Hiking apparel


Hiking apparel is clothing, footwear, headwear, and other items worn that are suitable for hiking, including trousers, sweaters, underwear, and hiking boots. Hiking apparel is usually selected to suit predicted weather conditions, taking into account UPF rating, weight, water and wind resistance. Today's hiking apparel is more advanced than previous years, having material that can be wind resistant, water-repellent and yet breathable, and lightweight. Some hiking apparel is designed to be "breathable", drawing moisture away from the body while protecting from the weather.
Usually three layers of apparel are worn on a rough-weather hike, the first being mostly of synthetic material drawing moisture from the body, the second being of material with high thermal insulation capacity, and the third being of wind- and water-resistant material.
Today's hiking boots have been designed to give maximum ankle support, and to be durable but light in weight. Many have a long-lasting hardened rubber sole.