When deciding what to bring camping, layers are the name of the game. Moisture-wicking and storage space come next. It also depends on location, time of year, and what you have planned.
Once you leave the safety and security of your home for an extended period, whether it is a week or more in the wilderness or merely for the night, it is important to be well-prepared.
The most important gear to wear when you go backpacking or camping:
- Wear The Correct Underwear
- Skin-Tight Clothing
- Pants & Shirts
- Accessories
- Footwear
- Protective Clothing
When planning a camping trip or a backpacking expedition, it is important to pack the appropriate clothing, footwear, and accessories. Though these may vary depending on the season and the camping environment, this article will discuss the basics that you should wear when camping.
If you’re wondering what to wear camping, read on!
Which Clothing Should You Wear While Camping?
Going camping is a great way to make lasting memories while having a good time. Simply put, it allows you to take a break from the stresses of daily life.
However, this privilege is not without its corresponding duty to dress appropriately since inappropriate attire can completely derail an otherwise enjoyable excursion.
So, when planning a camping trip with friends, ensure that all parties have their beginner camping checklist updated according to where you are camping and what time of year it is. Let’s discuss what you should wear camping below;
1. Wear The Correct Underwear
It’s easy to overlook the importance of undergarments while packing for a camping vacation. Still, the briefs you wear may make or break your comfort level, particularly if you intend to do strenuous activities like hiking or bicycling. They’re crucial for camping excursions and any adventure involving water.
Also, the bikini will not be cut as underwear for an extended period. Try to choose some underwear that will keep you dry and comfortable all day long without causing any irritation to your skin, such as a pair of humidity underpants with flat bands.
If you want to ensure your camping undergarments are comfortable, you should try wearing them beneath your everyday clothes before you go. If your underwear pinches, twists, or pulls in awkward places, or if it causes irritation, you should not take it into the wilderness with you.
When shopping for upper undergarments (bra, sports bra, etc.), it’s important to choose items that fit you snugly without being too constrictive and provide adequate support for your breasts, so they do not bounce and are the proper size all the way around.
It’s advised to bring some spare underpants such as panties, boxers or briefs, which may make all the difference between instant comfort and days of irritation. Having clean underwear on will also help prevent yeast or fungal infection. The following undergarment fabrics are recommended for camping;
- Cotton
- Merino/Polyester Blends
- Merino Wool
- Polyester
- Poly/Nylon/Spandex Blends
2. Skin-Tight Clothing (First Clothing Layer)
Your next layer should be anything from a tank top to a pair of tights, jogging pants, yoga tights, or long johns. You may forego wearing undergarments if your cycling pants, yoga pants, or thermals already include an integrated “built-in” undergarment section.
This is especially useful for women, as many layers of trousers can trap and retain moisture, leading to yeast or fungal diseases and infections. Having this on hand might help males avoid any unwanted bunching.
A humidity-wicking material is essential for this layer. Layers of clothes might increase the risk of overheating when working out for an extended period. Once you stop moving, your sweat might condense and make you cold.
3. Pants & Shirts (The Second Clothing Layer)
If you are heading out the door on a breezy spring morning or late fall, this is the clothing layer that should keep you comfortable. This might be hiking or cargo pants or even loose-fitting jeans. All of these recommended pant options offer hidden compartments for stowing away necessities.
This layer has to fit snugly over the base layer so it won’t flap about and get caught in a bike’s chain or on shrubbery, but loosely enough to allow you to move freely and comfortably.
Add a long-sleeved shirt to the ensemble (according to the time of year). The front closure should be buttons or snaps (not a zipper), and the cuffs should have closures to keep your sleeves in place and from getting in the way.
4. Accessories
When it comes to camping accessories, it is as important as the clothes you are wearing. The following accessories are crucial to pack for winter, fall, summer, and spring;
Gloves
Wearing gloves can prevent hypothermia and frostbite in extremely cold conditions. When the temperature drops below zero, it’s best to wear mittens over the gloves. Your gloves will also protect your hands while you set up camp.
