Layer Like a Pro: What to Wear Hiking

[@panhandlejake6200]

It is very easy to overpack clothing -- but take what keeps you safe and comfortable. Base layer: YES, a non-insulating sun hoodie with good SPF - for sun protection. Can be a t-shirt with a buff - a hood can ventilate a little better. Include a hat to better protect your face from the sun. I also love convertible pants for general hiking - keeps most (not all) dirt from accumulating on the lower legs Pant legs can be removed if VERY hot (but remember sun screen), and for stream crossings. Add a light active mid-layer (can also be a hoodie) when starting out on cool mornings. Use rain pants for the lower body during cold temps. Insulation layer: around camp & sleeping on very cold nights, include long johns. Always keep insulation layers DRY. The active mid-layer can be additional insulation if needed - rain pants too, if dry. A light and DURABLE rain jacket. It must stop the wind and fit over your insulation layer. As mentioned in this clip, minimize what is worn underneath when hiking in rain. A light set of waterproof gloves for hiking in cold rain. These won't be perfectly warm, but better than exposed wet hands. Don't forget sleeping clothes: a light shirt, light shorts, extra undies, extra socks. Always keep these DRY.

[@philsmith2444]

I’m a long pants/long sleeve shirt hiker, I live in Maine so heat and sun aren’t bad but I spent 12 years in the army, mostly hot places, and they do work better. You just have to get used to the microclimate they create next to your skin, which will be much closer to your body temperature. Hardshells have their places, but in many instances a softshell is superior. Light rain or snow, mild-moderate wind, the softshell lets you exert yourself without getting soaked from sweat. One thing’s for sure - you can always improve your layering, don’t be afraid to try something new!

[@seedmole]

Lately my favorite thing has been a wool hoodie -- good enough to block the sun when it's bright out, warm enough when it's cold (as long as it's not windy -- still needs a shell), and when it gets wet it can still retain heat.

[@jonsanford2515]

A lot of people swear by Wrangler ATG cargo pants as a budget hiking pant. They are under $30 at Walmart or Target, and are similar to a lot of the high end hiking pants that cost in the neighborhood of $100.

[@sway_onthetrail]

I love that you mentioned jeans lol. I have a friend I've been doing outdoor stuff with for years now and they refuse to wear anything other than jeans and boots on trail. Have tried to explain why it's not good to do that, especially on our overnight trips but buddy loves his jeans lol.

[@Jedwoods]

As long as it's not life threatening, let 'em learn the hard way. Sooner or later they'll get soaked, or chafe horribly, and work out that maybe heavy denim isn't the best fabric to wear outdoors

[@jamesnolen3934]

They sound like a liability. If those are their choices I’d be afraid for the other choices they make.

[@panhandlejake6200]

They need to experience getting wet in the rain to see how long jeans will take to dry vs synthetic material.

[@Archie-td6ox]

Excellent video. I've found that a good hard shell keeps me really warm with the right layering. I've gone out in -30C weather with minimal layering and a hard shell for afternoon or late night hiking and been very comfortable. As long as I can block out the cold wind, my layering system will take care of the rest.

[@johncheeseman6764]

Great video, I have found that outlets like Eddie Bauer and Columbia have great deals on hiking clothes.

[@NelyaDani-MountainAdventures]

Very interesting video about layering! 👏👏👍👍 Moving mostly around Italian Dolomites, where you may sweat but also have a sudden storm.. We also love Hybrid Jackets and Gilets/Vests. Have a Great week end! 😊😊👋

[@CookingMike]

I've been using a button down fly fishung shirt and wool buff for my sun protection in Colorado. i really like the air flow and ventilation a button down offers versus a sun hoodie.

[@austingavins9181]

Great video as always, i think where you spend your money also depends on where you hike. Hiking here in Ireland is wet, so spending correspondingly more on waterproof jacket makes more sense.

[@thirstymercfan]

Totally agree, my preferred hiking in higher elevation in the mountain so wind and rain is the main concern. I’d select a technical fleece - polartec over just a standard fleece I would wear. Rain shell I would selected something more robust than a packable rainjacket you can put in your pocket

[@thirstymercfan]

I like bamboo underwear. Then I’m merino all the way at night time. During the day I like my moisture wicking Nike or adidas top. I take one and will use the one for multiple days. Fleece is my preferred go to for my warm layer rather than a puffy. Then if it’s really cold I’ll have an extra long sleeve merino wool top. Merino socks with a liner sock. I prefer hiking pants. Merino hat, neck gaiter, gloves they are super light and keep me warm. Of course a rain jacket 😊

Why convertible pants are not getting love? Am I the only one who prefers them 🥺

[@thirstymercfan]

I like them on warmer hikes when I know I’ll want to have shorts otherwise I don’t prioritise them over just standard hiking pants as these will be lighter due to the extra zips or toggles whatever

[@burnsidebobthorpe]

convertible hiking pants are the Jorts of the hiking wear world ....

