Expert Advice: What to Wear Hiking

So, you’re going on a walking adventure—what fun! If this is your first time traveling with Country Walkers, you might be wondering what sort of clothing to bring for the trail. Fortunately, Country Walkers Travel Designer, Tricia Dowhan, has walked and hiked her way across the globe, and has a few expert pieces of advice about how to dress for success on the trail. Whether your chosen destination is cool and breezy, or sunny and warm, Tricia’s great gear ideas will keep you comfortable and dry on your walking adventure.

Wicking, Not Sticking

Spending days on the walking trail is invigorating and good for the soul—but it also tends to raise a sweat. To stay comfortable, it’s essential to wear clothing that doesn’t absorb moisture, so you stay comfortable and dry all day long. “There’s lots of excellent clothing made with moisture-wicking fabrics,” says Tricia. “It’s especially important to have a wicking base layer against your skin to draw the moisture away from your body and keep you feeling dry and comfortable on the trail.” Most of the moisture-wicking fabrics you’ll find are either synthetic materials or wool—and sometimes a blend. These fabrics are designed to draw moisture away from your body and onto the fabric’s exterior, where they quickly dry. Try to avoid cotton clothing—especially next to your skin. Unlike moisture-wicking fabrics which channel the moisture away from your body, cotton absorbs moisture, leading to fabric saturation—and a damp, clammy feeling that isn’t very comfortable.

Your Sole Foundation

When walking, there’s no part of your body that bears more weight than your feet—so it’s important to have them set up for comfort right from the start. To enjoy a walking adventure, you’ll need a good solid pair of hiking boots with a rugged sole that grips the ground. Look for something with chunky treads and a solid foundation—perfect for maintaining stability when walking over rocks and roots. “It’s so important to have a good boot with grippy soles to keep you well-balanced on the trail,” says Tricia. “It’s best to look for something that’s both waterproof and breathable so your feet stay dry and comfortable.”

Ankles can be another vulnerable area when walking on uneven terrain—so it’s best to wear boots with solid ankle support. This will keep these delicate joints stabilized when you’re traversing a rocky trail—discouraging strains or sprains that can easily occur when ankles are unsupported. Especially as the day wears on and you’re feeling tired, strong ankle support goes a long way to ensuring the comfort and safety of your walk.

Sock It To ‘Em

In many aspects of our lives, socks seem like an afterthought—but on a walking adventure, they can truly be your best friend. “Comfortable socks are really important,” says Tricia. “Socks designed specifically for hiking have the cushioning exactly where you need it. It’s also important to make sure your socks are the right size for your feet—too big or too small can cause discomfort.” As with any clothing you wear against your skin on the trail, it’s important to keep moisture control in mind. Choose socks made of wicking fabric—such as wool and synthetics. Leave the cotton socks behind—they tend to absorb moisture, and wet socks can quickly lead to uncomfortable blisters.

Cloudy with a Chance of Awesome

Rain on the trail might sound like a downer, but with the right gear, even a rainy walk can be lots of fun. To enjoy your walks in rain or shine, it’s essential to be prepared with solid rain gear to keep you dry in the event of a downpour. “It’s important to be prepared to walk in wet weather,” observes Tricia. “As long as the conditions are safe, we will definitely walk in the rain—so sturdy rain gear is key to having a positive experience on the trail.” Lightweight rain gear is an excellent option—it can easily be packed up in your daypack so it’s available in the event of a sudden cloudburst. A light waterproof top shell, and pants, are essential to bring with you—as well as a waterproof hat and a rain guard for your pack.

Not sure if your rain gear is up to snuff? It’s a great idea to put it to the test before your vacation! Just wait for a rainy day at home, then gear up and go stomp in some puddles. It’s lots of fun—and it will show you where you could potentially have some weak links in your all-weather chain.