If you're a fan of ultralight hiking, you're certainly on the lookout for every superfluous gram. When it comes to lightweight hiking clothing, it's more a matter of identifying the essentials. Hiking light means choosing only the necessary garments and leaving out the less important ones.
To define the right clothing for ultralight hiking, you need to distinguish between garments worn continuously and those packed away for occasional use. When we talk about garments worn continuously, we mean what you have on your body. It goes without saying that depending on the length of your hike (a weekend or longer, for example) and your willingness or ability to do a little laundry, you'll need to factor in spare clothing (or not!).
Hiking light: garments worn
For the upper body, you can choose
a quick-dry half-zip t-shirt or choose a sleeveless version. The half-zip allows some modulation depending on the temperature and desired comfort. In colder periods, you can slip a thermal base layer top underneath.
For trousers, choose a
a genuinely lightweight and reinforced hiking trouser. This will be ideal for avoiding unnecessary weight while having effective protection all over. Underneath, you can slip on a close-fitting boxer or a short thermal base layer of your choice.
For socks, it is advisable to choose
socks with merino wool which prevent odours and are above all comfortable and durable.
Don't rush past the
choice of hiking shoes. They are essential for your comfort. Don't focus solely on low weight here. Otherwise, you'll end up with fragile shoes that wear out quickly. You can find a good compromise between quality and weight, particularly by opting for low-cut shoes if the terrain you're covering allows for it.
To complete your kit, pack a cap. It will protect you from the sun and can cool you down by wetting it in hot weather. It also offers a little protection against the cold.
Hiking light: garments not worn continuously.
First in this category we have evening and nightwear. You can slip a pair of long thermal tights into your backpack for sleeping. This
thermal base layer will be your protection against the low temperatures at night. You can then choose to wear your daytime t-shirt at night, or bring a spare one.
Also pack a
neck warmer which also works as a neck warmer or bandana during the day and keeps your head warm at night. Gloves will also come in handy. In the evening or early morning they protect your hands from the cold, and during the day you can use them against the cold as well as protection against impact or grazes.
Also pack a pair of night socks to alternate with your daytime pair. You can dry one pair in the sun, clipped to your backpack as you walk.
Two other garments will be essential to slip into your backpack for the coldest moments or to protect against wind and rain. First, choose a
windproof water-repellent jacket and packable. It will be sufficient in predominantly dry conditions. In heavy rain, find shelter or use your tarp or groundsheet to protect yourself.
For the cold, it's better to choose
a synthetic down jacket : this will be the best compromise between solid protection and keeping weight low. What's more, its ability to compress makes it an ideal companion when you're looking to optimise your load to the fullest.
Hiking light is a hiking style that often means making choices. These should be made with your safety and minimum comfort in mind. You'll certainly carry less than on a hiking trip with portage, for example, but you'll get real satisfaction from it. The list of essential garments for hiking light should therefore help guide you in making your choices and packing your backpack for days of adventure in the great outdoors!
