Filed under: Comfort at Camp, Outdoor Recreation & Hiking, Traveling Tips, Uncategorized

Hiking–What to Wear?

It’s pretty easy to select what you will wear if you are hiking during the summer months. In spring and fall, however, it can be a bit tricky to be dressed for every, or even most, weather conditions. We love to hike and over the years we have developed  clothing selections for our hikes that compensate and keep you warm and cool in most any weather. Here are my thoughts about what to wear on that spring (or fall) hike.

I always start out with my Sporthill Pants. I have been wearing them for skiing for about 15 years, but for that cool spring hike, they can’t be beat. Initially they were only available in the tight to the ankle style that is flattering on almost no one, but about three years ago they came out with this boot cut version that I adore. I have no problem running into town or a grocery store with these on; I had some reservations about being seen by the non-hiking public when wearing the ankle binding version. Guaranteed to be warm to about 20 degrees, these pants were also not too warm to wear on our spring hike when temperatures rose into the high 50’s. A wardrobe essential!

The second essential is a base layer long underwear top. Very lightweight it adds added warmth under your outer layer, but is also warm enough to keep you comfortable if it is warm enough to remove your outer fleece. I love this black one as it goes with whatever else I wear. I don’t leave home without it!

The essential top layer is butter fleece. Terry and I love these tops and we each have a selection. We get them from Eddie Bauer, but there are many other clothing retailers that offer them. Regularly about $50 each, Eddie usually runs a sale in early December where they are 2 for the price of 1. We like to stock up then and also wear them for running errands or just knocking around the campsite in cooler weather. But for spring and fall hikes, they can’t be beat!

Next, essential item: wool socks. I used to think wool socks would be too warm, but lighter wool socks, because they are a natural fiber, can either keep you warm in cooler weather or cool in warmer weather. I wear mine all summer and my feet are never too hot.

Finally, you need a good hiking boot or shoe. This is a very individual choice. Get your self fitted by someone who knows what they are doing and it pays to spend the extra few dollars and get a good quality hiking or running shoe. Your feet will thank you for it!

With that being said, it’s time for a hike! Here is the look in combination on a recent hike in northern New Mexico. I think we also ran into a grocery store when we got back to town with no hesitation! Happy hiking!

Read more about New Mexico campgrounds and things to do in New Mexico.

Last 5 posts by Diane Berry

• Another Winter Family Adventure - February 10th, 2013
• A Winter Family Adventure! - February 3rd, 2013
• The Forest in Winter - January 27th, 2013
• A Lookout in Winter - January 20th, 2013
• Picuris Peak 2: The Royal Road! - January 13th, 2013