When I started hiking, I was drawn to the multi-pocket cargo pants and the multi-pocketed fishing vests with no consideration for fabric at all. I must confess, while they gave the outdoor kind of look, they made me feel bulky, and they were on the heavy side. I later graduated to lighter hiking pants which looked and felt nicer
than the bulky ones. There are beautiful pants out there for both females and males, and some are zip-offs, which can be converted to short pants in an instant. Anyway, beautiful as those pants
were, I was to have a rude awakening as I moved from easy trails to those
requiring me to really stretch myself. I’m not very small, and being a true
descendant of Sara Baartman, I was soon to realise that while those pants flattered
my body, when it came to the demands of the trail, they were not fit for ‘my’
purpose. This after I’ve had one too many accidents whenever I had to stretch
my short legs. I had to understand that my body requires something stretchy to
accommodate my African structure. And may I say, this has been bliss! Simply
because finishing a trail with torn pants is anything but nice. And you never
know where the tear will occur!
What to wear
I’ve
seen people dressed like they were going to a club, party or a girl’s night out, especially during the lockdown.
And they had handbags! And this may probably explain the muggings that befell
most hiking trails, especially those close to residential areas. Hiking trails can have all kinds of plants,
some with thorns, some poisonous, plus insects. And I’m not discouraging you
from wearing shorts if you are sure that you will not be exposed to thorny
bushes and bugs. I love my bermuda shorts! Your
pants choice should also be dependent on the weather as shorts may not be a
good idea when temperatures drop. Tank tops are also not so ideal as they expose
your arms to direct sun – when hiking, you walk for longer hours than runners. Your
exposed shoulders may also experience chaffing from the straps of your backpack.
I generally prefer long-sleeve shirts and t-shirts (moisture-wicking)
regardless of the temperature. I must mention that I find a sports bra more
comfortable than a normal bra when hiking, especially when carrying a heavy
backpack. Check what works for you.
A light jacket over your t-shirt is convenient as it can keep the cold breeze at bay without making you feel too hot. Avoid those bulky puff jackets, no matter how cold it is! There are light down jackets which come with their own bags. These are easy to carry.
Fabric
I was to learn early on that just because it looks perfect for the outdoors, it doesn’t necessarily translate to comfortable or convenient. Some fabrics are more amenable to different weather conditions than others. I will not talk about denim here as I have already mentioned it on How do you start hiking? Cotton is another fabric to rethink as it tends to absorb moisture, especially during hotter months when you sweat. Since it doesn’t have moisture-wicking properties and is highly absorbent, it gets heavier when it gets wet. This means even if the rain stops, you will be left wet and cold for longer. The same goes for track pants and those cargo pants I mentioned earlier. Besides being on the heavy side, you don’t want to be in the rain with those.
Most outdoor places sell moisture-wicking clothes which are suitable for hiking as they can adapt to the changing weather conditions. This means, should you experience rain during a hike, you stand a better chance of having your clothes drying when the rain stops while wearing moisture-wicking clothes than your normal clothes, especially cotton and denim. When you raid your wardrobe for your first hike outfit, you may reach for your activewear as that will work. The idea is to go for what’s comfortable and a bit stretchy as you will be navigating a terrain that may have rocks, tree stumps and even fallen trees. I must mention thought that while your gym leggings may work for hiking - owing to their flexibility - they are not as durable as hiking pants as they may tear from coming in contact with sharp objects.
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I have already talked about shoes in Let’s talk hiking shoes so, whether you’re wearing takkies or boots, make sure there’s a bit of cushioning and traction. And please remember the importance of hiking socks with cushioning to avoid blisters and other discomforts.
Sun protection
A wide brim hat is an essential
part of your hiking gear. I’ve hiked with someone who did not heed this advice.
Not only did he put himself at risk for sunburn and the harm that comes with
being exposed to harsh sun rays, but the direct sun also affected his pace and
energy. Luckily, he’s a tough cookie and the experience did not put him off
hiking completely. Please do not forget your eyes. Hikers spend most of the day
in the outdoors and it is important to protect your eyes. Note that taking your expensive glasses hiking may not be the best idea. You
do not have to make a fashion statement because in the bush, anything is
possible!
And don’t forget sunscreen! I know
there is a misconception that the dark skin does not need sun protection. IT
does! And maybe a necessary reminder is that this is for every time you’re
exposed to the sun, which may be everyday!
Backpack
I know it’s not clothing, but it
is an important part of your hiking gear. As mentioned in Some trail etiquette, a backpack is
not only important for keeping your essentials, but also one way of ensuring
that you do not litter. So, make sure the one you have fits you perfectly and
it is not overloaded. I’ll write more on what to look for in a backpack because
yes, that backpack they gave you when you joined a gym, or the one your child
uses at school is not suitable for hiking. I do not want to talk about the
drawstring bags. Those things will dig through your shoulders. As they say, if discomfort
was a person! The idea is not for you to spend money here, but to ensure that
your back is always supported during your hike. Whether it’s a small pack for
the water bladder only or a small backpack, there are basics that it should
meet for your support.
Finally
The aim is for you to enjoy putting one foot in front of the other. Dress comfortably and aim to always have a light jacket and a light rain jacket in your backpack. Remember! You are going to sweat and there’s a possibility of getting really dirty or feeling roughed up. That’s why it’s called adventure. You never know what to expect. And on that note, don’t wear anything that you don’t want stained or ripped! Happy hiking!
Anything is possible...
Td
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