What to wear hiking, from clothing to gear
We asked an outdoor expert to weigh in on everything from layering to the most practical accessories.
Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in America. A 2022 report found that there are now almost 60 million hikers in the country, and that number will likely continue to grow. As with any sport, the right gear and clothing are essential to enjoy and practice it safely. And outdoor wildlife experts like Jared Paul know why. Paul has spent decades guiding visitors in the Wyoming wilderness as a local resort activities manager, leading the property's wildlife and outdoor experiences.
"If you've not been to Jackson Hole, it's the Alaska of the continental U.S. It's very rugged, rocky, and steep," he says, adding that showing up for hikes in the right apparel, especially the proper footwear, could be the difference between having a pleasant experience and ending up hypothermic.
Read on for Paul's list of what to wear hiking—from the best hiking clothing to the most practical accessories to pack—regardless of what corner of the country the next trail takes you.
(See our picks for the 6 best hiking boots for women.)
What to wear hiking
Layers are essential when hiking, according to Paul. If you're heading for a multi-hour or a daylong hike, you will likely experience temperature swings. "Even in the summer here [in Jackson Hole], it could be in the high 30s or 40s Fahrenheit in the morning and 80 or 90 in the day," he explained. That's why wearing multiple thin layers of clothing instead of a bulky sweater or a jacket, for example, is crucial.
Hiking shirt
"As you're recreating, hiking, and doing these physical things, you're exerting, you're heating up, you're sweating. So what I find essential is a synthetic base layer," Paul explained.
High-performance synthetic fabrics are manufactured with quick-dry, moisture-wicking qualities to keep your body cool and comfortable during physical activities.
Patagonia Women's Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Buy it now at Patagonia
This Patagonia long-sleeve top is made from recycled polyester with anti-odor qualities that will keep you fresh and comfortable on the trail. It also has some stretch in it to give you freedom of movement, and the silhouette fits slightly loose for a flattering look that doesn't forego practicality.
Hiking T-Shirt
Paul advises against wearing cotton during hikes. Why?" Cotton against the skin is the worst. When it gets wet, it takes an eternity to dry. And you'll just become hypothermic if you sweat in cold conditions in cotton," he explained. That's why synthetic fabrics are much better than natural materials for athleisure and sportswear. They keep moisture away from the body, allowing it to stay cooler and drier.
Patagonia Men's Capilene Cool Daily Shirt
Buy it now at Patagonia
A classic crew neck T-shirt is an excellent base layer to wear during a hike, and this one was designed with comfort in mind—it's lightweight, has minimal stitching to reduce the possibility of chafing, and odor control for continuous freshness. The stretchy polyester fabric is also very soft and smooth and allows you to move your torso and arms freely with no restrictions.
Hiking pants
Often, you don't know what Mother Nature will throw at you during a hike (river crossings? rain?), so Paul recommends investing in a good pair of waterproof pants. While he admits that convertible pants that zip off to become shorts are a good—and popular—option to deal with temperature swings or overheating, he prefers to wear long pants. "There's a lot of vegetation along the trails and some pretty rough, abrasive brush as well as mosquitoes in the spring and summer, so personally, when I am in the mountains, I am wearing pants," he says.
Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers
Buy it now at REI
Fjällräven may be famous for its backpacks, but the company was founded in Sweden as an outdoors outfitter to encourage people to connect with nature. The Vida trousers provide good wind and water protection and feature reinforced knee panels. The trousers fit slightly slimmer, but it's more of an aesthetics update as we didn't find the new version restrictive or uncomfortable in any way. On the contrary, the stretchy fabric provides support and protection, and with multiple pockets, there are plenty of places to store tools.
(PFAS may be in your favorite activewear—but there are alternatives)
Hiking jacket
Opt for a completely waterproof Gore-Tex shell for your outer layer to shield you from the elements. Paul recommends choosing a breathable jacket with a hood instead of a heavy-weight one that might overheat you.
Buy it now at Arc'teryx
Paul calls Arc'teryx the company with "arguably the best outerwear." The Beta jacket is a lightweight and versatile shell that is completely wind- and waterproof and can be layered over shirts and fleece sweatshirts. The design includes an adjustable hood that doesn't affect vision, laminated and zippered pockets, reflectors for night trekking, and hem adjusters to keep moisture and rain at bay.
