If you’re looking to venture off the beaten trail for the first time on a hike, then you should ensure you have all the necessary equipment in order to make your experience a pleasant one. Some of the most basic things you should have are a proper backpack, maps and hiking apparel. Many people neglect the importance of wearing appropriate clothing when hiking, and they figure that everyday clothes will do the job just fine.
While this can certainly be the case, more often than not everyday clothing isn’t designed for hiking. The ideal hiking clothes are made of materials that will keep you dry, even when you start sweating buckets. Synthetic clothes are ideal for the occasion, and there are many brands that manufacture hiking clothes, such as Thomas Cook adventure clothing which is an Australian brand that specialises in designing outdoor-appropriate clothing.
In order to properly prepare yourself for a hike, you should pack clothes that will keep you cool throughout the day, and warm clothes if your hike extends into the evening. A short and long sleeve shirt, shorts and pants, boots and socks, a hat, and rain gear should all be available to you. Even though the Australian climate is typically hellish hot, you should stick to long sleeves in order to protect your skin from the elements. The Thomas Cook adventure clothing collection has all of the aforementioned pieces of clothing.
You have a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing hiking clothes. For instance, whether you go with pants or shorts is completely up to you – there are pros and cons of both. Shorts give you a lot of freedom and are also cooler than pants. However, pants protect your legs completely against hazards like allergenic plants, insects, and they keep you warm if the temperature drops.
When it comes to buying hiking boots, you have even more options. So whichever pair you end up choosing, all you have to worry about is their durability, comfort and whether they’re appropriate for the conditions of the hike. For instance, if the trail is muddy or excessively wet, consider boots made of waterproof materials. On the other hand, if the trail is dry and rocky, go with boots that are higher on the ankle for more support, and boots that won’t make your feet sweat.
Lastly, a hat is always a welcomed commodity. It protects you from the sun, keeps the rain out of your face, and it can help keep your head warm. Speaking of rain, rain gear is also a must-have if there are chances for it in the weather forecast. A rain jacket lets your body’s moisture and sweat out without letting rain in.