@@burnsidebobthorpe Have you used any or did you hear this at the campfire? Like, why? They don’t look any different from shorts. At least the ones I’m using from TNF. For me they have been good at the mountains of Spain and deserts of Oman. Not really bothered what people think, just wanted to highlight versatility. Edited for humblebrag.

[@mendyviola]

I hike, bike and camp in REI convertibles. Don’t have to take your shoes off to convert to shorts and back. Great for cool mornings/evenings and hot days, or when you need pants vs. shorts for certain stretches of the trail.

[@memathews]

Yep, convertible pants are my hiking go-to all summer here in the PNW. Great coverage for sun and mosquitoes (and black flies and tucked in for ticks). The REI Sahara models breathe really well, are easy to zip off over boots, and dry almost immediately. Also the price is good on sale for as low as $40.

[@masterofdisaster5007]

Great video, useful information. Most of the other channels don’t give you an idea on were you should invest your money. Thanks for what you do! Blessings!

[@zakkmiller8242]

Quite a few people in the backpacking/outdoors youtube community have started to speak out against merino wool fabrics. They say the fabric has its uses, its just the marketing makes it seem way greater than it actually is.

[@otyeK]

Merino wool is quite nice, but I do think it's usually overpriced. The only thing I don't mind paying full price for are Darn Tough socks.

[@thirstymercfan]

I love merino wool. I have New Zealand merino wool some of the best quality I think. It’s very light, always keeps me warm and can wear multiple days and I don’t notice it smelling. Compared to my synthetic Nike moisture wicking top I wear hiking it just stinks after a day. But of course I put it on the next day. Good quality merino wool is brilliant 😊 this is from my experience using on multi day hikes . 3-4 days hiking in nz at a time or in australia 7 days on the overland track

[@philsmith2444]

@@thirstymercfan I’d like to know exactly how it’s been overstated, because I’ve never heard anything that’s untrue or even more than a mild exaggeration. Temperature regulating? Check. Moisture wicking? Check. Durable when blended with synthetics? Check. Stink resistant? Definite check!

[@thirstymercfan]

@@philsmith2444 no idea what you are referring to? Overstated.. I haven’t said that at all in my reply I have praised the quality of Merino Wool 🤷‍♀️

[@thirstymercfan]

@@otyeK I’ve heard great things about these sock i might like to try them. Yes merino wool is expensive for sure, i wait until it is on sale, it’s still expensive but have found from my experience they last for several years. So over all the cost over time is relative but of course it’s pricey up front

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice video. I'm in dry heat California. I'm a pants guy too generally. I get paranoid over ticks and poison oak. I use inexpensive synthetic layers from Costco. OR sun hoodies are great. Umbrella when it's really hot. Polartec Alpha hoodie when it's cold. Rain jacket has become more essential as a hard shell. For wind and rain but to also heat up and dry out the inner layers using the pit zips.

[@memathews]

Right with you in these choices, although I do like a Columbia sun shirt with a collar I can turn up instead of a good (I use a Buff for fuller coverage when necessary).

[@rodoutdoors]

@@memathews I like their Silver Ridge long sleeve shirts for working outside on hot days. The back ventilation is nice.

[@memathews]

@@rodoutdoors That's my shirt 👍 drop a base layer under it on a cool day and add a light fleece over it for inactive periods.

[@boredandagitated]

Do you just use the sun shirt as a base layer? Or drop it over something else. I’m in Southern California and USUALLY it’s dry and hot out here. This year has been weird tho

[@rodoutdoors]

@@boredandagitated Yeah. I've wearing the fleece and rain jacket over it more since it's been overcast and windy.

[@MeOutside]

I'm guilty of wearing the same cotton underwear I wear every day. Never really had a problem with them but that's probably because I don't hike when it's really hot. I'm a big fan of the full cushion Darn Tough's. I have them in several lengths. I stick with synthetic's for most of my other clothing; most of which are REI brand just for the price point. I love convertible pant's. Keep the legs on when it's cold in the morning or colder at camp in the evening. I use them even in the summer; I may run across stinging nettle and it's nice to add a little armor to your legs. When it's colder I like to keep the synthetic trend going with my base layers. I'll switch over to 250 Smart Wool for sleeping. I use a Lighthart Mele clone or an R1 as a mid layer or on their own depending on the temperature. I also have a Ghost Whisperer. For rain and wind protection I have an OR jacket and REI Gore Tex pants. On my feet it's usually trail runners. Been a loyal Lone Peak guy forever but I'm getting into Speed Goats. Hoka's are my daily driver for shoes but on a whim I picked up a pair of mid Gore Tex Goats on sale for hiking in the rain. My next pair of trail runners will be regular Goats.

[@drcattyish]

Walking, hiking and camping in Scotland I get eaten alive by ticks and midgies, so I always wear ling trousers (pants). Also the weather here can change really quickly, so layers and a full set of waterproofs are usually essential on anything but a very short walk.

[@unclebob8419]

Great video. Every time I go hiking on the hills and mountains, I see people who look like they are going for a day out in the park, they're wearing cotton clothing and only have a small back pack or nothing at all.

