Backpacking Clothing Guide

Instead of wearing one big bulky jacket, break it down into manageable layers. Why, you ask?

• Because separate clothing layers will be more compact in your backpacking backpack.

• Having multiple layers to take on and off will allow you to find that “just right” temperature, instead of an “all or nothing” scenario.

• Independent Layers simply allows you more freedom of movement and flexibility. Think A Christmas Story when mom dressed little brother up in that bulky jacket and he couldn’t even move! It’s best to avoid that while backpacking.

The clothing layers for hiking and backpacking are as follows:

TheBase Layer is the most vital and versatile piece of layering clothing. Keeps you warm when it's cold or cool when it's warm.	The mid or inner layer might be all you need depending on your core body temperature. If you're colder, you'll need another layer.	The outer layer is like the soprano in a choir. It's what makes all the other layers work together, keeping you warm. Got rain? Grab a shell layer too.

While all the other layers keep you warm, a waterproof shell will keep you dry.

Cold Weather Backpacking Clothes

For cold weather or winter backpacking, proper clothing is extremely important. It could even be the difference between life and death.

Winter in the backcountry is not an element to play around with or take chances with. Follow these simple winter backpacking clothes tips to stay warm, dry, and safe while winter trekking.

• In addition to your regular layers, make sure you have one full set of spare clothes tucked away in your backpack. If you get wet by falling through ice etc… or even if you sweat too much (sweat will cool down quickly, leaving cold damp clothes) an extra set of dry clothes can offset hypothermia and eventual death.

• Clothing should be made of quick dry materials, such as fleece, capilene, or polypropylene. Read more about clothing materials and fabrics to find out which of the many varieties would be appropriate for your trip.

• Protect your head, face, hands, and feet with appropriate backpacking accessories like gloves, neck warmers, hats, etc…

  If your core body temperature gets too low while in the wilderness, your blood will begin to stop flowing so much to your extremities and mostly stay around your organs (to save your organs, a lost limb is better than a lost life) The most heat is lost through your head.

  So trap that heat in with a hat and neck warmer. Appropriate accessories can help save your limbs or just simply keep you toasty! Print out your winter backpacking clothes list.

Clothes for Summer Backpacking

Most people will inevitably find themselves taking summer backpacking trips vs. winter. Luckily, preparing backpacking clothes for the summer season isn’t as complicated.

Following the clothing layering system still applies. Make sure you’re prepared for evening and nighttime temperatures to drop significantly, even in the dead of summer, depending on where you are at.

Drastic temperature differences between night and day are common in deserts and mountainous high altitudes. In addition to the standard clothing layers, you can look into various hiking shorts and t-shirts.

Two often overlooked and yet extremely important pieces of backcountry clothing are socks and moisture wicking underwear. These are especially important in the summer months because moisture in the form of sweat can lead to nasty chaffing and ruin your entire trip! Print out your summer backpacking clothes list.

Base Layer Clothing Ideas

Base Layer
Thermal Base Layer
Wicking Underwear
Sock Layering Method

Marmot Gravity Jacket

Waterproof Shell Layer Clothing Ideas

Marmot Alpinist Jacket

Don’t forget to check out these great pages:

Waterproof Hiking Boots - Gortex Rules!

A Guide to Packing a Backpack Correctly

Free Trail Maps for Your Next Adventure!