On a hike, you should know the clothing you’ll need and what to avoid to stay safe and comfortable on the hike. The wrong fabrics or shoes could leave you with blisters or even put you in danger. You’ll need to think about terrain and temperature, and in doing this, you’ll also know what clothing to avoid wearing while hiking.
Flimsy Shoes
When you’re hiking, shoes are the most crucial thing to consider. Avoid wearing shoes that are:
- Flimsy: Proper foot placement on rocks or along rivers won’t be easy.
- Uncomfortable: Shoes that don’t fit right may cause blisters or make walking difficult.
- Old: If the soles wear out, you won’t be able to get proper traction.
Take time to find the ideal shoes for your hike as you need support for your ankles and feet. Hiking in the wrong shoes isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s also dangerous as you risk slipping or injuring yourself along the way. Most frequent hikers invest in a high-quality pair of hiking boots or shoes.
Jewelry
Jewelry isn’t necessary on a hike—and keep in mind that this also applies to wedding bands and engagement rings. When you’re planning a hike, leave your ring at home. This is just one of the many ways to care for your engagement ring.
Seasoned hikers also advise against wearing jewelry during a hike because a piece could easily catch on something in the wilderness and hurt you. Or you could lose your sentimental pieces. It’ll be much easier to enjoy your hike if you leave the jewelry at home where it’s safe.
Minimal Layers
Although you don’t want to wear too many layers, especially because you’ll work up a sweat as you move around, you need a few. If you only wear one layer or several very thin layers, you don’t be ready for the temperatures and weather at higher elevations. Just because it’s warm at the bottom of the mountain doesn’t mean it will be at the top.
Instead, wear several layers that you can easily remove if you need to. In doing this, you prevent yourself from getting too cold or overheating. As you plan your layers, think about the time of year and what climate you expect on your hike. If you’re not sure, check online or talk to locals.
Inadequate Fabrics
As you think about what clothing to avoid wearing while hiking, remember to avoid stiff clothing and bulky pants, as both make moving around more difficult. Likewise, if your jacket or top is too loose-fitting, you may experience chaffing along where your backpack straps are. To avoid this, think about the pros and cons of the clothing you choose; ideally, it should fit snugly but comfortably. Finally, remember as you hike, comfort is key, and often the most comfortable hiking outfits also keep you safe!