What to Wear When You Are Outdoor Hiking

What to Wear When You Are Outdoor Hiking

Going on a hike is great fun with lots of anticipation of the route ahead. The problem I have seen many times is that people that are going on an outdoor hiking experience for the first time, do not wear the correct clothes. Wearing the right clothes does not mean you have to get the credit card out again. You just need to follow some simple steps. So here it is what to wear from the top down.

1. The top – your head. 80% of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a woolly hat to keep in the warm.

2. Your torso. A lot of people believe you should wear a thick jumper when you are outdoor hiking. This is not the best idea. If it is cold you need to wear thin layers of tops. This is so that you can have some form of heat control (take off layers until you are at the right temperature). Also and more importantly the air between the thin layers will act as a heat insulator and therefore keep you warmer when you are outdoor hiking.

3. Your trousers. Need to be light and strong and non absorbent (not Corduroys or Jeans). I always wear army greens as they are very strong, dry very quickly and are light. In addition army greens have many pockets and handy to keep small essential items when you are outdoor hiking.

4. The bottom – your feet, most important. Of course you need good hiking boots but also 2 pairs of socks, one thick pair and one thin pair. This will help stop blisters.

Of course make sure you have the right waterproof gear. So you need a waterproof top, trousers and gaiters for your feet.

Finally when you are outdoor hiking make sure you have at least one change of extra clothing. If you are outdoor hiking for 2 days take clothes for 3 days. You absolutely never know what Mother Nature has in store for you.