The Essentials Hiking Layers
The next thing on our list of hiking essentials is layers.
As mentioned earlier, the weather can change drastically during a hike, even if it starts as a beautiful day. Mountaintops are notoriously colder the higher you climb and can be prone to sudden rainstorms. Similarly, canyons are often warm and toasty during the day but get noticeably chilly once the sun goes down.
So, how do you stay happy (and safe) the whole time? With layers of comfortable hiking clothes!
The Base Layer
Start your hiking outfit with a breathable, quick-drying base layer. Synthetic materials are always a good choice. But if you’re hiking in colder conditions, you may opt for something thicker like merino wool to provide extra warmth. Regardless, you want something that will help regulate your body temperature and keep you from feeling sticky.
You can choose from many different sleeve lengths, depending on what you find comfortable and what you expect the average temperatures to be.
For hot and sunny days, we prefer a lightweight, stretchy tank top with plenty of ventilation. But if you prefer something a little more snug or expect a bit of temperature flexibility, a short-sleeve athletic top is always a great choice. We like this one for its four-way stretch, ventilation panels, and no-friction design.
Finally, colder hikes are usually best with a long-sleeve base layer. Our choice is this seamless long-sleeve top, made of moisture-wicking, lightweight material, with a buttery-soft feel and non-restrictive neck and armholes for easy movement.
The Mid Layer
Once your base layer is down, it’s time to talk about your mid-layer. In many cases, this may end up being your top layer for the majority of your hike, depending on whether wind and rain make an appearance.
If you’re heading on a colder hike, consider something fleece-lined or insulated for extra warmth. This can be as simple as a cozy athletic hoodie or pullover. Just be sure it offers some breathability, or you’ll counteract the work your base layer is doing.
For warmer weather, we recommend lightweight sun-protective hiking clothing, like this zip-up hoodie. It stays breathable and light when the sun is beating down while providing you with UPF 50+ sun protection. It even has thumbholes to protect the backs of your hands.
Whatever mid-layer you choose for your hiking outfit, pick something that’s not bulky so you can easily store it in your backpack.
The Outer Layer
The final piece of your stylish hiking ensemble is the outer layer. This should be waterproof, windproof, and easily packable. You never know when unexpected weather will storm in, so having an extra jacket or poncho in your backpack is always a good idea. We recommend a packable rain jacket for hiking (easily found on Amazon) in warm weather because they do a great job without taking up much weight or space. But for cold hikes, bundle up in something heavy-duty like a ski coat.
