The right clothing for hiking is less about brands and more about two ideas: layers and avoiding cotton. Get those right and an ordinary wardrobe will take you a long way.

The one rule: avoid cotton

Cotton soaks up sweat and rain, holds the moisture against your skin, and stops insulating once wet. On a cold or windy day, wet cotton pulls heat out of your body — a real danger that experienced hikers take seriously. The saying “cotton kills” is an exaggeration on a warm afternoon, but it captures a true principle. Choose synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) or wool, both of which keep some warmth even when damp and dry far faster.

Dress in three layers

  • Base layer — a synthetic or wool shirt against the skin to move sweat away.
  • Mid layer — a fleece or light insulated jacket for warmth, easy to add or remove.
  • Outer layer — a wind- and waterproof shell. This is the one piece worth investing in early.

The point of layers is that you adjust as you go: strip off on the climb when you heat up, pile them back on at a windy summit or rest stop.

Footwear and socks

For most beginner trails, sturdy trainers or trail shoes with decent grip are fine; you do not need heavy boots to start. Whatever you wear, pair it with non-cotton socks — wool or synthetic — to cut down on blisters. If a shoe rubs, deal with the hot spot before it becomes a blister.

Plan for the trailhead, not the car park

It is often colder, windier, and wetter on the trail than where you parked. Pack the warm and waterproof layers even if it looks fine when you set off.