Outdoor Research Polartec Hiking Clothing

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

Types of gaiters

• Hiking: lightweight, breathable; offer basic protection against rocks, grit and light rain or snow
• Mountaineering: heavy-duty protection, added insulation for harsher conditions, often waterproof/breathable
• Trail running: lightweight and compact to keep out debris, not usually waterproof

Gaiter height

• Over-ankle: best for dry conditions, trail-running, summer hiking
• Mid-calf: 8–12 inches tall, often water resistant but best for dry or moderately wet conditions

• Knee: 15–18 inches tall, best for deep snow, wet brush, harsh or rugged conditions

What size gaiter to buy? (U.S. sizes)

• Small: women's 6.5–8.5, men's 5–7
• Medium: women's 7.5–10.5, men's 6–9
• Large: women's 9.5–10.5, men's 8–11
• Extra large: men's 10–13