Being a city girl, I think hiking is a great way to get out in the open air, get your heart pumping and open your lungs. But if you want to go walking over hills, firstly, you have to bear in mind the main hiker’s advice – there are no such things as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. However, it probably is still best to look at websites like cellphonedeal.com to find the best weather app, as going unprepared isn’t something that’s advised! The main thing is to draw your attention to what to wear when hiking and pick an appropriate hiking outfit for you. Here are some useful tips for staying warm and comfortable when you’re out on a day hike.
Let’s start with footwear. Here you have a few options:
- If you just getting started with short, simple trails, my recommendation is to wear comfy hiking shoes or good cross fit shoes.
- Once you start to advance to more challenging conditions and terrains, big chunky hiking boots will fit and protect you perfectly.
Basic clothing strategy for hiking includes:
Socks: Your comfy boots must be complemented by the right socks. Try to choose the socks made of wool or synthetic material that dry fast and let your feet and toes breathe.
Pants and shorts: The decision to wear hiking pants or shorts is up to you. But remember, pants, as well as shorts, have their pros and cons when it comes to hiking. Shorts give you a chance to feel unlimited freedom and they are cooler than pants. Thus, shorts are the irreplaceable part of summer hiking outfits, but only when you`re sure that the weather will be nice. If you have any doubts; it would be better to wear shorts but pack your hiking pants in the backpack, just in case.
Pants should be worn if you know about the reduction in temperature or heavy vegetation along the trail. Dressing the hiking pants keep your legs protected from different hazards like poison or allergenic plants and, by the way, they keep you warm when the temperature lowers as you gain elevation. Choose hiking pants or shorts that don’t clench your waist in tightly. Your hiking pants and short should be made of durable; quick-drying fabrics like spandex or nylon (avoid cotton!), they should be stretchy enough to bend with you.
Hiking shirt: A long-sleeved shirt will fit you ideally in cold weather. But, please, avoid tight cuffs or collars if you want your hiking clothing to provide you with full of motion as you’re scrambling up the rocks. A short-sleeved shirt will be a great option for spring or fall layering under the jacket. V-neck shirt gives you the most room for movement.
Sports bra: For most women, sports bra for hiking is a must. You should try on many brands until you find the one with the magic combination of fit, form and function. Once you do, buy several and rotate them during the journey.
Underwear: You need high-performance undies. This means that each pair will wick away your respiration; dry fast, protect you from chafing and have enough flexibility to move with you.
Hiking jacket: The fleece jacket keeps you dry and toasty when the temperatures dip into the thirties and below. The rain jacket is one more hiking clothing essential piece and it`s your outer layer of water protection. Pay attention to the North Face Thermoball Hooded Insulated Jacket that will keep you warm when it’s chilly and block the wind in winter.
Hat: Hat is an important item in any weather. When it`s hot and sunny, you should wear your baseball cap. In cold weather, you need a woolen hat. In windy or rainy weather, it would be better to put on a rain hat with a wide brim.
Wearing the right hiking clothes can mean the difference between staying comfortable and being focused on your journey: getting wet, sweaty, sunburnt or scratched up. So if you want to enjoy your time in the outdoors, plan your attire according to the weather conditions ahead.
