Just as much as having the right gear (tomorrow's topic), the clothes your wear also determine how much you are going to enjoy the trip.
First, think of WWW, or Wick, Weather, Wind.
Wick-This is the layer that should be closest to your body. This layer will focus on wicking the sweat off of your body and keep you cool.
Weather-This is the next layer and should focus on temperature regulation. Here is where you want to add thermals (which actually go under the wicking layer), long sleeve clothes, light-weight long sleeve shirts for warmer weather, hats, and bandannas.
Wind-This layer is your outermost layer and actually addresses both wind and rain. This is commonly a windbreaker that is waterproof. It should be light-weight, and also easy to access, as it will most likely be the first one you pull off and put on as the weather changes.
Take care of your feet.
You will need two things for your feet, otherwise, it doesn't matter if it's a mile hike or a five day backpacking trip; good socks and good shoes.
Socks-Wear thick wool socks, there are many types that are actually designed to wear better for trips (my suggestion: the Venturing BSA socks). If you want to help prevent the socks from sliding and causing blisters, wear a dress sock underneath the heavy sock.
Shoes-Having good shoes on your feet makes a big difference. Number one, remember that no matter the type of shoe, you will have to break them in. Take them on short trips, wear them around with your everyday clothes until they feel comfortable and the side walls are loose enough that they don't feel like they are cutting off circulation. Then the debate: sneakers vs boots. My suggestion, sneakers for short, easy to moderate hikes, boots for long and increased difficulty. I say this because sneakers are light-weight and easy to get used to; boots on the other hand add more support and will protect you better when you enter difficult terrain, but they are heavy.
**Note: Steal-toe and Combat Boots: these are both good types of shoes, however, I do suggest you wear them around and see how they feel, personally, I suggest regular hiking boots over combat boots**
Some of my personal gear: Windbreaker, long-sleeve shirt, wicking t-shirt, ankle-length Venturing BSA Socks, calf-length Boot Socks (from a military commissary), and my hiking boots, and a hat
No comments:
Post a Comment