What to Wear Hiking

What to wear hiking comes down to layers of moisture wicking, quick drying fabric, supportive footwear with good socks, and protection from sun, wind and rain. Skip cotton, dress for the coldest and wettest conditions you might meet, and carry the layers you are not wearing in your pack.

This guide covers each layer from your feet up, how to adjust for summer, cold weather and rain, a simple checklist you can use before any hike, and the mistakes that make new hikers uncomfortable. It is written for beginners heading out on day hikes in the US, with notes that apply in the UK, Canada and Australia too.

Key takeaways

Choose synthetic or wool fabrics that wick sweat and dry quickly. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
Dress in layers: a base layer, an insulating layer and a wind and rain shell you can add or remove.
Your feet matter most. Wear broken in hiking shoes or boots with hiking socks, never new footwear.
Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and covered skin or sunscreen.
Pack a rain jacket and a warm layer even on a sunny forecast, because mountain and coastal weather can change fast.
Start a little cool. You will warm up within minutes of walking.

What should you wear on a hike?

For most day hikes, wear a moisture wicking synthetic or wool shirt, comfortable hiking pants or shorts, hiking socks and supportive trail shoes or boots, plus a hat and sunglasses. Carry a warm layer, such as a fleece, and a waterproof jacket in your pack, and adjust what you wear as the weather and your effort change.

The idea is a flexible system rather than one perfect outfit. When you climb, you heat up and sweat. When you stop for lunch on a windy ridge, you cool down quickly. Layers let you match both without getting soaked in sweat or chilled.

If you are just getting started, our beginner hiking guide covers trail choice, planning and safety basics alongside clothing.

Why do hikers avoid cotton?

Cotton soaks up water and sweat and dries slowly. Wet cotton against your skin pulls heat away from your body, which is uncomfortable on a warm day and can be dangerous on a cool, windy or wet one. Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon, and wool such as merino, keep you drier and warmer when damp.

How does layering work for hiking clothes?

Layering for hiking means wearing several thin pieces that each do one job: a base layer that moves sweat off your skin, a mid layer that holds warmth, and an outer shell that blocks wind and rain. You add or remove layers as conditions change, which keeps you comfortable across a whole day.

Layer	Job	Common materials	When you wear it
Base layer	Moves sweat away from skin	Merino wool, polyester	Almost always
Mid layer	Traps warmth	Fleece, synthetic or down insulation	Cool weather, breaks, summits
Shell	Blocks wind and rain	Waterproof breathable fabric, wind shell	Rain, wind, cold

On many hikes you will wear only the base layer while moving and pull on the mid layer and shell when you stop. Our guide to outdoor clothing layering basics explains the system in more depth, and our comparison of merino wool vs synthetic base layers helps you choose the piece closest to your skin.

Tip: Start your hike feeling slightly cool. If you are warm and cozy at the trailhead, you will be sweating ten minutes up the trail. Shed a layer before you overheat, not after.

What shoes and socks should you wear hiking?

Wear hiking shoes, trail runners or hiking boots that fit well and are broken in, with cushioned hiking socks made from wool or synthetic fibers. Good footwear gives you grip on dirt and rock and protects your feet, while the right socks reduce blisters by managing moisture and friction. Never start a long hike in brand new footwear.

Shoes or boots?

Both work, and the choice depends on the trail, your load and your preference. Lighter trail shoes feel nimble and dry faster. Boots add ankle coverage and stiffer support for rocky ground and heavier packs. Our comparison of hiking boots vs trail shoes walks through the trade offs, and if you buy new boots, see how to break in hiking boots before your first big day.

Socks

Socks matter as much as shoes. Look for:

Wool or synthetic fibers that wick moisture and stay warm when damp.
A snug fit with no loose fabric that can bunch and rub.
Cushioning suited to your footwear and the length of the hike.
A height that sits above the top of your shoe or boot collar.

Our guide on how to choose hiking socks covers fabric, cushioning and fit in detail. Pack a spare pair on longer hikes so you can change if your feet get wet.

What should you wear on your top and bottom half?

On top, wear a moisture wicking synthetic or merino shirt, short or long sleeved depending on sun and temperature. On the bottom, choose hiking pants, shorts, leggings or convertible pants in a stretchy, quick drying fabric. Pick pieces that let you move freely when stepping up, and avoid heavy denim, which stays wet.

Shirts

Short sleeves suit warm weather in shade.
Long sleeves in a light, breathable fabric protect against sun, brush and insects.
Sun shirts with a collar or hood add coverage on exposed trails.

Pants, shorts and leggings

Hiking pants protect against brush, scratches, ticks and sun.
Convertible pants zip off into shorts for changing temperatures.
Shorts are cool on warm, open trails, but leave legs exposed to scratches and sun.
Leggings or tights are stretchy and comfortable, though thin fabrics can snag.

In areas with ticks, long pants tucked into socks and light colored clothing make ticks easier to spot. Check yourself after the hike, and follow the CDC guidance on ticks for prevention and removal.

Underwear and sports bras

The same rule applies: choose synthetic or wool fabrics that wick and dry quickly. Seams and tight elastic that seem fine at home can rub over many miles, so test them on shorter walks first.

What should you wear hiking in hot weather?

In hot weather, wear lightweight, loose, light colored clothing in breathable synthetic or thin wool fabric, a wide brimmed or sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen on exposed skin. Long, light sleeves can keep you cooler and protected on open trails. Carry more water, plan for shade and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

Choose a hat with a brim or neck cover.
Wear sunglasses that block UV.
Apply sunscreen and reapply as the label directs.
Consider a light sun shirt rather than bare shoulders on exposed trails.
Wet a bandana or buff for cooling if water is plentiful.

Heat illness is a real risk on hot trails. Learn the warning signs and what to do in our guide on how to hike in hot weather, and seek emergency help if someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion or collapse.

