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No one doubts the importance of proper hiking clothing. You have probably heard some mountaineers say that there is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. This article will help you choose the right clothing for hiking and mountaineering. What should you wear for hiking? (A quick checklist of hiking clothing) No jeans or cotton T-shirts: Cotton holds on to water, makes you sweat in hot weather, and makes you cold when the air cools down. Underwear (and other clothes) made of polyester, nylon and merino wool: These materials wick sweat away from your skin and dry quickly. That makes them an ideal choice for underwear, T-shirts, sports bras and socks. The moisture-management ability of these fibres is also useful for your other clothes. Comfortable, sturdy trousers: The trails you will be walking are full of twists and turns, so you need to be able to move easily. Branches and rocks can also snag yoga pants or thin, stretchy trousers. Warm jacket: A polyester fleece is considered the best option. However, a warm, waterproof jacket with a polyester lining is a smart choice for colder weather. Rain jacket: Waterproofness and breathability are the two features to pay attention to. That is, a rain jacket should block wind and rain, while not making you feel like you are wearing a plastic bag when you sweat. If the weather is very wet, take rain trousers too. Brimmed hat: This hat keeps your head dry and out of the sun. The brim protects your eyes from rain and sunlight (but bring sunglasses as well). Clothing strategies for hiking If you want to be more serious about your hiking clothing, keep these tips in mind when shopping: Take layering seriously: This strategy has proven itself. In general, each layer of clothing has its own specific function, and by adding or removing layers you can adapt to the conditions around you. Anticipate the conditions: Your health and safety depend entirely on what you carry with you. Remember that your vehicle may be miles away and weather forecasts are not always right. So prepare yourself for unexpected conditions such as colder, wetter or hotter weather. Focus on function, not fashion: Remember that it is pointless for what you wear to be fashionable if it is no use to you. Consider comfort, durability, weight and price: Before buying, weigh up the options and take your personal preferences and budget into account. An ultralight gear set is a very good choice, but a very expensive one. Get good boots or shoes: Footwear is one of the most important things you wear when hiking, so you should decide on it carefully. Key points about the fibre properties of hiking clothing No matter what your hiking clothing looks like or what it is made of, you need different layers to get different properties. Moisture wicking: This property is very important in the first layer, or any layer that is in direct contact with the skin. It lets the fibres move moisture from the skin to the next layer so that it dries quickly. This way, your sweat evaporates and dries without making you cold. Insulation: This property is key for the middle layer and keeps you warm. Clothes in this layer are not warm in themselves, but if they have insulating properties, they can trap your body heat well. Waterproofing and windproofing: These are very important in the third, or outer, layer. They stop you getting soaked in the rain or chilled in windy weather. Note that jackets described as water- or wind-"resistant" do not block rain and wind completely and offer only moderate protection. Also, waterproof jackets usually do not state whether they are windproof, but they usually have both properties. Breathability: This property matters in all layers and helps clothes dry quickly. If not all the layers you are wearing are breathable, the moisture released from your skin will end up trapped in one layer and make you cold. Waterproof and breathable: Advanced outer layers combine these two properties. Even so, the most advanced technologies prioritise blocking wind and rain, so when humidity rises they struggle with ventilation. Outer layers without ventilation are cheaper, but wearing them feels like sitting in a sauna in a plastic bag. Sun protection: Clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) can protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Basic fibres for hiking clothing Here is a list of common fibres you can choose from. Wool: Old wool and knitwear used to make the skin itchy, but modern knitwear does not. Merino wool in particular has soft fibres that are breathable and wick moisture, and it dries quickly and does not hold on to odours. Nylon and polyester clothing: These garments are more affordable than merino wool, wick moisture well, dry quickly and are also recyclable. One downside is that they may not smell good; that is why some of these fabrics are treated with antimicrobial agents to try to stop bacteria from growing. Knitwear: Knitted sweaters are actually made of polyester, and their warmth comes more from their thick, soft fibres than from the chemicals used to make them. Nylon and polyester jackets: Wearing these jackets as an outer layer (for example a rain jacket or shell) protects you from wind and rain. Silk: Silk is not very good at wicking moisture, so it is not an ideal choice for tough hikes and