What to wear hiking?

I'd suggest hiking shoes ... but you'd want to wear those around town etc., several times in situations where you can take them off or stop walking if your feet start hurting because of the shoes. With less than a week to go, I'm not sure you have time to "break in" a pair of hiking shoes. So ... I guess you'll have to go with your most comfortable decently solid shoes.

I would not recommend hiking boots. Stick to regular trainers. The lighter, the better. You don't need any fancy gear. I used to hike in whatever old clothes I could find. Just make sure you have enough water. Please.

queenliz99 wrote: »

what type of terrain, weather and length? Is there an elevation change?

we would need to know this info before we can help you out

Terrain? Distance?

The biggest consideration is probably footwear (otherwise comfortable, weather appropriate clothing). If you're tackling reasonably tame terrain on an established path a pair of well fitting walking / running shoes will probably suffice.

Take along a couple of pairs of spare socks (I'm an old fuddy duddy who still like grey wool socks when I'm wearing my hiking boots) and a change of clothes (sweater / jacket) in case the weather turns.

I wear very expensive hiking boots - cause I'm often climbing hills with rocks and I also need ankle support

cheap work trousers so I don't care if they get ripped, but will resist thorns

a long sleeve shirt with an inner mesh layer to absorb sweat and will protect my arms

a baseball hat to shield my face from sun

backpack to carry LOTS of water, cameras and food

but I'm hiking in semi-forest rocky areas

"Hiking" is really too generalized a term to give a good answer...where are you hiking? What's the terrain? What's the weather? Is there elevation change? Lots of things would go into my decision personally...

This is one of my favorite hikes in the Sandia Mountains just east of Albuquerque (La Luz)...this trail is only about 8.7 miles, but you gain 3,851 feet in elevation...it starts out pretty easy for the first couple miles or so and then you really start to climb and hit the switchbacks...usually takes about 4 hours to hit the top



I know people who wear trainers on this trail, but I personally like something with more support and off road grip for stuff like this, particularly as I will usually have a light pack on as well. I wear a light day hiker....these are them...these pull double duty as pretty much my daily walking around shoe...BTB, I love Keen for everyday kind of wear.



I wear these for more rugged terrain, multi day hikes/backpacking, etc...these are for pretty heavy duty use and they're expensive...but they're pretty much last you a decade depending on how you hike...



As clothing goes, many of my hikes start out warmer and climb in elevation...so I like wearing convertible pants and I make sure I have a light jacket to wear at higher elevations...also, a hat. On most hikes, I'm going to have at least a small day pack with extra water, food, and other gear.

queenliz99 wrote: »

VegasFit wrote: »

I think it depends on where you are hiking like others have mentioned and for how long. When I'm out I see a lot of people in just regular tennis shoes. I prefer hiking shoes myself but if it's not something you plan on doing a lot you might not want to invest in any. For clothing I just wear workout pants and a tank and layer appropriately. If there is any possibility of scrambling I just wear stuff I don't care as much about.

My BF and I had planned to do Zion next weekend and I just bought him some hiking shoes so we did a short trail this past weekend so you definitely want to break them in first if possible. Like others mentioned, water, snacks, etc.

I'm jealous, I freakin' love Zion. Big tip: Angels Landing. Doo eet!!

That's in the plan! I've never been before.

I agree with the others - it really depends on where you are hiking and the type of hike. I have a variety of clothing/gear depending on the conditions. I wear hiking shoes if it's an easier hike, hiking boots if the terrain is more challenging. I have lined hiking pants if it is cold and wet, hiking capris for if it is hot. I also have my camelback with my 10 essentials that I use unless it's more of a walk than a hike and then I might just bring a water bottle and a small backpack.