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

Last updated: 14 April 2026

 

What to wear when hiking is the Goldilocks of questions for walkers all over the UK.

Because it has to be just right.

And 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 routes, muddier paths, and trickier climbs, and now 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.

The Golden Rule of Hiking: Layering

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

And what they’re really saying is: give yourself options.

Because when you're out walking, two things can happen:

• The weather can shift. You might head out in 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 into the fresh air. Then you naturally warm up once you get going. Then reach the top of the mountain, and the cold wind whipping round catches you out again.

Layering your hiking clothing lets you respond to all of that with ease. 

An overview of what to wear when hiking in summer and winter

 

 

Your Hiking Outfit Layers

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

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

1. Baselayer – worn close to your skin to help manage sweat
2. Mid layer – 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 how active you end up being. 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.

Hiking in Summer

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

What you’re looking for is:

• A t-shirt that's 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 as you walk

We also have to mention Craghoppers, who often include their own insect-repellent tech into their outdoor t-shirts. 

A few further 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

 

Hiking in Winter

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

 

A baselayer 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 can buy your baselayers in sets (top and bottom) like the Trespass one pictured above, so you're covered all over in particularly chillier temperatures. Or you can just opt for one or the other. 

 

 

2. Mid layer

Moving onto your mid layer, this is what helps lock in the warmth and keep your body heat from escaping. 

Good options include:

• Half zip fleeces
• Full zip fleeces
• Gilets (fleece or padded)

A couple of 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. Will be comfy at the start, but not usually designed for walking at pace so not the best choice.

 

 

3. Outer Layer

The outer layer is the final piece in your layering system, worn over your baselayer and mid layer to keep out wind and rain, and sometimes to add further insulation too.

 

4. Legwear

You’ve got a few different options when it comes to hiking legwear:

• Waterproof trousers
• Cargo walking trousers
• Leggings
• Walking shorts
• Zip off trousers

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.

 

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. 

 

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 range is a great example of this style of walking trousers, so if you’re looking for a new pair, we’d highly recommend starting there. 

 

Leggings

This style naturally has 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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

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!

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

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.

 

6. Accessories

You've got your main three types of accessories that you'll always need:

 

Walking Hat

• A baseball cap when hiking in the summer
• A beanie or bobble hat in the winter
• A headband if you just want to keep your hair out of your face on a windy day

 

Walking Socks

• 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 the weather is particularly bad or you just want extra peace of mind.

Changing Robes

When you arrive back to the carpark at the end of your hike, you'll probably want to change out of your (potentially) wet gear, and a changing robe makes that really easy. It gives you the room and privacy needed to switch clothes, without fussing about.

It's also great for just wrapping up in something warm for the drive back!

 

Then, depending on the season and the type of walk you're doing (where you're going and how difficult the route will be), you may need the following:

• Sunglasses: Especially if you’re walking in open spots or near water.
• 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 Bring on Your Hike

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 hiking backpack:

• Small First Aid Kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain-relief medication, hand sanitiser
• Snacks: Easy to eat on the go 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!

 

Shop Hiking Clothes at Avenue 85

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!