In recent years, outdoor sports—especially hiking—have surged in popularity. Accessible to everyone, hiking is great for fitness and lets you explore stunning landscapes with minimal environmental impact. France is a premier hiking destination, packed with waymarked trails across diverse terrains: mountains, countryside, coastal paths, and urban trails. While the trails are free, investing in reliable gear and high-performance clothing is essential. To help you gear up right, Cimalp presents this complete hiking layering guide.
Mastering the Three-Layer System
Every hiker should know how to dress for the conditions. The three-layer system provides breathability, insulation and protection. Layering garments lets you remove or put them back on as your hike progresses.
The base layer
A hiking base layer needs to be breathable above all. It is usually made from synthetic fibres, best for short, intense efforts, or natural fibres such as merino wool, suited to winter or multi-day trekking. Base layers include short- or long-sleeved t-shirts for your upper body, depending on the hike, and thermal leggings worn beneath trousers.
The Mid-Layer
This mid-layer provides thermal insulation while transferring body moisture outwards. Fleece jackets are the go-to choice for hiking thanks to their versatility (choose fabric weight based on external temperatures). Alternatively, a down jacket is ideal for cold, dry conditions.
The Outer Layer
As your outer barrier against the elements, this layer must deliver dependable protection. Your third layer adapts to weather conditions, terrain, precipitation, and temperature. Depending on conditions, choose a lightweight windbreaker, a water-repellent jacket, or a fully waterproof rain jacket.
Hiking trousers vary according to terrain and season: zip-off convertible, ultra-lightweight, lined, brushed-fleece, water-repellent, or fully waterproof. If your trousers are not waterproof, pack waterproof overtrousers as a protective outer shell when conditions deteriorate.
Protective Features of Hiking Clothing
Water Repellence vs Waterproofness
Water-resistant hiking apparel falls into two categories: water-repellent or waterproof. A water-repellent fabric causes water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface. It provides initial light-rain protection but will not withstand heavy downpours. The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment must be reproofed periodically to maintain performance.
For reliable protection, choose a waterproof garment with a membrane that keeps water out. Clothing waterproofness is measured in Schmerber. This rating can help you choose a rain jacket to suit your needs. For hiking boots, you can also choose a pair with a Gore-Tex® membrane to keep water out.
There are many types of hiking clothing to protect you from rain. For your upper body, you could choose a rain jacket or cape; for your lower body, trousers, gaiters or waterproof overtrousers. A rain cover will protect your hiking backpack.
Windproof Protection
To combat wind chill—which rapidly drains body heat—windproof clothing is essential. Besides preserving core temperature, fully windproof fabrics maintain excellent breathability. Many waterproof and water-repellent jackets integrate wind-blocking tech for comprehensive weather defence.
Properly adjusting your windproof layers is essential to seal out drafts. Tighten your hood, cuffs, and hem drawcord for complete weather protection.
Softshell clothing
Functioning as both a mid-layer and outer layer, softshell apparel delivers multiple benefits: thermal insulation, comfort, water repellence, breathability, wind protection, and unrestricted movement. It has become a staple for hikers thanks to its unmatched versatility. A softshell jacket or trousers will take you almost anywhere—ideal in cold, windy weather, light precipitation, and during high-intensity efforts.
However, we advise against using it when rain is forecast or in unstable mountain weather, especially during multi-day trekking.
Dressing for Every Type of Hiking
Warm-Weather Hiking
Spring and summer offer prime conditions for hiking, allowing you to hit the trails comfortably with minimalist gear. In warm, clear weather, opt for lightweight, highly breathable garments like technical t-shirts, tank tops, shirts, shorts, or light trousers. Always pack backup insulating and protective layers: mountain weather changes rapidly at altitude, and storms can roll in without warning.
Winter Mountain Activities
In winter, you can go snowshoeing, ski touring or mountaineering in the mountains. These activities call for more technical kit and greater insulation. You may need glove liners, gloves, gaiters, a balaclava, thermal underwear, a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Long-distance hikes
Finally, multi-day routes like the GR20 in Corsica or long treks like the Camino de Santiago demand specific kit. Beyond what you wear on day one, you need spare clothing designed for every condition (insulating, waterproof, breathable, durable) while keeping weight to a strict minimum to lighten your pack. Bottom line: proper layering is vital for hiking. Whether you hike in heat, cold, rain, or howling wind, your clothing must be versatile and dependable, ensuring safety and performance on every trail.
