Essential Hiking Gear for Every Season

Hiking is the most popular outdoor activity in America. A 2022 report found that there are now almost 60 million hikers in the country, and that number will likely continue to grow. As with any sport, the right gear and clothing are essential to enjoy and practice it safely. And outdoor wildlife experts like Jared Paul know why. Paul has spent decades guiding visitors in the Wyoming wilderness as a local resort activities manager, leading the property’s wildlife and outdoor experiences.

“If you’ve not been to Jackson Hole, it’s the Alaska of the continental U.S. It’s very rugged, rocky, and steep,” he says, adding that showing up for hikes in the right apparel, especially the proper footwear, could be the difference between having a pleasant experience and ending up hypothermic.

Read on for Paul’s list of what to wear hiking—from the best hiking clothing to the most practical accessories to pack—regardless of what corner of the country the next trail takes you.

What to Wear Hiking

Layers are essential when hiking, according to Paul. If you’re heading for a multi-hour or a daylong hike, you will likely experience temperature swings. “Even in the summer here [in Jackson Hole], it could be in the high 30s or 40s Fahrenheit in the morning and 80 or 90 in the day,” he explained. That’s why wearing multiple thin layers of clothing instead of a bulky sweater or a jacket, for example, is crucial.

Hiking Shirt

“As you’re recreating, hiking, and doing these physical things, you’re exerting, you’re heating up, you’re sweating. So what I find essential is a synthetic base layer,” Paul explained.

High-performance synthetic fabrics are manufactured with quick-dry, moisture-wicking qualities to keep your body cool and comfortable during physical activities.

Patagonia Women’s Long-Sleeved Capilene Cool Daily Shirt

This Patagonia long-sleeve top is made from recycled polyester with anti-odor qualities that will keep you fresh and comfortable on the trail. It also has some stretch in it to give you freedom of movement, and the silhouette fits slightly loose for a flattering look that doesn’t forego practicality.

Hiking T-Shirt

Paul advises against wearing cotton during hikes. Why? “Cotton against the skin is the worst. When it gets wet, it takes an eternity to dry. And you’ll just become hypothermic if you sweat in cold conditions in cotton,” he explained. That’s why synthetic fabrics are much better than natural materials for athleisure and sportswear. They keep moisture away from the body, allowing it to stay cooler and drier.

Patagonia Men’s Capilene Cool Daily Shirt

A classic crew neck T-shirt is an excellent base layer to wear during a hike, and this one was designed with comfort in mind—it’s lightweight, has minimal stitching to reduce the possibility of chafing, and odor control for continuous freshness. The stretchy polyester fabric is also very soft and smooth and allows you to move your torso and arms freely with no restrictions.

Hiking Pants

Often, you don’t know what Mother Nature will throw at you during a hike (river crossings? rain?), so Paul recommends investing in a good pair of waterproof pants. While he admits that convertible pants that zip off to become shorts are a good—and popular—option to deal with temperature swings or overheating, he prefers to wear long pants. “There’s a lot of vegetation along the trails and some pretty rough, abrasive brush as well as mosquitoes in the spring and summer, so personally, when I am in the mountains, I am wearing pants,” he says.

Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers

Fjällräven may be famous for its backpacks, but the company was founded in Sweden as an outdoors outfitter to encourage people to connect with nature. The Vidda trousers provide good wind and water protection and feature reinforced knee panels. The trousers fit slightly slimmer, but it’s more of an aesthetics update as we didn’t find the new version restrictive or uncomfortable in any way. On the contrary, the stretchy fabric provides support and protection, and with multiple pockets, there are plenty of places to store tools.

Hiking Jacket

Opt for a completely waterproof Gore-Tex shell for your outer layer to shield you from the elements. Paul recommends choosing a breathable jacket with a hood instead of a heavy-weight one that might overheat you.

Arc’teryx Beta Jacket

Paul calls Arc’teryx the company with “arguably the best outerwear.” The Beta jacket is a lightweight and versatile shell that is completely wind- and waterproof and can be layered over shirts and fleece sweatshirts. The design includes an adjustable hood that doesn’t affect vision, laminated and zippered pockets, reflectors for night trekking, and hem adjusters to keep moisture and rain at bay.

Hiking Shoes

“A lot of times, people just don’t have the right footwear [for hiking],” Paul says. Taking sneakers or regular athleisure shoes on a hike is a huge no-no. Footwear should be supportive, waterproof, and with “deep, aggressive tread,” he says.

