Hiking and Climbing
All Weather Wear for Hiking and Climbing
Dedicated hikers and climbers will hike and climb regardless of the weather outside. That’s why it’s so important that they equip themselves with the right all weather wear.
The first things that most hikers, for instance, will complain about is their feet: They tend to get wet if they’re hiking a path during or right after a rain. And then wet feet become cold feet.
Given these facts, it’s wise to keep away from cotton socks. Yes, they feel comfortable at first, they also hold in moisture, which will keep your feet cold from the moment they get wet until you get home to dry out. A better choice is wool which is preferable since it mostly absorbs moisture, and yet it retains its warmth. Polyester works well too, although it probably won’t keep your feet as warm as wool.
Coupled with wool socks should be a pair of well-insulated boots, for both hiking and climbing.
Many hikers and climbers will want some head gear, especially if it’s raining at all. The same rules as above apply regarding wool rather than cotton. Actually, the more water-proof you can get the better.
And while you’re dressing in an all-weather way, don’t forget to carry all-weather equipment as well. For instance, take along a pair of binoculars that are waterproof and fog-resistant. A fog-resistant pair helps in both chilly weather as well as extremely arm and humid weather, since just the heat from your eyeball will tend to fog up the small lens next to your eyes, if you have a sub-standard set.
And of course, don’t forget a good set of gloves. For climbing, it’s important that these resist the water, but at the same time, be flexible enough to allow you to manoeuvre your fingers completely.
