The Hiking Equipment you wear will depend on the weather conditions expected together with the specific difficulty of the hike being undertaken. Dress to suit the seasons and remember that in most locations, it is usually colder at night than you expect. Items generally worn on a hiking trip include:

• Layered Clothing - It is best to wear a number of thin layers in order to be flexible with changing conditions and to regulate your temperature over the course of the day. Two thin layers are generally warmer than one thick garment. The option to take off a layer of clothes means you can prevent getting too hot, which can cause sweat and dampen clothing. The layer closest to the skin is often called the base or first layer and is the primary step in keeping dry and moving perspiration outward. This layer may be ordinary clothing or made from specialist quick drying (i.e. wicking) material. Cotton should be avoided as it holds moisture like a sponge next to your skin and this can make you cold. A blend of polyester and a little Lycra is best. During the winter season, thermal underwear is recommended. This would consist of long johns or shorts and a vest, either short or long sleeved made from a light weight synthetic knit, such as polypropylene, or a polyester/Lycra combination. A second or mid layer provides warmth and can be a light weight wool sweater, although a pullover fleece is better as it helps to move moisture away from our bodies. Trousers also form part of the mid layer. A third or outer layer consists of a waterproof jacket and waterproof overtrousers.
• Walking Trousers And Overtrousers - Regular hikers wear modern synthetic walking trousers because they have a loose fit, are lightweight, are quick-drying and usually have a number of very handy pockets. In good weather some walkers wear hiking shorts. However longer trousers provide better protection against nettles, brambles and ticks. We advise that you carry long trousers in case the weather changes for the worse. In good weather on lowland walks you can wear tracksuit bottoms or casual trousers but long trips can rub and annoy in ways not noticed in normal use. Denim jeans should be avoided, as they restrict movement, have very little room to store items in the pockets, and take a long time to dry out. If they get wet they can rub the legs and take a long time to dry out. Jeans also have a high wind chill factor which means that you can become extremely cold in them, particularly when they are wet. Waterproof overtrousers can be worn over your trousers and socks to prevent them from getting wet or muddy. They can be purchased in a range of fabrics similar to hiking jackets, including breathable high tech models. Overtrousers with zippered lower legs are best, if it starts or stops raining, they can be put on and taken off without having to remove your boots.
• Hiking Jackets - A jacket is advisable, ideally one that is made from waterproof and breathable material that allows perspiration to escape but prevents rain from getting in. A showerproof jacket may be ok in good weather. For extra protection you can obtain a jacket which is designed to be wind proof. A firm peak on the hood will also keep more wind and rain out of your face. Several pockets would be handy in order to access items quickly.
• Footwear - This should be tough enough for the terrain and waterproofing is strongly advisable, particularly if rain or snow is likely, or if you may encounter wet, muddy or marshy tracks. You can use: boots for areas that may be rocky; hiking shoes or trainers for smooth or paved tracks; or robust hiking sandals for hot, dry climates. Many hikers wear walking boots whatever the terrain for the ankle support. Boots can be obtained in two varieties of ankle support; high top which provides superior support for ankles; or low top which is more comfortable. Boots can be heavier and more tiring but the thick soles and heels provide extra protection and mean you are less likely to twist an ankle when you misplace your footing. Trainers are lighter but they can be uncomfortable because of the thinner soles as you can feel the ground you walk on.
• Socks - Pay extra attention to the type of socks you use. Ensure there are no irritating seams over the top or to the sides of the toes as these could rub and cause blisters. Socks help wick moisture away from your feet, offer warmth, and provide a cushion. A good combination is liner polypropylene inner socks with wool or wool-blend outer socks.
• Head Gear - Head gear is highly advisable as it serves several purposes: warming you when you are cold; cooling you when you are hot; as a barrier to protect you from the sun. The majority of heat is lost through the head so head gear is a better insulator compared to other items based on weight and height comparisons. When your feet are cold you can put gloves on but it is also advisable to put on your head gear. Several forms of head gear are recommended. A hat with a peak or wide brim can protect you from the sun, wind and rain. This is especially useful when wearing spectacles that could be obscured by rain and become a hazard. You can use a scarf as head gear and a bandana can be used as either a hat or as neck protection from the wind and sun.
• Gloves - Thin gloves are fine for everyday use and fleece gloves are great in cold weather. Keep an extra pair in your pack. However, thicker insulation should be taken when in cold and windy climates, and waterproof gloves should be taken for wet climates.
• Gaiters - If you are going to traverse shallow water or walk through long wet grass these are vital but if not worn correctly gaiters are useless. Make certain there is a waterproof seal by pulling them down tight around the boot and fixing them to your boot laces. Do not tighten gaiters around your calf when traversing water as circulation could be reduced.

Use a hiking equipment checklist as a reminder of what you need to take on your trips. We hope this information helps you make the right choice of clothing so that you stay warm, dry, safe and most of all, enjoy your trips.