In recent years, more and more people in France have been taking up outdoor sports, and hiking in particular. This activity, accessible to everyone, is great for your health and lets you explore breathtaking landscapes while respecting the environment. France is the ideal destination for hiking, with marked trails across the entire country — in the mountains, the countryside, along the coast and even in towns and cities. And while the activity itself is free, it's still worth investing in quality gear and clothing. To help you choose wisely, Cimalp has put together this complete guide to dressing for hiking.
Using the three-layer system
Every hiker needs to know how to dress properly. The three-layer system ensures good breathability, good insulation and good protection. By layering certain garments, you can remove and replace them as your hike progresses.
The first layer
The base layer in hiking must above all be breathable. The material generally varies between synthetic fibres (preferable for intense, short efforts) and natural fibres such as merino wool (ideal for winter or multi-day trekking). Base-layer garments can be worn on both the upper body (short- or long-sleeved t-shirts depending on the hiking conditions) and the lower body as a thermal first layer (often in the form of leggings worn under trousers).
The second layer
This mid layer provides extra insulation while transferring moisture away from the body. Fleece jackets are the most popular choice for hiking, as they adapt to any situation (you can choose the weight depending on the outside temperature). You can also opt for a down jacket, which is best suited to cold, dry conditions.
The third layer
This is the garment in direct contact with the outside world, so it needs to be protective. Your third layer will vary depending on weather conditions, environment, bad weather and temperature. You can use a simple windproof, a water-repellent jacket or a rain jacket for the upper body.
Hiking trousers vary according to their intended use. They can be convertible into shorts, lightweight, lined, brushed, water-repellent or waterproof. If they lack this last feature, you can add a pair of rain overtrousers as a third layer to protect yourself from bad weather.
Protective properties of hiking clothing
Water repellency and waterproofing
Water-resistant hiking clothing is either water-repellent or waterproof. A water-repellent fabric causes water to bead and run off. It provides a first level of protection but cannot withstand heavy rain. Its water-repellent treatment must be renewed to maintain its effectiveness.
For maximum protection, you can opt for a waterproof garment fitted with a membrane that prevents water from getting in. The waterproofness of clothing is measured in Schmerber. These figures are very useful for helping you choose your rain jacket based on your needs. When it comes to hiking footwear, you can also look for shoes fitted with a membrane such as Gore-Tex® to keep water out.
There is a wide range of hiking clothing to protect you from the rain. For the upper body, you can choose from a rain jacket or a rain cape; for the lower body, trousers, gaiters, waterproof overtrousers; and a rain cover for your hiking pack.
The windproof effect
To protect yourself from wind, which has a significant impact on your body temperature, you need to wear windproof clothing. In addition to maintaining your body temperature, 100% windproof garments have the advantage of being extremely breathable. Waterproof and water-repellent jackets also feature this capability to provide extra protection.
Adjusting your windproof clothing properly to prevent wind from getting in is essential. You can adjust your hood, your cuffs and the hem of your jacket to ensure full protection.
Softshell clothing
Used as both a second and third layer, the softshell garment offers many qualities: thermal insulation, comfort, water repellency, breathability, windproofing and excellent freedom of movement. It is now widely used by hikers thanks to its great versatility. The softshell jacket or trousers go with you almost anywhere — ideal in cold, windy conditions, light bad weather and during intense exertion.
We do advise against using it when there is a risk of precipitation or in unsettled weather, particularly on a multi-day mountain trekking trip.
Dressing for your type of hiking
Hiking on fine days
Spring and summer are the best seasons for hiking. They allow you to enjoy this activity in good conditions with minimal kit. In fair weather, you can wear lighter, more breathable clothing such as t-shirts, vests, shirts, shorts or lightweight trousers. That said, always pack extra insulating and protective layers. If you're hiking in the mountains, temperatures can change quickly with altitude and bad weather can strike at any moment.
Winter activities
In winter and in the mountains, you can go snowshoe hiking, ski touring or mountaineering. These activities require more insulating and technical kit. You will need, for example, liner gloves, gloves, gaiters, a balaclava, thermal base layers, a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Long-distance hikes
Finally, multi-day hikes such as the GR20 in Corsica or multi-week hikes such as the Camino de Santiago also call for specific clothing. In addition to what you wear on the day, you need to pack spare clothes and garments to handle every situation (insulating, waterproof, breathable, durable…) — and above all, lightweight pieces to keep your hiking pack as light as possible. The takeaway is clear: dressing well for hiking matters. Whether you hike in warm weather, cold weather, rain or wind, your clothing must be versatile and ready for anything. That way you can enjoy your activity in comfort without putting yourself at risk.
