Camping has become increasingly common as more people seek to escape city life. The popularity of this outdoor hobby has only increased as more people enjoy its benefits, such as bonding time with family or friends, and exploring nature. However, many ask, what do I wear when camping?
Deciding what to wear when you’re out camping will be heavily influenced by the season. However, some essential items are waterproof clothing, hats, footwear, quick-drying clothes, gloves, and more.
As much fun as camping is, clothing takes up a lot of space, and you don’t want to skimp in this department if unexpected weather rains on your parade. This guide will help you to sort through your clothing and decide what to bring.
What Clothes Do You Need to Bring When Camping?
If you’re planning on spending your entire trip outside, you should consider bringing some clothes suitable for extreme temperatures.
For example, if you plan on going hiking during the day, you’ll want to ensure that you have comfortable clothing that won’t restrict movement.
At night, you’ll want warm comfortable clothing. It’s important to remember that you’ll be sleeping outdoors, so you’ll want to make certain that you have enough blankets to keep yourself warm.
However, if you’re planning on doing any camping activities, you’ll want appropriate footwear. If you plan on walking around a lot, then you’ll want shoes that provide good traction.
As you can see, there are plenty of types of camping, and each of them needs to have the appropriate clothes.
We divide clothes you need to bring when camping in the Spring and Summer seasons, as well as Fall and Winter.
Spring and Summer Clothing
You’ll want to use lightweight materials when camping in the spring and summer.
As mentioned before, you’ll spend most of your time outside, so you don’t want to carry too many items that weigh down your backpack.
Instead, you’ll want to focus on lightweight fabrics like cotton and polyester. These materials will allow you to move freely without being weighed down by heavy clothing.
1. Waterproof Clothing
While you may not think about it, rain is one of the biggest threats to your safety when camping. Even though you may feel fine inside, you could get sick if you aren’t properly dressed.
You’ll want to ensure that you have a jacket that protects against the rain. In addition to providing protection, you’ll also want to ensure that your jacket fits well.
Otherwise, you could end up feeling uncomfortable and cold.
2. Hats
A sun hat is another item that you’ll want to pack. Not only will it protect your head from the sun, but it will also keep your hair from falling in your face.
In fact, you’ll find that hats are often used as an alternative to sunscreen. This is especially true for people who are allergic to sunscreen or prefer natural products.
When you’re outside in the summer, you’re going to encounter intense UV from the sun, so bringing a hat is necessary.
You can also try to experiment with different kinds of hats since there are some with netting that protect you from mosquitoes or bugs.
3. Sunglasses
While you might not think about it, sunglasses are essential when you’re camping. This is because they help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Not only do they protect your eyes, but they also help prevent glare. The last thing you want is to have trouble reading a map or looking at a device when you’re out in the wild.
It can also be dangerous since the sun’s glare can be disorienting.
4. Quick Dry Clothes
If you’re planning on spending more than a day outdoors, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothes that dry quickly. In addition to this, you’ll want to pack clothes that are made of breathable material.
This way, you won’t get overheated while you’re hiking around.
If you’re planning on going for a swim to cool down, you’ll want something that dries fast. For example, you can pack a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
5. Breathable Footwear
If you’re wearing shoes that aren’t designed for outdoor activities, then you’ll have issues with blisters. Therefore, you’ll need to make sure that you pack comfortable footwear.
To avoid discomfort, you’ll want to make sure you bring a pair of sneakers. These are great for running around and exploring the area.
One of the most important things is that the pair of shoes you decide to take needs to be breathable to allow your feet to cool off without having to remove them.
Fall and Winter Clothing
While you don’t necessarily need to pack everything, you’ll want to include a jacket, pants, and boots. In addition to this, you may want to consider including gloves, a scarf, and a hat.
All of these items will help you stay warm during the cold months.
1. Heated Waterproof Jacket
One of the best pieces of clothing you can pack is a waterproof jacket with warm materials or, even better, heat. This is especially true if you plan on doing a lot of activities outside.
