In recent years, more and more people have taken up outdoor sports — and hiking in particular. This activity, accessible to everyone, is great for your health and lets you discover breathtaking landscapes while respecting the environment. France is the ideal destination for hiking, with marked trails throughout the country — in the mountains, the countryside, along the coast and even in towns. And while the activity itself is free, it's worth investing in good quality gear and clothing. To help you choose wisely, Cimalp presents this complete guide to dressing for hiking.
Using the three-layer system
Every hiker should 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 fabric typically 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 used for both the upper body (t-shirts with short or long sleeves depending on the hike) and the lower body as a thermal base layer (often in the form of leggings worn under trousers).
The second layer
This mid layer provides additional insulation while transferring moisture away from the body. Fleece jackets are the most popular choice for hiking, as they adapt to all situations (you can choose the weight based on the outside temperature). You can also opt for a down jacket, which is better 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 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 depending on their use. They can be zip-off into shorts, lightweight, lined, brushed, water-repellent or even waterproof. If they don't have this last feature, you can add a pair of rain overtrousers as a third layer to protect against bad weather.
Protective properties of hiking clothing
Water-repellence and waterproofing
Hiking clothing that is resistant to water 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 won't hold up in heavy rain. The water-repellent treatment must be renewed to maintain its effectiveness.
If you want maximum protection, you can opt for a waterproof garment fitted with a membrane that prevents water from getting in. The waterproofing of clothing is measured in Schmerber. This data is very useful for choosing your rain jacket based on your needs. For hiking shoes, you can also look for footwear fitted with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep water out.
There are many hiking garments to protect you from the rain. You can choose from a rain jacket or 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
Properly adjusting your windproof garments to ensure no wind gets in is essential. You can adjust your hood, your wrists or the hem of your jacket to ensure full protection.
Properly adjusting your windproof garments to ensure no wind gets in is essential. You can adjust your hood, your wrists or the hem of your jacket to ensure full protection.
Softshell clothing
Used as both a second and third layer, the softshell garment has many qualities: thermal insulation, comfort, water-repellence, breathability, windproof protection and great freedom of movement. It is now widely used by hikers thanks to its great versatility. The softshell jacket or trousers goes almost anywhere with you — ideally in cold, windy conditions, light bad weather and during intense effort.
We do advise against using it when there is a risk of precipitation or in unstable conditions — particularly during a multi-day trekking trip in the mountains.
Dressing for your type of hiking
Hiking in fine weather
Spring and summer are the most favourable seasons for hiking. They allow you to enjoy the activity in great conditions with minimal equipment. In fine weather, you can opt for lighter, more breathable garments such as t-shirts, tank tops, shirts, shorts or lightweight trousers. That said, always pack some insulating and protective layers too. If you're hiking in the mountains, temperatures can change rapidly with altitude and bad weather can strike at any time.
Winter activities
In winter and in the mountains, you can go snowshoe hiking, ski touring or mountaineering. These activities require more insulating and technical equipment. You'll need, for example, liner gloves, gloves, gaiters, a balaclava, thermal base layers, a waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Long-distance hiking
Finally, multi-day hikes such as the GR20 in Corsica or multi-week routes like the Camino de Santiago also require specific clothing. In addition to what you wear, you need to pack spare clothes and garments for all conditions (insulating, waterproof, breathable, resistant…) — and above all, lightweight clothes to keep your hiking backpack as light as possible. As you can see, dressing well for hiking is key. Whether you're hiking in warm weather, cold conditions, rain or wind, your clothing must be versatile and adapt to every situation. This allows you to enjoy your activity safely without putting yourself at risk.
