You finally asked that cutie out on a hiking date, and now you're wondering what to wear.
Sure, you want to look cute for your date, but you also don't want to be unprepared for the Great Outdoors. Well, never fear! We're here to give you some tips on how to look cute on your next hiking date.
The key here is to never compromise on comfort. Believe me, you will never want to walk in those cute but stiff sandals and end up with blisters.
Likewise, don’t forget to dress according to weather and terrain.
Whether you're planning a casual hike with your new significant other or an adventurous trek with your long-time partner, figuring out what to wear on a hiking date can be tricky.
But with our advice, you'll be a complete pro in no time. (Plus, your date will be impressed.) So, let's get started!
What To Wear On A Hiking Date
Looking stylish in a date is essential and you should never compromise on that. However, these are also some important factors that one should consider while putting together a look for the upcoming adventurous date:
Wear Layers
Wear a base layer, an insulating layer, and a wind/rain layer. You can take off or put on layers as needed.
This is especially important if you are hiking in a place where it will be hot during the day but cold at night (like in the desert).
It is also helpful if your clothes are easily layered so that you can take off layers as needed when it gets too hot and put them back on when it gets cold again (i.e., wearing a long sleeve t-shirt under a short sleeve t-shirt).
In addition, to keep you warm, layers are a sneaky way to add some colors to your hiking outfit. For example, a bomber jacket or a colored flannel will add some character to your otherwise basic hiking outfit without compromising on comfort.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
This is the most important thing! If your feet hurt, you won’t have fun and you may not finish the hike. Plus, your feet will probably hurt for days after hiking with uncomfortable shoes. Take some time to find the right pair of shoes for you.
I recommend going to a shoe store where they can fit you properly instead of buying online or from a big box store like Target or Walmart because they don’t carry enough styles to fit everyone’s feet properly.
Good shoes should be supportive, have enough cushioning so your feet don’t get sore, and have good traction so that you don’t slip on rocks or wet leaves/grass.
The best option is to get high-quality trail running shoes that are made for hiking and walking long distances (i.e., not just for jogging on pavement).
They will last longer than sneakers and also give better support and cushioning for your ankles and knees when climbing uphill or downhill over rough terrain.
Make sure to wear them around before taking them out on a hike so that they are broken in before going out into nature!
Wear Comfortable Clothing
When hiking in warm weather, it is easy to get hot while hiking uphill then cool down while resting or looking at the views at higher elevations then heat back up while hiking downhill again – all within one hike!
To deal with this changeable temperature issue, wear clothing that allows flexibility in temperature changes – i.e., lightweight fabrics like cotton and nylon, loose-fitting clothes, clothes with zippers and buttonsetc.
If you wear clothes that are too tight or too heavy, it will be harder to regulate your temperature.
Wear Weather Appropriate Clothing
Wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather. This is especially important if you are hiking in places where there is snow on the ground or if it rains often like in Seattle.
It is helpful to have waterproof boots and pants so that your feet and legs stay dry when walking through water (i.e., crossing a stream) or getting rained on.
Also, bring an umbrella! If you don’t have one, they sell them at most outdoor stores and they make a huge difference when hiking in the rain because they keep your head and upper body dry while still allowing you to see where you are going.
Before going on a hiking date, it is important to check the weather forecast. It is always better to dress up according to the weather forecast rather than dressing up according to your comfort level only.
If there is heavy rain or snowfall predicted for that day, then it will be better if you wear waterproof boots along with some waterproof pants and a jacket.
Distance Of The Trail
If you are planning to go on a short distance hiking date then it would be better if you wear your regular shoes instead of wearing hiking boots or sneakers.
However, if your plan involves hiking over long distances then wearing cute shoes would not be enough because your feet might get tired after walking for hours together without any rest period.
In this case, it would be good if you wear some lightweight hiking boots which can provide extra support and protection for your feet during long-distance hikes.
In case of slippery surfaces like mud or wet grass so try to try to wear shoes with great traction so that your feet remain safe and sound throughout the trip without any problems at all!
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How To Dress For A Hiking Date
Here are some of our favorite hiking clothes that are both practical and fashionable.
For Women:
1. A cute sports bra
The Adidas Women’s Flashback Sports Bra is made with climalite fabric, which is designed to wick away moisture and keep you cool. This bra has a wide band that provides support and comfort.
It also has adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure in the back. The bra comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. It is available in black/charcoal and white/black colors.
2. A tank top or t-shirt
The North Face Women’s Long Sleeve Tee – The North Face brand makes some of the best outdoor gear in the world today including their clothing line which includes this long sleeve tee shirt made specifically for hiking!
It features thumbholes at the end of each sleeve to keep them from getting wet when you cross rivers or streams while hiking along your favorite trail! These shirts also have UPF protection built into them which helps block harmful UV rays from reaching your skin which keeps you looking young and healthy!
3. Leggings or shorts (depending on the weather)
Columbia Women's Silver Ridge Convertible Pants - These women's hiking pants have everything we look for in a good pair of hiking trousers and more! They have Omni-Wick technology which pulls moisture away from your skin so that you stay dry even when working up a sweat.
