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Previous:
Camping Gear

Next:
How to Choose a Campsite

Camping Clothing and Footwear

Your clothing choices can make or break a camping trip, especially during extreme or inclement weather. Though the specific clothes to bring depend on your planned activities and the weather, follow these universal guidelines.

Fabrics

The best fabrics for outdoor use are breathable, durable, and dry quickly—wearing damp fabric in chilly weather is dangerous and can cause hypothermia. For this reason, cotton is a poor choice: it sops up sweat and takes a long time to dry. Avoid cotton in all forms: jeans, cotton T-shirts, and cotton underwear or socks.

Instead, choose synthetic materials such as polyester and polypropylene. GORE-TEX® is the ideal camping fabric: it’s both waterproof and breathable, which means it wicks away sweat and will also keep you dry in a heavy storm. For cold weather, fleece is a good midlayer, and down jackets and vests compress very well in a pack.

Layering

Always wear clothes in layers. Layering not only allows you to remove or add clothes as temperatures change but also helps regulate your body temperature by allowing perspiration to evaporate more efficiently. Dress in three thin layers:

Inner layer: Wicks moisture away from your skin and moves it to the next layer of clothing. Polyester or polypropylene long underwear are good for this layer.
Middle layer: Draws sweat from the inner layer and encourages evaporation. This layer provides warmth but should also be adaptable for warmer weather. Look for garments with buttoned or zippered flaps or other methods of ventilation.
Outer layer: Your first defense against the environment, protecting you from rain and wind. This layer should also allow body moisture to escape. Fabrics and thickness will vary depending on the weather. GORE-TEX and fleece are popular choices.

With all clothes, look for deep, sealable pockets and garments without belt loops or other attachments that could cause chafing.

Boots

For a casual hiking or camping trip, sturdy athletic shoes may be all you need. But hiking boots offer advantages over all-purpose shoes. Designed specifically for handling uneven terrain, boots increase traction and protect your feet from harsh conditions and ankle injuries. Boots are divided into categories by weight. Choose the lightest category that fits your needs:

Lightweight (less than 3 pounds): Many of these boots are made by athletic-shoe manufacturers. They’re ideal for low-impact camping and summertime use, but they’re not waterproof and offer less ankle support than heavier boots.
Midweight (2.75–4 pounds): Often made of leather, these waterproof boots have stiffer midsoles, more cushioning, and more dynamic treads for greater traction. However, they’re less flexible and must be softened and broken in before wilderness use. Follow the 50-mile rule: wear your boots for 50 miles before you wear them camping.
Heavyweight (more than 4 pounds): These sturdy boots are for serious mountain climbers. They’re the most waterproof of all boots, have thick soles, and offer significant ankle support. They also require a longer break-in period. Most boots’ leather uppers are made of segments that are stitched together (you can see these seams in most sneakers and other shoes). More seams allow the boot to fit more snugly, but they also allow water to seep in and are often the first part of the boot to blow out on the trail. Heavyweight uppers are made of one piece of leather and therefore have minimal seams, which makes the boots sturdier and more waterproof.

It’s crucial that you test potential boots extensively before buying. Some shopping tips:

Try boots on in the late afternoon or evening. Your feet tend to swell a bit by the end of the day, so you want to try boots on when your feet have expanded to their fullest size.
Wear the socks you plan to wear while camping and hiking. Their thickness can affect the boot size that’s best for you.
When you stand, your toes should not touch the front of the boot. If they do, try a bigger size.
Your feet should remain stationary in the boots as you walk. Make sure this is the case even when you walk down an incline.

In addition to boots, bring a change of footwear on your trip. You may want to get out of your boots and into something more casual when you’re relaxing at the site.

Socks

Socks should wick away moisture and protect your feet from boot chafing. Many campers wear two pairs of socks: a thin liner under a thicker wool sock. (Again, avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and takes a long time to dry.) Look for well-cushioned, soft-fiber socks with smooth seams.

Rain Gear

Disposable rain gear, such as a plastic poncho, is cheap and works in a pinch, but it won’t do much good in heavy rain or hold up after a few hours. It can also be stiff and restrictive.

Though more expensive, a parka made of GORE-TEX or a similar fabric is a far better option. Choose a large size that will fit over your other layers of clothes. Also look for a good hood, lots of pockets, and a mesh liner (which will keep you cool during summertime showers.)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimer