It's Not A Walk In The Park
Hiking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise as all you really need is yourself and the spirit of adventure. You don't need a ton of brand-name gear to enjoy yourself. At the same time, you want to make sure you're wearing comfortable, reliable clothing that can take a beating. Here are 10 things to leave at home and 10 things to always pack.
1. Brand New Shoes
Picking the right pair of shoes for a hike is a bit of a balancing act. You want your shoes to be durable, with enough grip to hold onto whatever terrain you're traversing. However, if your shoes are brand new, breaking them in will cause aches and blisters.
2. Too Many Layers
In the city, it's easy to shed a layer or two when you get warm, and put it back on when the wind picks up. On the trail, however, there are no coat racks for you to put bulky parkas and flannels. Not only will you have to carry everything you take off, but your body naturally heats up as you exercise, so all those layers will be unnecessary anyway.
3. Stiff Clothing
Stiff such as leather and waxed canvas can restrict motion, which is one of the last things you want on a hike. As well, cargo pants and their many pockets can easily get in the way. This is especially true if your hike is on an incline or involves any reaching upwards.
Ali Karimiboroujeni on Unsplash
4. A Cotton Bra
If you regularly wear a bra for daily support, you definitely don't want to skip it on a hike. However leave your regular cotton bra in the drawer as the cotton will get damp with sweat and the metal clasp can dig uncomfortably into your back. Opt for a sports bra instead.
5. Loose Clothing
Baggy clothing may seem ideal as they allow your full range of movement. Unfortunately, comfy clothes can also impede that movement when they snag on rocks, scrub, or even your own hiking gear. Oversized clothing also fails to keep your temperature regulated.
6. Cotton Clothes
Cotton clothes may be comfy, especially for beginner hikers, but you'll soon understand why more experienced trekkers avoid them. Cotton breathes well, but locks in moisture, leaving you clammy. Once you get sweaty, you'll likely stay damp, which can make you seriously ill in colder weather.
7. Jewelry
Just like gyms advise you to leave jewelry behind before your workout, you should leave your valuables behind before you go for a hike. Delicate bracelets and necklaces can get snagged on errant branches, while rings and earrings are easy to lose. The last thing you want is for your wedding ring to go missing!
8. Perfume
If you're worried about getting a little stinky, don't try to mask it with scents. Perfume, cologne, and deodorants with strong scents can attract mosquitos and also be unpleasant for your fellow hikers. Hikers want to smell the fresh air, not your favorite perfume.
9. Denim
Denim may look cool for your Instagram grid, but jeans are one of the worst things you can wear for a hike. Denim breathes poorly and can lead to chafing and restricted motion. This may not seem like a big deal for a walk around town, but can be detrimental on longer or more intense hikes.
10. Overpacked Bags
We understand the urge to overpack just in case something goes wrong, but your back will thank you when you aren't weighed down. A heavy backpack will turn even the most picturesque trail into a painful slog. Additionally, bags that don't quite fit can lead to additional chafing and soreness
Now that we've gone over some things you never want to wear, let's look at alternatives and must-haves for happy hikes.
1. Rain Jacket
A good rain jacket should be waterproof, but not too heavy. You want something that will keep rain (and wind) out and sweat away, rather than leaving you humid and claustrophobic like a plastic poncho. If the forecast looks like it could turn really nasty, we recommend a pair of rain pants too.
2. Spare Socks
We'll go into more detail about what type of socks you should wear later on in this list, but always, always, always bring an extra pair. Extra socks can keep your feet warm and protected on more vigorous hikes. Additionally, you really do not want to be walking around with damp socks if you get a little wet.
3. A Brimmed Hat
A wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap are some of the best options you can use to keep the sun off your face. If you're hiking in colder temperatures or at a higher altitude, it's also recommended that you bring a snug-fitting hat such as a toque to make sure you don't lose too much heat.
4. Grippy Shoes
Depending on the type of hiking you're interested in, you may not have to shell out for expensive and clunky hiking boots—at least not at first. A durable hiking shoe will keep you nimble by reducing the weight on your ankles while still offering the grip and support to keep you safe on treacherous terrain.
5. A Moisture Wicking Top
Synthetic materials such as polyester, rayon, and spandex are your best friends. These materials will wick moisture away from your body and dry quickly to help you keep your temperature stable. Merino wool is another moisture-wicking option for cooler temperatures.
6. Quick-Dry Bottoms
Depending on the season, you may opt for shorts, leggings, or a combination thereof. Just like your top half, you want quick-dry synthetic material and an elastic waistband. As a bonus, pants will keep bugs off.
7. A Sports Bra
While hiking may be lower-impact than intense cardio, you still want a bra that can support your back all day. As the closest layer to the skin, your bra will be the first layer to grow sticky, and you want something comfortable, but not clammy.
8. No-Chafe Socks
Regular cotton socks can slip, bunch, or chafe, and you don't want to be stopping every five minutes to adjust them. Specialty hiking socks are made to cushion your feet and stay in place.
9. Base Layers
For colder hikes, base layers are your first defense against the elements. Mid-weight base layers made of rayon or merino are designed to insulate but not suffocate. If you get too warm it's much easier to take a light top off of a base layer than have to completely rearrange your layers.
10. An Extra Water Bottle
A water bottle isn't something you wear, but it's something you want to bring all the same. We love large, insulated bottles that will keep your drinks cool all day without littering. Potable water can be difficult to come by out in nature, so some clean water from home will keep you from dehydration.
