What to wear for hiking: our comprehensive guide to the right attire

• First layer (base) – This is the garment worn on the skin. Its role is crucial: it must wick away sweat to keep your body dry. Choose a technical breathable T-shirt, either short- or long-sleeved depending on the weather. Recommended materials for this base layer include synthetic fibres (polyester, polyamide) or merino wool. Avoid cotton: although pleasant for everyday wear, it retains moisture and dries slowly, which can leave you feeling cold on a hike. We’ll compare these materials in more detail below.
  Guide: all about merino wool


• Second layer (mid-layer) – Worn over the base layer, this provides warmth by insulating your body from the cold. Often this is a fleece or a lightweight down or synthetic jacket. This mid-layer complements the first by helping wick away moisture while retaining body heat. Depending on the temperature, this might be a fleece jumper, a windproof softshell jacket, or a thicker down jacket.
  Guide: what is a softshell?


• Third layer (outer) – This is the protective layer against the elements. Worn over the other two, it must be waterproof (or at least water-repellent) to shield you from rain or snow. It is usually windproof to protect you from gusts. This outer layer is typically a hardshell jacket with a waterproof and breathable membrane (such as Gore-Tex®) or a lightweight rain jacket. Its job is to keep you dry and block the wind, while still allowing moisture from the inner layers to escape.
  Guide: softshell or hardshell – which jacket to choose?

Typical summer outfit: shorts, breathable technical T-shirt, and a light backpack. In summer, choose clothes that release heat effectively.

In summer, the priority is to stay cool and dry, while protecting yourself from the sun. Choose lightweight, breathable clothing: a synthetic or merino wool T-shirt or tank top for your upper body, and lightweight hiking shorts or zip-off trousers for your lower half. Trekking shirts with short or long roll-up sleeves can also be a great option — they’re airy, protect your shoulders from the sun, and dry quickly. Avoid thick or waterproof garments that can quickly turn into a sauna in 30°C heat. That said, remember that mornings and evenings in the mountains can be chilly, and storms can happened suddenly. Pack a light fleece or windbreaker and a packable rain jacket in case the weather changes unexpectedly.

During summer hikes, don’t overlook your choice of socks. Opt for technical hiking socks that help wick away sweat and reduce friction. These ensure better comfort, reduce the risk of blisters, and dry quickly. Again, avoid cotton, which traps moisture and can cause irritation in hot weather. If you prefer hiking in sandals, make sure you choose a model suitable for walking (with a grippy sole and secure foot support). This is a great option in very hot weather to let your feet breathe, as long as the terrain is not too technical. Just remember to apply sunscreen to your feet to avoid sunburn and watch out for potential rubbing or small stones getting under the straps.

You’ll also need sun protection, especially at altitude where UV intensity can be much stronger. Think about UV protection accessories: a cap or wide-brimmed hat is essential to shield your head, a pair of category 3 or even 4 sunglasses will protect your eyes, and of course apply sunscreen on all exposed skin (arms, legs, face, neck...) — and don’t forget a lip balm with SPF.
For more tips on summer hiking clothing, check out our dedicated guide:
What to wear for a summer hike

Autumn forest hike: layer up to handle the cool morning air and the damp woodland conditions.

In autumn and spring, the weather can be highly variable. The challenge lies in adapting to it. Temperature swings between a chilly morning, a sunny midday, and a cool evening can be quite significant during these shoulder seasons. The key is to make full use of an adjustable layering system: pack a mid-layer that’s easy to put on or take off. For example, you could wear a short- or long-sleeved T-shirt as your base layer, a light fleece or softshell jacket as a mid-layer, and a waterproof jacket as your third layer. As the temperature rises during the day, open the ventilation zips on your hiking jacket or remove your fleece if you're getting too hot on the climb. And if the wind picks up or you're taking a break, don’t hesitate to add a layer back on to avoid getting chilled.

In shoulder-season, go for versatile hiking trousers: zip-off trousers that convert into shorts can be particularly practical (trousers in the morning, shorts in the afternoon). Also bring along a pair of lightweight gloves and a light hat or headband to fend off the morning chill or wind. These accessories are light and take up little space in a backpack — yet they can make a big difference in comfort. As for footwear, autumn can make trails slippery (fallen leaves, puddles, mud…), so good mid-cut or high-ankle hiking boots with grippy soles will give you the stability you need on damp terrain. And don’t forget that the days get shorter late in the season: always carry a head torch in case night falls during your outing. In short, whether in autumn or spring, plan for adaptable clothing to cope with the variety of conditions throughout the day.

Snowshoeing in winter: warm, waterproof and breathable clothing is essential for dealing with snow and cold temperatures.

