What to Wear Hiking: A Comprehensive Clothes for Hiking Guide

Wondering what to wear hiking? I hope this guide to clothes for hiking helps!

Knowing what to wear hiking can mean the difference between joy and suffering!

After all, wearing the wrong clothes for hiking can lead to blisters, rolled ankles, sunburn, hyperthermia, mozzie bites, and more…

Wear the right clothes for hiking, though, and you’ll stay warm, dry, and comfortable from start to finish.

Looking for insights on the best clothes to wear on a hike?

Check out this comprehensive guide to the hiking clothes you need throughout the year!

[Last updated: May 2023]

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

Here we go then: exactly what to wear when hiking!

Wondering what to wear on a hike? You might also like these posts:

A Complete Clothing for Hiking Guide

Wearing the right clothing for hiking has a huge impact on the experience!

Seriously, something as simple as the wrong pair of socks can ruin your day on the trail.

Want to avoid that fate and enjoy your upcoming hikes? I hope this guide to hiking clothes helps!

Essential Clothes for Hiking Enthusiasts

Let’s start with a basic selection of hiking clothes that you could choose from for any hike, regardless of the weather.

In other words, if you have these types of clothes for hiking in your closet, you’re golden!

1. Base Layer (Moisture Wicking T-Shirt)

Unless you’re planning to hike topless, grab yourself a sporty t-shirt to wear as the first layer on the top half of your body.

Whether it’s hot and sunny or cold and raining outside, this is the starting point!

The t-shirt itself doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, but the best ones tend to be:

Lightweight,
Comfortable,
Neither too loose nor two tight,
Quick-drying,
UPF-protecting, and
Breathable.

Moisture-wicking fabric makes a difference too.

That’s a fancy way of saying that the fabric moves sweat off your skin and onto the outer surface. Once there, it can evaporate away!

Good examples include merino wool (my fave), polyester, and/or nylon.

The result? You stay cooler (and less gross) for longer on the trail.

2. Mid layer (Fleece/Puffer Jacket)

You’ll need something warmer than a t-shirt if/when the temperature drops though.

So, if that’s a possibility, make sure you pack/wear a mid-layer as well.

A step up in insulation, it’s designed to keep you warm, but not too warm!

If the wind picks up or you climb to a higher altitude, then a mid-layer will offset the drop in temperature to ensure you remain comfortable.

There are different types of mid-layers to choose from, but I always wear fleece.

Why? Because fleece mid-layers tend to be budget-friendly, lightweight yet durable, super soft, vaguely water-repelling, and breathable to boot.

Oh, and they’re also machine washable.

The cons? They’re synthetic, always seem to be full of static electricity (which attracts lint and hair and all sorts), and perform poorly in windy conditions.

Waterproof outer shells are crucial clothes for trekking whenever the rain starts falling and wind starts howling.

3. Outer Layer (Insulated/Wind/Waterproof Jacket)

Outer layers are the last line of defence against the elements when you’re hiking.

This is what you put on when it’s cold, windy, and/or raining. For short summer hikes you probably don’t even need to take an outer layer along.

But it’s always good to be prepared- especially when you’re walking somewhere with unpredictable weather.

The qualities of a good outer layer?

Windproof, waterproof, and insulating.

If you’re going to invest in a single piece of high-quality hiking clothing, then I’d encourage you to make it this one.

It’s hard to overstate how much of a difference having a fully-functional, trusty waterproof jacket makes when the heavens open! You stay warm and dry in spite of the weather, which keeps you in brighter spirits as a result.

4. Hiking Underwear

Not all underwear’s made equal when it comes to hiking.

Some of it’s itchy.

Some of it rides up into all the nooks and crannies.

And some of it’s so tight and hot there’s no room to “breathe.”

For best results on the trail, grab yourself a pair of hiking undies that are breathable, stretchy, comfortable, and made from fast-drying (and odour-resistant) materials.

Wondering what to wear when hiking? Hiking shorts, pants, or leggings are the three main options for your lower half.

5. Hiking Pants/Shorts/Leggings

You’ll be wanting something to cover (at least a section of) your legs too!

