Outdoor Clothing

Hiking clothes should prioritise functionality, comfort and adaptability. Although the specific clothing you need will vary depending on the season and conditions, here's some general advice on what to wear when camping:

Base Layer 

A base layer’s primary function is moisture management and temperature regulation. Look for thermals or a camping shirt made from lightweight, breathable fabric that can wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly.

Mid-Layer

The mid-layer, sometimes also called the insulation layer, helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. This layer should be comfortable and easy to take on and off. A high-pile fleece jumper, down jacket or merino knit are all examples of a mid-layer. 

Outer Layer

An outer layer, sometimes called an outer shell, is your shield against the elements and should be windproof, waterproof and breathable. A high-quality outer layer, such as a waterproof anorak or rain jacket, is one of the most important items to have on any outdoor adventure. 

Footwear

You’re going to need some sturdy shoes, such as hiking boots or trail-runners, along with some good-quality hiking socks. We can’t go past a pair of midweight merino socks!

Accessories

Some other important outdoor clothing attire you might want to bring camping include a hat for sun protection during the day, a warm beanie, gloves, and sunglasses.

The precise number of clothes you need to pack for a camping trip depends on two main factors: how long you are going for and how much you are willing to carry. If your pack weight is not an issue, you can pack as much (or as little) as you like. But, if you are carrying all that weight yourself, for example when hiking or bikepacking, then you’ll want to try to only take exactly what you need – even if that means you might be wearing the same clothes for a few days (or weeks) in a row.

When you are choosing trekking clothes, it is always best to opt for materials like merino wool, nylon and polyester that are specifically designed for outdoor use. These high-performance fabrics are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, durable and designed for comfort. On the other hand, these are a few materials that you should avoid wearing while camping:  

Cotton

Cotton is not your friend in the wild. It absorbs and holds water (whether it be rain, sweat, or other moisture), which can be dangerous in cold conditions as it lowers your body temperature and can lead to hypothermia. Additionally, cotton takes a long time to dry, is heavy when wet, and doesn't insulate well.

Denim 

If you want to be miserable on a long hike, wear denim. Like cotton, denim (which is made from cotton) absorbs water, dries slowly, and is very heavy. Wet denim is uncomfortable and can cause chafing. Not only is this painful, but it can put you at risk of developing an infection. 

Rayon

Rayon is lightweight but it doesn't wick moisture away from the skin. Instead, it absorbs it, making the fabric feel heavy and wet as you sweat. It also dries slowly, which isn't ideal for camping conditions.

It sure is! We understand that you need to be able to rely on your outdoor equipment to perform, especially when you are going further with less. That is why everything we make, including our outdoor apparel, is backed by our All Good Guarantee, a Lifetime Warranty* against manufacturing defects. 

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