We have spent many hours hiking with kids of all ages and kinds of terrain. We have found that dressing kids for hiking doesn’t need to be hard or expensive.
Kids should dress in lightweight layers when hiking. Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics are a good choice, but for short hikes any ordinary clothing is acceptable. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are usually best, as well as lightweight shirts and a jacket or sweater in case the weather turns.
There are a lot of things to consider when getting ready to go on a hike. Read on to find out more about dressing your kids for the outdoors.
Why Your Clothing Matters When Hiking
What you choose to wear when hiking can make a big difference in the success of your adventure, and this is especially true for children. If children aren’t comfortable when they’re hiking, they won’t enjoy the experience. And I have learned that if your kids aren’t having fun, it’s hard for anyone to.
Clothing that is poorly fitting, such as too tight or bulky, can make it hard for children to run, walk, and play freely. If children are wearing clothes that stay damp or aren’t breathable, it will also be hard for them to stay comfortable and have fun. Finally, clothing should be appropriate for the weather and temperature.
Considering the Terrain and Hike Duration
I always consider the kind of hike we are going on before I help my kids dress for the day. The length of the hike, where we are going, and the weather are all important to consider. If the hike is long, I take more care with packing and dressing than I do for short hikes of a mile or so. I also take more care if the terrain is rough, such as cactus-filled deserts or areas with a lot of rocks. Finally, if there is a chance for rain or the temperature will be hot or cold, I make sure my kids are dressed appropriately.
Choosing the Right Hiking Clothes for Kids
If you are planning longer day hikes, you want to hike frequently, or you are getting ready for a backpacking trip, it’s important to choose the correct clothes. My family has done a lot of day hiking over the years, and we’ve never used special hiking clothes for this type of outing. However, for longer hikes or hiking in cold or hot weather, some precautions should be taken.
Selecting Moisture-Wicking and Breathable Fabrics
Most people recommend avoiding cotton and denim fabrics when hiking. This is because these fabrics absorb moisture from sweat or rain and stay damp for a long time. Not only do cotton fabrics get and stay wet easily, but they also hold the wetness next to your body and feel heavy. If your kids are wearing cotton clothes such as jeans and t-shirts in chilly, damp, or humid conditions, they could get very uncomfortable and cold, even with layers.
Instead of cotton, look for synthetic fabrics that have wicking, quick-drying, and breathable properties. The most popular materials for outdoor clothes are synthetics such as nylon, polyester, and more unusual and specialty fabrics. For winter or cold-weather use, breathable, waterproof, and insulating layers become important.
Quick-drying hiking pants with detachable shorts and UV protection are a great option for kids who are frequent hikers.
Dressing Your Kids For Hiking Without Breaking the Bank
While clothes that are designed for hiking can be a great option, there are other, cheaper ways to dress your kids in moisture-wicking activewear. In fact, for most kids and situations, you can just dress your kids in whatever they already have in their closets. Most families aren’t hiking in extreme conditions or on long trails so they don’t need specialty clothes. Here are some clothing options that your kids can wear in moderate weather and on short- to medium-length hikes.
- Shirts: Try cotton or synthetic T-shirts depending on your preferences and the weather. Add a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or waterproof layer according to the weather.
- Pants: Jeans are okay if the weather is dry and at a moderate temperature. Synthetic leggings and cargo pants are also good options. I don’t recommend shorts for kids in most hiking situations.
- Socks: Regular cotton socks are fine for most hikes. You want something thick enough to keep your kid’s feet dry, and tall enough to prevent blisters or chaffing from their shoes.
- Shoes or boots: Kids don’t need special hiking shoes for most day hikes, however, it’s essential to have good, sturdy, footwear. Tennis shoes or sneakers can work fine as long as they have good traction and rubber soles (foam soles can be slippery on some surfaces.) Good arch support and sturdy uppers are also features to look for.
When Cotton and Wool Make Sense
There are some occasions when using natural materials while hiking makes sense. Cotton can be a good choice during hot weather, especially in the dry western states. When you sweat in cotton, it tends to stay wet for longer. In arid areas, this will evaporate and help to cool you.
Wool is a good choice any time you are facing cold and wet hiking conditions. While we don’t recommend hiking with kids in freezing temperatures, it’s still important to wear insulating layers when it’s cold, and wool is a great choice for this. It resists getting wet, pulls moisture away from the body, and is an excellent insulator. Wool is a great option for kid’s socks and long underwear, but it is expensive so it may not be worth it unless you are out in cold weather frequently.
Layering and How to Do it With Kids
Layering simply means that instead of bringing one layer of clothes, such as a sweater and a pair of pants, you bring several layers which you can take off or put on in order to stay comfortable. The layers you choose to wear will be determined by the area you are visiting, the season, and the expected weather.
Layering is the best way to prepare for any outdoor adventure. When you practice layering, you will be ready for the weather to change or for the varying temperatures you are likely to encounter on any given day, especially in dry or mountainous areas.
Layering in Variable Weather
In the western mountains and deserts, it is important to prepare for unexpected weather all year long. Variable weather can also be encountered in other areas during the spring and fall. During sunny, dry days you could hike comfortably in a t-shirt and shorts. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common and the weather can quickly turn chilly. Evenings and nights in the mountains and deserts can get cold enough to need a coat. In this environment, you will want to bring long pants and a short-sleeved shirt as well as a sweater or jacket and possibly a coat or poncho.
Layering in Cool Weather
When you are hiking in cool weather, layers are essential. Wearing layers will allow your kids to add and remove clothes in order to stay comfortable. They can also help them to avoid sweating, a common cause of chilling in the winter.
The first layer should be an insulating layer to keep body heat close to the skin. This layer is often something like thermal underwear or a lightweight but insulating shirt and leggings. Avoid cotton, however, as that can hold moisture against the skin and cause your child to feel cold.
The second layer will be your kid’s normal clothes: a shirt and pants of some kind. It should be loose enough to allow movement and not add bulk. Again, most people recommend against cotton in wet weather.
The last layer is an outer layer of protective clothes such as a jacket or sweater. This layer should be waterproof if you are hiking in snow or damp conditions. You probably won’t need an outer layer of pants unless the weather is wet. You may also need gloves, a hat, and other outerwear depending on the weather.
Layering in Warm Weather
Layering during warm weather can seem counter-intuitive. However, even in the humid and hot southeast sudden thunderstorms or rain showers can soak you during a hike. Kids may enjoy playing in water but they don’t usually enjoy wearing wet clothes. Bring a waterproof, lightweight layer to help keep them dry in a rainstorm.
Many people wear shorts during hat weather, but for kids, long pants still make sense on most hikes as they provide protection from brambles, bugs, and scratches. Lightweight synthetic pants may be cooler than jeans. Moisture-wicking material can help you and your kids stay cool in humidity, so active-wear is a good option for both tops and pants. Shorts can be a good option when your family is hiking on a paved trail or you don’t expect to encounter biting insects, ticks, or thorny plants.
Dressing for the Sun and Bugs
Finally, when dressing your kids for a hike, consider how their clothes can protect them from biting insects and the sun.
Clothes can help shield skin from UV rays. For this feature, look for rash guards and other UPF-rated clothes. You can also get protection from the sun by dressing your kids in sun hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
To provide protection from insects, long pants and sleeves are a good choice. Mosquitoes and other biting insects often can’t bite through loose-fitting clothes. Wearing long pants and long sleeves can keep bugs out or reduce the need for bug spray. My husband loves his long-sleeved Hook and Tackle shirt to stop no-see-ums. Long pants can also help keep ticks from attaching, especially if you tuck them inside your kids’ socks.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of hike you are going on or how capable your kids are, you should dress your kids in clothing that makes sense and will be comfortable and safe. If you take the time to choose carefully, whether you are selecting clothes from the store or your kid’s closet, your hike will be more successful.
Read more about dressing your kids for hiking:
Hiking With Kids: Can They Wear Jeans?
How to Dress Your Baby or Toddler for a Hike