Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

Hiking clothing - Almost everyone has made this mistake at one time or another and started hiking in sneakers, jeans and a cotton T-shirt. Almost everyone has completely regretted it after the first few kilometers. For your next hiking adventure you should definitely invest in a good hiking outfit. In this article, we'll show you what to look for when choosing your hiking clothes and why we recommend hiking gear from Cycorld in particular.

In addition, we reveal how you can use functional layers when hiking so that you neither sweat nor freeze. However, did you know that it's best to freeze when you start walking?

With these tips you will find the right hiking clothes and be perfectly dressed on hikes!

Before we look at the individual functional layers in hiking clothing, we have three general tips for you. So you know what to look for when choosing your hiking outfit.

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

Hiking clothing tip 1: Choose lightweight, breathable and quick-drying materials

Your hiking clothes should be made of lightweight, breathable and quick-drying materials. After all, hiking is no fun when you're wet and sweaty. Besides, every gram really counts when hiking, including that of your clothing. Hiking clothes made of merino wool or synthetic materials such as polyester or polyamide are particularly suitable.

Note: By the way, you should never wear clothes made of cotton while hiking. Cotton absorbs moisture. It also stores it and dries extremely slowly. Once wet, cotton will stick to your skin and cause chafing. In addition, you freeze immediately if even a small breeze blows!


Hiking clothing tip 2: Set on a high-quality processing

Not only the material, but also the workmanship of your hiking clothing plays an important role. Make sure that the seams and zippers of your clothing are clean and of high quality. Reinforcements should also be incorporated in particularly sensitive areas. These ensure a higher longevity of your hiking clothes.


Hiking clothing tip 3: Pay attention to functionality and extras

Your hiking clothes should also be functional and well thought out, and preferably offer a few extras. Are there enough pockets in the clothing and are they zippered? What about additional inside pockets? Is there a good ventilation system or even a zip-off function?

The more functional your hiking gear is, the better. This can save you one or two pieces of clothing and thus weight and space in your hiking backpack.

Our brand tip: hiking pants from Cycorld!

Here you get hiking pants that are not only super functional and sustainably produced, but also look super chic.

Cycorld combines simplicity with utility. All products should be timeless, functional and extremely durable, and they are. In addition, the company pays attention to sustainable production. For example, one uses recycled and organic materials and also relies on a PFC-free impregnation.

For your hiking adventures, the convertible collections and winter fleece-lined collections products from Cycorld are particularly exciting. Products from the convertible collections are more for lighter hikes in warm regions. While products from winter fleece-lined collections are more technical in comparison. They are also suitable for challenging treks in difficult terrain and cold temperatures.

Which hiking clothes we can specifically recommend, we reveal further down in the article. There we will take a closer look at the different functional layers of hiking clothes. By the way: In addition to hiking clothing, Cycorld also offers great cycling pants and really nice outdoor clothing. A great offer for all your other adventures out in nature or in everyday life!

Reading tip: What Pants Are Best For Hiking In 2022

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

The onion principle: How to dress properly when hiking!

When hiking, the onion principle helps, which you have surely learned from your grandparents. You put on different layers of clothing. If you are warm, you simply take off one layer. Alternatively, put on an extra layer if you're cold.

However, when hiking, it is better to wear several thin layers than one thick layer of clothing. This gives you more room to move. However, make sure that your freedom of movement is not restricted by too many layers.

In addition, each layer of clothing has a specific function when hiking. The different functions or layers of hiking clothing are divided into three categories:

Overview of functional layers when hiking:

  • A - Functional layer 1: Base-layer
  • B - Functional layer 2: Mid-layer
  • C - Functional layer 3: Shell layer

Hiking clothing layer 1: the base layer

Base layers are the first layer of your hiking clothes. Like an air conditioner, they regulate temperature and moisture, as well as odor. They should keep you warm and dry. In particular, they transport sweat away from your body.

The base layer includes functional underwear for hiking in very cold temperatures. In addition, functional shirts and shirts. Both short-sleeved and those with long sleeves. Clothes of this layer should be as close to the body as possible. They should be made of lightweight, breathable and quick-drying materials.

The material for the base layer: merino wool & synthetic fabrics

Shirts made of merino wool or with a merino content are particularly recommended, because this virgin wool offers several advantages at once. Merino wool is very fine and soft. In addition, it does not scratch the skin. It does not absorb odors and does not need to be washed so often. That's why it's perfect for multi-day hikes. Just hang it out in the fresh air and it will feel fresh again the next day.

Plus, merino wool hardly wrinkles and offers a natural sun protection factor of up to 50, depending on the weave. What's especially handy about merino wool, though, is that it wicks moisture. It keeps you cool when it is warm, but at the same time warm when it is cold.

Besides merino wool, synthetic fabrics are also used for base layers. Here, pure synthetic fibers such as polyester are especially recommended. Polyester dries very quickly, offers high tear and abrasion resistance and is particularly comfortable to wear thanks to the soft fibers. Another advantage is that additional technologies provide a cooling effect or also prevent odors.

Bonus tip: At Cycorld, you can of course also buy functional underwear for hiking in colder temperatures. These are suitable for women as well as men

Hiking clothing layer 2: the mid-layer

The mid-layer is used for insulation and is worn as a second layer over the base layer. Its main purpose is to keep you warm and ensure that no body heat escapes. At the same time, however, it is also important here that moisture is transported away and your skin remains dry.

For the mid-layer, fleece jackets and sweaters in particular, but also vests or down jackets (made of synthetic fiber) are used. These should lie comfortably on the body and offer you sufficient freedom of movement. This layer is made of light, breathable and warming materials.

