Here's What You Need to Wear on a Hike

Feeling like you need to get away from it all? Hike your way to higher altitudes in style.

As we bid farewell to summer, we still feel the urge for a quick getaway. The solution? A hike to recharge our batteries and inject some freshness into our daily sartorial decisions. 

You may have heard someone say before that hiking is cheaper than therapy. They’re absolutely not wrong; outdoor exercises have a direct correlation to positive feelings and increased energy levels. 

Hiking has been proven to reduce anxiety as it allows for more mindfulness and a broader perspective. Plus, being in nature boosts our mood and improves our mental health. 

Whether you’re an avid hiker with Algonquin’s Centennial Ridges under your belt, or venturing out to the unknown crosses of Nassagaweya Canyon, you’ll need appropriate activewear to stand the test of a thousand steps. 

Wherever you go to explore the great outdoors, we’ve curated a lineup to help you prepare for whatever the trails may have in store. 

Embrace Your Hiking Outfit 

If going on a hike sounds like a great getaway plan for you, dressing for function and comfort is a must. While we’re avid fans of it, cotton is certainly not your friend out on the trails. Cotton retains water so any ounce of sweat will stick to your clothes and stay with you for the entirety of your hike. Instead, start with fitted base layers made from sweat-wicking materials that allow a full range of movement. 

Got a hiking date? A stylish matching set is an excellent option to cool down and beat the heat while looking great while at it. The Thalia bra top and Thalia biker shorts are made of recycled materials and treated with a natural biomass called ChitoSante—an anti-bacterial bio-agent that is breathable, absorbent, durable, and fast drying. And just as important, this set is sun protective, or what we call a win-win situation.

If the trail you’re exploring has any overgrown bushes or grassy patches, you’ll be better off in a pair of durable hiking pants over shorts. Add an insulated mid-layer, like a pair of Heritage Joggers, a puffer or a warm pullover. 

For cooler-weather hikers, wool is great because it can absorb some moisture without making you feel wet or clammy. Our unisex ​​Origins intarsia vests are made by hand with 100% Canadian-sourced pure new wool, which will keep you warm and let you move freely at all times.

As you might’ve noticed, layering is key when hiking. Go prepared with accessories such as gloves, hats, gaiters and extra warm socks to keep your extremities comfortable while you walk. Wear a pair of ​​water-proof Anatra boots to keep you warm, dry, and blister-free especially if you’re planning on an excursion between November to March. Your feet will feel much warmer thanks to the grained leather lining and the treaded rubber sole will give you better traction on icy paths and hard, frozen grounds. 

Check The Weather Report For The Day Of Your Hike

If you’re planning on getting the most out of the last days of summer, the best thing to do is wearing appropriate activewear to enjoy what nature has to offer. 

Do a quick search on the weather report for the day you’ll be hiking, as well as the day prior and after. You will have a better sense of the weather conditions and predict how they might change. 

Both spring and fall seasons are known to be somewhat unpredictable: rain one day, sunny the next, followed by chilly winds and gray skies. Layer up and make sure to bring a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer along with you to top everything off. 

The Rains Fossil Jacket is perfect for rainy excursions. Functional and unisex, this jacket is lightweight and water-resistant. Its adjustable hood features a downward-sloping brim, which will come in handy should the weather start to turn.

Carry All Your Hiking Essentials In Style

When hiking, bring a backpack that’s large enough to hold all of your essentials, from clothing to SPF. Channel your inner Survivor with the Mountaineer Bag. With a large main compartment and multiple easy-access zip pockets, webbing handles and a mesh water bottle pocket, as well as padded shoulder straps and an adjustable chest strap, this backpack is as functional as it is stylish.

Remember to pack extra food, water, and shelter, and additional warm and/or waterproof layers in your backpack. According to National Geographic, day hikers are the most vulnerable in survival situations. For instance, you might wander off the trail, either on purpose or accidentally. There’s also a chance you might take a tumble, but fear not because prepared hikers are significantly more likely to survive unexpected accidents than those who don’t.

As a tip, pack an extra headlamp or a flashlight; there are fewer daylight hours during winter and you don’t want to get caught in the dark by accident.

Forward Design, Trek-Approved Technology

Hiking might be hard work, especially when you’re new to the game, but it can be very rewarding because it offers a variety of benefits, both physical and mental. 

Experts say the physical health benefits of going on a hike include increasing the strength of your leg muscles, building stability in your core muscles, and enhancing your overall balance skills. And according to a study done by researchers at Stanford University, spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lead to a lower risk of depression.

As you trek across the picturesque Bruce Trail, the iconic West Coast Trail, or just having a cool photo-op with the stunning Hilton Falls as background, choosing the right clothes for outdoor activities like hiking can help make your day a lot more enjoyable and hassle-free. You won’t even notice what you’re wearing with the right clothing, but you’ll definitely be miserable if you make the wrong choice. 

Now that clothing is sorted for your next hiking adventure, we hope to see you out on the track!