When planning a hike and considering such things as food, water, route planning and safety, don't forget another important factor - your wardrobe.
The clothing that you select for you and your children will play a key role in the comfort and ease of your trip. The right clothing will enhance your hiking experience, while the wrong clothing can interfere with your plans and even ruin your trip and possibly risk your health.
Start with your feet and work your way up. Nothing ruins a hike faster than sore, blistered, cold or wet feet. Always to look after your feet. For easy trails, a good pair of walking shoes will suffice. In more remote areas on strenuous trails, a pair of hiking boots is needed. A good outdoor equipment store can show you the wide range of styles (and prices). A good pair of hiking boots should be snug and comfortable and waterproof hiking boots are ideal. Find a knowledgeable sales person to discover what best suits your plans and pocketbook.
As you work your way up your body, many experts highly recommended that all of your hiking apparel be made of synthetic material, with none of your clothing being more than 50% cotton. Synthetic clothing keeps you comfortable by absorbing sweat, that would make cottons heavy and cumbersome. Further, if you get caught in the rain, soaked cotton clothing can really weigh you down and could even contribute to hypothermia. Synthetic clothing is also generally lighter ithan cotton or wools, which makes for a lighter pack when you are lugging your extra clothing in your backpack.
There are a several clothing items that can be especially useful when hiking. The main pieces you'll want to have with you are:
Always keep in mind that fit matters. Snug clothing will serve you better than baggy styles. It's also a good idea to pack a few more items than you anticipate needing. You won't regret it if the weather takes a sudden turn or you find yourself out after the sun goes down.
Another important key with clothing is layering. No matter what kind of weather is expected, dressing in several thin layers is the best choice. It is much easier to maintain a comfortable body temperature by adding or removing one layer at a time. Always pack extra layers, just in case cold weather strikes.
Rain gear should always be carried, no matter what the weather forecast. It only pours when you forget your rain suit! Under a strong sun, a wide-brimmed hat is better than a cap because it protects your neck and ears. A sunscreen is especially useful to help avoid sunburn or possible sunstroke. In cold weather a hat and gloves are essential.
Planning yours and your child's clothing needs carefully will make all the difference in your next hiking trip. A hike is much more enjoyable when you're not worrying about being too cold, too hot or too wet!