What to Wear Hiking: A Practical, Layer-by-Layer Guide

“Is this too much? Not enough? Too hot? Too cold?”

It’s the Goldilocks of hiking questions: finding that outfit that’s just right.

If you’re new to hiking, it can be hard to know where to start. Maybe you’ve always worn your usual t-shirt and joggers. Maybe you’re building things up with longer trails, muddier paths, hillier climbs, and you’re wondering if there’s a better way to dress for it all.

Well, Avenue 85 is here to help you find that balance.

We’ll walk through what to wear on your top half, bottom half, and feet, plus what to pack in your backpack, what to bring just in case, and how to layer up throughout your hike. You’ll also find some of the hiking gear we rate most for British weather and outdoor family life to help you build your own wardrobe.

 

Start With the Hike Itself

If you want to get the best out of your hiking clothes, it’s worth spending 30 seconds thinking about the walk ahead:

• Where are you going? Mountains, forest, coast?
  
• How long will you be out? An hour? Half a day?
  
• What’s the weather doing? Dry and cool? Warm with showers?
  
• What kind of ground will you cover? Muddy fields, gravel tracks, rocky climbs?
  
• Anything extra to factor in? Stopping at a pub afterwards? Driving or taking public transport?

All of these shape what you wear and what you carry. Because most of the time, dressing for a hike comes down to two things: being ready at the start, and being able to adapt as you go.

Be Ready and Be Adaptable

You might head out for a walk in the Peak District and experience the lovely four seasons in a day. Or you set off through the New Forest and end up ankle-deep in mud. A clear forecast doesn’t always stay a dry one, and that gentle breeze at the start might feel more like a gale once you hit the top of the hill.

So you want to be ready when you set off, but able to adapt as things change. And that usually comes down to one golden rule of hiking.

 

The Golden Rule: Layering

Ask most regular walkers what to wear, and they’ll likely give the same advice: layer up.

What they’re really saying is: give yourself options.

And that’s down to two main reasons:

• The weather can shift. You might start in brilliant sunshine, then watch the clouds roll in and end up in a full-on downpour. If you’ve got a packable waterproof jacket in your backpack, no problem. If you don’t… it’s a long walk back!
  
• Your body temperature changes. Maybe you drive to the trail with the car heating on, so you’re a bit chilly when you first get out. Then you warm up once you get going. But reach an exposed summit, and that cold wind whipping round will catch you out again.

Layering lets you respond to all of that with ease. 

We always suggest taking a changing robe to keep in the car. Then when you get back after your hike, you can change into clean and/or dry clothes for the drive home. 

 

Your Hiking Outfit Layers

So, when it comes to what to wear hiking, what layers should you actually think about?

You might have heard of the 3-layer system for hiking clothing, and that’s to do with these three aspects:

1. Baselayer – worn close to your skin to help manage sweat
2. Midlayer – traps warmth to keep your core temperature steady
3. Outer layer – protects against wind and rain

Think of it as a team. Each bit of clothing should work with the others to keep you comfortable across different weather, terrain, and effort levels. And because you can add or remove layers as you go, you stay in control; rather than overheating on the climbs or freezing at the top.

 

What to Wear Hiking: Layer by Layer

1. Baselayer

Let’s start with what sits closest to your skin: the baselayer.

Summer

In warmer weather, your baselayer will often double as your main top layer. You might carry a fleece or lightweight jacket just in case, but most of the time, a good t-shirt will do the job.

What you’re looking for is something breathable and moisture-wicking, to help keep you cool and dry. A bit of stretch is useful too, especially on longer walks. Some tops also come with a UV rating for extra sun protection, which can be a bonus in exposed spots.

A few considerations:

• Choose a fabric that’s light but hardwearing. Thin tops can rub or wear through where your backpack sits.
• Avoid black clothing on really hot days, as it can hold onto heat.
• Going for long or short sleeves tends to be personal preference. Long sleeves offer a bit more sun and scratch protection, but plenty of people stick to short sleeves.

