Summer Backpacking/Hiking - What To Wear

Summer Backpacking/Hiking - What To Wear 

Especially in the cool and buggy Isle Royale

• Quick Dry T-Shirt
• Pants for cooler days and thick brush
• Running shorts
• Smartwool socks 
• Quick dry underwear + sports bra
• Hat
• Pullover or button up top for cool mornings and evenings
• Rain Jacket (doubles as windbreaker/extra layer)
• Cozy clean sleeping clothes you never hike in
• Buff or bandana 
• Trail Runners
• Camp shoes

Tips!

1. Light weight and versatile pants like the REI Sahara Roll-Up Pants which roll up to several different lengths and are super stretchy and has UPF +50.  Rip stop is important for thick brush. (Zip offs are to heavy and bulky for me).

2. Pockets! Pockets for maps, camera, and snacks are super important so you don't have to keep stopping to pull something out of your pack. 

3. Light color to keep mosquitos away, dark colors absorb heat and attract biting bugs

4. Dries quick and breathes easily. NO COTTON. No jeans either, silly. Anything moisture wicking. (Polyester = Nike DriFits, Under Armour, anything you find in the running section of your sports store.) Quick dry is important for shirts with your pack against your back and socks so you can give them a quick wash at camp and will be dry by morning. 

5. Buff or Bandana - So many uses! Headband, sweatband, ear warmer, dunk in a stream and tie around neck for cooling, cover face incase you run into a swarm of bugs or dust storm. You can even get a Bugs Away Buff. 

6. Trail Runners - Lighter and dries faster than boots. Even if your boots are 'waterproof' your feet will sweat and you'll get blisters. Just give trail runners a try. Less break in period. Mesh is breathable. A pound on your feet is like 5 lbs on your back. Go for a wider toe box or half size since your feet swell with the heat and weight on your  back. I have super wide feet so I go with the Saucony Cohesion TR  for $60!

7. Button ups are nice especially for those of us bug magnets and protects from sun and branches and you can get some in a bug button up. 

8. Camp shoes - depends a bit on weight. I'd rather cary a bit heavier Chacos so I can use it during rainy days/ river crossings/a few stable hours to let my trail runners dry. Some lighter folks go for good old Crocs. Tivas are a good inbetweener. You just want something that you can slip on while setting up camp and let your feet and shoes air out. 

9. Running shorts. I know, not many pockets, but I like the option of having something light weight

and cool for hot days or when a lake looks inviting.

* If it seems like I'll be running instead of hiking, well, it's the same thing essentially. Running gear is light, wicks sweat, doesn't get too smelly, won't stretch, dries quick, and comfy!  I don't like bulky items or itchy wool or cotton. Wear what works for you!