Every year, more and more people decide to take up hiking. The reasons are many: the desire to get active, enjoy nature, discover new landscapes… And while this activity requires little preparation or equipment when you start out, it is still important to wear appropriate clothing. Durable, breathable and lightweight garments allow you to tackle the trails in comfort. So, how do you choose the right clothing for hiking as a beginner?
Upper body clothing
Clothing for summer hiking is simple and lightweight. In good weather, you can hike in short sleeves. T-shirts, vests and short-sleeved shirts are light and breathable. To protect yourself from UV rays, opt for clothing that covers your arms — long-sleeved shirts or tops work perfectly.
To gear up for hiking in all seasons, the focus should be on technical clothing and the three-layer system. This system — breathable, insulating and protective all at once — is easy to implement and allows you to adapt your outfit to the outside temperature.
The outfit consists of a breathable base layer such as a merino wool or synthetic t-shirt; a mid layer of fleece or a down jacket; and an outer shell of a windproof or rain jacket. Weather permitting, you can replace the last two layers with a softshell jacket that combines insulation, protection, wind resistance and water repellency.
Lower body clothing
For the lower body, clothing for beginner hiking also depends on the climate and environment. In warm, sunny conditions, you can wear breathable shorts, cropped trousers, lightweight trousers or convertible trousers for hiking. The stretchy fabric and fitted cut give you a wide range of movement while maintaining good breathability. Bear in mind that shorts have fewer pockets and offer no protection for your legs against the surrounding environment (tall grass, brambles, rocks…).
For winter, you can choose lightweight trousers paired with a base layer for extra insulation. In cold weather, however, it is better to opt for lined or brushed trousers, which are far warmer and more protective.
Footwear for beginner hiking
Good footwear is essential when starting out in hiking. It is the one item you should never cut corners on. To choose the right shoes, consider the type of terrain, the weight you will be carrying, and the length of your hike.
Low-cut shoes are well suited for beginner hiking. They are comfortable, supple and well-ventilated. You can use them for a few hours on the trails with a light day pack. If you want to tackle more active hikes with greater elevation gain, you can also choose low-cut shoes designed specifically for that purpose.
For more technical hikes with greater elevation gain and a heavier pack, mid- and high-cut shoes are more suitable. They provide better grip and offer superior ankle support.
Essential accessories
To protect yourself from the sun, it is essential to kit yourself out with the right protective accessories. When hiking in summer, remember to pack a cap or hat (the latter has the advantage of protecting the whole head and neck), sunglasses and suitable sun protection.
Protecting your extremities is essential in cold conditions. Make sure you have a beanie, a pair of gloves and a neck gaiter. The latter is more breathable and less bulky than a scarf.
When starting out in hiking, you do not need to invest in high-end clothing and footwear. However, you should make sure your kit is sufficiently breathable, insulating and protective. Even if your first hikes are fairly short, it is better to be properly equipped to handle sudden showers or wind.
