What to wear is always a question hikers ask.  Should I ware hiking boots?  Should I wear a waterproof jacket?  It won’t take long to realize you’ll run out of time before you run out of questions.  But is it so difficult?  Can we not come u with a standard set of clothes for the activity?

Wardrobe Don’ts

So, the reality is that there is no wrong choices.  The Sky’s the limit.  As long as it’s comfortable and practical, you can wear pretty much anything.  But don’t get carried away.  Things like terrain and weather have a definite affect.  So, they must be taken into consideration.  For example, if you’re planning to hike on rocky terrain, soft-soled shoes wouldn’t be a good choice.  Similarly. you wouldn’t wear a wool sweater on rainy days.

Wardrobe Dos

Ok, so what should you wear?

• First, I would choose a good wool sock.  They stay comfortable, and move moisture away from your feet.
• Second, I would select a good pair of trail shoes.  Notice I didn’t choose hiking boots?  In truth, I don’t like them.  Good ones take a long time to break in, and I’m not sure I’d live long enough for that.  I prefer a good trail shoe that has traction on all types of terrain.  Patagonia’s and Salomon’s come to mind.
• Third, I’d select a light pair of fast-drying pants with lots of pockets.  I don’t like shorts, preferring something that protects my legs.  If you have to choose shorts, try pants with zip-off legs.  You get two-for-one.
• Fourth, a tee shirt or a polo short, the difference being a collar.  I prefer the collar, but that’s just me.  They are light and easy to clean.
• And lastly, a hat.  I prefer a baseball cap, but some swear by oil skin rain hats.  There are pluses and minuses to each.

Cold Weather

My choices are pretty much the same.  I would add long-johns under the pants.  A long-sleeve shirt and a waterproof jacket placed over the tee-shirt.  And perhaps a pair of winter boots.  Personally, I like ski-doo boots.  Depending on temperature, mitts or gloves may be in order.  I like photography mitts the best.  They generally have gloves built-in as well.

Extras

Beyond these items, there are a couple of other choices to consider.   A backpack is often handy for lunches, camping gear, and such.  I like packs with hydration kits.  This way, I always have water with a tube to drink from.  Walking sticks or ski poles come in handy for maintaining balance in rough terrain.  Make sure they telescope for flexibility and the perfect size.  Binoculars for long-distance viewing, compasses for determining direction, and maps for positioning are also useful.  Knives for cutting, matches for fires or a fire-steel, round things out.

Conclusion

What to wear is a question that is always asked.  You don’t have to have the most expensive things, however, you do have to have the right things,  But with some thought, and some common sense, you should have no trouble making the right decisions.