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By Diane Spicer
A hiking clothing layering system will save you time, make you as comfortable as possible in challenging trail conditions, and will keep you safe when you have to stay out overnight on an unplanned bivouac.
That's why dressing in layers on a hike makes sense year round!
Let's look at what a hiking clothing layering system is designed to accomplish.
Then we'll turn to getting your layers up to speed, so you can tackle any trail conditions you encounter.
In my experience, there are two general categories of hikers:
Because you're investing time in reading this article on clothes layers for hikers, I already know which category you are in, or are striving to join.
So let's quickly outline the benefits of wearing hiking clothing that you put on, remove, adjust and always have handy in your backpack regardless of the weather.
Benefits of hiking clothing layers, in a nutshell:
In my 45+ years of trail experience, a layering system consists of three essential layers:
Makes sense, right?
Each layer contributes to the "big 3" components of hiking comfort and safety:
But your search for the best hiking clothing layering system goes further than this.
Also think about clothing which:
Let's go back through those 3 layers again for a closer look at how to dress in layers on a hiking trail.
You might need a few tips on what to think about as you size up each layer, and Hiking For Her is here to deliver them.
The inner layer for hikers is a moisture management layer.
That relies on specific fabrics labelled for their moisture wicking ability.
Resist the urge to put on every day or bargain bin clothing and hit the trail.
If you're up against really cold conditions, you'll want long underwear, both top and bottom.
Details on handling cold weather hikes are here.
And you might want these snowshoeing tips, too.
For women hikers, the inner layer of clothing starts with a sports bra (recommended regardless of the generosity of your endowment, to prevent chafing), undies, and sometimes a warm sleeveless shirt (tank top) if you know you'll be wearing more layers.
Or a wicking, light weight tank top might become your mid layer in warm weather.
I also consider two layered pair of hiking socks an important base layer for hikers.
Here's where your clothing becomes optional and customized.
Only you know your comfort range and tolerance for temperature swings and moisture levels.
So build in some customization in your mid layer.
Clothing for your upper torso's mid layer can include:
Suggestions for hiking mid layer choices:
In cold weather, you can add a scarf around your neck that tucks beneath your outer layer. This is one of the most versatile pieces of hiking clothing you can own, because it can cover your head and ears as well as your neck.
And it's so easy to toss into your backpack when you don't need it!
For safety's sake, it's important to carry enough layers to meet the demands of changing weather and the daily cycle of temperature wherever you are hiking.
One of the biggest mistakes I see beginner hikers make is to underestimate how much clothing they need to carry.
If I had a dollar for every shivering, miserable hiker I met on the trail, I'd take you out for a really fabulous dinner - on my private jet winging its way to Paris.
But alas, I can only offer these humble tips on choosing hiking clothing that layers over your other 2 layers:
Now for a few words about your choices for each item in your outer layers.
A jacket for a hiker means many things, but most importantly it means protection.
Mother Nature will throw all kinds of fun your way: wind, sun, water in all of its 3 forms, insects, heat, cold...
And one jacket just isn't going to cut it (see the list above for what "it" might be, and all within one 24 hour period).
Read my tips on choosing hiking jackets, and begin to build up a small repertoire of the best jackets for the type of hiking you do.
Just as for jackets, you're going to need a selection of hiking hats that suit your hiking style.
On my backpacking trips, I carry at least 3 or 4 different hats.
They're lightweight, packable, and have literally saved my life when the skies open up and dump onto my head or I'm crossing shade-less terrain.
Start your hiking hat collection here.
I can't say enough good things about carrying a pair of gloves on every hike.
If you don't need them to keep warm, you might need them to pick up something spiny or sharp.
Always have a pair of gloves stashed in your backpack! (Thank me later.)
Just be sure they're lightweight, dry quickly, and are replaced when the fingertips get too thin.
As with hats, I'm a bit of a glove collector. Read my tips for picking a pair right here.
A classic mistake is to forget your rain gear because the sun is shining brightly before you reach the trail head.
Mother Nature loves to mess with us hikers, and one of her favorite ways is to gather some thunder clouds later in the day and watch us shiver.
So don't neglect to carry your rain gear, using these tips.
Yes indeed!
I only wear what works in a hiking clothing layering system, and what works is what I've tested while hiking thousands of miles in all kinds of conditions.
Now you know why you need to dress in layers while hiking.
And you know how to build a hiking clothing layering system
Let me know if you have questions about specific choices for your hiking clothing layering system.
I'm here for you!
Happy Layered Trails!
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Best Hiking Clothing Layering System