By the way: Depending on the temperature and personal cold sensation, the mid-layer itself can also consist of several layers. For example, a fleece jacket as the first, and a down vest or jacket (made of synthetic fiber) as the second layer.
Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!
The material for the mid-layer: fleece & down (made of synthetic fibers)
We can recommend you especially jackets or sweaters made of fleece. These are especially cozy and warm. The great thing about fleece is that it is very breathable. It also offers a high insulation capacity. At the same time, it is still lightweight. Especially compared to garments made of pure (cotton) wool. It also keeps its shape, is elastic and dries very quickly.

Ultimately, however, fleece is not a specific material, but more a generic term for garments that are very soft on the inside. Fleece is usually made of polyester fabrics, but it can also be a blended fabric of polyamide, spandex or wool.

For evenings or hiking through colder regions, we also recommend a down jacket or vest. This should be made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or polyamides. Such jackets or vests are extremely light and offer a very high insulation, so that you are pleasantly warm even in cold temperatures. In addition, they offer the great advantage that they can be folded very small. Thus, you can save not only weight, but also space in your hiking backpack.

Hiking clothing layer 3: the shell layer (Outer Shell).

The third and final layer is the shell layer. It is worn either over the base layer or over the mid layer, depending on the temperature. The shell layer serves as a protection against wind, rain and snow and should above all keep you dry.

Rain jackets and pants made of lightweight, breathable and water-repellent materials are used here. In particular, also hardshell jackets with or without membrane. These are usually cut a little wider and should lie relatively loose on the body.

Hiking clothes: the right hiking pants

In addition to the right clothing for your upper body, you also need a good pair of hiking pants. When choosing your hiking pants, make sure that they offer you enough freedom of movement and fit comfortably. Especially if you run through rough terrain or have to master via ferrata during your hike, hiking pants made of stretch material are worth their weight in gold!

In addition, your hiking pants should be durable, well ventilated and lightweight. They should ideally offer several pockets and be additionally reinforced at the leg end and on the inside of the calf. Extra reinforcements on the knees and buttocks are also good.

Practical is also a hiking pants with zip-off function: So you have at the same time a short and a long hiking pants. So you are perfectly equipped for any weather conditions. And that without having to carry extra weight or lose space in your hiking backpack.

Extra tip: For women we can recommend hiking leggings. These fit tightly to your body, do not chafe and are particularly comfortable to wear. By the way, such hiking leggings are also available for men!

We can recommend these jackets and pants for shell layers

Men's Jackets & Windbreaker

Men's Windproof Fleece-lined Hiking Pants. This windproof and waterproof three-layer pants is lightweight and durable. It offers not only a minimalist design, but also high functionality.

Women's Warm Hiking Pants for Winter. The ergonomic design of the knee area provides great flexibility and ensures freedom of movement, perfect for winter hiking, skiing, traveling ,snowboarding and work outdoor.

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

Hiking Accessories: Cappy, Hat & Gloves

Even if you're hiking in the height of summer, you should think not only about a cap, but also a hat or headband. If necessary, even gloves. Especially in the mountains, the weather can change very quickly. While the first day it was 25 degrees, the next it is only 10.

Get a multifunctional scarf that you can wear like a headband, but also use as a scarf or even as a balaclava. Alternatively, a light cap. There are also special lightweight hiking gloves that you can wear while hiking. These make particular sense when you are in alpine terrain and may have to cross glaciers.

Hiking clothes: Hiking shoes & socks

Your hiking outfit is of course only complete with the right hiking shoes. Hiking shoes can be divided into 6 shoe categories. As a rule, you are best equipped for your hiking adventures with the B or B/C category. Make sure that your hiking boots are of high quality. Set on robust and water-repellent materials, such as a combination of leather and Gore-Tex membrane.

You should also invest in good hiking socks. These ensure that you sweat less in your hiking boots and no unpleasant odor arises. They also support your feet. In addition, they avoid friction and skin irritation, and thus also blisters!

Finally, two important tips before you finally get going!

Before you start your next hiking adventure with your hiking outfit, we have two last important tips for you:

Tip 1: Always take a rain jacket and a fleece with you!
Inform yourself in detail about your hiking route before you set off and always keep an eye on the weather. For example, with the help of practical hiking apps. Even if the forecast is for cloudless skies and hot temperatures, you should always have a rain jacket and a fleece with you.

Tip 2: You should be cold when you start walking!
Many people make the mistake of running too warmly. It is best to freeze when you take your first steps, because as soon as you start moving, you will automatically get warmer. This also applies to hiking in general. Always wear one layer less than one too many. You lose much more energy when you sweat!

Reading tip: We have summarized even more practical hiking tips for you here!

Hiking Clothing: How to Dress Properly for Hiking!

With the right hiking clothes you are prepared for every adventure on foot!

Whether it's a hut hike lasting several days or a real trekking adventure, whether it's 30 degrees and sunny or rainy, with the right hiking clothes you are equipped for every hiking adventure. When choosing your hiking clothes, it is important that you pay attention to high-quality workmanship and high functionality. Then you will have something from your hiking clothes for a long time.

Also, dress according to the onion principle and put on different functional layers. The base layer and mid layer will keep you warm and dry. On the other hand, the shell layer will protect you from wind, rain and snow while hiking. When it comes to the material, you should go for lightweight, breathable and quick-drying merino wool and synthetic fabrics on the one hand. On the other hand, also on a water-repellent PFC-free impregnation.

Here we can especially recommend the hiking clothes from Cycorld

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