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RV Camping Preparation :: Hiking Clothes
Hiking Clothes:
Choosing the Best Clothes for Hiking
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Hiking clothes are an important consideration for any hiker. It is your hiking clothes that help regulate your body temperature and allow you to adjust to different climates and activities while outdoors.
If you are going on a short hike near your home, you don't really have to think of much beyond wearing the proper footwear and dressing appropriate to the day's weather.
However if you are heading out on a longer camping or hiking trip in an area you are not familiar with or that has changing weather, you should make sure you carry flexible clothing options.
When you are packing for a hike or a camping trip, you do not want to over pack, so deciding on the appropriate combination of clothes is important. Using a layering system is generally the best way to meet all your needs.
Base Layer
The base layer of hiking clothes is the layer that sits on your skin. When you are picking things for your base layer, you are looking for clothing with two main attributes: it's lightweight and it wicks away moisture.
Avoid cotton or other materials that hang on to moisture and smell. If you have worked up a sweat, it will take a longer time for the material to dry off and as you cool off it will stay damp and chilly.
Insulation Layer
This layer is all about providing warmth if you end up in a climate where your base layer won't be enough. You are looking for materials that are lightweight, but that trap warm air underneath, keeping you warm
Fleece, bunting and pile are you best material options for an insulation layer. These materials are made of polyester, which also wicks away moisture, so will make for a good addition to your base layer.
Since these are lightweight materials, they are also easy to carry around if you need to take it off.
Outer Layer
Rain, wind, sleet and snow are just some of the elements that a hiker needs to protect himself or herself against. When choosing an outer layer, you want something waterproof, but you also want something breathable.
Gore-Tex is a good material to look for your outer layer. And look for a jacket that has a well-protected zipper, since water can enter through any openings.
Head, Hands & Feet
It's really important to protect your head, hands and feet when you are out hiking. This is important in both hot weather and cold weather.
If you are hiking in cold weather, hats and scarves should be worn, along with gloves or mittens. If you are out in the sun, a hat with a wide brim or a baseball cap should be worn to protect the skin on your face. Sunglasses are also helpful, as they protect your eyes from UV rays.
Perhaps the most important part of your hiking clothes is your footwear. Your footwear should be comfortable, durable and should suit the terrain you are hiking in.
So whether you have boots, shoes or sandals, make sure they - along with your socks - meet the criteria of your hike.
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RV-Camping-Preparation.com :: Hiking Clothes