The clothes I wear while hiking are usually the same regardless of whether I'm day hiking or on a multi-day trip. There are a few important points to consider when making clothing choices.

​

1. The most important thing is fabric choice. While cotton fabrics are more comfortable to wear, they hold moisture and lose their shape over time.

2. Synthetic fabric will help with moisture control and are lightweight. They are also strong so they tend to resist tearing. The drawback is they tend to stink after a while.

3. Merino wool will keep you dry and help regulate your body temperature. This fabric also will resist odor over several days of hiking. The drawback is they tend to be expensive and not as tear-resistant. Best for a base layer or socks.

​

Tops

Typically I wear the Kuhl shirt unless it's extremely hot. I like the versatility of the button-up shirt as I can open it up to cool off and roll up the sleeves.

​

• Outdoor Research t-shirt (synthetic) 

• Outdoor Research long sleeve shirt (synthetic)

• Kuhl long sleeve button shirt (synthetic) 

• Smartwool mid-weight base layer long sleeve (merino wool)

• Smartwool t-shirt (merino wool)

​

Bottoms

I almost always hike in shorts, even in cooler weather. Needs to be pretty cold for me to wear pants. Usually hiking at a decent pace will warm you up quickly! Pants are for trails that aren't well maintained and overgrown with brush.

​

• Gap cross-training shorts (synthetic)

• Prana stretch pants (synthetic)

• Champion mid-weight base layer tights (synthetic)

​

Socks

Only one choice here really. Merino wool!

​

• Darn Tough crew micro cushion

• Injinji midweight crew nuwool

​

Headwear

I normally wear a baseball cap unless it's going to be cold. I will wear a Buff as a headband when it's extremely hot.

​

• Baseball cap

• Buff multifunctional headwear

• Under Armor Knit beanie 

​

Gloves

​

• Marmot lightweight

• North Face water-resistant mid-weight (snow travel)

​

​