It may come as a surprise but, your choice in underwear is as important as all of your other clothing choices when it comes to going on a hike. We’ve all experienced a day when we’ve chosen the wrong underwear. Too tight, chafing, slipping down or up.. Now, imagine that while you’re out on a multi-day hike. Fear inducing, right?

Form fitting - Ideally, you want something that is form fitting. Base layers are meant to feel like a second skin. Snug and tight is the way forward. Be aware of underwear that is too loose, too. They could either bunch up or fall down, which is just as annoying.

Pick your favorite style - Your choice of underwear is completely down to you and your preference. For women, you will be best choosing between briefs, boxer briefs, bikinis and thongs. For men, briefs, boxers or boxer briefs.

Underwear with moisture wicking properties - When hiking is involved, avoid cotton like the plague! Opt for something breathable like polyester or merino wool. Not only will you be more comfortable, these materials wick moisture away from the skin and dry quickly.

Fabrics such as merino and polyester don't retain odor like their cotton counterparts. This is key if you know you’re going on a multi-day hike. You’re then able to take less pairs with you, and spend less of your time trying to wash and dry them while you're out on your adventure.

Base layers

If you’ve ever walked into an outdoors retail store as a novice hiker and asked for advice, no doubt baselayers will have come up in the conversation. And, for good reason. Base layers are a great piece of kit and a non-negotiable for anyone interested in tramping.

For all and any weather conditions, a good base layer will be your best friend. In warmer weather, you can wear it as a top that helps to regulate your body temperature while wicking away sweat. In cooler climates, you can use it as your first layer that will protect you from the elements, keeps you warm and helps the rest of your kit sit comfortably on your body.

A base layer will act as a barrier for your skin to the rest of your kit. Especially if you’re wearing materials that are slightly more coarse on the skin, like wool.

Things to consider when picking out your base layer:

1. Make sure that it has moisture wicking properties! There would be nothing worse than being mid hike and realizing you’re basically wearing an overpriced H&M t-shirt. It is also a good idea to take a look at the reviews before you spend your money to make sure you can get the best base layer available to you.
2. A lightweight baselayer is great to make sure that you’re comfortable. You can add as many layers on top as you would like to help you regulate your temperature. Merino is great as it assists to maintain your optimum body temperature, without the need for several bulky layers. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still maintain its ability to keep you warm and dry.
3. Choose a base layer that is long enough for you to tuck into your trousers as it keeps your back warmer and it assists with keeping moisture out if there is a sudden downpour and creates a layer between your back and backpack.

Tops

Similar to base layers, it is best to pick out a top that is specifically designed for hiking / physical activity. They’re created with the right materials to help wick sweat away and keep you warm / cool depending on what exactly you’re doing.

If you are traveling alone, many walkers will opt to go for something bright. It means that you will be easily seen and if you do get into any trouble, people who may have passed you will find it easier to remember when they had last seen you.

A short sleeve t-shirt with those properties is great for a warm day and a long sleeve top is great for any cooler conditions. You will be able to find something in your local sport / outdoor retailer that will fit the bill.

If you are more inclined to use your base layer as your top, here is a tip from one of our owners, Phil: If you wear a long sleeve merino base layer on your hike, you can just pull the sleeves up for t-shirt application. That way, it saves you space and it is one less thing on your list to pack!

These two items will provide you with the most warmth. It is recommended that you carry a jumper and a jacket / coat (depending on the climate) with you on your travels. As the weather can change in an instant.

Our recommendation is a wool jacket. It can be worn throughout or packed in your backpack until the temperature drops or you need some extra warmth on your breaks.

Wool keeps a great amount of heat in, even when wet. This can be used as your outer layer as you can pull over a light waterproof over the top.

When wool is wet, water is absorbed, which means it is trapped in the porous fibers of the wool. The hydrogen bonds in water break down inside the fibers. This causes a chemical reaction, which produces heat. This is exactly why natural fibers like wool are great to take with you on an expedition!

If you do find that your wool item gets wet and you need to dry it. Lay your item out across tree branches, with another item of clothing underneath to make sure it doesn’t snag. If possible, keep it away from direct sunlight.

Whoever invented trousers that have the ability to turn into shorts, there are hikers everywhere that want to thank you! Most people tend to go for this option because you don’t have to choose between the two. This would also be our recommendation.

If it is warm enough in the daytime for shorts but the temperature drop in the evening means trousers are what you need, this product has your back. It also means you get to keep some more space free in your backpack for other things. Or, to just lighten the load.

As these kinds of trousers / shorts are made for outdoor activities, the fabrics they are made from reflect that. But, just to be sure - when buying, you want the trousers to be lightweight, moisture wicking and flexible.

If you know you will be walking in rainy terrain, trousers that are water resistant will be of benefit to you. Pair them with a base later for your legs and some waterproof pull over trousers and you’re set.

If walking in warmer conditions, we recommend a short merino base layer. These can fit nicely underneath most clothing and assist with warmth, moisture wicking and chafing.

The fit of your socks is really important. It helps your stability and a good fitting sock will keep away those pesky blisters.  

In our day to day lives, many of us size up far more in our socks than we actually need. This can be dangerous especially when walking as the abundance of sock in the boot forms creases in the heel or toe. Blisters will start to form at the creases and this is where lots of holes in your sock begin!

As with boots, going to get expert advice before going to get some new walking socks is recommended.

The cushioning in your sock will keep your feet warm and comfortable, while also protecting them from uneven terrain.

Hiking socks generally feature merino wool because of their moisture wicking and warmth properties. Some are made with synthetic fibers or they are mixed with merino.

The height of your sock will protect your feet from rubbing against your boots. If you opt for a longer sock, it will provide you with some extra warmth, too. As comfy as they may be, when it comes to hiking, thin ankle socks are not your friend!

With all of the options available to you for hiking boots, it can be hard to know what exactly to pick.

We recommend going into a store and getting some expert advice if you’re looking for some new hiking shoes / boots. They are a lot more technical than your average shoe. So, the advice will make sure you get something perfect for you.

If that isn’t something you will be able to do before you set off, this guide from the experts at Pocket Guide NZ is filled with all of the information you will ever need.  

Depending on which climate you are walking in, your hat will serve you differently. For a colder temp, you have so much choice available to you: Merino skull caps and balaclavas, wool beanies and balaclaves and possum beanies and balaclavas.

We all lose most of our heat from our head and feet, so it is important to keep them warm!

In warmer climates, a hat will prevent you from getting sunburn and will provide your eyes with shade from the sun.

Not being able to feel your hands is one way to put a downer on your experience. Depending on how cold it is going to be where you are, you can find an array of different gloves. You will be able to find full finger or fingerless gloves in merino possum and different wools. Some are different weights, fabrics and lengths. It is up to you to choose what is best for where you’re going.

Natural fibers are definitely something to look out for if you’re looking for something that will be useful in all conditions. As we’ve mentioned previously, wool stays warm when wet. Gloves with synthetic fibers will do the job too, just be aware that if they get wet, it can lead to cold hands.

This is definitely something you will need on a multi-day hike. But, also really useful for day trips too. It will help you throughout the day with moisture management and if you’re lucky, maybe you will find a swimming hole that tempts you!

It seems that sometimes, the hardest thing about hiking isn't the walk itself. It’s making sure that you have the right kit!

For each item mentioned in this blog, there are lots of different variations of each. But, hopefully with this guide, you will be able figure out exactly what it is that you need.

If in doubt, we always recommend going to an outdoor retailer to get the advice that you need.

And, our website is always only a click away. Wherever you choose to explore, we hope this information means it can be the experience you imagined. Have fun!