When you are hiking, you need your clothes to be functional, comfortable and long-lasting; it’s only a bonus when they look good, too!
Along the trails and up the mountains, you don’t want to be worrying about whether your hiking boots are going to last the trip. The only thing that should be on your mind is the stunning views and experience you are having.
To help pick out the best from the numerous options in stores and online, take a look at this list.
Hiking Boots
A good pair of hiking boots will keep you on solid ground and make a foundation for the rest of your hiking gear. When looking for a new type of hiking boots, there are a few types to choose from:
- Hiking shoes
- Day hiking boots
- Backpacking boots
For casual, shorter hikes, then hiking shoes or even trail running shoes could be the best option for you. These are low-cut compared to hiking boots and have flexible midsoles. They’ll keep you comfortable on those shorter trails and give just the right amount of grip.
Day hiking boots have a higher cut than hiking shoes and are more sturdy, but not as sturdy as backpacking boots. For a day trip, they’ll make the best choice for a memorable hike.
Before you go, remember to break them in! Sturdier shoes require more break in time.
Backpacking boots are the sturdiest of the lot, and they’ll see you through longer, tougher hikes with heavier loads. Most of these types of boots feature a high cut that reaches the ankles; they provide strong support and grip to make sure you can stay safe even on difficult trails.
Coats
Staying warm, but not too warm, when hiking is essential for making a comfortable trip. Coats need to be lightweight and cozy, and it can be a challenge to find one that strikes that balance.
For a multi-purpose coat, try out the Swagman roll poncho. It functions as both a coat that will keep out the cold and as a blanket or emergency sleeping bag. If you need to travel light but don’t want to sacrifice your warmth, then a multi-functional cover like this will work perfectly.
Pants
A functional and comfortable pair of hiking pants is all that’s needed, but it can be difficult to find that perfect pair. Think about what you want your hiking pants to do for you. Many pants offer these qualities:
- Comfort
- Deep pockets
- Quick drying times
- No sound or rub
- Convertible to shorts
All of these qualities together would make the ideal pair of pants, but you probably have some priority over one or more of these qualities.
In some cases, it may be best to have multiple pairs that offer you different things. If you are trying to spot some wildlife, go for the quieter pair, but if it’s suddenly warm out, you will want to go for the pair that can convert to shorts.
Everyone has different needs when it comes to hiking; find something that suits you.