Hiking with your kids is an enjoyable, educational, and healthy hobby. But do you need to buy specialty hiking clothes or outdoor wear for your kids to go on a hike?
Families can wear regular clothes on most day hikes as long as the weather is moderate. Clothes such as jeans, leggings, and sneakers are good options for short hikes. If kids are hiking in adverse weather or going on a longer hiking trip, they should wear outdoor clothes and dress in layers.
Read on to learn more about how my family uses their ordinary clothes on most hiking trips.
Pros and Cons of Hiking in Normal Clothes
When you first get started hiking, the variety of gear, equipment, and clothing available for outdoor enthusiasts can be overwhelming. Beginning hikers often wonder how much of this specialty gear is required to be successful with a new outdoor sport, especially an easy sport such as hiking. It’s normal to wonder if you and your kids can just hike in your normal clothes and shoes. The truth is there are a variety of factors that could affect whether or not you should wear normal clothes, and both ordinary clothes and outdoor wear have pros and cons. If you want to know more, read my complete guide to dressing your kids for hiking.
The Pros of Hiking in Ordinary Clothes:
There are several benefits of hiking in regular clothes. Cost is probably the biggest advantage. If your family can hike in clothing they already have, it will be much cheaper than purchasing new hiking clothes. Another advantage of hiking in your normal clothes is that your children are already comfortable with them. Some kids, particularly babies and toddlers, resist wearing new clothes and materials that feel uncomfortable or strange.
The Cons of Hiking in Normal Clothes:
The disadvantages of hiking in normal clothes are often mentioned by hiking enthusiasts. While these disadvantages can pose problems in some situations, most of these concerns won’t apply to the average family doing a short day hike. Normal clothes often lack some of the essential features of hiking clothes, which are made of lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics. They also can be less durable and more likely to snag on thorns or branches, and may not last for long once you begin wearing them on outdoor excursions. This can be especially true for children, as kids tend to be very hard on their clothes while they are playing and exploring outside.
The Pros of Hiking in Outdoor Clothes:
There are many advantages of owning outdoor clothes such as hiking pants and athletic shirts. The biggest advantage to these items is that they were made for the specific conditions you’re likely to be encountering. For example, hiking pants are usually made of moisture-wicking quick-drying fabric that is made to be snag-resistant and very durable. Many styles of hiking pants include a removable leg portion which allows these pants to be transformed into shorts for warm-weather hiking or fording streams.
The Cons of Hiking in Outdoor Clothes:
Why Normal Clothes are a Good Option for Most Family Hikes
Ordinary clothes can be a great option for kids on typical family hikes. Most families don’t take their kids on long, multi-day hikes or spend time hiking in cold, wet, wintery conditions. Usually, families with children stick to short- or medium-length hikes and avoid hiking in extreme temperatures. In these conditions, ordinary clothes like leggings, lightweight shirts, and even jeans can be suitable hiking clothes.
When our family goes day hiking we usually wear our normal play clothes. Our kids often wear jeans or shorts and lightweight T-shirts while they’re hiking. We bring our hoodies or jackets if we need extra layers. My kids also hike in sneakers or tennis shoes in most situations. Once our kids get older and aren’t growing as quickly (and can enjoy longer hikes in more adverse conditions), we may purchase hiking shoes and other hiking-specific clothing. Read more about how to decide if your kids need hiking boots in this post.
When Your Kids Shouldn’t Wear Normal Clothes on a Hike
So if ordinary clothes are suitable for most family hikes, when should your kids not wear normal clothes outdoors? Regular clothes like jeans and T-shirts are suitable for mild weather and nice conditions. If the temperature is hot or cold, or the weather is wet, ordinary play clothes are not the best option. Hiking in these conditions can be uncomfortable or even dangerous in many types of clothes.
If the weather is cold or wet, ordinary clothes, especially those made of cotton, can be a poor choice. Cotton absorbs moisture, gets heavy, and remains wet for a long time. If it’s cold, wearing cotton can increase your chances of chilling or even getting hypothermia. Even if conditions are dry, cotton can be dangerous in cold weather because it tends to get damp from perspiration.
Normal clothes can also be a poor choice in very hot weather. While it’s not generally a good plan to take your children hiking in temperatures over 85° or 90° (30-32°C), it’s an especially bad idea to go out in the heat while wearing the wrong clothes. Clothes that aren’t breathable and don’t wick away moisture can trap heat against your skin.
What Kids Can Wear Hiking Instead of Normal Clothes
When the weather is cold, hot, or wet, hikers should look for clothing made of synthetic fabrics. Outdoor clothing is made to wick away moisture and dry quickly. In cold weather, staying dry can prevent hypothermia so it’s essential to dress your kids correctly. Use an insulating base layer that wicks moisture, a comfortable middle layer, and a waterproof, warm top layer. If you are planning a cold-weather hike, there are more details about hiking with kids in cold conditions in this post.
