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.

How to immobilize an arm injured during a hiking trip

Use a sling to immobilize an arm. Photo courtesy of mtsofan / Photoree.

Sometimes when hiking, an injury occurs in which you must immobilize an arm. This might be due to a sprain, a cut or a fracture from a fall or an object (such a rock in a mini avalanche or a tree limb that’s just broke off) hitting it. While such accidents are rare, knowing how to handle them in case they do occur will be extremely helpful in preventing further injury and providing for the person’s comfort, especially if the injured party is a child.

To immobilize an arm, you’ll need to make a sling. This is where carrying a large bandanna or an extra shirt can be helpful. You’ll need a piece of cloth that is about a yard square; a smaller piece will do for small children.

Lay out the cloth flat then fold it in half diagonally so that you have a triangle. Next, slide the injured arm into about the middle of the diagonal cloth. Bring one end of the cloth up around the neck and the other end of the cloth up around the other side of the neck. Tie the ends of the cloth together behind the neck.

The injured arm should be in front of the abdomen, parallel to the ground. Wrap a belt around the body, just above the parallel arm. Cinch the belt tight but ensure that there’s still circulation. If you don’t have a belt, a rope or a pants leg also will work.

Seek medical help immediately.