Another great feature about these pants is their versatility; they can be worn as regular outdoor pants or as shorts depending on how warm it is outside.
Also, there are side cargo pockets where you can store small items such as keys or wallets without them falling out when moving around through brush or climbing rocks
4. Hiking boots
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is one of our favorite women’s hiking shoes because it’s lightweight and comfortable, but it still offers protection against water and debris on the trail thanks to its Gore-Tex membrane.
We also love its breathable mesh lining and its stiff midsole which helps you maintain stability while on uneven ground or rocky surfaces.
5. A Light Jacket
Marmot Women's PreCip Jacket
If you're looking for a lightweight rain jacket, this one is perfect for hiking or backpacking. It has a DWR finish to repel water, and it packs down into its pocket so it doesn't take up much space when you're not using it.
For Men:
1. A t-shirt or tank top
Columbia Men’s Trail Tight II – This best-selling men’s hiking top on Amazon is a very versatile top that can be used for hiking or other outdoor activities such as biking or kayaking.
It comes in 3 different colors and offers Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection. This is a very comfortable top that will keep you dry while hiking through rivers and streams.
2. Shorts or pants (depending on the weather)
Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Convertible Pant - These are the best hiking pants for men and they are also the most popular. They come in a range of colors, but we recommend going with the classic khaki color because it is versatile and can be worn on any kind of adventure.
The material is made from a stretchy nylon-like material that makes them comfortable to wear and easy to move around in. They have an elastic waistband that allows you to adjust them for comfort, and there are also side cargo pockets for storing small items such as keys or wallets.
The best thing about these pants is that they convert into shorts! So if it gets hot during your hike, you can easily remove the legs and continue on your way without having to change into something different.
3. Hiking boots
The Keen Targhee II is a great hiking shoe for men. It has a durable leather upper, an EVA midsole, and an outsole that provides great traction. It’s also waterproof.
The Keen Targhee II is available in both low and high versions. The high version has a heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm, while the low version has a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm.
4. Hiking Jacket
The North Face Men's Thermoball Triclimate Jacket
This jacket will keep you comfortable in cold weather because it's made from Polartec insulation that retains warmth even when wet. It also has a DWR finish to repel water, so you'll stay dry if it rains on your hike.
What Not To Wear On A Hiking Date
Flip Flops
I know, I know. Flip flops are great for the beach or lounging around in the house, but they are not good for hiking. The soles of your shoes should be thick and sturdy because you don't want to slip on rocks or loose gravel.
Heels
Again, heels aren't the best for hiking because they can cause injury to your ankles if you trip over a rock or step into a hole. Also, it's easy to get turned around or lost when you're wearing heels and trying to hike up a trail that is unfamiliar to you, so it's better to wear sneakers with some traction on them and save those stilettos for a fancy dinner date.
Dresses
You might think that a cute dress would be perfect for a date at the park, but it's probably not going to work out very well if you have to climb over fallen logs and branches and walk through mud puddles while dressed in your favorite sundress.
Plus, if you're planning on being physically active on your date then you don't want anything too tight that could restrict your movement and make things more difficult for you both physically and mentally as you try to navigate through rough terrain together.
Jeans
I'm not saying that you can't wear jeans on your date, but I am saying that you should probably avoid wearing tight-fitting jeans or pants as they don’t dry out easily. Plus, the tight fitting of jeans might make it uncomfortable to walk around
100% Cotton
Cotton is great for the beach, but it's not the best fabric to wear hiking. Cotton absorbs water and holds onto it, so if you're sweating then your clothes will be wet and heavy. Also, cotton doesn't dry very quickly, so if you get caught in a rainstorm then your clothes might never dry out before you go back home.
As alternatives to cotton, nylon and merino wool are moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and comfortable against the skin. In summer, nylon is preferred because it is lightweight, whereas merino wool keeps you dry and warm on winter hikes.
Essentials For A Hiking Date
Having chosen your hiking attire, it’s time to make a list of some other hiking essentials.
- Make sure that you carry a backpack with you. It is important to carry a backpack because it will be very difficult for your partner to carry all the stuff along with you.
- If you are planning on taking photos, then make sure that you carry some extra batteries and memory cards with you. You may also want to carry a tripod if you are planning on taking long exposure shots.
- You can also consider carrying a water bottle with you. Water is the most important thing while hiking because if your body gets dehydrated then it will be very difficult for you to hike. So make sure that you bring enough water with you.
- Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. Hiking can be tough, and you're going to want to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels sustained throughout the hike.
- Sunscreen will protect you from the sun's harmful rays and avoid any skiing damage.
- Hats and Sunglasses protect your hair and eyes from the harmful UV rays. Plus, it makes you look cute.
- First Aid Kit … to use in case of an injury or a slipping accident.
- A change of cloth … just in case!
Conclusion
So, there you have it! What to wear on a hiking date. A few key things to remember are that comfort is key, layers are your friend, and bring along an extra pair of socks in case it rains (or snows)!
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a great time while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful views. And who knows?
You may even get lucky and spot some wildlife along the way. Get outdoors and have some fun this spring by planning a hiking date!
As always, if you have any questions or need more advice don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always happy to help!
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