A Bandana Or Neckerchief
Extremely popular among cowboys in the American Wild West, and can be pulled up over your mouth and nostrils to protect against smoke and dust or to tie to a leg injury obtained on a hike.
A Waist Or Fanny Pack
If you do not want to lug about a huge rucksack, a waist or fanny pack may hold the essentials, such as an extra set of light socks, water, a little first aid kit, some snacks, etc.
A Hat
In the summer, a broad, sun-blocking hat is an essential accessory. During the colder months, it’s a good idea to wear a beanie hat or hood that you can pull over the ears to trap heat.
A Scarf
A scarf can keep your hair out of your face, act as a makeshift hat, and prevents cold air from entering your coat through your collar.
A Backpack Or Rucksack
Even if you’re taking a short day walk, you’ll want to bring along some essentials like water, food, extra clothing, a first aid kit, a bathing suit, and a multi-tool.
5. Footwear
When camping, wearing shoes or boots appropriate for the conditions is important. Camping near the water requires water socks; riding boots are needed for horseback riding; hiking requires high-topped hiking shoes that protect your ankles from bushes or even snakes and bicycle shoes for bicycling.
To keep your feet safe, you should always wear shoes with closed toes and a slight platform. To avoid blistering and to keep your feet dry, it’s important to wear socks. In damp conditions, you should wear waterproof shoes.
No matter the occasion, your footwear should let air in, conform to your foot shape, and be sturdy enough to last. While you may want to bring a pair of sandals, or flip-flops, you shouldn’t use them as your main footwear.
6. Protective Clothing (According To The Season)
The abovementioned ensembles are more than enough for many outdoor pursuits in moderate weather. There are, however, distinct seasons throughout the majority of the world. The day’s and night’s temperatures might vary depending on where you are. The time has come to consider dusters, coats, sweaters, waterproofing, and jackets.
Dusters
These are long-tailed jackets originally designed for horse riding throughout all kinds of weather, but they aren’t practical for backpacking, especially in wooded areas. Their long tails also aren’t practical for cycling or riding motorbikes since they can get caught easily.
Nevertheless, the lengthy flaps and split back are perfect for shielding your legs and body from bad weather riding a horse. They perform admirably as a transportable wind barrier for your lower body while walking large distances.
Sweaters
Sweaters serve as an additional barrier against cold weather. They are too porous to be used alone for real comfort and warmth. Nonetheless, worn underneath a thin jacket, they provide sufficient warmth even in the mild cold.
Windbreakers
Lightweight windbreakers are ideal for layering up against the cold since You can wear them over many garments. Most windbreakers can withstand rain or splashing around because they are typically waterproof. This comes with the added benefit of moisture buildup prevention on your chest, which increases your chances of keeping your core temperature stable.
Coats
You can increase warmth levels greatly by wearing a puffy coat with a tail that falls below your hips. Wet, wintery camping may benefit from having them on hand. Unfortunately, they are cumbersome to carry and tricky to attach to a rucksack, so bear that in mind if you plan on using them on a hike.
Camping In Freezing Weather: Going Subzero!
There can be various compelling reasons to go camping in subzero temperatures. The main one being it’s super-adventurous and daring! Warm the tent or bring warm clothing. Appropriate underwear and layers are still essential.
Consider switching to long cycling or yoga trousers in place of shorts. It would be best to consider wearing wool sweatpants or thermals under this layer. As stated previously, the first clothing layer needs to be snug without being too constrictive.
The second clothing layer is recommended to be equivalent to that used in the fall and spring. If it is extremely chilly, you should wear a warm cardigan, a long sweater vest, or perhaps both. Jeans, cargo pants, and walking slacks are all suitable options and are adequate for various climates.
The bare minimum of clothing may not be sufficient for subzero temperature survival in some places. You’ll require considerable insulation, so start that fire as soon as you get to camp! In such extreme temperatures, you have to wear the following to protect yourself from the cold;
Parachute Pants
Parachute pants are typically worn over another garment, much like insulating overalls. Parachute pants are better than insulating overalls and coveralls, which might be too cumbersome to wear when biking, but as subzero camping attire, they are the best option!