Here are the main options:

Pants/trousers, shorts, or leggings. Whatever you wear, the best ones are quick-drying, lightweight, comfortable, versatile, and durable.

Throw in some useful pockets for storing stuff and you’re onto a winner.

The “right” choice depends on a) the weather and b) the terrain you’ll be crossing though.

That said, come rain or shine, I almost always opt for shorts.

I inevitably get too hot when I walk, so I enjoy the extra ventilation they deliver. They also feel less restrictive on the move. Likewise, hiking shorts dry quicker than trousers/pants when it rains.

…And leggings aren’t really my style.

But that’s just me! Find the right option for you, being sure to consider the conditions.

For extra versatility, think about buying some hiking pants that you can unzip at the knees and convert into shorts. You get two types of clothing for the price of one, which is great when you’re trying to save space/weight in your pack.

Top tip:

Walking in places with lots of ticks or mosquitos? Protect your skin by wear hiking trousers/pants. And if you choose to wear leggings/yoga pants, it’s worth knowing that mozzies can usually bite through the fabric!

6. Waterproof Pants/Trousers

I’ll hold my hand up and admit that I never wear waterproof pants/trousers.

You slip these things over the top of your standard hiking trousers in heavy rain to prevent your bottom half from getting cold and wet.

It’s a legitimate, useful function!

If you’re going somewhere that’s almost certainly going to rain (hard), then take some waterproof trousers along for the ride.

However, be prepared for them to make this annoying whishing, scratching, scrunching noise as the material rubs together when you walk! If you’re anything like me, you may also find them uncomfortable and awkward to wear.

What do you wear hiking for your feet? Hiking boots, shoes, or sandals!

7. Hiking Footwear (Boots/Shoes/Sandals)

What you wear on your feet when hiking is genuinely important.

Why?

Because the wrong footwear (in terms of size, type, or general quality) can lead to all sorts of issues that can ruin your enjoyment of the experience.

Blisters, rolled ankles, and wet feet are just a few issues that come to mind.

So makes sure you look for footwear that’s supportive, waterproof, and breathable.

Likewise, 9 times out of 10, the more you pay, the better it’ll be (the same can’t always be said for other types of outdoor equipment).

From my experience, high-cut Gore-Tex hiking boots are the gold standard when it comes to ankle support and waterproofing.

The high-cut bit means the boot extends further up your ankle/calf to support your feet and ankles; the Gore-Tex is a type of “waterproof, breathable fabric membrane” that’ll keep your feet cool and dry.

Always consider the specific weather and terrain you’ll be hiking in though.

You might not need that level of support or general quality.

For easier hikes in dry climates, hiking shoes or sandals should be fine. It’s only when you get to more technical, serious trails that it’s worth considering thicker-soled, expensive, and high-cut boots made with Gore-Tex!

Top tip:

If you want any help picking a pair, I’ve got a couple of hiking boot buying guides that may come in handy. You can check them out by clicking here and here.

8. Hiking Socks

Guys, I implore you:

Get some proper hiking socks– especially if you’re wearing hiking boots/shoes.

They’re a lifesaver in terms of comfort, breathability, and avoiding blisters on the trail.

Many even have clever double-layers that reduce friction (i.e. the cause of blisters) and wick moisture away.

You can also do this the ‘old-fashioned way’ and simply wear two pairs of socks instead.

A thin inner liner and a thicker pair for cushioning on the outside will serve a similar dual purpose.

Top tip:

Avoid cotton socks at all costs. They hold moisture (that’s bad news if you get sweaty feet or water comes through your boots) and slip around, which is a recipe for blisters.

Go for wool socks instead. They’re breathable, quicker-drying, and help to prevent blisters.

On hot, sunny days, a sunhat and pair of sunglasses are important accessories for hiking.

9. Sunhat and Sunglasses

As lovely as hiking in glorious sunshine is, that big blazing ball of fire in the sky can cause trouble unless you take precautions.

A sunhat will keep those harmful rays off your head, face, and neck. You’ll stay cooler and avoid sunburn as a result.

The sunglasses are to make you look cool.

…Just kidding.

They (obviously) keep the sun out of your eyes as you walk.