Hiking shoes
"A lot of times, people just don't have the right footwear [for hiking]," Paul says. Taking sneakers or regular athleisure shoes on a hike is a huge no-no. Footwear should be supportive, waterproof, and with "deep, aggressive tread," he says.
Buy it now at Zappos
Merrell's best-selling Moab hiking shoes come in both men's and women's versions and are a good standard option for hiking that withstand light to moderate trails. It has a mid-height design and a contoured footbed for support. The extra cushioning and rubber heels provide extra protection, while the anti-slip outsoles were made for optimal traction.
What to wear hiking in summer?
Summer temperatures call for fewer layers, but hikers should still take performance and functionality into consideration. Sun protection is also crucial and doesn't just include applying sunscreen. Wearing breathable sun-protective clothing can help you avoid getting sunburned.
Hiking shorts
Shorts allow you to stay cool when temperatures soar. Opt for a lightweight pair cut from a synthetic material that doesn't restrict your movements and would dry fast if you get them wet.
Title Nine Recycled Clamber 2.0 Hiking Shorts 10"
Buy it now at Title Nine
Title Nine's hiking shorts were made from the company's proprietary ClambR fabric of recycled nylon and spandex designed to be abrasion-resistant and stretchy for more comfort. The shorts come in two inseam options (we'd get the longer ones for more coverage and protection) and have an elastic waist with a secure snap closure and multiple pockets where you can stow away smaller belongings.
Hiking sun shirt
"The sun is really strong and damaging out here [in Jackson Hole]. Temperatures aren't super hot, but that doesn't mean the sun isn't doing the damage," Paul says. Sunscreen and sun clothing go hand in hand for summer hikes, regardless of where they are. I've had one of the worst sunburns in my life while wearing a ton of sunscreen that washed off while I was outside sweating, and I wasn't wearing a shirt with long sleeves to protect my arms.
Buy it now at Moosejaw (women's) or Backcountry (men's)
What makes this shirt stand out among a sea of options is its smart design features that maximize its efficacy. The sleeves have thumb holes to give you more hand coverage, and the hood has a slightly more fitted cut to prevent it from blowing off or falling down. And the small side pocket could fit keys, lip balm, and credit cards.
What to wear hiking in winter?
While Paul prefers hiking in boots year-round, a pair of durable, waterproof boots are certainly a wintertime necessity, given the potential for snow and mud.
Hiking boots
Paul recommends investing in a high-quality pair that provides ankle support and is waterproof.
Buy it now on Amazon
Paul's go-to brand he recommends for hiking boots is Kenetrek, which specializes in footwear for outdoor activities like hunting. These boots are manufactured in a breathable, yet waterproof material that keeps feet ventilated and dry. The outsoles are pretty lightweight and feature deep threads to provide grip on snowy terrain, and the ankle area is padded for extra support.
Hiking winter jacket
Avoid hiking in heavy, layered winter jackets. They are a good option for extreme cold, but casual hikers will probably not experience conditions like that. According to Paul, when you're moving and exerting, you need something that's breathable and won't overheat you.
Cotopaxi Capa Insulated Hooded Jacket
Buy it now at REI (men's) or Backcountry (women's)
Cotopaxi's Capa jacket is a packable, lightweight jacket that's great for layering. It has a nylon outer shell that's water-resistant and a thin layer of synthetic insulation for added warmth. The hood and sleeves have elasticized hemlines to keep snow away, and the pockets are good for storing valuables.
Hiking base layer
A thermal base layer will keep you warm during a winter hike. It's thin and doesn't add bulk to your outfit or restrain your leg movements.
KIUI Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom
Buy it now at Kuiu
Paul calls zip-off long johns a "total game-changer" because they allow you to take them off if necessary without taking off your pants and boots first. They have zippers that start at the hip and end at the ankles on both sides, so, to take them off, you only have to unzip and drop your outer pants.
This pair is made from a warm blend of merino wool and polyester that wicks away moisture.
Hiking winter hat
It's easy to get overheated if you wear a standard winter hat. That's why, for hiking, consider packing a thin beanie-like style made from a synthetic material that will help you stay warm without making you sweat more.
Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie
Buy it now at Smartwool
Wool is one of the only natural fibers that wicks away moisture and regulates body temperature. These beanies are made from thin merino wool that serves as a warm base layer without overheating.
What to wear hiking in spring?