[@HikingwithGus]

During the summer and spring I wear conversion pants. Nothing like being able to zip off the legs when it gets too hot and then zip them back on when it cools of or the Skeeters are hungry.

[@dannyclaydenchambers5907]

Nice video! If you could only take one kit for all year round what would you take (jacket, mid layer, base layer, pack, footwear, hat etc.)? Do you have a video like that? Thx

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

Interesting. I’ve seen other videos that say to spend money on a good quality waterproof, breathable shell before splurging on other items. I guess in a perfect world we’d be able to splurge on all the layers.

[@OzPeled]

Nice video, well made and informed. ‏‪13:08‬‏ now we see brands make clothes with different kind of natural matterials besides whool, like hemp and lyocell both based from plants and tree barks. Very nice to the skin and great to the enviorment, try them I will love to know what you think.

[@tristanlasley8030]

I like hearing I spent my money in the right spots👌, besides my rain jacket.. I supported the brand stio 😅

[@lorismith8479]

When I was in High School we went hiking in jeans all the time!!!…never knew they were cotton until recently! WHOAH! Now I’m into Merino and light backpacking…have my Big 3 dialled and love it!!! Love your channel….Cheers from Canada eh 😃

[@15halerobert]

I'm over 60, but something I leaned back in the prehistoric 70's was to change your under wear every day or freeze to death your choice. Thanks for pointing it out, yes for the most part cotton equals death.

[@georgeghil7957]

Thank You So Much, very helpful video!

[@rungavagairun]

Is it just me, or was there an irritating high pitched (though soft) sound in the background during parts of this video?

[@kennethhope7458]

Hi Eric- you’re awesome! Ty! Want to get a pair of Kebs.. do you find the chart accurate for US measurements? Thanks so much!👍

[@joni4632]

Many links below don’t work or are old. Please provide link for pants. Thanks!

[@meroastisruined3039]

Ah yes I remember one of the worst decisions I ever made, cheaping out and buying home brand cotton socks. Not only did I get blisters so bad that I couldn’t stand after not even an hour, they were extremely uncomfortable.

[@RC-qf3mp]

Mystery Ranch makes great salad dressing.

[@alexismei1128]

Where did you get the blue shirt you’re wearing?

[@Subhadeep15]

Fleece or Softshell which one is good for walking on multiple day trek?

[@user-db3se9uo9h]

Great Video. Do you have any thoughts on SmartWool as a base layer?

Holding well here after two seasons. Edited to add: After use I’ve started preferring them over synthetics. I have 150 strength top & bottoms. Surprisingly durable too.

[@memathews]

Wool didn't dry quickly enough for me and I've returned to synthetic base layers in our wet PNW winter because they dry so quickly before bedtime after being under a waterproof layer.

@@memathews For me, it’s a temperature thing. SmartWool is ok at around 20C/70F and under. It does have some cooling effect. In a perfect kit we wouldn’t sweat.

[@JCrozier1]

i picked up some synthetic underwear. tried them around home since thats the best place to test. i had to change in the middle of the night. did I pick the wrong brand? Ive had the same issue trying to sleep in synthetic tshirts. had to change overnight to cotton to sleep better. thanks

[@SimplySammyK]

underwear are so underrated, ESPECIALLY when you have an extre few pounds on you. a decent pair of underwear can prevent chafing

[@realbangbang]

Alright you say avoid cotton, that's solid advice, you explain why and what happens if you do wear cotton. I just wish you could then explain what materials to look for and why instead of saying ~"ust buy hiking socks, hiking underwear, hiking pants, hiking shirt, hiking jacket!~ seriously? If someone wants to do it constantly and they have the extra cash of course they'll just go to a dedicated outdoor gear store and buy everything they need, so your video isn't helping much. Instead you could've just explained what kind of material is good better and best and people would then just seee what they have in their closet and make their own decisions depending on their needs... But I guess you gotta harp us some merch 🫵👎

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

Did you watch the video? He mentioned polyester, merino 🐑, even alpaca 🦙

[@stevewright2241]

You need to have your girl friend do a breakdown on underwear because I promise what she wears is different than what you wear. I think I’ve got a pair of Exofficio underwear that is pushing 20 years. That stuff is like a timex watch. It takes a licking but keeps on ticking.

[@brianracer6868]

Maybe you weren't getting baked, but it'd be a lot cooler if you were. 😛

[@nobodykayaks1041]

best hiking underwear: none

[@jamesnolen3934]

Flirt

[@christopherfischetti8373]

Ill gross

[@mendyviola]

Ewwwwww

[@boredandagitated]

Need to pair it with a kilt/skirt for best results

[@Alcorure]

@@boredandagitated hahaha!!!

[@MRBenchwork]

respectfully, this video is kinda disappointing. The lack of specificity on the clothing you are displaying is not helpful. "you need hiking pants"..... ok great, now tell me about the brands you use, why you like them and where we can get them.

[@alexabney7913]

As a tall 300lb person my underwear and pants are extremely important lol