Hiking demands appropriate clothing for the activity. Today, hiking garments are made from smart fibre materials that deliver excellent protection, breathability and freedom of movement. To help you navigate the options, we explain everything you need to know about technical clothing for hiking.
The waterproofing and durability of technical garments
Before buying your hiking clothing, it is important to consider several criteria, such as the waterproofing and durability of your garments. These will allow you to adapt to every situation.
Today, membranes such as Gore-Tex® can withstand several days of bad weather without issue. The design of their membrane prevents water from penetrating while allowing perspiration to escape from the body. This technical ingenuity combines waterproofing, breathability and a windproof effect in one.
Other garments feature a water-repellent treatment — ideal if you plan to hike in fair weather. Their fabric is designed to let water run off the surface. They can handle light rain, but have their limits and will not withstand a heavy downpour.
The breathability and windproof performance of technical garments
In the face of wind, the body can lose heat rapidly. Windproof garments allow you to retain the warmth generated by your body. Their membrane makes them both waterproof and windproof, providing complete protection against wind and rain alike.
Finally, the more waterproof a garment is, the less breathable it tends to be. It is therefore important to find a balance between the two. To do this, the breathability of a fabric can be measured using two tools:
- MVTR, or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate: this is the amount of water (in vapour form) that a fabric allows to pass through in 24 hours. The higher the rate, the more breathable the fabric. A jacket is considered breathable from 10,000 MVTR upwards.
- RET (Resistance Evaporative Transfer). It measures the resistance a fabric offers to moisture evacuation. The lower the rating, the more breathable the garment. A RET below 6 is highly breathable; between 6 and 12 is breathable; between 12 and 20 is low breathability; above 20 is non-breathable.
The three-layer system
When dressing for hiking, the three-layer system is the go-to approach. The first layer wicks away perspiration and keeps you dry — typically a technical base layer. The second layer provides warmth through a fleece or down jacket. Finally, the third layer acts as protection against the elements — usually a windproof, water-repellent or waterproof jacket.
Softshell are an exception to the three-layer system. Their technology allows them to serve as both a mid-layer and an outer layer. The softshell has many advantages: it is warm, windproof and more breathable than conventional outer layers. It also handles light showers thanks to its water-repellency — however, it is not waterproof.
Choosing technical garments lets you hike in good conditions and with complete safety. Climate, season and weather are all important factors to consider when selecting your outfit. If you are heading out hiking, particularly in the mountains, it is essential to kit yourself out properly with waterproof, breathable, windproof clothing suited to your activity.
