Fabric is the most crucial factor in choosing a hiking garment. If you get it right, the clothing will perform in all weather conditions, including wet and cold, as well as during prolonged physical activity. If you get it wrong, the garment will fail when it counts most – on a trail, far from shelter or in weather that’s changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide will cover the best fabrics for hiking apparel, including what they are, their performance, and what applications they suit best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing for hiking is subject to multiple demands that are not met by most fabrics. Fabrics must be able to dry quickly, manage moisture, move with the body over technical terrain and offer weather protection without being too heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A specialist manufacturer of hiking clothing will understand these requirements and choose fabrics that perform well in actual trail conditions, rather than relying on textile specifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merino is one of hiking’s most versatile fabrics. Moisture-wicking, it draws sweat from the skin to release as vapour. It regulates the body temperature over a wide range, keeping you cool when exercising and warm while resting. It is also naturally odour resistant, which is important on long hikes when washing isn’t possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Merino’s main limitation is its durability. It is less resistant to abrasion than synthetic alternatives, which means that it will wear out faster around the collar edge, underarms and pack contact areas. Merino is a great choice for base layers<\/a>, and lighter hiking layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most popular synthetic fabric for hiking clothing is polyester. Its commercial dominance reflects its performance credentials. It is lightweight and dries quickly. It holds its shape even after repeated washings. And it accepts moisture-wicking treatment well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standard polyester fabric is not as comfortable against the skin as merino, but performance polyester fabrics designed for active wear close this gap. Polyester is the best fabric for outdoor T-shirts<\/a>, hiking mid-layers and other garments that require moisture management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon is stronger and more resistant to abrasion than polyester, making it an ideal fabric for trousers, shorts and other garments that come into contact with the trail surface, vegetation and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nylon is also softer to the touch than polyester, which helps reduce friction on the skin when you’re moving for long periods of time. Hiking Pants<\/a> made of nylon or nylon-spandex are durable, stretchy, and fast-drying, which is what multi-day trails require. The combination of lightweight and durability make nylon the best fabric for outdoor briefs<\/a> during warm weather hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In technical hiking, freedom of movement is essential, especially for steep ascents and scrambling sections, where full hip and knee range is required. The limited stretch of pure nylon and polyester fabrics can limit movement when it is most important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Addition of elastane, typically between four and fifteen percent, transforms rigid hiking fabrics into ones that move freely in all directions while returning to their original shape at the end of each movement cycle. Stretch nylon-spandex is the best choice for technical shorts and hiking trousers. Stretch polyester blends are ideal for outdoor cargo trousers<\/a>, where both multi-directional movement as well as weight from pockets need to be controlled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Softshell fabrics, which are a stretch-woven outer and a fleece\/jersey inner, provide a combination that includes wind resistance, light waterproof repellency, stretch, and breathability in one layer. Softshell is the perfect choice for hiking in cooler or more variable weather conditions, where a waterproof shell would be too heavy or warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Softshell Jackets<\/a> offer enough protection from the weather for windy, dry and cold conditions. They are also stretchy and breathable enough to allow for sustained movement uphill. Softshell garments are produced by a manufacturer who has experience in bonded fabric. The bond between the layers of fabric remains intact even after repeated use on trails and washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waterproof breathable membranes offer the best protection for hiking in wet conditions, such as sustained rain, mountainous environments with high humidity, or multiday expeditions that require staying dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waterproof clothing<\/a> With a membrane and taped edges, it keeps out rain while allowing the body to exhale. These jackets are heavier than softshell and less breathable, but they are ideal for wet weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standard mid-layer for hiking is fleece. It’s warm, lightweight, quick-drying and works even when wet. It does not provide weather protection but is a very effective insulating layer when it’s cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe use of Polyester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nylon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Stretch fabrics — Polyester-Spandex blends and Nylon-Spandex blends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Softshell fabrics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Membranes Breathable and Waterproof Membrane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Fleece<\/h2>\n\n\n\n