Find out what to wear on a hiking date in every season, ensuring both comfort and a stylish appearance.
Gearing up for a hiking date can be a challenge, especially if you are not an outdoorsy person. So, it’s great that we’re here to help. To make your first hiking experience exciting and fun, follow our advice. We’ll make sure you are enjoying your time in nature and your date as well.
If you are reading this article, you are probably not a hiking guru. You may have little experience or no experience at all. That’s all right. It’s not rocket science, just use our tips, and you’ll have a lot of fun on your hiking date.
Is it a good idea to go on a hiking date?
It can be. If one of you hasn’t ever hiked, it could be a good idea to go for an easier hike. To enjoy fresh air somewhere without uneven terrain and strenuous exercise.
Although, if both of you feel comfortable on a hiking trail and have done it at least several times, it’s a wonderful idea.
There is also a bonus. Such joint activities bond people, and let them get to know each other better.
How important is hiking gear on a hiking date?
You were asked about a hiking date, and now you are thinking: what do you wear on a casual hiking date? — The answer will be nuanced. A simpler version is: you need to be prepared.
It’s very important. Although the level of significance depends on the hiking trails, you and your partner are choosing.
If you choose a relaxed hiking date in a park or on an easier trail, you don’t need to buy any special hiking wear. Your sneakers and yoga pants can do just fine.
Yet, if it’s a long hike through a dense forest or a mountain hike, you need to be careful and well-prepared.
Long hard hikes will demand much more preparation and special hiking outfits.
First, proper footwear is of critical importance. You will probably have to invest in decent hiking boots. Unsuitable footwear can cause serious damage to your feet. Better safe than sorry.
What to wear on a hiking date will depend on the following conditions:
- how hard are hiking trails
- what season and climate you are in
- how long your hike will be
Depending on all the above, we’ll give you some tips on what to wear in each likely scenario.
Winter hikes and cold climates
Hiking in winter is underrated. It is a wonderful experience. Beautiful snow’s covered forest, the blue sky. Sunshine is sparkling in every snowflake and creating a feeling of a fairy tale around you. And the calm and tranquility of sleeping nature.
But it’s not only the elegant beauty of whiteness, but also biting cold, potential blizzards, and freezing winds.
That’s why it’s critical that you have suitable hiking gear.
The first rule: is layers, layers, and layers. They are critical for a proper hiking date outfit. You should feel comfortable and be able to remove or put on extra layers in case you are cold or hot.
Tops
Do’s
If the weather on your hiking date is cold, you may need the thermal underwear. It will keep you warm in the freezing weather.
Put on a long sleeve top. Merino wool tops are fantastic. They are moisture-wicking and will keep you comfortable through the hiking date.
A flannel shirt is also a great idea. It’s soft, cozy, and warm.
You can also have a sweater on if the weather so requires it.
Put on a hiking jacket or even a puff jacket. You require a waterproof jacket for protection from the snow.
And don’t forget about a hat and gloves. A beanie made of merino wool is a perfect solution for a winter hiking date. It will keep your ears warm, which is important, as ears freeze fast.
Don’ts
We don’t recommend wearing 100% cotton. There is a chance that you’ll be sweating, and cotton is not the best absorbing material. You’ll be wet soon, then you’ll feel the chill, and the fun will be over. In such cases, synthetic materials win.
Bottoms
Do’s
For a crisp winter air and a hiking date on a sunny, frosty morning, you may need some thermal underpants.
Snow pants are a great option for winter hiking dates, or you can wear a pair of thick hiking pants. They are moisture-wicking and will allow you to walk in the snow without getting wet.
Don’t forget about the socks. Our choice: merino wool socks. They will keep your feet warm and dry in cold weather.
Don’ts
What we don’t recommend wearing — is jeans. They are usually 100% cotton, so they aren’t moisture-wicking clothing. They also chafe. If you really want to wear your favorite jeans on a hiking date, at least don’t do it in winter. They don’t keep the heat, and you risk ending up icy cold and catching a cold or flu.
Footwear
Do’s
The best solution is a pair of hiking boots with ankle support. One of the most common injuries during the hikes is an ankle injury. Ankle boots will protect you and keep you warm. Also, hiking boots have a good grip and traction and will give you better stability, especially if you are going to hike on uneven terrain.
Good hiking boots are a brilliant investment. They will serve you for many years and protect your feet from injuries.
Don’ts
Don’t wear footwear with no grip. It will be easier for you to misstep, fall, and get injured.
What to wear on a hiking date in the summer months?
Summer and spring are as wonderful for hiking as winter. When the weather is warmer, you need fewer hiking clothes to put on, but you should still be thoughtful while choosing a hiking date outfit.
In warmer weather, like in colder seasons, the water retention qualities of your hiking clothes are as important. And in hot weather, the danger comes not from the cold, but from the sun. You should be very careful, especially in tropical climates. Don’t forget to hydrate and use sun protection to prevent burns.
