The key to being comfortable on the trail is layering. Whether you’re on a one hour hike or a multi-day trip, the weather can change at any minute, and to stay comfy you need to have layers.
Want to know the basics behind Base Layers, Mid Layers, and Outer Layers? Here’s the full article on Hiking 101: Layering.
I know, I’m sounding contrarian, and I don’t want to contradict you on everything you post!
I do indeed wear cotton on the trail; But there are several reasons why. First is affordability. I don’t make much money as a roomskeeper/inspector here in Yosemite. What’s readily available to me is rather pricey–high-end clothing at the Mountain Shop in Curry is pretty much out of my reach.
Most of what I have for pants are discontinued uniforms, overstock that was used to begin with. They are cotton/poly blend, are loose and comfy. They breathe, they move, and best of all I can layer my one BIG investment, my Icebreaker merino wool underwear with them for early morning chill.
Shirts, I’ve mentioned that I have a froofy Renaissance Faire shirt. Love it. Long, puffy sleeves, and lots of gathered material on the body. Light, easy to wear, dries quickly, keeps the mosquitoes off my arms. It too is a cotton/synthetic blend. Again, I can wear my Icebreaker wool shirt under it.
Most of my hiking is done during the summer months. Overheating is the issue, not getting wet. Stream-crossings? I’m carrying camera gear. I do not ford streams, I use bridges and in rare instances, logs. When you’re carrying over $1000 worth of camera and lens, you simply do not take chances.
I don’t skimp on socks; Wool, wool, wool. Nice thick ones, last forever, cushion my dogs, and will keep my tootsies warm even if they do get wet.
Very rarely do I hike in blue jeans; Those are mostly for day trips out to shoot local scenery. They are durable (my one “good” pair of synthetic pants ripped as I slid down a granite slab!) and mosquitoes can’t get to my legs through them. Mostly they are too hot. Shorts? No thanks. I’m a redhead, and I burn in a heartbeat. Plus mosquitoes, again.
My indispensable trail clothes? My vest of many pockets, my Ren Faire shirt, my cargo pants, my Icebreaker base layer, my down jacket for night photography, and to use as my pillow at night. And socks. Two pairs per day. Oh, and my mosquito net hat.
Keep in mind that the reason I hike is because I’m a photographer. It’s hard to take pictures when I’m being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
On an extremely tight budget, I need clothes that will last. What passes for trail clothing usually isn’t very durable. I’m often bushwhacking to find a new perspective, or scrambling over and down granite. Gramicci pants work well, thick enough to protect my skin, and light enough not to be too hot in full sun. Luckily I was able to get several pairs for free last year, and I love them. I’d be willing to give the nylon Quick Dry Original G pants a try, but they’re a bit out of reach right now.
Hope this clarifies. Different trails, different reasons to hike, all contribute to what choices we make. I’d love to hear what other women have to say on the matter!
Edie