Many people, especially those wanting to live frugally, will wonder if their kids can wear jeans while hiking.
Kids can wear jeans on most day hikes in moderate weather. As long as the weather is not wet, jeans can help kids feel comfortable because they can protect them against bug bites and scratches. Jeans can be worn over an insulating layer when it’s cold outside.
Read on for more about how our kids wear jeans when hiking.
Can Kids Wear Jeans When Hiking?
Kids (and adults) can wear jeans when they are hiking, depending on the conditions and what kind of hike they’re going on. Most families stick to short- and medium-length hikes in relatively nice weather. In these conditions, jeans are a good choice. Not only are they a clothing item that most kids already have, but they are tough enough to withstand the wear and tear that kids put them through: boulder scrambling, tree climbing, and walking through brambles and undergrowth.
I wrote more about hiking in normal clothes here.
Why We Like Hiking in Jeans
My family does most of our hiking in jeans. There are many advantages to this, starting with the fact that we already have them and they are very affordable. Our kids are growing fast and it doesn’t make sense for us to purchase specialty hiking clothes that they will only wear a few times. For the kind of casual hiking families usually do, jeans are perfect.
We usually stick to hikes of around 5 miles or less when we are bringing all our kids, and rarely hike in very warm or cold weather. Of course, on the occasions that we are going on a longer hike or the weather is more extreme, we take more precautions.
Not only are jeans cheap and convenient, but they are also useful for keeping the sun off in warm weather and can work as an outer layer when the weather is cool (but not wet). We usually wear jeans when we are hiking between temperatures of 50-80°, and may stretch those boundaries if it’s not humid or wet. However, there are some situations in which you should absolutely avoid wearing jeans and any other fabric made of cotton.
When You Should Avoid Cotton and Denim
You and your kids should not wear jeans or other cotton-based clothing when the weather is wet or cold. Cotton will not help you stay warm, provides little in the form of insulation or protection from moisture, and can even be dangerous.
When and Why Cotton Kills
You may have heard the saying “cotton kills” but do you know why it happens? Cotton, including denim clothing such as jeans, absorbs moisture readily and then becomes heavy and stays wet for a long time. In cold conditions, this can lead to hypothermia. Even when it’s not raining or snowy, people can sweat enough to dampen their cotton clothes while hiking or exercising, especially if they are wearing too many layers. So even in relatively dry conditions, cotton can cause you to become wet and chilled.
If you and your kids are hiking in cool or cold weather, consider avoiding cotton jeans and t-shirts. Instead, opt for a moisture-wicking or synthetic, or wool fabric.
What to Wear Instead of Jeans
Why Use Synthetic Fabrics for Hiking
Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon are moisture-wicking and dry quickly. They don’t tend to get soggy and heavy like cotton and can be great for both an insulating layer next to the skin and as an outer, waterproof layer. When worn close to the skin, synthetic fabrics will not get wet from sweat and will help keep body heat in. Worn as an outer waterproof layer, synthetics provide lightweight but effective protection from weather and help keep the layers underneath from getting wet and cold.
Hiking Pants for Kids
Kid’s hiking pants are usually made of synthetic fabrics in combinations that are designed to keep the skin warm and dry in many different weather conditions. You can find pants with insulated layers, pants with many pockets, and pants with removable legs that can be worn as shorts. For families who hike frequently, spend time in cold, wet conditions, or are backpacking on overnight trips, these pants can be a good investment. In addition, synthetic fabrics often last through many washes, meaning you may be able to repurpose hiking pants as hand-me-downs for younger siblings.
Wearing Leggings When Hiking
Kid’s leggings often provide many of the benefits of hiking pants for less money. Stick with synthetic fabrics and you can use leggings as an inner layer on cold-weather hikes or an only layer in warmer weather. Fleece leggings make a very warm insulating layer. While many leggings aren’t as resistant to tears and snags as jeans and hiking pants, they are perfectly suitable if you aren’t venturing off-trail. Plus leggings are infinitely comfortable!
The Wonders of Wool
Wool is an amazing fabric. If you are searching for the best insulating and moisture-wicking material out there, wool might be the answer. Wool socks are wonderful for cold-weather hiking and can keep feet dry and warm in almost any weather. Socks are also relatively cheap compared with other wool items. Wool mittens, gloves, and hats are also great choices for outerwear, but they may not stay as dry as synthetic waterproof options, especially if your kids start playing in the snow.
Wool is also a great option for an insulating layer next to the skin. Long underwear made of wool will pull moisture away from the skin and stay dry and warm all day long. However, be careful with this as some kids find a wool layer next to the skin to be itchy and irritating.
Conclusion
Jeans are a perfectly fine choice of hiking attire for nearly all kids. Very few families will go on long hikes or hike in adverse weather as beginners, so won’t need specialty hiking clothing. Once you are ready to start taking more extreme trails, you will be ready to buy more suitable clothes for your kids.
Read more about dressing your kids for hiking:
Trail Ready Kids: How to Dress for a Day Hike
How to Dress Your Baby or Toddler for a Hike