Spring hikes are wonderful as flowers and trees begin to bloom. However, the weather this time of the year can be unpredictable, which is something you need to plan for when venturing out into the wild.
Hiking socks
Paul explained that socks are important to keep your feet dry and warm in cold temperatures and wet conditions. While he admits that wool socks were standard decades ago, he avoids them for being too thick and bulky and prefers wearing lightweight socks that retain heat even if they get wet.
Dickies Men's Dri-tech Moisture Control Crew Socks Multipack
Buy it now on Amazon
These socks feature mesh ventilation panels to keep feet cool and provide foot and heel support. But most importantly, the cotton/polyester/nylon fabric blend wicks away moisture and dries fast to deliver comfort and freshness.
What to wear hiking in fall?
Similarly to spring, fall hikes bring with them cooler temperatures and unpredictable rain, so adding a few more extra things to your hiking list would keep you warm and dry.
Hiking sweatshirt
Paul recommends investing in a lightweight mid-layer fleece to wear over your shirt and under the outer shell.
Columbia Spectre Ridge™ Full Zip Tech Fleece
Buy it now at Columbia
While a lot of synthetic fleece sweatshirts are made from polyester, this one by Columbia blends nylon and polyester, which gives it a couple of additional features—most notably, it repels water and other fluids and dries fast. The material is lightweight and thin, and the classic fit silhouette comprises thumb holes and stretch side panels for added comfort while on the move.
Hiking accessories
To ensure extra protection from the elements, it is important to combine good clothing and footwear with a few essential hiking accessories.
Best hiking backpack
A lightweight and compact backpack that doesn't weigh you down is important. Paul recommends purchasing one that is big enough to store things like extra layers, water, and snacks.
Osprey Packs Ultralight 20L Dry Pack
Buy it now on Amazon
This Osprey daypack is packable (in fact, it comes with a storage pouch) and waterproof. We've used it for jungle hikes during downpours in French Polynesia, and it kept everything in it dry. It has several loops where you can hang things like hiking poles and two side pockets for water bottles.
Hiking sunglasses
Paul says that one of the most important items that people very often forget to pack for a hike is a pair of reflective sunglasses.
Buy it now on Amazon
Maui Jim's Makoa sunnies have a wrap-around design that fits close to the face and classic rectangular polarized lenses. In addition to the rubber nose pads that up the comfort factor, the lenses are designed to enhance colors and provide extra clarity.
Hiking hat
This accessory is also very useful for protecting hikers from the sun and preventing sunburns during spring and summer hikes.
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
Buy it now at REI
This hat is a good hiking option because it has a wide brim and an extra panel at the back that covers the neck. Moreover, it's water-resistant and folds into a compact package that can be stowed away in a backpack.
Hiking gaiters
Hikers venturing out in the wilderness should consider investing in a pair of gaiters to protect their calves, especially if they are not wearing waterproof pants. They attach to the outsoles of your shoes to keep your feet dry and keep stones, debris, and branches away from your footwear.
Buy it now at Kuiu
This hunting brand manufactures durable and sturdy gaiters that hikers may find useful. They are lightweight and protect against water and wind. The fit can be adjusted at the calf, and a hook attaches to the laces, ensuring the gaiters stay in place.
Best hiking poles
Paul says that hiking poles take the pressure off the knees, especially during descents and downhills. He adds that they give more stability and can help prevent slips.
Peax Backcountry Elite Trekking Poles
Buy it now at Peax
Paul recommends this pair of collapsible trekking poles by Peax, an outdoor brand based out of Bozeman, Montana. They can be adjusted to measure up to 54 inches and have a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber construction.
What are the best fabrics for hiking?
Several materials, most of them synthetic, are best suited to enduring the elements:
- Polyester: The majority of sportswear is made from polyester for a reason. This synthetic fabric has excellent moisture-wicking qualities, dries fast, and is easy to clean. Some brands also treat it with anti-odor finishes, which provide freshness for longer. Polyester is a good material for hiking shirts, t-shirts, and other base layers.
- Nylon: Nylon is the preferred material for outerwear and any products that need to be waterproof and withstand abrasions. Jackets, shells, and backpacks are often made from nylon to keep them water-resistant and ensure durability.
- Merino wool: Merino wool is an excellent sportswear material because of its finer, lighter fibers, which result in less bulk, softness, and breathability. It is also notorious for absorbing moisture and keeping it away from the skin.
