Hiking Clothes: Dress Right for Your Next Hike

Planning a hike? One wrong clothing choice and you're soaked in sweat and sunburnt by midday. The right hiking clothes keep you protected and comfortable while keeping your gear light.

Why Hiking Clothing Matters

Hiking in South Africa throws everything at you. Baking heat on a Karoo ridge, unexpected mountain rain an hour later. Everyday gym apparel won't cut it. Proper clothing regulates your temperature, shields you from the sun and insects, and prevents chafing or blisters.

If you've felt your cotton tee cling to sweat 1 km into a climb, you already know why moisture-wicking fabric matters. The right gear lets you focus on the hike, not your discomfort.

Essential Layers for a Comfortable Hike

Layering matters when you start in a jacket and end up in a t-shirt by lunch. Here's how to build your setup.

Base: Your Moisture-Wicking Core

This piece touches your skin. Avoid cotton. It traps sweat and invites blisters. Synthetic blends or merino wool keep moisture off your skin, so you stay dry and avoid chills.

For exposed routes, a long-sleeve base layer blocks UV while still breathing. Look for UPF30 or higher.

Mid: Temperature Regulation

This provides insulation. A fleece or lightweight jacket works well for higher altitudes like Table Mountain or the Drakensberg, where temperatures drop quickly even in summer.

A zip-up long-sleeve hoodie makes a solid dual-purpose pick: warm, breathable, and packable into your hiking backpack without adding bulk.

Outer: Hooded Weatherproof Protection

Joburg thunderstorms? Cape winds? A wind and waterproof jacket with a hood is your best friend. Look for taped seams and breathable fabric. The goal is shielding you from rain without turning you into a boiled bag.

Picking the Right Hiking Bottoms

Challenges don't stop at the waist. For most hikes across SA, breathable pants or shorts that dry quickly are ideal. Hiking leggings have grown popular, especially among women, because they stretch and shield against the elements when made from technical fabrics.

Cargo-style trousers with zip-off legs offer adaptability. Some feature built-in sun protection or stretch fabric for rock scrambles.

Sun Protection on the Trail

The South African sun doesn't play. Count on high UV exposure even on cloudy days.

• Wear a wide-brim hat or cap with a neck flap.

• Long sleeve shirts with UPF protection block rays and insects

• A hooded jacket shields your neck and scalp when the sun peaks.

• Sunglasses make glare from sand or terrain manageable

Store your SPF50 lip balm and sunblock within reach. Top up every two hours.

Footwear and Gear Accessories

Wearing the wrong shoes will ruin your hike. Your ankles will thank you for closed hiking boots on technical or multi-day routes. For lighter, flat terrain like Tsitsikamma Forest paths, running shoes or hiking sandals with good grip work well.

Smart accessories matter too:

• Merino wool or technical blend socks wick moisture and prevent blisters.

• A buff protects your face from dust and sun.

• Gloves help when scrambling over rocks

What to Pack in Your Hiking Shopping Bag

Before you leave the store, check you've covered these items:

• Long sleeve base top – Moisture-wicking with sun protection. Choose UPF-rated fabric.

• Fleece or hoodie midlayer – Retains heat, stays breathable. Zip-up styles shed easily.

• Waterproof jacket with hood – Wind and rain protection. Lightweight, packs small.

• Hiking trousers or shorts – Freedom of movement, quick-dry. Convertibles add versatility.

• Cap or sun hat – Shields the face and neck. Use a tie-down clip on windy days.

• Hiking socks – Anti-blister, sweat-wicking. Take a spare pair.

• Comfortable hiking shoes – Terrain-compatible support. Break them in before long hikes.

Think of this as your clothing-specific shopping bag. Keep it light but complete.

Fit: The Forgotten Element

Finding the right hiking gear means nothing if your fit is off. Loose tops catch wind, too-tight trousers rub raw. Always try on clothing while wearing everything you'll actually hike with. A bad fit shows up around kilometre three when it's too late to fix. Review your gear choices before each hike to make sure everything still works well.

If it doesn't breathe or stretch, leave it at home. Drawcords at the hem and underarm vents make a difference in comfort. You'll notice them working when you're not thinking about your clothes at all.

Hit the Trail with Naturehike

Every clothing choice matters. Each piece protects and helps you move. Pack less, but pack smarter.

Naturehike has you covered. Explore the range and find gear built for South African conditions.

Your next adventure starts with what you wear.