You’ve probably noticed that what works on one trail fails on another. Temperature swings, sudden rain and strong sun all test your clothing choices.
Comfort comes from layers you can add and remove, built from fabrics that handle sweat.
Match Your Clothing to the Conditions
Before you head out, match your clothing to what the day will bring.
Sunny trails call for lightweight, breathable fabrics with a UPF rating on the label. Rainy paths need a waterproof outer layer. Windy conditions ask for a windproof outer layer that holds heat in.
Temperatures drop as you climb, so layers handle that shift better than one heavy coat. The National Park Service tells hikers to pack an extra layer for the most extreme conditions you could meet.
If rain is only possible, pack the rain jacket near the top and put it on at the first drops.
Shoes get their own section below, and the tips for a perfect hike cover the rest of your preparation.
Pick Hiking Fabrics That Handle Sweat
The American Hiking Society says cotton readily absorbs and retains water, which leaves a hiker wet in both cold and hot weather. Wool and synthetics move moisture away from your skin, and wool stays warm even when wet.
Choose synthetics or merino wool next to your skin, and leave cotton, jeans and cotton hoodies included, at home.
You may already own the right thing. The same group notes that most sports clothing is synthetic, so a polyester gym shirt can work as a base layer.
Fabrics with a UPF rating add sun protection without extra weight. Reinforced nylon resists abrasion on brushy trails, where long pants also help in tick country, as the guide to tick safety for walkers explains.
Layering for Any Temperature
The American Hiking Society recommends dressing in layers in both warm and cold weather.
Three layers work together:
- A moisture-wicking base layer pulls sweat away from your skin
- An insulating middle layer traps heat without bulk
- A waterproof, breathable outer layer shields you from wind and rain
You can always peel off a layer, but you can’t add one you left at the car.
Start the hike slightly cool. You’ll warm up within a few minutes of walking, and you can shed a layer before you sweat.
Hats and gloves round out the system, since they let you adjust warmth quickly.
Sun Protection on Open Trails
In heat, wear loose, lightweight polyester or nylon with a UPF rating, plus a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. The National Park Service notes that pants and long sleeve shirts help minimize sun exposure.
Read hiking hot weather safety before a summer outing, and ask your doctor about heat if you take daily medication or have a heart condition.
Rain-Ready Layering Essentials
Start with a moisture-wicking synthetic base layer. Add a lightweight fleece for warmth.
Over that, a breathable waterproof jacket with an adjustable hood and taped seams keeps water out where it counts. Waterproof pants over your hiking pants protect your legs.
Check the seams, the hood and the zippers on a rain jacket before you rely on it.
Wool or synthetic socks, never cotton, keep your feet more comfortable when everything else is damp. Pack a dry spare pair in a bag.
Cold Weather Hiking: Insulation Without the Bulk
In the cold, wear a merino or synthetic base layer, a fleece and a windproof, waterproof shell, with gloves and a wool hat.
Cold isn’t only a winter problem. The CDC says hypothermia can occur even above 40°F if you become chilled from rain or sweat. On a cool, wet day, dress as you would for a cold one.
If you get soaked and start to feel chilled, turn back and get into dry clothes. The guide to hiking in cold weather after 50 covers the warning signs of hypothermia.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a heart condition, ask your doctor how cold, wet weather affects you.
Hiking Footwear for Different Trail Conditions
The hiking footwear selection guide goes into fit, waterproofing and break-in in detail.
Different trails call for different options:
- Rocky, uneven trails: boots with ankle support and durable outsoles
- Wet conditions: waterproof boots, which keep out puddles and rain
- Well-maintained paths: trail running shoes for lightweight comfort and traction
- Hot weather: breathable mesh uppers
- Icy surfaces: slip-on traction, spikes for trails or cleats for icy pavement
Match your footwear to the ground you’ll actually walk on.
Trail Accessories Worth Carrying
A pack with a waterproof cover protects your essentials when the weather turns. Sunglasses shield your eyes from glare. Lightweight headbands manage sweat and give a little sun protection.
Trekking poles help on hills: the American Hiking Society says hikers using two poles feel less knee pain, especially on descents.
Quick Reference for Hot, Cold, and Rainy Days
Use this short list as a starting point:
- Hot: synthetic shorts or light long pants, a UPF-rated shirt, quick-drying socks, hat and sunglasses
- Cold: wicking base layer, fleece, windproof and waterproof shell, wool socks, hat and gloves
- Rainy: waterproof jacket and pants, wicking base layer, fleece, quick-drying socks, pack cover