What should you wear hiking in cold weather?

In cold weather, wear a warm base layer, an insulating mid layer such as fleece or a puffy jacket, and a windproof or waterproof shell, plus a warm hat, gloves and thicker wool or synthetic socks. Avoid cotton entirely. Adjust layers often so you do not sweat heavily, because damp clothing chills you quickly once you stop moving.

Item	Why it helps in the cold
Thermal base layer top and bottom	Keeps skin dry and holds some warmth
Fleece or insulated jacket	Main warmth layer, especially on breaks
Waterproof or windproof shell	Stops wind stripping heat away
Warm hat and gloves	Protect head and hands, which lose heat fast
Warm socks	Cold feet make the whole hike miserable
Neck gaiter or buff	Blocks wind and protects your face

Cold, wet and windy days are when hypothermia becomes a risk. Know the early signs and how to respond with our guide on how to prevent hypothermia on the trail. If someone shows severe symptoms, such as confusion or stopping shivering, call emergency services.

What should you wear hiking in the rain?

For hiking in the rain, wear a waterproof breathable rain jacket with a hood over quick drying synthetic or wool layers, and consider rain pants for long or cold wet days. Wool socks and a brimmed hat help too. Keep a dry layer in a waterproof bag in your pack for breaks and the drive home.

Rain jacket: Look for a hood that adjusts, sealed seams and vents. Our guide on how to choose a rain jacket explains what matters.
Rain pants: Useful when rain is heavy or the air is cold. Many hikers skip them in warm rain and rely on quick drying pants.
Pack protection: A pack liner or rain cover keeps spare clothes dry.
Spare socks: A dry pair at lunch can make the rest of the day much more pleasant.

Weather on trails can shift quickly. Check the forecast at weather.gov or your national weather service before you leave, and turn back if conditions worsen.

What accessories should you bring for comfort and protection?

The most useful hiking clothing accessories are a sun hat or warm hat, sunglasses, a buff or neck gaiter, light gloves for cool days, and a spare pair of socks. Together they protect you from sun, wind and cold while weighing very little. Add them to the water, snacks, navigation and first aid kit you already carry.

Clothing is one part of the ten essentials, which lists extra layers alongside navigation, light, sun protection, first aid and more. On longer days, a slightly bigger pack lets you carry layers you may not need, which is better than needing them and not having them.

What should you wear on your first hike? A simple checklist

For a first day hike in mild weather, a safe simple outfit is a synthetic or wool T shirt, hiking pants or shorts, hiking socks, broken in trail shoes, a hat and sunglasses. In your pack, carry a fleece or light insulated jacket, a rain jacket and a spare pair of socks. Adjust the list for heat, cold or rain.

Check the forecast for the trailhead and the highest point of the hike.
Put on a wicking base layer top and comfortable bottoms.
Pull on hiking socks and broken in shoes or boots.
Add a hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen.
Pack a warm layer and a rain jacket, even if the sky is clear.
Pack a spare pair of socks and, in cold weather, a warm hat and gloves.
Remove any cotton layers and swap them for synthetic or wool.

Knowing how long your hike will take helps you judge how many layers to bring and whether you will be out as temperatures drop. Our guide on how long it takes to hike a mile helps you estimate your time. If you are building up to longer days, see how to train for your first big hike.

What are common hiking clothing mistakes?

Common hiking clothing mistakes include wearing cotton, overdressing at the trailhead, wearing new or ill fitting footwear, leaving the rain jacket at home on a sunny morning, forgetting sun protection and choosing clothes that rub. Each one can turn a good day into a miserable or unsafe one, and each is easy to avoid with a little preparation.

Mistake	What happens	Better choice
Cotton T shirt and jeans	Stays wet, chills you	Synthetic or wool layers
Overdressing at the start	Heavy sweating, then chills	Start slightly cool
New boots on a long hike	Blisters and sore feet	Break footwear in first
No rain jacket	Soaked and cold if weather turns	Always pack a shell
No hat or sunscreen	Sunburn and heat stress	Hat, glasses, sunscreen
Thin cotton socks	Blisters and wet feet	Wool or synthetic hiking socks

Good clothing choices are also part of being a considerate hiker. For the rest of the unwritten rules, see our guide to hiking etiquette and trail rules to know.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear leggings for hiking?

Yes, many hikers wear leggings, especially in a stretchy, moisture wicking synthetic fabric. They allow free movement and dry fairly quickly. Thin leggings can snag on brush and offer less protection from ticks, scratches and sun than hiking pants, so consider sturdier pants on overgrown or brushy trails.

Is it OK to wear jeans hiking?

Jeans are not a good choice for most hikes. Denim is heavy, restricts movement when stepping up, and stays wet for a long time after rain or sweat, which can make you cold. Stretchy, quick drying hiking pants or shorts in synthetic fabric are far more comfortable and safer if the weather changes.

Can I hike in running shoes?

You can hike in running shoes on smooth, well maintained trails, and many hikers do. Trail running shoes are better because they have grippier soles and more protection underfoot. On rocky, steep or muddy trails, or with a heavy pack, hiking shoes or boots usually give more grip and support.

What should I wear hiking in 50 degree weather?

In weather around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, a common approach is a long sleeve synthetic or wool base layer with hiking pants, plus a fleece or light insulated jacket you can add on breaks or in wind. Carry a rain shell, a light hat and gloves, since temperatures drop with elevation and wind.

Should I wear shorts or pants hiking?

Both work. Shorts are cooler on warm, open trails. Pants protect against sun, brush, scratches, insects and ticks, and are warmer on cool days. Convertible pants that zip off into shorts let you switch as conditions change. Choose based on the weather, the trail and whether ticks are common where you hike.