Winter brings more demanding conditions in the mountains: snow, biting cold, icy winds, even blizzards. Whether you're hiking on dry trails or snowshoeing, thermal insulation and protection from the elements are key.

• A typical winter outfit usually includes technical thermal base layers: a long-sleeved top and long tights as your first layer, often made from merino or brushed synthetic fabric.
• A second warm layer on your upper body: a fleece or down jacket if you're not exerting yourself too much.
• For your outer layer, wear a quality waterproof and windproof jacket, ideally with a high-performance membrane (at least 10,000 mm waterproof rating) to stay dry in snow or rain.

Choose a jacket with a hood and adjustable cuffs, and ideally with underarm ventilation zips to release excess heat during intense activity.

For the bottom half, in winter you can wear softshell hiking trousers that are water-repellent and wind-resistant, possibly with thermal tights underneath. If you're snowshoeing or hiking through deep snow, consider using gaiters to prevent powder from getting into your boots from above. Thick wool socks will keep your feet warm and dry (wool stays insulating even when damp).

When it comes to accessories, make sure you cover all extremities: a warm hat or headband for your head, a pair of well-insulated gloves, preferably waterproof. Thin silk glove liners can be a great addition for precise tasks, while a neck warmer or scarf will protect your neck — and possibly your face — from biting winds.

Don’t forget category 4 sunglasses for high-altitude winter hiking, as the sunlight reflected off the snow can be extremely intense on clear days. With this full set of gear, you'll be ready to hike in comfort even in the coldest conditions. To help you choose the right down jacket or insulating layer, take a look at our curated selection of hiking down jackets designed especially for winter outdoor use.

On multi-day treks, a loaded backpack means you need to optimise every item of clothing: prioritise lightweight, versatile, quick-drying gear.

Multi-day hikes require specific clothing planning. You'll be carrying all your gear on your back and may face a wide range of conditions throughout your route. The goal is to minimise weight and bulk without compromising on protection or comfort. Focus on versatility and quick-drying fabrics for each garment.

In practice, plan for the essential 3 layers each day — but avoid overpacking unnecessary changes. For example, bring 2 technical T-shirts to alternate between (one on you, one drying on your pack if needed), rather than packing five cotton ones. Merino wool is particularly suited to trekking, as you can wear the same top for several days without unpleasant odours ruining your hiking experience.

For your upper body, bring a merino T-shirt, a compact packable fleece in your pack, and a lightweight waterproof jacket. For the bottom, take sturdy and comfortable hiking trousers you’ll wear daily, plus perhaps a pair of shorts for hot stretches and thermal leggings for overnight use at altitude.

No need to overload yourself: you can wash certain items along the way (at a refuge or campsite) if necessary, so just one or two spare pairs of technical socks will be enough if you alternate and wash them regularly.

• Gentle washing: Wash your technical clothing regularly to remove dirt, sweat and bacteria, but always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. In general, wash at low temperatures (30°C or 40°C max) on a gentle cycle and use a mild detergent, preferably liquid. Absolutely avoid fabric softener, as it clogs membranes and technical fabrics by creating a greasy film that reduces breathability. Avoid bleach, of course. Close all zips and Velcro during washing to prevent damage. For more delicate items (merino base layers, down jackets), use a mesh laundry bag.
• Drying: Air-drying is recommended for most hiking clothing. Hang garments on a hanger or lay them flat in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight (UV rays can damage some fibres or fade colours). Merino and synthetic fabrics usually dry quickly. Be careful with tumble dryers: unless otherwise specified, avoid tumble drying technical fabrics as excessive heat can ruin water-repellent coatings or shrink wool. Exception: natural down jackets should be tumble-dried on a low setting with 2–3 tennis balls to restore loft. If you don’t have a tumble dryer, take your down jacket to a dry cleaner, or air-dry it slowly while fluffing it up by hand regularly.
• Waterproofing: Over time and after repeated washes, the waterproofing of your jackets and trousers may wear off. You’ll need to reproof them using sprays or wash-in treatments (e.g. Nikwax, Granger’s). Just follow the instructions — usually, wash the garment first, then apply the treatment either in the wash or as a spray afterwards, then dry at a moderate heat to set it. This simple step can give your waterproof clothing a second life.
• Storage: Between hikes, store your clothes in a dry, well-ventilated place. Don’t leave them damp at the bottom of your rucksack. Make sure everything is fully dry before folding. Down jackets should be stored uncompressed (on a hanger or in a large cotton bag — sometimes provided by the brand). Never leave them packed in a compression sack, as this will reduce the down’s loft over time. Also avoid hanging waterproof membranes in direct sun or near heat sources for long periods, as this can damage them. Good care and proper storage will ensure your gear stays in top condition for your next adventure.

For even more advice: Care Guide: Extend the life of your hiking down jacket