What to Wear Hiking

Hiking is one of the best and most physically engaging activities to do on your own or with family and friends! Luckily, in Cherokee, North Carolina, there are so many beautiful and fun hiking spots that don’t require you to be an expert. Simply, bring the essentials, take the day to explore, and enjoy!

What are the essentials you ask? Well, luckily for you, we’ve put together a what to wear hiking basics guide that can help you choose the perfect outfit for any season.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the best hiking clothes for the summer and winter, as well as the key hiking “what not to wear’s” we think everyone should be aware of – whether it’s your first or 1,000th, you’re bound to find a new and helpful tip to use for your next adventure.
 

Benefits of Hiking

If you’ve never gone hiking before or are looking to start, you might be interested to know why you should hike before you start thinking about the attire.

Hiking has so many benefits, it’s a fan favorite all over the world for a reason. Firstly, the physical exercise. Hiking is generally a full-body workout, combining strength training and cardio and helping to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health.

It’s also wonderful for mental health, allowing you to calm your mind, relax in nature, and improve your sensory perception. If you hike with a friend or family member, it’s also great for social health, too, which in turn can also be another mental health benefit.
 

What to Wear Hiking in the Summer

Now, let’s get to the clothing options – what is best to wear on a hike in the summertime?

In the summer, the sun can beat down on you, increasing the chances of burns, sweat, and exhaustion. That’s why we always recommend wearing a hat to cover your face, a breathable, light shirt, shorts, socks, sunglasses, and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.

Heavy rain is also a key factor to be aware of during the summer, which is why if you can, carry a rain jacket in your backpack or around your waist.
 

What to Wear Hiking in the Winter

Hiking in the wintertime is a whole other ball game. You’re going to need layers in order to stay warm and ensure that you don’t get injured climbing rocks or down steep hills.

For winter hikes, we recommend these clothing items:

• Long-sleeved shirt
• Insulated gloves
• Socks
• Waterproof pants
• Fleece/Hoodie
• Waterproof jacket
• Wool hat
• Sunglasses
• And a neck gaiter

Remember, it’s always best to be too prepared rather than not prepared enough. Any additional clothing you don’t need can be packed away in your backpack in case you need it later.
 

What to Avoid Wearing When Hiking

While we’ve given you the best clothing tips for what to wear, we also want to give you our suggestions for what not to wear when hiking.

Avoid wearing casual, heavy clothing fabrics like denim which can cause painful chafing when wet and lacks the breathability you need when in the heat. We also recommend avoiding casual, fashion tennis shoes while hiking as they’re not designed to handle rough terrain and can possibly lead to injuries if a fall or slip occurs.
 

Plan Your Hiking Adventure in Cherokee, North Carolina!

Your next hiking adventure starts here, in beautiful Cherokee, North Carolina! Filled with rich culture and stunning, scenic views, Cherokee is the perfect place to relax, take up a new hobby and spend the day together with family and friends.

To learn more about our hiking activities and destination recommendations in Cherokee or to get started, please contact us today!