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid

Merrell’s best-selling Moab hiking shoes come in both men’s and women’s versions and are a good standard option for hiking that withstand light to moderate trails. It has a mid-height design and a contoured footbed for support. The extra cushioning and rubber heels provide extra protection, while the anti-slip outsoles were made for optimal traction.

What to Wear Hiking in Summer

Summer temperatures call for fewer layers, but hikers should still take performance and functionality into consideration. Sun protection is also crucial and doesn’t just include applying sunscreen. Wearing breathable sun-protective clothing can help you avoid getting sunburned.

Hiking Shorts

Shorts allow you to stay cool when temperatures soar. Opt for a lightweight pair cut from a synthetic material that doesn’t restrict your movements and would dry fast if you get them wet.

Title Nine Recycled Clamber 2.0 Hiking Shorts 10″

Title Nine’s hiking shorts were made from the company’s proprietary ClambR fabric of recycled nylon and spandex designed to be abrasion-resistant and stretchy for more comfort. The shorts come in two inseam options (we’d get the longer ones for more coverage and protection) and have an elastic waist with a secure snap closure and multiple pockets where you can stow away smaller belongings.

Hiking Sun Shirt

“The sun is really strong and damaging out here [in Jackson Hole]. Temperatures aren’t super hot, but that doesn’t mean the sun isn’t doing the damage,” Paul says. Sunscreen and sun clothing go hand in hand for summer hikes, regardless of where they are. I’ve had one of the worst sunburns in my life while wearing a ton of sunscreen that washed off while I was outside sweating, and I wasn’t wearing a shirt with long sleeves to protect my arms.

Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie

What makes this shirt stand out among a sea of options is its smart design features that maximize its efficacy. The sleeves have thumb holes to give you more hand coverage, and the hood has a slightly more fitted cut to prevent it from blowing off or falling down. And the small side pocket could fit keys, lip balm, and credit cards.

What to Wear Hiking in Winter

While Paul prefers hiking in boots year-round, a pair of durable, waterproof boots are certainly a wintertime necessity, given the potential for snow and mud.

Hiking Boots

Paul recommends investing in a high-quality pair that provides ankle support and is waterproof.

Kenetrek Corrie II Hiker

Paul’s go-to brand he recommends for hiking boots is Kenetrek, which specializes in footwear for outdoor activities like hunting. These boots are manufactured in a breathable, yet waterproof material that keeps feet ventilated and dry. The outsoles are pretty lightweight and feature deep threads to provide grip on snowy terrain, and the ankle area is padded for extra support.

Hiking Winter Jacket

Avoid hiking in heavy, layered winter jackets. They are a good option for extreme cold, but casual hikers will probably not experience conditions like that. According to Paul, when you’re moving and exerting, you need something that’s breathable and won’t overheat you.

Cotopaxi Capa Insulated Hooded Jacket

Cotopaxi’s Capa jacket is a packable, lightweight jacket that’s great for layering. It has a nylon outer shell that’s water-resistant and a thin layer of synthetic insulation for added warmth. The hood and sleeves have elasticized hemlines to keep snow away, and the pockets are good for storing valuables.

Hiking Base Layer

A thermal base layer will keep you warm during a winter hike. It’s thin and doesn’t add bulk to your outfit or restrain your leg movements.

KIUI Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom

Paul calls zip-off long johns a “total game-changer” because they allow you to take them off if necessary without taking off your pants and boots first. They have zippers that start at the hip and end at the ankles on both sides, so, to take them off, you only have to unzip and drop your outer pants.

This pair is made from a warm blend of merino wool and polyester that wicks away moisture.

Hiking Winter Hat

It’s easy to get overheated if you wear a standard winter hat. That’s why, for hiking, consider packing a thin beanie-like style made from a synthetic material that will help you stay warm without making you sweat more.

Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Cuffed Beanie

Wool is one of the only natural fibers that wicks away moisture and regulates body temperature. These beanies are made from thin merino wool that serves as a warm base layer without overheating.

What to Wear Hiking in Spring

Spring hikes are wonderful as flowers and trees begin to bloom. However, the weather this time of the year can be unpredictable, which is something you need to plan for when venturing out into the wild.

Hiking Socks

Paul explained that socks are important to keep your feet dry