A couple of popular choices for your wardrobe:

• Regatta Mens Ambulo II Short Sleeve T-Shirt 
• Craghoppers Womens Ellie Sun Protection Short Sleeve T-Shirt

Winter

For winter hikes, a thermal baselayer can add essential warmth that you’ll appreciate, particularly at the top of a mountain! 

It works by trapping body heat while still allowing moisture to escape. So even if you’re walking at a decent pace and start to warm up, it helps stop sweat from sitting against your skin and making you cold later on. 

You’ll want something that feels comfortable, fits close to the skin, and doesn’t itch or bunch up under your other layers.

A couple of popular choices for your wardrobe:

• Regatta Professional Mens Pro Long Sleeve Baselayer Top
• Dare 2b Womens Exchange III Baselayer Set

2. Midlayer

Moving onto your midlayer, this is what helps lock in the warmth and keep your body heat from escaping. Easy to put on or take off, as well as being able to sit comfortably under or over other pieces of clothing, is exactly what you’re looking for. 

Good options include:

• Fleece jackets
• Half zip fleeces
• Gilets

For example, take the Craghoppers Mens Corey VI Half Zip Pullover Fleece. If you know Craghoppers, you’ll know they are an outdoor and travel brand based here in the UK. They’ve even done collaborations with Bear Grylls, so you know that they are pretty well versed in what’s needed for the great outdoors. 

The Corey is one of their most popular fleeces, particularly for hikers and walkers. Great value, lots of colour choice, and a comfy, warm mid-layer that you can take on and off with ease. 

Also comes in a womens version: the Miska VI.

Things to Avoid:

• Pullover hoodies and sweatshirts. They’re often too thick and heavy, don’t layer easily, and lack the ventilation you get from a zip fleece.
• Knitwear. Comfy at the start, but not built for changing weather or walking at pace.

3. Outer Layer

The outer layer is your protection from the elements. It’s the final piece in your layering system, worn over your baselayer and midlayer to keep out wind and rain, and sometimes to add a bit of warmth too.

A good waterproof walking jacket will usually do all of that in one. In colder months, you’ll likely wear it from the start. In summer or on shorter walks, it might just sit in your backpack until the weather turns.

Features to look out for:

• Packability – especially useful in spring and summer
• Waterproof rating – look for the hydrostatic head number to see how much rain it’ll handle
• Adjustable hoods, cuffs, and hems – helps you get a comfy, secure fit 
• Windproof – great on exposed ridges or breezy coastal paths
• Breathability – helps you stay dry on the inside, not just the outside
• Insulation (optional) – some walking jackets come with built-in warmth, handy for winter hikes

4. Legwear

You’ve got a few different options when it comes to hiking legwear. A lot of it comes down to what you feel most comfortable in, but the weather, the season, and the route will play their part too.

Cargo Walking Trousers

These are your classic all-rounders. Usually made with a bit of stretch, plenty of pockets, and a water-repellent finish, so they’re a good everyday option for most walks.

The Craghoppers Kiwi Trousers are a great example of this style of walking trousers, so if you’re looking for a new pair, we’d highly recommend starting there. 

 

Waterproof Walking Trousers

Some walking trousers come waterproof as standard, which is great if you’re heading out regularly in wet conditions.

If you want more flexibility, maybe you prefer wearing leggings or shorts underneath, you could go for packable waterproof overtrousers like the Trespass Qikpac Packaway Waterproof Trousers.

These again give you that one wonderful thing: choice. Keep them in your backpack when it’s dry, slip them on over your legwear if the rain starts. 

 

Shorts

A good option for warm, dry weather, especially on well-kept paths where you don’t need extra coverage from brambles and nettles. 

Our top tip here is to go for walking shorts specifically. Your everyday jogger shorts or board shorts will give you the comfort factor, but they aren’t as well designed for being out on a hike.

A proper pair of walking shorts will usually have multiple pockets (often zipped), built-in stretch for easy movement, and a flat waistband that works well under overtrousers or layers like fleeces.

