Clothes - Dress for Success

I’m not really a clothing freak like some in the hiking community. You have been dressing yourself for years so I’m sure you will do just fine. I only ever buy stuff that is on special (at least 40% off). I also wear gear from other aspects of my life. For example, my long sleeve goalkeeping jersey has been on many hikes, as have my soccer socks. There are however some tips that will make you more comfortable and enable you to pack less, these being: 
  1. Avoid cotton (when it gets wet it stays wet and can be heavy and dangerous leading to hypothermia)
  2. Wear fabrics that dry quickly, are lightweight, wick moisture away from the body and keep you warm. For example wool can absorb water but stays warm and is great for odour control (check in second hand stores).
  3. Use what you already have  
  4. Layer for warmth according to conditions
    1. Base layer – thermals or a singlet (for warmth and wicking moisture away from body)
    2. Mid layer – shirt
    3. Insulation layer – jumper and/or puff jacket
    4. Rain/wind layer – raincoat or poncho
    5. Possibly additional layers in very cold conditions
  5. Moisture is the enemy (when working hard remove layers so you don’t sweat through them. When you stop have warm dry layers to put on, removing the wet ones first)
  6. Long pants and long shirts protect the skin from sun, scratches and insects 
  7. Don’t take too many clothes (you should be able to wear all of your clothing at once comfortably)
  8. Resist the urge to toss in a few extra items at the last minute
  9. Weigh each item and take the best option based on performance and weight (eg one jumper may weigh significantly less than another but the heavier item may be required due to conditions)
  10. Multi use items save weight. For example a scarf can be used as towel, sun shade, water filter, sling, mattress protector… Or your sleeping bag can be used as an additional insulation layer if it gets colder than expected.
  11. Reassess what you packed after each trip. Look at what you did and didn’t use for your clothing and the conditions and you will get better at cutting out the unnecessary stuff.
 
Clothes a very personal choice and are specific to individual needs and conditions, so please read the above and question what will and wont work for you.

What I wear
​I have two possibly three outfits no matter how long I go for. Outfit one is the one I wear, outfit two is my sleeping gear I keep clean and dry and outfit three may be an additional day use outfit.  If I’m on a short trip of 2-3 days I’ll skip the third outfit. On longer trips I may take a third outfit with additional underwear and socks. I also take extra insulation and rain protection.

I do hike in the Australian winter but rarely intentionally in snow, so this makes my kit simpler than that required for snow conditions. Be prepared, but don’t over pack so do your research (see my packing list)
 
What I wear (worn and packed):
  1. Long sleeved hike shirt x1 (x2 if on longer hikes) (I prefer long sleeve for sun protection and I roll up the sleeves if it gets hot)
  2. Long pants x1 (x2 if on longer hikes or possibly shorts) (I dislike zip off pants)
  3. Trail runners x1 (I don’t were hiking boots)
  4. Gaiters x1 (provide some protection from snakes and debris)
  5. Socks and underwear x2 (x3 on extended trips depending on expected conditions and potential washing options)
  6. Belt x1 (clip knife to it and use it to keep poncho under control)
  7. Hat x1
  8. Sunglasses x1 (eye protection from sun and twigs when bush bashing)
  9. Buff/bandana x1 (the ultimate multiuse item: pot holder, water filter, sun/wind protection, emergency bandage)
  10. Watch x1 (I wear a basic digital watch and don’t feel the need for GPS watches with limited battery life)
 
Sleeping gear (outfit two):
  1. Thermal top x1 (Thickness depends on expected conditions and in summer I just take a singlet. Could also wear during the day if the conditions deteriorate)
  2. Thermal bottom x1 (as above and just underwear in summer)
  3. Beanie/balaclava x 1 (if cold)
  4. Socks x1 (I keep these clean and dry)
 
Additional items based on conditions:
  1. Gloves x1 (if it will be cold or sharp foliage)
  2. Towel/sarong x1 (great for sun protection)
  3. Jumper/insulated jacket x1 (or both if required)
  4. Rain coat/poncho x1 (possibly pants if the conditions will be epic)(love my poncho it doubles as ground sheet and protects my pack from the rain when hiking)
  5. Bathers x1 (just go in underwear if trying to keep weight low)