How to Dress for a Backpacking Trip

Take the right clothing into the wilderness and you'll be comfortable. Take clothing that's unsuited to the local climate and you'll suffer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cargo Pants
• Children's T-shirts
• Flannel Shirts (men)
• Fleece Jackets
• Glove Liners
• Heavy Duty And Lightweight Long Underwear
• Hiking Hats
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Socks
• Waterproof Rain Gears
• Wool Mens' Sweaters
• Local Guidebooks
• Sunscreen

1. Educate yourself about the area you'll be visiting. What are day and nighttime temperatures? Is the area prone to storms?
2. Question people who have been to the area before. Read local guidebooks.
3. Wear clothing in layers. Multiple layers trap more warm air than a single heavy garment.
4. Avoid cotton fabrics, which become cold and clingy when wet, and dry slowly.
5. Hike in loose-fitting pants and a shirt in normal, warm conditions. Secured cuffs and leg openings will help protect against ticks. Keep a long-underwear top or fleece jacket handy to put on when you stop.
6. Change out of damp, sweaty clothing when you stop hiking. Dry clothes prevent heat loss from evaporation.
7. Bring quality, waterproof, breathable rain gear, even when rain is not in the forecast. Wetness causes a loss of body heat and leaves you vulnerable to hypothermia.
8. Wear a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Remember that a cap doesn't do anything for your neck.
9. Carry an extra pair of socks, and consider using liner socks. Wet feet blister easily.
10. Put your feet in a good pair of hiking boots. (See "How to Buy Hiking Boots.")

Tips & Warnings

• In a desert climate, wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• A lightweight pair of camp shoes is a great alternative to boots when you've arrived at your destination.