Outdoor Research Polartec Clothing

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price

Key features to look for in hike clothing

• Moisture wicking: moves sweat to the outer surface while also drying quickly; that lets you break a sweat without feeling clammy or chilled
• Sun-protective fabric: Choose clothing with a UPF rating to protect yourself from harmful UV exposure; a higher rating means better sun protection
• Quick drying: materials that dry quickly keep you cool, comfortable and dry
• Insect repellent: treated with active ingredients to help keep ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs at bay

Hike clothing fabrics

• Merino wool: has fine fibers that make it soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, reasonably quick to dry and not prone to retaining odors.
• Polyester/nylon: Generally less expensive than merino wool, these synthetics excel at wicking sweat and drying fast; many incorporate recycled materials 

Dress in layers 

• Start with a base layer that wicks sweat off your skin; this includes underwear, a bra, hiking shirt and hiking pants
• Add a middle layer to retain body heat in colder conditions; this could be a fleece jacket, an insulated vest or puffy jacket
• An outer layer, like a rain jacket, shields you from wind and rain