Fairweather Day Hiker clothing

[HikesWithDog]

Hello. I'm a Midwesterner. Summers are hot and humid. Fall is cool and humid. Spring is wet (humid). That is to say that 90% of the time, I do not need insulation, and my hiking is no more than 5 miles, often out and back.

I'm wondering, when I was younger (now 33), I had to have all the highly marketable hiking clothing. Now, I'm pretty happy in my trail running shoes, running shorts and moisture wicking t-shirt (like Under Armour heat gear) and a long sleeve moisture wicking shirt. My backpack has some protein, lots of water, dog "stuff", and I'm good to go. I may not look like your traditional hiker wearing brands like Nike and Under Armour, but I just haven't found a reason to invest in hiking brands for this style of hiking.

Am I off my rocker? Are there benefits to hiking shorts, carrying a rain shell that I don't need, etc?

 

 

[Outdoorsmom76]

You are not at all off your rocker. I never spend top dollar on hiking clothes. That being said, you can never count on fair weather. Even on short day hikes, I at least take a rain jacket.  I found a cheap one that folds up into a small pouch, making it perfect for throwing in a day pack. Running clothes often work well for hiking.  Whatever keeps you warm and dry (or cool and dry for summer) is fine. I generally prefer hiking shorts over running shorts because I like having pockets to keep my trail map and other items handy. Hike on fair weather hiker. 

[Aconcagua]

...My backpack has some protein, lots of water, dog "stuff", and I'm good to go...

Unfortunately "some protein" isn't optimal fuel for an activity like hiking.  I've hiked with a number of people who simply ran out of gas because they were on high protein/low carb diets and carried that mindset into their trail nutrients.

[Aconcagua]

...you can never count on fair weather...

I can for most of the year.  I live in California!

[HikerJen]

I, too, hail from the midwest and I always bring rain gear...I've been on a few day hikes where it began to rain, and having a rain jacket makes the hike that much more enjoyable.  I'm pretty hard line on that.  

But as far as clothing is concerned - as long as it's not 100% cotton, wear what you like.  No one is judging you on your choice of hiking clothes.  Hike your own hike!

[balzaccom]

I think most of our hiking clothing was purchased at thrift stores or discount stores.  And we've backpacked about 1,000 miles in the last eight  years.

[Aconcagua]

I think most of our hiking clothing was purchased at thrift stores or discount stores.  And we've backpacked about 1,000 miles in the last eight  years.

I frequent this one thrift store operated by a charity that always seems to have hiking/climbing clothing.  I just bought a wicking Under Armour mock turtleneck long sleeved undershirt for $5.00.  I don't think it had ever been worn...