Most people don’t consider hiking a romantic activity, but the privacy and beautiful scenery make for an intimate dating environment. Every couple should go on a hiking date at least once. However, you can’t let romantic desires interfere with your preparations. You need to bring the right gear and wear functional clothing. So, What To Wear Hiking Date? Not too expensive but comfortable suitable? Here’s your comprehensive guide on what to wear on a hiking date.
Table Of Contents
Factors to Consider
Before we get into the specifics, we must discuss the factors that might influence your hiking apparel choices. Keep these five factors in mind as you pack for your hiking trip.
What to wear hiking date? – Best Hiking Date Outfits
1. Season
Each season presents a unique set of challenges to hikers. Summer brings heightened heat exhaustion and dehydration risk, so you should focus on light and breathable clothes. Hypothermia and frostbite are more significant concerns during the winter, so you’ll need to layer up and bring a light coat. The question for What To Wear Hiking Date depends on the season you want to go.
Spring and fall usually don’t have hot or freezing temperatures but more unpredictable weather patterns. The high and low temps can also vary by over 30 degrees, so your outfit might change at some point.
2. Weather Forecast
Speaking of weather patterns, you need to keep a close eye on the date’s weather forecast. Take note of the high and low temperatures and the chance of precipitation. However, you should know that the mountains’ weather changes in the blink of an eye. A forecast isn’t 100% reliable. You should always pack rain gear, even if the skies are clear.
You can also use free weather forecasting apps like Weather Channel, CARROT Weather
3. Trail Difficulty
The trail’s difficulty will also impact your clothing choices. A steep, bumpy trail requires quality hiking boots and breathable athletic clothing. If you choose a relatively smooth trail, walking shoes are durable enough for the job. Just make sure you break in the footwear before you hit the trail.
4. Hike Duration
Hiking dates are usually day hikes, but sometimes couples spend multiple nights on the trail. If you’re doing an overnight hike, bring warm clothes for when the temperature drops. You should also pack extra socks and underwear. Any experienced outdoorsman will tell you that hiking in wet socks or dirty underwear is a recipe for disaster.
5. Clothing Fabric
Lastly, your hiking clothes need to feature suitable fabrics. Cotton and other water-absorbing fabrics are bad ideas. Some of us want to go with cute hiking outfits to be more awesome. Most of your clothes should be polyester, nylon, merino wool, or a hybrid material containing all three. These fabrics are soft, lightweight, and breathable. They also dry quickly, a huge advantage if you run into bad weather.
Now that we’ve discussed the five most influential factors let’s dive into the specific clothing items you should wear on your hiking date.
Best Hiking Footwear
Those who have seen the popular film “Forrest Gump” might recall Lieutenant Dan’s two rules:
Take good care of your feet and don’t do anything stupid.
The same rules apply to hiking.
Socks and shoes are the most essential clothing items for any outdoor adventure. The best socks for hiking are cushioned Merino wool socks because they manage moisture and foul odours better than other materials. They’re also the most effective at keeping your feet warm, even if they get wet.
The socks should also fall into the mid-calf category. Knee socks are too restrictive on your lower legs, and crew socks pick up debris more efficiently. Mid-calves cover your ankles and keep debris out. They also pair better with hiking boots. Ankle socks work better with trail runners, walking shoes, and other low-cut athletic footwear.
Bring an extra pair of socks for the campsite if you’re doing an overnight hike. You don’t want to go to sleep in the same socks you wore all day. A fresh pair of socks is a physical and mental morale booster.
Undergarments
Your choice of underwear is crucial for preventing chafing during a hike. Stick to the aforementioned synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. They will wick away moisture from the skin and keep your sensitive areas comfortable. Spandex tights are good options for both sexes, as they prevent the inner thighs from rubbing together and causing irritation.
Even if you’re planning a simple day hike, you should bring an extra pair of underwear just in case. The first pair might get drenched from lousy weather or start to smell later in the day. Nobody wants to smell bad on a date.
Best Hiking Pants
If temperatures allow, you can choose to wear shorts or pants. Shorts are more lightweight and breathable, while pants offer more protection from the elements. Those who prefer shorts should wear stretchy polyester shorts with a mid-to lower-thigh length. Shorts past the knees have gone out of style, so you don’t want to wear them on a date.
Stretch denim jeans – not to be confused with rigid cotton denim – make for a functional and stylish pair of hiking pants. They contain acrylic materials that give the jeans a comfortable elastic quality. However, you still need to ensure they have the appropriate rise and leg shape for your body type.
Best Hiking Shirts
You and your date should both wear loose-fitting polyester athletic shirts. Form-fitting shirts limit your mobility and can cause chafing in the armpit area. Depending on the weather, you might start the hike with a long-sleeved shirt and switch to a short-sleeved one later.
The shirts should also have light colours to keep you cool. Darker colours absorb more light and are strong heat radiators. White, grey, and yellow are the most reflective colours, while dark blue, green, and black absorb the most light.
Wearing bright colours like yellow and red is also suitable for safety reasons. If you and your date get separated, it will be easier to locate each other.
Headgear
If you’re hiking under sunny skies, you should wear a hat and some neck covering. Our heads and necks regulate 7–10% of our body heat. The old myth that they’re responsible for 45% of our body heat isn’t true, but 7% is still a notable amount. If they stay relaxed and comfortable, the rest of your body is more likely to follow.
Sunglasses are also suitable for hiking. They might make your face more sweaty and give you tan lines, but they’ll improve your vision and protect your eyes from UV rays.
Bonus: Hiking Outfit Tips
Aside from the clothes we discussed, there are many accessories that you should and shouldn’t wear on a hiking trip. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts:
- Do wear sunscreen, bug spray, and other outdoor skincare products.
- Don’t wear expensive jewellery.
- Do wear beanies, gloves, and scarves on winter hikes.
- Don’t wear open-toed shoes.
- Do bring rain gear, regardless of the weather forecast.
- Don’t prioritize fashion over functionality.
Everyone wants to look stylish on a date, but nature doesn’t care. Your hiking date will improve if you are comfortable and confident on the trail. Don’t worry too much about whether your outfit is socially acceptable. Functionality should be the top priority.
Hiking Is for Lovers
Hiking through the wilderness isn’t everyone’s idea of a fun date, but you will undoubtedly learn something new about your partner. You can bond over nature’s scenery and the physical challenges you endure together. Wherever you decide to go hiking, make sure you dress for the occasion and put your safety first.
Author Bio:
Jack Shaw is a lifelong writer and a regular contributor at Modded.com. When not working on his next big article, he likes to spend time outside hiking or kayaking.