Things You'll Need:
- Pants or shorts
- Thin, synthetic T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt
- Jacket or fleece
- Hat
- Synthetic underwear
- Wool and synthetic socks
- Boots
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Step 1
Wear items that can wick away the moisture closest to your skin. Underwear and inner socks made from synthetic fabrics, like polypropylene, work best.
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Step 2
Wear multiple thin layers in place of one thick sweater. Many thin layers will keep you warm by trapping air in between each layer. Add a windbreaker or water-proof jacket for an additional top outer layer.
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Step 3
Choose long pants over shorts in order to shield your body from insects and briers while on the trail. Synthetic, nylon-based fabrics are lighter, breathe more and dry faster than denim. Use an elastic or drawstring waistband instead of belt buckles or buttons that can get caught in the belly strap of your backpack.
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Step 4
Wear comfortable, worn-in, but not old, boots. New hiking boots can cause blisters, while worn-out boots can lead to sore feet. Add wool socks in different weights to adjust for temperatures and distance.
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Step 5
Take a hat. In winter, a wool hat will trap body heat; in summer, a ball cap will keep the sun off your face.
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Step 6
Check the weather reports before your trip and think about other items you might need. A glove system, with a thin, synthetic, fast-drying inner layer and an outer layer for warmth, prove to be essential items in cold temperatures. You might also want to take sunglasses, rain gear and a bandanna.
