Clothing
No discussion of backpacking gear would be complete without including
clothing. Your body’s ability to stay comfortable will be
affected by what you wear. The style and fit, as well as the type
of fabric, will all play a major role in how your body regulates itself
in your environment.
In talking about style and fit, I’m not referring to becoming a fashion statement! In hot weather you want clothing that will protect you from the sun and be loose enough to allow airflow to help keep you cool. Wearing light colors will help deflect the sun’s rays, instead of absorbing them like darker clothing will. Another way to keep cool in the heat is by wearing a wet cotton shirt. This differs from what you would do in cooler weather, where you don’t want to wear cotton. Cotton doesn’t wick moisture away from your body and it will stay wet much longer than a synthetic fabric. By wearing a wet shirt in hot weather, you are providing your body with evaporative cooling. Hiking in cool weather, this is definitely a disadvantage.
You want clothing that will keep your body comfortable in whatever kind of weather you are hiking. There are many new hi-tech fabrics out there now that wick moisture away from your body and disperse it to the surface of your clothing where it can evaporate. This is extremely important when you are hiking in cooler weather. Your body will perspire with physical activity no matter how cool it is outside, and if moisture stays against your skin, any breeze will rob your body of its precious warmth. This can be deadly and lead to hypothermia. Many people believe that hypothermia is only a problem in extreme cold weather, but on the contrary, most cases occur in temperatures in the fifty-degree range!
Some of the most useful fabrics on the market in recent years are the waterproof/breathable synthetics, such as Gore-Tex, Avalanche, Ultrex, and Darlexx. They are made to repel rain but allow perspiration out. Another fabric that has reached our everyday lives is Polartec or polar fleece. These fleece fabrics are lightweight, great at wicking moisture, and are very comfortable. (Just don’t get them near a flame where they can melt to your skin!) By putting a windproof shell over it, fleece becomes a great insulating layer. Fleece also becomes a great pillow when your are backpacking! Anything that has more than one use is always an excellent choice for backpacking.
When choosing clothing for your outdoor activities, always look for items that can be layered together. For instance, starting out in the cool of the morning, you may want to wear a shirt, topped with a fleece jacket, and a windproof-shell. As you warm up, take the appropriate layers off. By having a shirt that opens down the front, you can help regulate your body heat even further. Several companies also make pants that convert to shorts by simply zipping the legs off—another great method of layering. Another useful garment is the hat. A brimmed hat will protect you from the sun, and a knit cap will help keep your entire body warm.
