The Happiness Function

My husband and I live for hiking and exploring the outdoors and we want to share our best advice with you for what to wear hiking.

To stay safe and comfortable while enjoying the outdoors, there are a few key things to consider when choosing clothing. Depending on the time of year, climate, and the elevation, you need to adjust clothing choices accordingly.

Some of the gear in this article was gifted to us by Gearhead Outfitters.

The Art of Layering: What Every Hiker Should Know

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Layers are important. They allow you to adjust your clothing and body temperature as needed depending on the weather conditions.

I’ll walk you through the different layers we bring on hiking trips.

Pants To Wear Hiking

Comfortable, lightweight hiking pants are ideal. Look for ones that are sweat-wicking and durable.

Also, think about their functionality. How do you plan to wear them?

Lately, we have been obsessed with KÜHL’s hiking pants. Not only can you wear them hiking, but you can also wear them for a road trip or to run errands.

Check out our in-depth gear review on two of our favorite pairs of hiking pants from KÜHL for guys and gals.

Sometimes, I also hike in leggings from brands like The North Face, lululemon, or Athleta.

Hiking Shorts

Depending on where you live, you might enjoy wearing shorts. If you’re not worried about bugs or foliage scraping your legs while you walk, shorts are a great way to stay cool during warmer months.

Make sure they are quick drying to keep sweat chap away.

Hiking Shirts

Look for lightweight and quick-drying hiking shirts made from light cotton or synthetic fabrics (such as polyester nylon).

Here’s the scoop on cotton: It is OK for short hikes and less humid climates. Otherwise, it won’t dry, and you’ll be wearing wet clothes.

Synthetic fabrics: If you’re hiking where the climate is humid and you plan to sweat a lot, you will want to have a synthetic fabric that dries quickly.

Mid-Layer: Long Sleeve Shirt

A long sleeve is a great piece to have on hand during most of the year. You can wear long sleeves as a base layer or outer layer.

Synthetic fabrics: Pablo and I have long sleeves made from synthetic materials that will wick away sweat and offer sun protection during the summer.

Pablo likes Denali long sleeve sun shirts (pictured above). I like wearing a lululemon swiftly.

Wool: It will keep you warm and is an ideal base layer during the winter. It is also moisture-wicking.

Consider merino wool long sleeves from brands such as Icebreaker or Ibex (I have these shirts).

Mid-Layer: Fleece Jacket or Sweater

Hiking with a fleece layer is a great mid-layer or outer layer option depending on the weather.

Pablo and I usually wear fleece in the spring, fall, and winter. If it’s super cold out, I will wear a fleece under my outermost layer. He likes the R1 from Patagonia and I wear a Synchilla.

Mid-Layer or Outer Layer: Insulated Down Jacket

It is crucial to protect and keep your body heat when hiking in cooler weather. There is nothing worse than being cold. Jackets can be expensive, but they are important to have as part of your hiking wardrobe.

I love my down jacket from Patagonia. Make sure your jacket is big enough to add layers underneath it if you plan on hiking in the winter. The North Face also makes an eco down jacket that we both really like (but their styles change seasonally).

Outer Layer: Windbreaker

A super light windbreaker will go a long way in keeping you warm. Get one you can layer over or under another jacket.

Depending on the type of windbreaker you buy, it may also act as a rain jacket so make sure you get it big enough to layer.

I love my Patagonia Houdini and we both like our The North Face Alta Vista Jackets (thank you Gearhead Outfitters).

Outer Layer: Rain Jacket + Rain Pants

If you plan to hike in the rain, be sure to get a rain jacket and pants. Patagonia, The North Face, and Helly Hanson make awesome rain jackets. I got my rain pants from REI.

You’ll want your rain gear to be your outermost layer to protect you from the wind and rain. Make sure your gear is not too tight.

Undergarments

Look for soft, synthetic, sweat-wicking, and quick-drying fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable.

Sports Bras: Comfort is key and so are quick-drying wicking materials. Consider where the seams may rub your body. Look for synthetic fabrics such as nylon and spandex.

Wool Hiking Socks

Wool socks help provide cushion. They are naturally moisture-wicking, so they keep your feet dry.

Our favorite brands are Smartwool and FITS.

Hiking Shoes + Boots

Having sturdy hiking footwear is important to protect your feet. Consider the type of hiking you will be doing to get the right ankle support for your adventures.

You can wear hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail runners.

Try the shoes on before buying them to ensure you get the correct size. Make sure your toes aren’t too close to the front because you can bruise your toes if you get shoes too small.

You don’t want your shoes too big either because it can cause blisters while hiking.

Don’t forget to consider how thick of a wool sock you’ll be wearing. Your feet might swell a little when hiking.

Pablo and I have been loving the Oboz brand. Their boots are durable, comfortable, and at a reasonable price point.

Hiking Sandals

Depending on where you plan on hiking, you might enjoy a good pair of hiking sandals on a summer hike.

If you’ll be hiking through water, Chacos and Tevas are great.

Hiking Accessories

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are a personal preference. Some people use them, and some don’t.

I like to hike with poles for balance and safety. When I hike and get a little tired, it is easy to get clumsy. As a woman, it makes me feel safe to have a stick in case I need one, too.

Check out these Leki hiking poles.

Water Bottles

Hydro Flask makes durable insulated water bottles that work well for short hikes; however, they weigh more.

Consider packing a bladder or plastic Nalgene for longer hikes since their bottles weigh less. When hiking long distances, extra weight is something to consider.

Hiking Backpack

The backpack you use will depend on how far you want to hike.

You can use a smaller day pack for shorter hikes. For longer hikes, consider a larger day pack that will store more food, gear, and water.

Our Picks: I use an Osprey Sirrus 24 for longer hikes. It can fit a decent size water bladder along with a few clothing layers and food. Gearhead Outfitters gifted us a Kavu Rope Bag and the Osprey Kitsuma Hydration Pack for shorter hikes. They also gave us the Osprey Daylite Pack which we enjoy, too.

Sunglasses

Always protect your eyes. Some people love polarized glasses, and some don’t (I actually do not care for them).

Try on sunglasses to make sure they fit your face well. Make sure they don’t slide off your face when you get sweaty.

Sunhat

Protect your head and face from the sun with a brimmed hat. The sun can drain you while hiking if you’re not careful. Look for synthetic and lightweight fabrics that will dry fast. Your forehead can actually sweat a lot.

Neck Gaiter

Invest in a face and neck gaiter if you’re hiking at high elevations or in places with harsh sunlight or cold temperatures.

Gloves

We both always carry gloves in the winter. I prefer down, fleece, or synthetic gloves depending on the temperatures.

Kula Cloth

For all the ladies, this is the hiking essential you didn’t know you needed.

Kula Cloth makes an antimicrobial pee cloth to take on hiking adventures. You can ditch the toilet paper and keep this trusty rag on your bag. Buy it at REI.

Final Thoughts

No matter what time of year it is, it is important to have the correct layers. Bring plenty of water and snacks with you on your hike, too.

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors, but it is important to stay safe and comfortable while doing so.

Check the weather before your trek.

Always be sure to hike with another person or let someone know where you are going if you plan to hike solo so that someone knows where you are and can come looking for you if needed.

💚 Happy hiking!

Ashlee & Pablo

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