Planning a trip to the mountains? Depending on the time of year, you must choose the right clothing and footwear to reach the peaks. Winter clothing in the mountains protects from frost and wind. Summer clothing ensures moisture absorption and sweat drainage.

Most tourists go to the mountains during the vacation season - summer. Fortunately, it is becoming rarer and rarer to see people wearing completely inappropriate clothing in the summer to the mountains. We mean jean shorts, sandals or skirts. More and more people are focusing on comfort and safety in the mountains.

Whether going for a weekend trip or planning a long trek through the mountains, you must wear proper trekking clothes. Neglecting quality equipment and going to the mountains in an old, knitted tracksuit is not a good idea. Anyone who has walked a few kilometres in the heat or rain will confirm this. In this article, you will learn how to dress for the mountains in different seasons.

What To Wear for Hiking in The Summer?

Bookatrekking.com, a team of experts in hiking and trekking, recommends a list of what you should wear on a hike in the summer:

•   Lightweight trekking shoes

•   Hiking pants - preferably modular pants that transform into shorts in seconds

•   Light T-shirt

•   Waterproof jacket

•   Hat/bandana/scarf

•   Light sweatshirt

•   Sunglasses

When choosing between trekking shoes with low and high tops, you need to assess the route’s difficulty, the intensity of effort, and the nature of the mountain activity.

What To Wear for Hiking in The Winter and Fall?

Fall and winter in the mountains are more demanding. During this time of year, you should choose trekking shoes with a high top and waterproof membrane. It should be an insulated model.

In winter and fall, you should not forget about thermal clothing that maintains body heat and breathes simultaneously. You should choose a high-quality fleece and a membrane jacket. Pants should be insulated.

Travel vests are perfect as an additional layer that does not restrict movement. Also, pay attention to additional pockets for small items. You should have a warm hat and gloves. Winter clothing in the mountains should keep you warm and protect you from the wind.

As in the summer, you should carry sunglasses with you. The sun’s rays reflecting off the snow are just as unpleasant as the hot summer sun.

What To Wear for Hiking in The Spring?

In spring, you need to remember that the old snow cover is settling in the mountains, especially in the higher parts of the mountains. Once you reach the top, you can be overtaken by strong winds and much lower temperatures. Therefore, when choosing hiking clothing in the spring, you should follow the same criteria as when choosing winter clothing.

Spring is a time of increased precipitation, so a quality rain jacket and membrane cover for your backpack are absolutely essential. After all, the backpack holds everything you need in the mountains, so you must protect its contents from moisture.

What To Pay Attention to When Choosing Hiking Clothes?

Hiking clothes should always be adapted to the time of year you go to the mountains. You will always keep warm things in your backpack. However, regardless of the weather, clothing should be:  

•   Breathable and good at moisture-wicking

•   Wear-resistant (made of high-quality materials)

•   Multiple layers of clothing - you should always take two or three layers of clothes to the mountains, even if the weather is good at the time

•   Comfortable - it should not restrain movements, but also should not be too loose

•   Practical - there should be a lot of pockets and sippers on sweaters, jackets, and pants

The most important element of a mountain outfit is always footwear. It should be comfortable, have a deep tread, and have good traction. Do not look for universal models suitable for any season. If you will look for low-budget wear, you can ruin the hike. Summer and winter seasons are completely different conditions, and you need to consider that.

Conclusion

The right choice of hiking clothes can significantly enhance your outdoor experience while ensuring comfort, safety, and performance. Remember to prioritise functionality over fashion, opting for moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics to keep your body comfortable and dry. Layering appropriately will allow you to regulate your body temperature as you traverse various terrains and weather conditions.