How should outdoor clothing be worn? Methods for wearing outdoor clothes
Your outfit can instantly reveal whether you’re a novice or an experienced traveler in the outdoors. Normally we often discuss what gear to wear for outdoor trips to look professional, but today we’ll do the opposite — Travel Guide editor HowToTrip introduces what’s least professional and most inconvenient to wear in the wild. Of course, there’s no strict fixed formula for outdoor attire — the top priority is always to protect yourself.
1. For hiking and mountaineering, avoid wearing jeans as they easily get wet and can hinder movement if you sweat or encounter rain.
2. Avoid wearing all-cotton undergarments next to your skin, as cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly, which can be dangerous in freezing conditions. In international mountaineering circles, cotton underwear is called “the clothing of the dead.” While this isn’t quite as terrifying for ordinary hikes, sweating followed by exposure to wind can easily lead to illness.
3. No matter the season, it's best to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors to protect yourself from bushes and weeds.
As for suitable clothing gear:
1. Windproof (and rainproof) layer. Choose windbreakers or rain pants or jackets.
2. Insulation layer. Fleece jackets — some windbreakers come with detachable fleece linings. You usually won’t feel cold while hiking, but pay special attention to staying warm during breaks and after reaching camp.
3. Underwear. Wear specialized moisture-wicking underwear, especially for winter trips or when visiting high-altitude areas. In summer, quick-dry fabrics are fine — avoid sleeveless or shorts, and opt for shirts with collars that can be turned up to prevent sunburn on your neck.
Actually, there’s no fixed formula for outdoor attire — the top priority is always to protect yourself.