What I Actually Wear Hiking (After Years of Getting It Wrong)

Hiking clothing has gotten complicated with all the technical fabrics and marketing buzzwords flying around. As someone who once hiked in jeans and nearly froze on a rainy mountain, I learned everything there is to know about trail apparel the hard way. Today, I’ll share what actually works.

Layering Isn’t Just Marketing Speak

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The layering concept sounds like outdoor industry nonsense until you’re sweating uphill, then shivering at the summit. Having layers to add and remove is the difference between comfort and misery.

Three basic layers cover most situations:

• Base layer: Sits against your skin, moves sweat away. Merino wool or synthetic – never cotton.
• Mid layer: Keeps you warm. Fleece, light down, or a puffy synthetic jacket.
• Outer layer: Blocks wind and rain. Shell jackets live in my pack year-round.

Cotton Will Betray You

That’s what makes this lesson endearing to us hikers – we all learn it the same way. Cotton holds moisture, gets cold when wet, and stays cold forever. Your favorite band tee is not hiking gear.

I’m apparently one of those people who runs hot, and synthetic fabrics work for me while cotton never quite dries out. Here’s the breakdown:

• Synthetics: Polyester and nylon dry fast and wick sweat. Most hiking shirts are some version of this.
• Merino wool: Regulates temperature naturally, resists stink for days. More expensive but worth it for multi-day trips.
• Blends: Some brands mix synthetic and natural fibers for a balance of benefits.

Weather Dictates Everything

Check the forecast. Then check again. Then pack for slightly worse conditions anyway.

Hot and sunny:

• Lightweight, breathable tops with some sun protection
• Convertible pants or shorts depending on brush and bugs
• Hat with a brim, not just a baseball cap

Cold weather:

• Base layer plus insulating mid layer
• Waterproof outer layer even if it’s not raining – wind chill is real
• Gloves, warm hat, maybe a buff for your neck

Rainy conditions:

• Waterproof shell jacket (not water-resistant – actually waterproof)
• Rain pants if it’s serious
• Gaiters to keep water from pooling in your boots

Shoes Matter More Than Everything Else

Get this wrong and nothing else matters. Your feet carry you, and unhappy feet end hikes early.

• Trail runners: Light, comfortable, breathe well. Perfect for maintained trails and dry conditions.
• Hiking shoes: More support, still low-cut. Good for moderate terrain with some rock.
• Hiking boots: Ankle support for rough ground and heavy packs. Break them in before any real mileage.

Try shoes on with the socks you’ll actually wear. Shop in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen. Walk around the store until you’re sure nothing pinches.

The Small Stuff Adds Up

Accessories seem minor until you need them:

• Socks: Spend money here. Merino or synthetic blends prevent blisters. Cotton athletic socks are a no.
• Hat: Sun protection in summer, heat retention in winter. I carry one year-round.
• Gloves: Even lightweight liners help when temperatures drop unexpectedly.
• Sunglasses: Snow glare, high altitude UV – your eyes need protection.
• Gaiters: Keep debris and water out of your shoes. Essential for snow, useful in rain and mud.

Fit Matters as Much as Material

The fanciest merino wool shirt means nothing if it bunches under your pack straps. Before committing to any hiking clothes:

• Move around in them. Swing your arms. Bend over.
• Check seams and tags for potential chafe points.
• Consider weight versus protection – heavier isn’t always better.

Test everything on short hikes before trusting it on a long one.

Brands I’ve Actually Used

No sponsors here, just honest experience:

• Patagonia: Durable, sustainable practices, holds up for years.
• The North Face: Solid technical gear, good selection.
• Arc’teryx: Expensive but genuinely excellent for extreme conditions.
• Columbia: Budget-friendly and reliable. My rain jacket is Columbia.
• REI Co-op brand: Surprisingly good quality at reasonable prices.

You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune

Good hiking clothes cost money, but you don’t need everything top-of-line. Prioritize boots and rain gear – those are where quality matters most. The rest you can build up over time.

• Shop end-of-season sales for deep discounts
• Check REI garage sales and Used Gear section
• Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark have barely-used gear
• Start with what you have and upgrade as you learn what matters

Test Before the Big Trip

Every piece of gear needs a trial run. That new pair of boots? Wear them around the neighborhood first. That rain jacket? Make sure the hood doesn’t blind you. Nothing should surprise you ten miles from the trailhead.

Think About the Environment

Outdoor clothing production isn’t exactly gentle on the planet. Some ways to reduce impact:

• Buy gear made from recycled materials when possible
• Choose durable items over cheap stuff you’ll replace quickly
• Take care of what you own – wash properly, repair instead of tossing
• Buy used when you can

The Bottom Line

Comfortable, functional hiking clothes make outdoor time better. The right gear lets you focus on the trail instead of your blistering feet or soaked jacket. Start with the basics, learn what works for your body and your climate, and upgrade thoughtfully over time.