More and more people are choosing to get off the beaten track and enjoy the hiking experience. It’s a great way of keeping fit as well as seeing more of the countryside. What to wear when you’re hiking can be quite a dilemma, and you probably think it’s a case of sensible shoes and lots of layers of baggy clothes. This is possibly not the best of wardrobes for the fashion-conscious hiker. All is not lost, however. It is possible to dress sensibly while at the same timekeeping your own sense of style. Here’s a quick guide to help you.
Stick with What You’ve Got
You’re going to be better equipped if you look into buying specialist hiking gear, but it’s also possible to enjoy shorter hiking trips wearing items you’ve already got at home. Do you already work out and have gym clothes you can wear? If you choose to dig out your leggings, then make sure they’re not made of cotton, as this is the most unsuitable kind of material to wear when hiking.
What Trousers to Wear?
Choose a pair that’s made from a synthetic material, that won’t rip or tear easily, and will dry quickly should you get caught in a shower of rain. Nylon, polyester, and elastane are perfect materials as they all help to draw sweat away from your body.
What Tops to Wear?
Again, you need to ditch the cotton and choose synthetic fabrics. The trick with your upper body clothing is to aim for layers. Tank tops, tee shirts, and shirts can be taken off and put back on again as your body temperature fluctuates. For when the weather is a little cooler, a well-insulated down jacket will serve you much better that a great big coat.
What to Wear on Your Feet?
The stylish options for your footwear are almost endless. You’ll find hiking shoes and boots in a wide variety of styles, colours, and shapes. Think about the type of terrain you’ll be covering, because you don’t want to spend a fortune on a trendy pair of hiking shoes only to have them covered in mud after their first outing. The best thing to do is read a range of reviews, such as those in Outdoor Wilds, then try on a few different pairs.
As well as footwear you also need to choose your socks carefully. Taking care of your feet is important. You’re going to spending most of the day on them, and you don’t want them to let you down. Cotton socks are a big no-no. Instead, choose socks made from wool and wool blends.
Base Layer
This is the most important part of your hiking outfit, as they are the undergarment that hugs your body, acting as a barrier to prevent sweat from sticking to your skin. It doesn’t need to be fashionable or stylish as no one is going to see it. It does, however, have to be slim fitting and made of a material that’s comfortable and breathable.
If you want to be stylish when you’re out hiking, it is possible if you spend time looking around for the right items.