climbs. Processed silk wicks moisture better. Silk is soft and luxurious, but it does not perform very well in terms of durability or resistance to odour. Cotton: Cotton is very poor at wicking moisture and drying, and it is excellent at keeping you wet and cold. If the weather is very hot and you don't mind cotton clothes clinging to your body, you can wear them, but in cold weather a cotton base layer will make you catch a chill. That is why experienced climbers say cotton kills. The base layer in mountaineering clothing In relatively cold weather, a little warmth and a great deal of moisture-wicking ability are the most important features base layer clothing should have. Underwear: The style and type of underwear you wear is entirely up to you. Cotton is still a big "no". Also make sure your underwear does not chafe your skin. That is why seamless designs are the best choice for hiking and climbing. Bra: The best option is a sports-style bra without hooks, so it does not irritate your skin when you wear a backpack. Undershirt or camisole: A lightweight undershirt can also help keep you warm in cold weather, and it is a suitable, lighter alternative to a T-shirt. Base layer top and bottoms: These are available in all weights: light, medium and heavy. Choose the weight you need based on the climate and on whether you tend to feel hot or cold. Crew-neck tops are more affordable, but tops with a zip neck are more practical, as you can adjust them to the warmth or chill of the air. You can wear base layer bottoms under your hiking trousers for extra protection and warmth. If it rains, you can also wear rain trousers over them. Should you wear briefs under long underwear? There is no definitive answer to this question, so do whatever you find more comfortable. It is usually not necessary to wear briefs, but some people wear them for extra protection and warmth. Other clothing options for hiking and climbing In total, you need a base layer, a mid layer and an outer layer (rain jacket and trousers). Below you can see the other options available to you. Hat: If you are hiking in sunny, dry places, you should wear a large wide-brimmed hat. These hats are also suitable for humid, rainy weather. For cold weather, take a warm knitted or synthetic-fibre hat to keep your head warm. Shirt: A short-sleeved T-shirt is suitable for hot weather, and a long-sleeved T-shirt for relatively cooler weather. When it is sunny, wear a long-sleeved shirt that protects you from the sun's rays (many have a fold-up collar to protect the neck). Shorts, trousers and zip-off convertible trousers: Convertible trousers have many fans because you no longer need to choose between trousers and shorts. Quick-drying fabrics are a priority here as well. Six-pocket trousers are also very popular among hikers because of their roominess. Yoga pants? They are flexible, but not very resistant to rocks and branches. Skirts, dresses and skorts: They are highly flexible, very durable and have a lining. Gloves and socks: Depending on the weather, you can wear thick or thin gloves and socks. Your socks should be taller than your shoes, and to be safe, bring an extra pair of socks too. Insulated, waterproof gloves are the best choice for winter, and mittens are always warmer than regular gloves. Gaiters: Gaiters are worn over the shoe and leg like leg warmers, and they keep dust, gravel, rain and even insects out of your shoes. The mid layer in mountaineering clothing This is the layer that keeps you warm. A sensible suggestion is to take a lightweight fleece jacket and a lightweight windproof jacket that both fit in your backpack. Fleece jacket: You can wear a fleece jacket on cold days, and on cooler days use it when you are resting. Fleece jackets come in different weights, so choose one that suits the weather and whether you tend to feel hot or cold. Fleece trousers: If the weather is very cold, fleece trousers are the best mid-layer option. In most cases, though, long underwear provides the warmth you need. Insulated jackets or vests: If the weather is mild, a fleece jacket is enough. If it is colder, take a jacket as well. If the insulation inside a jacket gets wet, the jacket can no longer retain heat, which is why synthetic-fibre insulation is the better choice. You can also take a waterproof jacket, or use a jacket that is both waterproof and insulated. The outer layer of mountaineering clothing: rain jacket and pants Even a clear, sunny sky can turn into a storm with rain within seconds. Staying dry is the key to avoiding hypothermia, so be sure to bring a rain jacket and waterproof pants. Note that on dry days you can also wear the outer layer for protection against the wind. Environmental conditions Some trips come with their own particular challenges. Ask the locals whether they have any suggestions about the kind of clothing you should wear. For example: Insect-repellent clothing: If you are hiking in areas with lots of trees and bushes, the chance of encountering various insects and mosquitoes is very high. So don't forget long-sleeved shirts, long pants and insect-repellent clothing. Tall leather hiking boots: Wearing them may not seem sensible in desert areas, but they can protect you against snakes. Waterproof gaiters: If you are crossing snowy areas, you need gaiters. When the snow melts, gaiters and waterproof shoes really come in handy.