Its internal heating system makes a heated jacket different from regular jackets. This means that you don’t have to worry about carrying extra layers or anything else.
This way, you’ll be able to keep the heat inside the jacket and not have to carry around extra weight.
It’s important to note that you’ll want to ensure that the jacket has a hood that keeps you protected from wind.
With this jacket, you can take on some of the worst weather conditions and still be warm and fuzzy on the inside.
2. Winter Hat
Your head is one of the most important parts of the body, and keeping it comfortable and warm is a must. This is especially if you’re going camping in a place that’s well known for its strong winds.
3. Layers Upon Layers
You’ll want to wear multiple layers of clothing, but you’ll want to make them as light as possible. You’ll want to layer up your top half more than your bottom.
You’ll want to do this because it allows you to regulate the temperature of your body. If you start wearing too much clothing, you’ll overheat.
On the other hand, if you only wear a thin shirt, you’ll have to deal with hypothermia. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure that you wear enough layers to protect yourself against both situations.
4. Winter Gloves
These are essential for protecting your hands from cold temperatures and winds. Your hands are very sensitive to the cold, so you’ll want to ensure that you bring gloves.
It’s important to remember that these gloves will help you avoid frostbite. They’re also great for helping you grip things like poles and tents.
In addition, you’ll want to ensure that they’re insulated. This is because insulation keeps your hands warm while allowing them to breathe.
You don’t want the cold wind to come through your gloves, so it’s recommended that they are leathery on the outside and woolen on the inside to keep you extra warm.
5. Waterproof Footwear
If your feet get wet and there’s no proper way to heat them quickly, you can suffer from hypothermia which is deadly in some cases.
When you’re hiking in the woods, you’ll want to keep an eye out for puddles and streams. If you see any and there’s no way to avoid them, you’ll want something that prevents water from entering your shoes.
You can do that by getting waterproof footwear. It’s not just about preventing water from entering your shoes; it’s also about keeping your feet dry and warm.
What Clothing Items Shouldn’t You Wear When Camping?
There are certain items that you shouldn’t wear when camping. For example, you shouldn’t wear flip-flops when you’re going to be camping in the summertime.
They’re not going to provide you with grip or help with your traveling; the only thing they’re good at is looking stylish; however, that shouldn’t be your concern when you’re out in the wilderness.
1. Denim Clothes
Denim doesn’t have a lot of stretchability. That means that it won’t allow you to move around easily. Secondly, denim isn’t breathable.
As such, it traps moisture inside your clothing, making you feel hot and uncomfortable. Denim is heavy. So, if you’re carrying a lot of weight, you’ll find it difficult to carry around.
2. Perfume
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, you should avoid perfumes. Perfumes contain chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
That’s why you’ll want to stay away from using perfume when you’re camping. Instead, use a natural scent that smells nice but doesn’t irritate your skin.
The same goes for colognes. Colognes are made from synthetic fragrances that can cause allergic reactions.
But at the same time, you don’t want to attract the attention of animals or other predators in the area.
3. Expensive Clothing
It’s important to note that expensive clothing isn’t always better than cheap ones. You may end up damaging your expensive clothing, making them unusable.
At the same time, you may also lose money if you opt for these clothes instead of cheap ones.
Cheap doesn’t mean that it’s bad quality, however in certain situations like camping it’s worth bringing some cheap clothes instead of your fashionable and expensive ones.
Other than damaging them by getting caught on branches and things like that, you also have to consider that it may get with stains that aren’t removable.
Also, the weather conditions may ruin some of the materials.
Closing Thoughts
When camping, you need to consider what kind of clothing you should bring along. If you’re camping during the winter, you’ll want to bring along warmer clothing.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be doing this in the summer, you’ll want something lighter to enjoy yourself more.
Certain types of clothing you shouldn’t bring along while camping. These include flip-flops, perfume, and expensive clothing. To avoid problems, you should stick to the guidelines we’ve provided here.
This way, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about anything else.