Hiking Clothing Layering System:
Why You Need One
And How To Get It

By Diane Spicer

A hiking clothing layering system will save you time, make you as comfortable as possible in challenging trail conditions, and will keep you safe when you have to stay out overnight on an unplanned bivouac.

That's why dressing in layers on a hike makes sense year round!

Let's look at what a hiking clothing layering system is designed to accomplish.

Then we'll turn to getting your layers up to speed, so you can tackle any trail conditions you encounter.

Why bother with a hiking clothing layering system?

In my experience, there are two general categories of hikers:

• Prepared
• Unprepared

Because you're investing time in reading this article on clothes layers for hikers, I already know which category you are in, or are striving to join.

So let's quickly outline the benefits of wearing hiking clothing that you put on, remove, adjust and always have handy in your backpack regardless of the weather.

Benefits of hiking clothing layers, in a nutshell:

• Keep you warm or cool to your comfort levels
  
• Keep you dry when it's not dry around you
  
• Keep you protected from weather and terrain
• Keep you confident about your ability to handle an unplanned or dicey situation
• Allow you to respond to an impromptu invitation to have lunch on a snow field
  

Define this layering system,
please!

In my 45+ years of trail experience, a layering system consists of three essential layers:

• Inner or base layer of clothing to trap or release warmth (depending on materials) and to handle moisture accumulation
  
• Mid layer(s) to insulate and modulate temperatures
  
• Outer layer to protect against the elements and keep other layers dry and warm

Makes sense, right?

Each layer contributes to the "big 3" components of hiking comfort and safety:

1. Thermoregulation, to adjust to temperature swings or extremes
2. Moisture wicking, to keep skin as dry and blister/chafe free as possible
3. Protection against abrasion, wind, dessication, deluges and hypothermia
   

But your search for the best hiking clothing layering system goes further than this.

Also think about clothing which:

• is soft and comfortable
• is lightweight and easy to pack into your backpack
  
• moves easily with your body as you bend, twist, and stride
• allows odors to be removed easily with soap (especially if hanging overnight in your tent)
• is easy to put on and also easy to remove when it's damp with sweat or rigid with cold
  

Now let's build a hiking
clothing layering system
from the skin out

Let's go back through those 3 layers again for a closer look at how to dress in layers on a hiking trail.

You might need a few tips on what to think about as you size up each layer, and Hiking For Her is here to deliver them.

Inner or base layer

The inner layer for hikers is a moisture management layer.

That relies on specific fabrics labelled for their moisture wicking ability.

Resist the urge to put on every day or bargain bin clothing and hit the trail.

• Cotton does not do the job except in ideal summer conditions (dry and warm).
• Purchase clothing specifically made for hiking or some other athletic activity, because those fabrics will stand up to your sweat.
• Don't forget that you'll sweat on cold weather hikes and during snowshoeing, so you'll want a moisture wicking inner layer next to your skin.

If you're up against really cold conditions, you'll want long underwear, both top and bottom.

Details on handling cold weather hikes are here.

And you might want these snowshoeing tips, too.

For women hikers, the inner layer of clothing starts with a sports bra (recommended regardless of the generosity of your endowment, to prevent chafing), undies, and sometimes a warm sleeveless shirt (tank top) if you know you'll be wearing more layers.

Or a wicking, light weight tank top might become your mid layer in warm weather.

I also consider two layered pair of hiking socks an important base layer for hikers.

Mid layer in your layering system

Here's where your clothing becomes optional and customized.

Only you know your comfort range and tolerance for temperature swings and moisture levels.

So build in some customization in your mid layer.

Clothing for your upper torso's mid layer can include:

• a hiking vest
• a shirt with the sleeve length appropriate to conditions
• hiking shorts or pants
• hiking skirt with or without leggings
  

Suggestions for hiking mid layer choices:

• Choose fabrics that stand up to abrasion, dirt, moisture and frequent handling.
• The less fussiness the better: few or no buttons, lightweight plastic zippers that don't jam, no extra embroidery or doodads that can unravel, fall off or catch on branches.
• Don't choose bulky clothing for your mid layer, because you'll feel like a stuffed sausage and won't be able to move around in comfort once you add your outer layer.
  

In cold weather, you can add a scarf around your neck that tucks beneath your outer layer. This is one of the most versatile pieces of hiking clothing you can own, because it can cover your head and ears as well as your neck.

And it's so easy to toss into your backpack when you don't need it!

Outer layer in your hiking clothing
layering system

For safety's sake, it's important to carry enough layers to meet the demands of changing weather and the daily cycle of temperature wherever you are hiking.

One of the biggest mistakes I see beginner hikers make is to underestimate how much clothing they need to carry.

If I had a dollar for every shivering, miserable hiker I met on the trail, I'd take you out for a really fabulous dinner - on my private jet winging its way to Paris.

But alas, I can only offer these humble tips on choosing hiking clothing that layers over your other 2 layers:

• Jackets
• Hats
• Gloves
• Rain gear

Now for a few words about your choices for each item in your outer layers.

Hiking jackets

A jacket for a hiker means many things, but most importantly it means protection.

Mother Nature will throw all kinds of fun your way: wind, sun, water in all of its 3 forms, insects, heat, cold...

And one jacket just isn't going to cut it (see the list above for what "it" might be, and all within one 24 hour period).

Read my tips on choosing hiking jackets, and begin to build up a small repertoire of the best jackets for the type of hiking you do.

Hiking hats

Just as for jackets, you're going to need a selection of hiking hats that suit your hiking style.

On my backpacking trips, I carry at least 3 or 4 different hats.

They're lightweight, packable, and have literally saved my life when the skies open up and dump onto my head or I'm crossing shade-less terrain.

Start your hiking hat collection here.

Hiking gloves

I can't say enough good things about carrying a pair of gloves on every hike.

If you don't need them to keep warm, you might need them to pick up something spiny or sharp.

Always have a pair of gloves stashed in your backpack! (Thank me later.)

Just be sure they're lightweight, dry quickly, and are replaced when the fingertips get too thin.

As with hats, I'm a bit of a glove collector. Read my tips for picking a pair right here.

Rain gear for hikers - so important!

A classic mistake is to forget your rain gear because the sun is shining brightly before you reach the trail head.

Mother Nature loves to mess with us hikers, and one of her favorite ways is to gather some thunder clouds later in the day and watch us shiver.

So don't neglect to carry your rain gear, using these tips.

Any recommendations for
specific clothing in each layer?

Yes indeed!

I only wear what works in a hiking clothing layering system, and what works is what I've tested while hiking thousands of miles in all kinds of conditions.

• My top picks for women's athletic clothing for hiking can be found here.
• Lots of tips for choosing great hiking clothes are here.
• Hop over here for the sun protective clothing I know will protect your skin.

Here's the hiking clothing
layering system, summarized

Now layer up and hit the trail!

Now you know why you need to dress in layers while hiking.

And you know how to build a hiking clothing layering system

Let me know if you have questions about specific choices for your hiking clothing layering system.

I'm here for you!

• Use this link.

Happy Layered Trails!

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