Winter/Snow Coats
These coats are insulated trousers like overalls; however, they resemble a child’s “onesie” or snowsuit in their design. They may be worn on their own as an exterior layer in colder climates or in situations where loose coats with tails are dangerous. People that have to deal with roads, electrical lines, and other infrastructure in frigid conditions love them.
Overalls with Insulation
These would be insulated overalls with shoulder straps and a bib. They are worn over conventional pants for additional defense against the elements. Added as a 3rd layer, they keep your body’s own warmth in and the cold air out. Commonly, a substantial jacket or coat is worn with insulated overalls.
Subzero Coats
That many garments may make a coat appear superfluous. Not at all. Imagine a coat as a makeshift shelter. It is also useful for keeping heat close to the body.
Choose a coat that is also comfortable for you, but remember to pack on the layers underneath it so you may remove a layer or more if you are too warm without getting cold.
Yet, base layers are an absolute must. They function similarly to the insulation in a home. Your coat acts more like the impervious outside wall. As with the previous categories, coats come in a wide range of styles and materials, including
- Down
- Long dusters
- Long woolen dress coats
- Mackintoshes
- Medium jacket length
- Short jacket length
- Waterproof (non-insulating)
- Wool
What To Wear Camping In Summer: Bring On The Heat!
Summer camping is a category on its own. If you do not prepare for the heat, you will not have a pleasant camping experience. What to pack for a summer camping trip includes:
Swimsuit
It would be a sin not to pack your swimsuit on a summer camping trip! Whether you are near the beach, a resort pool, close to a waterfall or other recreational water sources, at some point on a summer camping trip, you will be swimming and cooling off somewhere.
Pants
Careful consideration should be given to your short’s selection. If you do not wish to spend your entire hike moaning about your clothes, ensure you have the appropriate hiking pants or shorts.
Convertible Pants
You should also bring a pair of changeable pants as part of your summer camping attire. Depending on the temperature, you can wear either long pants or zip them by the knee and convert them into shorts.
Shorts
Whenever it’s hot and humid outside, shorts are the most practical clothing item to bring along on a camping trip. Wearing shorts puts you at risk for scrapes and insect bites. Insects and bumps on the knees are the drawbacks of wearing shorts.
Trousers
Cargo pants or hiking trousers are suitable options for wearing on the trail. In addition to being more secure, they also come with handy storage compartments.
Shirts
Now choose up a few shirts. In the summer, you shouldn’t bring any dark colors or bulky camping clothes for your vacation. You’ll just become hotter wearing them in the sun. Instead, you should bring along only lightweight garments. The colors ought to be soft and airy as well.
Shoes
There is nothing as bad as hiking with uncomfortable footwear. To put it lightly, it will be a terrible ordeal. Therefore, it’s crucial to bring comfortable outdoor shoes whenever possible. Choose shoes for camping based on how comfortable they are rather than how stylish they are.
Sandals & Flip Flops
At camp, flip-flops are your best bet for practical footwear. It’s not uncommon for the ground to be hard and uneven in a camp setting. In preparation for the heat, bring a pair of sandals with a thin sole and ankle straps added for comfort.
Sneakers
Hikers and walkers will benefit greatly from a sneaker’s comfortability.
Socks
Socks are the most effective way to keep your feet toasty, dry. and comfy.
Sunglasses
Always have your shades with you when you go camping during the summer. When used in conjunction with a hat, they shield your eyes from the sun’s intense rays and prevent permanent damage.
Hats
When camping in the summertime, a hat is one of the first items to pack. The cold season isn’t the only time when hats are practical. Also, they contribute much to the ease and comfort of a summer camping vacation. The glare from the sun can damage your eyes and skin, but a hat can shield you from that danger, especially a broad-brimmed hat.