Tops
Although it’s summer, and the weather is hot, having a layered hiking outfit is still an excellent idea. The temperature will change during the day. If you go to a forest, it’s always cooler there. So layer your hiking clothes, and you will not regret it.
Wear lighter colors, they reflect the light better than darker hues and will help you stay cooler during the heat of the day.
Do’s
Advice for women: wear a sports bra. It will make your hike much more comfortable. Also, if it’s too hot, you can always leave just the bra on and still look decent.
It can be a good idea to wear a light long-sleeved t-shirt if you are going on a hiking date in the forest. Branches can scratch your skin, and the bugs are a problem too.
But if your hiking trail is far from any trees and potential injuries, you can, of course, put on a tank top (better loose to let the air circulate).
Another idea: a very light flannel or a button-down.
One more essential thing to remember: cover your head. The sun can be tricky. You may not feel it at all, and the next moment you are getting sunstroke. That’s why make sure you put on a baseball cap or a bandana. They will provide decent protection.
We recommend wearing a ponytail if you have long hair. This way, your hair won’t be damaged by the sun or bother you during your hiking date.
Don’ts
Summer dresses are not the best to wear on a hiking date. They look beautiful in the pictures but are absolutely unsuitable for hiking. If you really want that photo in your gorgeous flowery dress, stow the dress into your backpack, put it on for a photo shoot, and change back into a hiking outfit afterward.
Bottoms
The key principle here is safety. You’ll want your bottoms with a long inseam, which will prevent chafing. You’ll also want your bottoms’ sweat (and other kinds of moisture) wicking.
Do’s
A lot of women prefer hiking in their leggings. Is it a suitable solution? Yes. We’d recommend hiking leggings for that because they are specifically produced for hikers.
You can find hiking leggings with UV protection and water-repellent leggings as well.
If you are not a leggings fan, you still have plenty of options. You can go for hiking pants (available water-repellent options and pants with UV protection) or even hiking shorts.
Although, here you need to consider the type of hiking trip you are taking. If you are going to walk through a forest, shorts could be a bad idea because your legs won’t be protected from tree branches and bush scratches. Hiking dates should bring you joy, not pain.
Don’ts
Cotton t-shirts could be a bad choice. As we’ve already explained, cotton is not the best sweat-wicking material.
Leggings may also be inappropriate for a hiking day in the dense forest, as they can be easily ripped.
Don’t wear compression leggings (which are now on trend) for longer hikes (several days).
As with a winter hiking date outfit, avoid wearing jeans. 100% cotton is not suitable to wear on a hike.
Footwear
Footwear is a critical part of a hiking date outfit. What to wear on a hiking date to keep your feet comfy? Uncomfortable footwear can easily spoil the hiking experience.
Do’s
Our first choice is hiking boots or hiking shoes with a good grip. You will need them on uneven terrain because you don’t want to slide into the mud or slip on the rise. Waterproof options are preferable. They will keep your feet dry.
Some hikers prefer trail runners, and they can be a good choice with flat terrain and easier hikes.
If you are going for a short hike on an easy trail or a picnic on the river bank, you can wear hiking sandals. They are great for easy short hikes.
Even your sneakers will do in such a case.
And one more piece of advice: if you invested in a new pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes, break them in before a hiking date. You don’t want to get in trouble in the middle of nowhere.
Don’ts
We’d like to warn you off flip-flops. You’ll easily injure your feet and have a horrible hiking date.
Sandals are not recommended either. If the trail difficulty is high, don’t wear your sneakers. They are not suited for it.
Hiking essentials
A proper hiking date outfit is critical if you want to enjoy the great outdoors.
However, there are some things that we are encouraging you to take on hiking dates.
They are hiking essentials and, in some circumstances, can become your saviors.
Here they are:
- A day pack or a regular backpack
- A bottle of water and some snacks (the amount depends on the hike length)
- Sun protection
- A bug spray (better protect yourself from bug bites. They can be a downer)
- Sunglasses
- A first-aid kit
- A map of the trail
- A compass (just in case)
- A phone (and maybe a portable power bank) with a downloaded GPS app
- A headlamp (if you are going to hike in the dark)
It’s not a lot. But these items can come in very handy during your hike trip. You won’t regret taking them.
Conclusion
Sometimes people ask: is hiking ok on first date, what to wear on a hiking date?
And the answer is: yes, it can be. We suggest choosing easier trails for the first date unless you both are experienced hikers and regularly go on long, challenging hikes.
The first date is about getting to know each other, not testing each other’s endurance. That’s why a picnic on the lake or a walk in a park can be a great idea. Just don’t go overboard, and you’ll enjoy your hike and companion.
And always prepare for hiking dates. In the article, we gave you basic tips on a hiking date outfit, depending on the weather and the challenge of the hike. Use them and feel confident on your trip, even if it’s the first hike in your life.
Read also: Is Big Bend National park safe: your trip guide