And that’s a big deal if, like me, your eyes are highly sensitive to light. Those glasses stop you from having to squint all the time. And that, in turn, can stop you from getting as tired.

10. Neck Buff

Buffs are handy scarf-like accessories that slip over your head and around your neck.

You can also wear them as a bandana or a makeshift sweatband around your wrist.

They’re awesome things to take on any hike- wind, rain, or shine!

When it’s cold, wearing a buff around your neck and over your face (like a balaclava) will keep you warm.

When it’s hot, wearing it as a bandana can stop the sweat dripping into your eyes.

And when it’s windy, having your buff around your neck/face can prevent dust and debris from whipping up into your mouth.

11. Backpack

Last but not least, make sure you pack your gear into a high-quality hiking backpack.

The trick is to find one that’s:

The right size for the length of hike you’re doing (not too big and not too small),
Water-resistant,
Got a waterproof rain cover attached to it,
Full of useful pockets and features, and
Got padded and adjustable shoulder and waist straps for comfort/support.

Want some help deciding the type of backpack to buy?

Check out my guide to the different types of backpacks.

Here are the best clothes to wear on a hike in summer!

What to Wear Hiking in Summer (When It’s Sunny & Hot!)

Wondering what to wear hiking in hot weather? This section should help.

The way I see it, there are two basic factors to keep in mind:

Temperature control, and
Sun protection.

Ideally, you want to pick lightweight, quick-drying, moisture-wicking hiking clothes that are as breathable as possible and come with UPF protection.

It’s an added bonus if they have mosquito-repelling qualities too.

The goal? To stay cool, restrict sweatiness, and prevent sunburn (and sunstroke).

Here’s a basic list of clothes for trekking I’d wear when the sun’s hot and the temperature’s high:

Hiking shoes/sandals (I’d only wear big, heavy (and hot) hiking boots in summer if the terrain was set to be technical)
Thin hiking socks (ankle-length woolen socks for hiking would be great for hiking in summer)
Spare pair of socks (to keep in the backpack and swap with the first ones if they get too sweaty)
Hiking underwear (thin, stretchy, and breathable)
Hiking shorts
Short-sleeved, lightweight, and moisture-wicking base layer (you could wear a tank top, but expect the shoulder straps of your backpack to rub more)
Sunhat and sunglasses
Backpack with good back ventilation
Optional: Thin windbreaker/waterproof (to keep in the backpack in case of rain)

When winter comes around, knowing what to wear for hiking trips makes a huge difference to comfort and safety on the trail.

What to Wear Hiking in Winter (When It’s Cold & Dreary)

Fancy a wintery walk but unsure what to wear hiking in cold weather?

I don’t blame you.

Winter hiking (especially when it’s snowy) can be awesome. But it’s also a battle to find an outfit that does everything you need it to…

You need protection against the elements; to stay dry and warm enough without overheating.

The secret to success comes down to layers.

Stacking lots of thinner layers on top of each other gives you more control over your temperature than wearing one or two thick/warm items of clothing.

You can then add or remove one layer at a time until you find the perfect balance.

As an aside, it’s better to have too many clothes than not enough for winter hikes.

Carrying hiking clothes that you don’t end up wearing isn’t fun. Yet having insufficient layers and getting too cold as a result can be downright dangerous.

Here’s what you could pack/wear when hiking in cold weather:

High-cut, waterproof hiking boots (especially in the snow)
Thick woolen hiking socks
Long johns/base layer bottoms (only in seriously cold/snowy conditions)
Hiking pants/trousers (alternative: thermal leggings)
Long-sleeved moisture-wicking base layer
Insulating mid-layer (fleece, puffy jacket or insulated hoodie)
Waterproof shell/Outer layer (make sure it’s still breathable!)
Beanie/winter hat and gloves
Buff
Optional: Sunglasses (for snow/glare)
Optional: Waterproof pants/trousers
Optional: Crampons (for icy conditions)

Here’s some high-quality men’s attire for hiking!

What to Wear Hiking for Men

For any guys looking for specific clothing ideas to wear on a hike, this section should help.

Here are some high-quality men’s hiking clothes that fall into each of the categories above: