Hiking & Walking Clothing: feel comfortable in your expedition gear

Experiencing a growing popularity in recent years, hiking is an outdoor activity that involves walking, either for a day or several days in a row, on trails at medium to high altitudes. In addition to hiking, trekking, which involves walking for several days or even weeks, has also gained significant traction. Among the most beautiful treks in France are the GR20, the Tour of Mont Blanc, and the Great Crossing of the Pyrenees. The practice of trekking requires specific hiking & walking clothing. Outdoor brands such as Millet, Lafuma, Mammut, and Monnet have evolved their product ranges to ensure that they are increasingly high-performing, lightweight, durable, and compact. Mountain clothing becomes crucial when you set out to explore vast spaces, as it will be your best ally against rain, wind, cold, or heat.

Which hiking & walking clothing to choose?

Are you going on a trek in a humid and rainy area or, conversely, in an arid region, in the middle of the desert? Depending on the climate and the season in which you undertake your trek, you will need to choose suitable hiking & walking clothing. Between hiking jackets, mountain trousers, and specially designed hiking t-shirts, are you feeling overwhelmed? Let us give you a little helping hand!

The three-layer system

The three-layer system is a layering system of hiking & walking clothing particularly suited for trekking or hiking. It consists of a base layer that is thin and breathable, allowing for optimal moisture management during exertion. This moisture wicking is necessary to avoid the cold sensations associated with sweat accumulation. The second layer serves as a thermal insulation layer, aimed at retaining your body heat during and after exertion. During activity, we recommend opting for a warm and breathable fleece. When you stop and cool down at the end of the day, prefer a hiking down jacket, which is warmer and more comfortable. Finally, the third layer acts as a shield against external weather conditions, protecting you from the wind (if it’s a windbreaker) or rain.

The hiking down jacket

The hiking down jacket is an insulation layer that allows you to protect yourself from cold and humidity. Worn as a second layer (according to the three-layer system), a hiking down jacket can be filled with natural down, synthetic, or hybrid materials. Just like sleeping bags, you will find, among the characteristics of hiking down jackets, the fill power (Cuin), the weight of the filling, and the compressed volume. If your trek is at very high altitudes, opt for a down jacket designed for mountaineering, made of natural down for sufficient warmth. An essential piece of your hiking & walking clothing!

The hiking trousers and shorts

Mountain trousers or trekking shorts, which to choose? We would say both! The hiking shorts are ideal when temperatures are mild and the weather is sunny. However, if rain or wind is on the horizon, it’s better to switch immediately to hiking trousers! The latter will effectively protect you against the elements, keeping your legs and hiking socks dry.

The hiking shirt

Imagine yourself in the desert or in a mineral landscape, on the ridges, under scorching heat with not a single shade in sight to protect you from the sun. Sunburns and heat strokes can cut short your long-planned trek in Africa or at high altitude. The hiking shirt is a thoughtful choice for trekkers wishing to protect themselves from heat and sun. Whether your hiking shirt has short sleeves or long sleeves, it will be lightweight and can be unbuttoned at the front if you wish to pair it with a tank top, a jersey, or a t-shirt. Lighter than a fleece or a softshell, it can provide a bit of warmth if the sun hides behind the clouds and you feel a slight chill.

The hiking poncho

Another greatly useful accessory to protect you from rain, the hiking poncho or hiking rain cape will inevitably find its place in your backpack. The hiking poncho is a wide and enveloping rain cape that protects your hiking & walking clothing and even your backpack.

The hiking accessories

Among all the essential accessories for your hiking, the hiking cap and hiking gloves will win your favour. The trekking cap will protect your head in case of scorching sun. It will prevent certain heat strokes and can be slightly dampened for a refreshing effect in case of sweltering heat. As for the trek gloves, they will protect your hands from humidity, wind, and cold when temperatures drop with the arrival of autumn and winter.

The best mountain clothing brands

We have selected the top outdoor brands on Hardloop.fr to offer you quality, durable, and high-performing hiking & walking clothing for women and hiking & walking clothing for men. Among the brands listed on the site, you will find Deuter, Mammut, Black Diamond, Salomon, Millet, Lowa, and Meindl. We strongly advise you to take the time to research to choose the trekking clothing in which you feel comfortable and that meets your needs.

The best hiking & walking clothing on Hardloop.fr

Eider, Millet, Black Diamond, Patagonia, Salomon, X-socks, Mammut, Monnet, Icebreaker... the biggest brands of hiking & walking clothing are on Hardloop.fr. The Hardloop experts have selected for you the best hiking & walking clothing that combines comfort, performance, and lightness. You may not be able to walk on water yet, but at least you can do so in the rain!

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