In recent years, more and more French people have been taking up outdoor sports, and in particular hiking. This activity, accessible to all, is good for your health and allows you to explore breathtaking landscapes while respecting the environment. France is the ideal destination for hiking, with waymarked trails throughout the country — in the mountains, but also in the countryside, along the coast and even in towns. And while the activity itself is free, it is still worth investing in good quality equipment and clothing. To help you choose, Cimalp offers you this complete guide to dressing for hiking.
Using the three-layer system
Every hiker needs to know how to dress optimally. The three-layer system ensures good breathability, good insulation and good protection. By layering certain garments, you can remove and add them as the hike progresses.
The first layer
The base layer for 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) 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 additional insulation while transferring moisture produced by the body. Fleece jackets are the most commonly used for hiking, as they adapt to all situations (you can choose their weight based on the outside temperature). You can also opt for a down jacket, which is more suited to cold, dry conditions.
The third layer
This is the garment in direct contact with the elements, so it must be protective. Your third layer varies according to weather conditions, the environment, adverse 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 use. They can be convertible into shorts, lightweight, lined, brushed, water-repellent or waterproof. If they do not have 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 garments are either water-repellent or waterproof. A water-repellent fabric causes water to bead and run off. It provides a first level of protection but does not hold up in heavy rain. Its water-repellent treatment must be renewed to maintain its effectiveness.
If you want to be well protected, you can opt for a waterproof garment fitted with a membrane that prevents water from penetrating. The waterproofness of garments is measured in Schmerber. These figures are very useful to help you choose your rain jacket based on your needs. When it comes to hiking shoes, you can also opt for shoes fitted with a Gore-Tex® membrane to keep the water out.
There are many hiking garments to protect you from the rain. You can choose from, for example, a rain jacket or a rain cape for the upper body, trousers, gaiters, waterproof overtrousers for the lower body, or a rain cover for your hiking backpack.
The windproof effect
To protect yourself from the 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 are also equipped with this feature to provide additional protection.
Adjusting your windproof clothing properly to prevent the 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 a second and third layer, the softshell garment has many qualities: thermal insulation, comfort, water repellency, breathability, windproof protection and a great freedom of movement. It is now widely used by hikers thanks to its great versatility. The softshell jacket or trousers go with you almost everywhere — ideally in cold, windy conditions, light adverse weather and during intense physical effort.
We do advise against using it when there is a risk of precipitation, in unstable conditions, particularly for a multi-day trekking trip in the mountains.
Dressing for the type of hiking
Hiking in fine weather
Spring and summer are the most favourable seasons for hiking. They allow you to enjoy this activity in good conditions with minimal equipment. Indeed, in fine weather you can opt for lighter, more breathable clothing such as t-shirts, vests, shirts, shorts or lightweight trousers. That said, do remember to bring some insulating and protective layers as well. If you are hiking in the mountains, temperatures can change rapidly with altitude and bad weather can strike at any moment.
Different winter activities
In winter and in the mountains, you can go snowshoeing, ski touring or mountaineering. These activities require more insulating and technical equipment. You will need, for example, liner gloves, gloves, gaiters, a balaclava, thermal base layers, a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Long-distance hiking trails
Finally, multi-day hikes such as the GR20 in Corsica or multi-week routes such as the Camino de Santiago also call for specific clothing. In addition to what you wear, you need to plan for spare clothing, garments suited to all situations (insulating, waterproof, breathable, resistant…) and above all lightweight clothing to keep your hiking backpack as light as possible. As you can see, it is important to dress properly for hiking. Whether you hike in warm weather, cold weather, rain or wind, your clothing must be versatile and adapt to all situations. This allows you to enjoy your activity in good conditions without putting yourself at risk.
