Five tips for post-hike apparel maintenance

Always take the time to maintain clothing after a hike.

After a hike – even a short one of a couple of hours – your clothing will be a little dirty and a bit beat up. Taking care of your apparel when you return home can increase its longevity, ensure you’re warm and dry on the next hike, and keep the clothes from smelling.

Once home, inspect the clothes for damage. Sometimes snags tears can happen without you even realizing it, such as when you brush up against a tree or shrub. You may then need to sew, patch or even replace some items.

Next, hang and air dry any wet jackets, snowpants, raingear, and boots. Don't dry them near a heater, as that can cause leather and other fabrics to turn brittle and crack. You can have a simple fan blowing on them, though, to help them dry faster.

Brush any dirt, mud, leaves and other debris off your clothing, especially the boots. Prolonged exposure to the moisture in the debris can damage apparel. In addition, eventually the debris will dry and falloff, creating a mess.

Wash and dry clothing, even if worn for only part of the trip. Follow instructions on the clothing tags so that you don't accidentally shrink or damage through overheating. Remember that synthetics often require different care than cotton when washing and drying.

Finally, replace any clothing articles – those lost on the trail, items that no longer fit, and those that are damaged beyond repair – so that you don’t go without on your next hike.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Three ways boots can come waterproofed

Wet boots are heavier than dry ones, which is just one of many good reasons
to get waterproofed boots. Photo courtesy of ise_80 / Photoree.

When day hiking in the wilds, you’ll generally want to wear waterproof boots. You may have to cross small streams, muddy trails, or dew-covered grass. Any of those situations as well as others can leave your feet wet and uncomfortable while making the walk more difficult, as wet boots are heavier.

There generally are three ways your boots are waterproofed.

One method is breathable lining. Fabrics such as Gore-Tex are sewed into the boot to keep moisture from passing to the sock and foot. The downside of such waterproofing is that the outside of the boot still absorbs water, resulting in increased wear and tear on the footwear, not to mention leaving the boots heavier so long as they are wet.

Another method is waterproof leather. In this case, an external coating – such as a durable water-repellent treatment (also known as DWR), oil or wax – is applied to the leather. Poorly constructed boots still will let water in if stitches are missing or threads are loose. If the boots become saturated, the coating likely won’t be enough to keep your feet dry.

A third method is boot construction aimed at preventing moisture from getting to the sock and foot. Such construction includes taping or sealing seams as well as using special stitching.

Typically, at least two of the methods are employed in any hiking boot you purchase.

Your best bet is to get a hiking boot with breathable lining and then add a DWR on your own. Another reasonable alternative is to go with waterproof leather that boasts superior construction, though this is the most expensive route.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Consider boot cuts when choosing footwear

A mid-cut hiking boot is good for rough terrain. Phot courtesy of Kj/Photoree.

When purchasing a hiking boot, an element to consider is the footwear’s cut. A boot’s cut refers to how high it goes on the ankle.

In general, there are three types of boot cuts – low, mid and high. Each offers its own advantages.

Low-cut hiking shoes are really just tennis shoes made for the trail. They are lighter than other cuts and tend to allow you to travel farther. They’re best for shorter hikes, ones which you don’t carry much of a load on your back, and if you have trick ankles. They break-in quite quickly as well.

Mid-cut hiking boots are better for rougher terrain than a low-cut shoe as they offer better protection against debris and brush and provide increased stability and support. If carrying moderate loads on your back, you’ll also want a mid-cut rather than a low-cut shoe.

High-cut hiking boots, such as mountaineering boots, cover more of the ankle than a mid-cut. Because of this, high-cuts offer even better support and are ideal for steep, uneven terrain. They’re also necessary if lugging a heavy backpack because you plan to camp out or if you’re sporting a child carrier. They take the longest break-in.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Six tips for selecting day hiking apparel

When hiking, opt for clothes that are durable and offer versatility.

Dressing properly for a hike is only half the battle; to be comfortable, you also want to make the best selections in apparel quality.

First, when purchasing hiking apparel, be aware that name brands don’t much matter. Many sporting goods stores carry expensive shirts, shorts, rain gear and jackets that look great but beyond that offer little advantage over less expensive apparel found at discount stores.

The one benefit that name brands do provide is that they made specifically for hikers, skiers and others who love the outdoors, so they are designed to meet their wishes, determined in part by marketing research. For example, a name brand likely will have a pull loop to make zipping easier whereas non-name brands won’t.

If buying hiking apparel from a discount store, a good hint that you have quality material are the seams. Look for flat felled seams, which are seams sewn over one another and that are, well, flat. Such clothing tends to be durable and sturdy.

Also focus on fit. Everybody’s body is different, so you’ll want to try on apparel rather than assume it will just fit. If sitting, the fit may not be a big deal, but when your body is in motion, the apparel should give you room to move rather than chafe against a swinging limb or a muscle as it turns or pivots. Loose, comfortable cuts usually are best.

Don’t forget breathability either. While staying dry from the rain, you don’t want to get soaked from your own sweat. Choose apparel made from synthetic pile or fleece. Besides keeping you warm, those fabrics wick moisture from your skin and allow the water vapor to pass into the open air.

Your apparel also should offer protection from Mother Earth. When hiking, you’ll likely brush against branches, prickly plants, and rocks. Your apparel should be durable enough so sharp points don’t cut through the fabric and cut your skin and rugged enough that it’ll shed dirt.

Finally, opt for versatility. A sweater with a zipper on a neck that can be turned up or down as needed allows you to stay warm in windy and cold conditions yet also stay cool when the wind is calm and warming. In addition, always go with a variety of clothes that can be layered rather than one item which purports to work in multiple weather conditions.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Select pants and shorts to maximize comfort when hiking

Selecting a pair of pants or shorts for a day hike isn't always as simple as
throwing on any old pair. Photo courtesy of zayzayem / Photoree.

Often for a day hike, any old comfortable pair of shorts or pants will do. But if planning to spend more than an hour on the trail and if lugging a backpack or child carrier, you can maximize your comfort by looking for certain qualities in your selection.

When selecting shorts or pants for a day hike, follow these guidelines:
g Avoid denim and cotton – Both materials retain water, so whether rain falls or you sweat a lot, the clothing will stick to your skin. Fairly durable synthetic fabrics are a good option, as they breathe better and wick moisture away from the skin.
g Keep it rugged – Some synthetic fabrics aren’t good options for a hike, however, as they tear easily if you accidentally rub against hard rock, branches or bramble. If you can feel the seam give when you pull the fabric between your hands, the fabric probably isn’t rugged enough.
g Find a good fit – Shorts and pants should fit so you don’t need a belt, which can chafe if your backpack or child carrier has a hip belt. If purchasing shorts and pants specifically made for hiking, be aware that they likely will have more room in the rear and the waist than those purchased for casual use or office wear.
g Opt for big pockets – You’ll find bellowed pockets like those on cargo shorts come in handy when on the trail. Rather than taking a backpack on and off, your trail mix or map along with other items easily can be tucked into the pocket.
g Stick with Velcro – You want your cargo and back pockets to be closed when hiking. Especially on back pockets, Velcro will be easier to secure than buttons.
g Tight cuffs good – If wearing pants, stick with those that have elastic on the cuffs where the pants leg ends below the calf. This will cut off a potential entry to your skin for mosquitoes and ticks.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.