Most hiking clothing advice falls into two camps: either it assumes you are heading for a windswept ridge in February, or it reads like you are about to summit something with a team and a permit. In reality, plenty of hikes are weekend walks, changeable weather, a few steep bits, and a packed lunch. The “best” clothes are simply the ones that keep you comfortable when you are moving, then stop you getting cold the moment you slow down.
The useful way to think about hiking kit is function, not fashion. What sits next to your skin. What traps a bit of warmth. What keeps wind and rain out. Everything else is detail.
A base layer’s job is not to look outdoorsy. It is to manage sweat so you do not end up clammy, then chilled.
Merino wool and synthetics are the usual choices for good reason. Merino tends to feel nicer over a long day and handles odour well. Synthetics dry quickly and are often tougher. Either works, as long as the fit is close enough to move moisture, without feeling restrictive.
Cotton is the one to be wary of. It holds onto moisture, and once it is wet it stays wet, which is how an easy walk can turn into a cold, miserable trudge. If you prefer the feel of cotton, keep it for pub lunches rather than the ascent.
On warmer days, a lightweight wicking T-shirt is enough. When it is colder, a long-sleeve base layer buys you options, especially if you are climbing early and finishing in a breeze.
The mid-layer is the piece you will notice most, because it is the one you will take on and off all day. You want warmth without bulk, and breathability without feeling flimsy.
A simple fleece is hard to beat. It dries quickly, keeps insulating even if damp, and you can stuff it in a pack without babying it. If you run cold, or you are heading out in winter, consider a light insulated jacket as well, but treat it as a “stop layer” for breaks rather than something you hike hard in.
Down is warm for the weight, but it dislikes persistent drizzle and damp air. Synthetic insulation is usually more forgiving in the UK. If you are unsure, a fleece plus a thin insulated jacket gives you flexibility without overthinking it.
A waterproof shell is often described as essential. It is, but mostly because the weather changes and because wind can be brutal when you have been sweating uphill.
The best shell is one you will actually carry. It should have a proper hood that moves with your head, and it should fit comfortably over your other layers without feeling like a bin bag. Breathable fabrics help, but even the best waterproofs feel muggy if you climb in them. The trick is to put it on early when the rain starts, and take it off as soon as you can, rather than wearing it “just in case” and sweating through your base layer.
If the forecast is dry but breezy, a light windproof can be more useful than a full waterproof. You stay warmer than you expect, and you do not end up overheating.
Some people like to think of this section as their top picks for the great outdoors. That framing is fine, as long as it does not distract from the main point: you are building a system you can adjust, not choosing a single magic jacket.
For most UK hikes, trousers matter more than people admit. Shorts are fine on warm, dry days, but long trousers give you protection from brambles, nettles, ticks, and damp grass. They also keep you warmer when the wind picks up.
Look for a fabric that has some stretch and dries fast. Softshell-style trousers are popular because they are comfortable to walk in and cope with light drizzle. On wet days, you can add waterproof overtrousers, but you do not need to hike in them all the time. They are an extra layer you pull on when you have to.
Avoid jeans. They are heavy, slow to dry, and uncomfortable once damp. If you want something that feels more like everyday trousers, there are hiking styles cut in a more normal shape, but still made from performance fabric. That is the compromise that tends to get worn.
Socks are clothing, and they can make or break a day. If your feet are comfortable, the rest feels easier.
A wool blend hiking sock is a reliable starting point. It cushions, manages moisture, and is less likely to hold onto smells. Thickness depends on your footwear and the temperature, but avoid going so thick that your boots feel tight. Tight boots cause hotspots, and hotspots turn into blisters.
Pack a spare pair if you are doing a longer day or the weather is uncertain. Changing into dry socks halfway through can feel oddly luxurious, even when you are sat on a rock eating a squashed sandwich.
It sounds obvious, but it is often the first thing people get wrong. If your underwear bunches, stays damp, or chafes, you will notice it with every step.
Choose something designed for movement: a supportive fit, smooth seams, and fabric that dries quickly. Some men prefer briefs, others prefer longer boxer-briefs to prevent inner-thigh friction. Test it on shorter walks first. Do not “save” new underwear for a big hike, for the same reason you would not debut new boots on a 20km route.
You do not need a wardrobe full of technical kit. What helps is paying attention to a few practical points:
Also, think about how you run temperature-wise. Some men overheat easily and need lighter layers. Others cool down quickly the moment they stop. Your best setup is personal, and it takes a couple of hikes to learn.
If you are updating your basics without wanting to spend weeks comparing specs, it is worth knowing that places like M&M Direct stock a mix of everyday sportswear and outdoor-leaning layers that can work well for casual hikes, especially for mid-layers and walking trousers. The key is still the same: choose the right fabrics and a fit you will actually wear.
If you want a simple starting outfit for a normal, changeable UK day hike, aim for:
From there, adjust. If it is hot, strip it back. If it is cold, add a warmer mid-layer and keep a “stop layer” ready for breaks. If it is wet and windy, accept that you will wear your shell more.
That is really the whole game. Hiking clothes are not about looking prepared. They are about staying comfortable as the day shifts under your feet.
