Temperature changes are frequent when hiking, particularly in the mountains where the weather is unpredictable. It is therefore essential to plan for appropriate clothing, as well as spare garments. With today's technologies, clothing is now more durable and absorbs odours less. So is it really essential to change your hiking clothes every day?
Upper body clothing
When hiking, weight matters, whether you're heading out for a day in the lowlands or a multi-day trek in the mountains. It is therefore important to be mindful not to pack too many clothes.
Today, many hiking garments are designed to be worn over multiple days. For natural-fibre base layers, merino wool t-shirts are an excellent choice for trekking. They naturally don't absorb odours. We do advise against wearing synthetic fibres for several days in a row, unless they have a special treatment (e.g. Polygiene technology helps repel odours).
When hiking, you can wear your t-shirt for two or three days. A good tip is to pack two base layers, wash them by hand and alternate them throughout your trekking. As for second and third layers, they can easily handle being worn for several days without washing.
Lower body clothing
You don't have to change your hiking trousers every day. These garments are designed for extended use, so wearing them for several days is not a problem. That said, packing a spare pair can still be a good idea, in case your trousers end up soaked or torn. Alternating between pairs also lets the previous day's trousers air out.
You can plan for different types of trousers: lightweight trousers, warm trousers, convertible trousers or even shorts if you're heading out for several days. This allows you to better adapt to weather conditions and your environment (trails, areas with brambles, woodland, rivers…). Setting off on a hiking trip with a pair of trousers and a spare pair in your backpack is a good idea. However, don't weigh yourself down with three or four pairs of trousers.
Extra clothing to pack
If you can keep the majority of your hiking clothes on for the whole day, or wash some along the way, it is still important to pack other spare garments for your trekking.
For a multi-day trek, plan for:
- One t-shirt for approximately two or three days of hiking. When choosing your base layer, you can opt for short-sleeve or long-sleeve t-shirts;
- A fleece. You can also optionally pack a second, thinner fleece to adapt to the climate;
- A jacket that is both windproof and waterproof
- One or two pairs of hiking trousers (or shorts);
- At least two pairs of hiking socks
- A pair of tights that can be useful either under your trousers in cold weather or for sleeping.
Bear in mind that you shouldn't overload yourself when heading out hiking. Check the weather forecast in advance, but pack clothing suited to all conditions (cold, warm, rain, wind…), especially if you're going into the mountains. Changing your clothes every day when hiking isn't mandatory, but it's worth packing a few spare items.
