The North Face Polartec Hiking Clothing

Hiking shoe vs. hiking boot

• Hiking shoes
• Often lighter weight, lower cut, more flexible and more breathable
• Ideal for day hikes or backpacking with lighter loads
• Hiking boots
• Burlier, with stiffer uppers, over-the-ankle coverage and typically waterproof
• Ideal for multi-day treks with heavier loads

Types of hiking boots

• Day-hiking boots: Mid- to high-cut models that require less break in time; intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads
• Backpacking boots: Often over-the-ankle height and heavier-built with stiffer midsoles; designed to support multiday treks with heavier loads

Consider the lugs

• Deep, thick lugs improve grip
• Wider lug spaces sheds mud and offer good traction

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