What to Wear When You Go Hiking

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July 19, 2024

Going for a hike is as simple as lacing up a pair of shoes, picking a route, and heading out on a trail, right? Kind of. Because while you can do that - and plenty of people do - if you're aiming to tackle anything more strenuous than an hour or so on undulating gravel it's worth making sure that you are wearing the right clothes.

But don't worry: you don't have to go and spend a lot of money on a load of new hiking kit - unless you want to. Rather, it pays to make sense that you have a few bits of kit to ensure that you are ready for whatever the trail - and the weather - throws at you.

We'll go into more detail on all of these below, but as a quick checklist you want to make sure you have the following when planning your next hike:

Proper footwear.
A good pair of socks.
Hiking shorts or trousers (dependent on the weather).
A base layer, mid layer, and outer layer.
A hat and sunglasses.

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Footwear: the key to a great hike

If you want to invest in one piece of kit for hiking, it's footwear. The right choice of footwear can make the difference between a memorable hike and one you'd rather forget. We'll go into your footwear choices in the next paragraph, but before we do that what should you be looking for when it comes to choosing your shoes or boots? There are two things to keep in mind:

Material on the upper: Do you want waterproof shoes or breathable ones? If you're going to be crossing streams, heading through swampy land, or on generally wet ground, then waterproof shoes are great. But they come with a caveat: they are less breathable than non-waterproof shoes, so if you're heading out in the middle of summer your feet will sweat (equally, if you are crossing a stream and your foot goes under then they are harder to dry).
The soles: Turn any hiking shoe over and look at its sole and you will see the thing that differentiates them from ordinary sneakers: the lugs. The lugs are the 'teeth' on the sole of the shoe, and they can not only help prevent slipping but also help you grip rocks and stones. The wider the lugs, the better the slip protection. That said, if your hikes involve more scrambles than mud, choose smaller lugs with a stickier rubber sole.

Hiking Boots

If you're a serious hiker - or are planning anything more than a day hike - it's worth investing in a pair of hiking boots. Hiking boots generally offer ankle support, meaning that if you are carrying heavy packs, or are on uneven terrain, your ankles are well protected. Choosing the right boot is a key consideration - most people choose boots that come up just over the ankles - and if you are undertaking anything more than a day hike be sure to 'break them in' before heading out on the trail.

Hiking Shoes

Much like a hiking boot, hiking shoes offer support to your feet on uneven and/or slippery trails. Most hiking shoes are stiffer than, say, their trail running counterparts, meaning they are less of a crossover option. Because they are designed for the trails, most hiking shoes feature stronger material on their uppers, to avoid rips from rocks and roots.

Trail running shoes

Trail running shoes are built to perform on uneven and/or slippery terrain, with bigger 'lugs' to provide more grip on backcountry paths. They are also just at home walking on trails as they are running on them, so are a solid choice for anyone looking for a crossover shoe. One word of caution: you can use trail running shoes for multi-day hikes if you choose, but they do not offer the same level of support as Hiking Boots.

Hiking Sandles

Hiking sandals have come a long way in the last decade or so, and are now an excellent choice for warm-weather hiking. They do come with the caveat, though, that for obvious reasons your feet and toes are not as well protected, so are more susceptible to cuts and grazes from rocks, roots, and flora.

Can I wear any sneakers to hike in?

You can hike in any pair of sneakers that you like. You might regret that choice, though, if the terrain or weather is slippery. Hiking Shoes or Trail Running shoes feature a few traits that mean they are designed to perform (that includes walking) in the backcountry. Bigger lugs (i.e. grips on the soles of the shoe) mean that they are less slippery on uneven surfaces, while stronger fabrics on the shoe uppers mean they are less likely to rip or scuff on rocks and roots. Sneakers, on the other hand, have smaller lugs as they are designed for paths and tracks. This means that they are not as effective at gripping wet or rocky trails.

The Importance of Hiking Socks

Go into any hiking shop and (usually) you will see a wall of socks. Plenty of customers take a cursory glance and then go to the more 'interesting' stuff. However, a little like hiking shoes, socks are an essential consideration for anyone planning a hike or more than a few hours.

Hiking socks come in a variety of shapes and materials, but there are a few things worth considering if you're planning on making the purchase:

Material: Do you want wool or a quick-dry synthetic material? The answer to that might be in the weather you are expecting, but it's worth considering. Either material will help keep blisters at bay, and provide some extra padding for your feet.
Cushioning: Like shoes, hiking socks feature cushioning. How much cushioning you want is up to you, but always ensure you buy the right size pair to avoid blisters and discomfort.
Ankle height: If you opt for Hiking Boots be sure to get hiking socks that rise above the ankle line of the boot. Likewise, if you're going for hiking shoes, get socks that come up to the ankle. This avoids rubbing, chafing and ultimately blistering.

Hiking Tops

Comfort is a key consideration when choosing a hiking top, but so are the weather conditions you are expecting out on the trail.

As a general rule, you will want to carry a few layers with you, so you are covered for any eventuality (depending on where you are hiking, the weather can change unexpectedly). When it comes to layering, there are three principle layers to consider - you can add more to this, though, depending on where you are hiking.

The base layer: This should be a quick-wicking t-shirt (summer) or long-sleeved top (winter). Quick-wicking means it gets the sweat away from your skin quickly, ultimately allowing you to manage your body moisture and so regulate your body temperature. A lot of running tops are quick-wicking, but as a general guide, you should be looking for something made of polyester, nylon or merino wool.

The mid layer: This is something that will keep you warm if it gets cold. Think about a fleece jumper or an insulated jacket (if you're hiking in colder weather).

The outer layer: Make sure you carry a basic waterproof just in case. After all, that cloudless blue sky day can change pretty quickly (particularly if you're out in the mountains).

Hiking Shorts or Trousers?

There are two considerations when it comes to choosing shorts or trousers: one is personal preference, the other is conditions on the trail. In either scenario, clothing designed for hiking will be generally breathable and feature materials that don't rip as easily as everyday trousers.

Hiking shorts are more breathable than hiking trousers but do not offer the same level of protection as trousers against things like mosquitos, thorns, or sunburn. That is where trail conditions need to be considered. For the majority of hikers, shorts are fine in the summer, as long as they are coupled with sun protection and mosquito spray if required.

However, if you are going true backcountry, consider packing a pair of trousers. True hiking trousers tend to feature ripstop materials, that protect them from tearing on things like rocks and shrubs. If you opt for hiking trousers, be sure to choose a pair that is a comfortable fit (not too tight!) so that you can move freely in warmer weather.

A Hat and Sunglasses

If you're hiking in hot, sunny weather then a hat is an absolute must. Not only does it keep the sun off your head, but it will also help prevent sunburn. Many people opt for baseball caps, but remember these don't protect the back of your neck.

Likewise, if you're hiking in sunny or snowy weather, a pair of sunglasses not only protects you from UV rays but also puts less strain on your eyes.