Having the right clothing when hiking and bushwalking can make or break your experience. Ensuring you stay warm and dry is essential when hiking in challenging conditions so it is important to have the right hiking clothing for the job.

FAQs

Do I need to bring waterproof clothing when going hiking?

Your decision to bring waterproof clothing when hiking should usually be dependent on the weather conditions you expect to encounter during your trip. It is always a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket on a hiking trip as they are lightweight and packable, ensuring you won’t get wet in any unexpected downpours. Bringing a waterproof jacket constructed with waterproof materials like GORE-TEX, FUTURELIGHT or H2No will ensure that you stay dry while not overheating when hiking. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket is a great waterproof hiking jacket as it is lightweight and compact, easily fitting in your hiking pack for emergencies. If you are expecting wet weather on your bushwalk or are embarking on a multiday trek, ensure that you bring a waterproof jacket and rainpants for your trip. Waterproof pants like the Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Pant will keep hiking even in wet conditions. Additionally, when hiking in wet weather it is a good idea to wear waterproof boots or waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry.

What hiking clothing should I wear in hot conditions?

When hiking in summer and in hot weather it is important to wear hiking clothing that will keep you cool and protect you from the harsh UV rays. To protect your skin from the sun, you should wear UPF-rated hiking clothing from Solbari as their hiking clothing is designed and rated to UPF50+ which provides excellent sun protection when hiking and is the the highest rating achievable for fabrics in the world. Additionally, to protect yourself from the sun when hiking it is a good idea to wear clothing that covers your skin from the sun like a long-sleeved shirt rather than a t-shirt. Sun hoodies like the Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie are excellent in hot weather as it is UPF50+ rated protection and it provides plenty of protection on your arms and neck from the sun. To keep cool in hot weather when hiking, wearing breathable and moisture-wicking clothing will ensure you remain comfortable even in warm conditions. Furthermore, make sure to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. With the addition to sun protective clothing, you should always apply sunscreen when hiking in hot conditions to prevent sunburn.

Can you wear pants when hiking?

Yes! Pants are a great piece of hiking clothing as they can provide warmth, sun protection and protect your legs from shrubs hiking. Hiking pants designed specifically for hiking will perform much better than a traditional pair of pants as they are often more breathable, ensuring that you don’t overheat when hiking and are quick drying. Some hiking pants like the Patagonia Quandary Convertible Pant are convertible, allowing you to easily turn them into shorts when you start getting warm. Alternatively, if you are hiking in hot conditions for most of your trip, hiking shorts can sometimes be a better option as you won’t overheat in them as easily. Some hiking shorts like the Patagonia Baggies Shorts 5" can be worn as swimwear perfecting for any swimming holes you come across on your hike.

What clothing should I wear to stay warm when hiking?

Being cold when hiking can be a miserable experience, so it is vital that you bring the right hiking clothing to keep you warm on the trail. Before you set out on your hike, ensure that you have warm enough clothing for the cold weather you expect. Using a layering system when hiking in cold conditions is effective, as it provides plenty of warmth and you can take off layers easily if you begin to overheat. When layering for hiking there are 4 layers to account for which are a base, mid, insulation and outer layer. A base layer is worn next to skin which provides significant warmth and regulates your temperature in different conditions. A merino base layer like the Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS regulates your body temperature effectively making it an excellent option when hiking in varying conditions. A mid-layer such as a fleece can provide extra warmth in cold conditions or can be worn alone in mild conditions. When hiking in cold conditions, ensure that you bring a warm insulation layer as this will provide you the most warmth in your layering system. A down-insulated jacket such as the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket provides plenty of warmth and can be packed easily away when not in use. The last layer is the outer layer which provides protection from the wind, rain and snow, ensuring that you stay warm and your other layers don’t get wet. Check out our layering guide to see how you can use it to stay warm when hiking.

What hiking clothing brands are available at Paddy Pallin?

At Paddy Pallin, we stock a wide range of bushwalking and hiking clothing from the top outdoor brands. For hiking base layers and hiking shirts we stock from brands like Icebreaker, Mont, Patagonia, Smartwool and The North Face. Insulated jackets and waterproof jackets for hiking are available from brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Mont and Rab. For hiking pants and hiking shorts, we stock from brands like Kuhl, Patagonia, The North Face and Marmot.