For your wardrobe:

• Regatta Mens Mallen Walking Shorts 
• Trespass Womens Montrose Walking Shorts

Zip off trousers 

Some hikers will swear by these! 

If you’re not sure whether to wear shorts or full trousers, zip-offs let you do both. Handy when the weather’s in between, or you’re heading out early and expecting it to warm up later.

For your wardrobe:

• Dare 2B Mens Tuned In II Zip Off Walking Trousers
• Regatta Womens Chaska III Zip Off Walking Trousers
  

 

Leggings

They naturally have the stretch material built in, so they are perfect for active exercise like hiking.

Choose those with pockets for your phone, particularly if you’re hiking over the summer and might not have the jacket pockets to fall back on. 

We mentioned the Craghoppers Kiwi range for the cargo walking trousers, and they also do the Craghoppers Womens Kiwi Pro Leggings which tick all the boxes: a zipped security pocket and stretchy fabric, plus UPF 50+ sun-protection for extra peace of mind.

5. Footwear

You’ve got three main choices when it comes to hiking footwear:

1. Walking Boots - give you a bit more ankle support and structure
2. Walking Shoes - a slightly lighter option for shorter or less hilly terrain
3. Walking Sandals – Ideal for hot weather or coastal walks.

We’d always recommend going for waterproof if you can. Even if it’s sunny, you might be crossing wet grass, puddles, or muddy sections — and dry feet are always worth it.

Our top tips:

• Break them in before heading out on anything long, as even comfy walking boots can rub if they’re brand new.
• Pack a boot bag in the car. Saves your clean seats from muddy soles and keeps things tidy if you're swapping into sandals or dry shoes for the drive home.

Need help deciding what’s right for you? Here’s our guide to walking boots vs walking shoes.

6. Accessories

This part can be a bit seasonal, but there are a few things that are almost always worth packing:

• Hat: A baseball cap in the summer, a beanie in the winter, or a headband if you just want to keep your hair out of your face.
• Sunglasses: Especially if you’re walking in open spots or near water.
• Socks: A good pair makes a big difference. Bridgedale walking socks are popular because they come in different weights (ultra-light through to heavyweight), depending on how warm you want them. Sealskinz waterproof socks are also handy if you’re expecting wet feet or stream crossings.
• Gloves: Go for a pair with touchscreen compatibility if you’ll be using your phone for maps or photos.
• Neck gaiters: Buff ones are ideal. Lightweight, easy to carry, and good for wind, sun, or pulling over your ears when it gets chilly.
• Walking poles: Not essential for everyone, but they can really help on steeper walks or if you need extra support.

 

What to Pack in Your Hiking Backpack

Now you’ve got your hiking clothes sorted, let’s finish up by talking about the bits and bobs that need to come along in your backpack. Think of this as your go-to hiking gear checklist for everyday walks.

• Small First Aid Kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain-relief medication, hand sanitiser
• Snacks: Easy to eat food like cereal bars, apples, and crisps
• Reusable Water Bottle: Something from the Stanley range is always a winner 
• Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Especially important in warmer months
• Hi-Vis Vest:  In case the weather turns nasty and you need to be spotted for safety
• Torch: A headtorch is great if you can fit it in or if you’re going on an early morning or evening hike. But if you’re struggling for space, you could get a foldable or mini torch
• Power Bank: Another just-in-case item, handy for charging your phone on the go
• Map & Compass: Even in the 21st century, don’t just rely on your phone signal as it can be patchy!

The Trespass Unisex Albus Multi-Function Adventure Backpack is a great choice for everyday hikes. Spacious, comfy to carry, and looks pretty good to boot

 

Final Thoughts

That Goldilocks balance of not too hot, not too cold, not caught out halfway round isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing your layers, planning for the conditions, and feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing.

And now you’ve got everything you need to get it just right. So all that’s left to do is head out and test it for yourself! 

About the Author

A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!