A trek lasting several days in the mountains requires more preparation than a simple walk on the plain. The longer the duration of the activity, the more you need to choose clothing that is suitable for all conditions.
If you are going on a hike for a few days to several weeks, you should pack both a change of clothes (the amount will vary according to the duration, difficulty and weather conditions) and hard-wearing clothes (waterproof, windproof, warm, light).
Keep in mind that the best hiking clothing is perfectly adapted to all your needs. It should allow you to be in the most comfortable situation possible throughout your hike. It is adaptable and varies according to how you feel and what you need.