What is the best outdoor clothing for mountain hiking?

Hiking in the mountains means dealing with big temperature swings within a single day. Here's how to choose your clothing wisely, area by area.

The head and extremities, often overlooked

We think about them less than jackets or shoes, yet the head, hands and neck account for a significant share of heat loss in the mountains. A light beanie, even in spring or autumn, lets you quickly regulate your temperature without changing your whole outfit. A headband or multifunctional neck gaiter is a useful addition, protecting you from the wind or the sun depending on the season.

A cap is still better than a beanie on summer hikes, to protect you from the sun without raising your body temperature.

The torso: layering

This is the most strategic area of the body when mountain hiking, where the multi-layer system really makes the difference:

• A breathable technical T-shirt as a base layer, to wick away sweat during sustained effort.
• A sweatshirt or hoodie as a mid-layer, easy to take off and tie to your backpack's hip belt on more demanding sections.
• A sherpa fleece for breaks and more static moments, especially at the summit or during a picnic at altitude, when the body cools down quickly once you stop.
• A waterproof, windproof jacket, always in your backpack, even when clear weather is forecast: mountain weather remains unpredictable.

The lower body

Lightweight, breathable technical hiking trousers are still preferable to jeans or ordinary trousers, particularly for freedom of movement and quick drying in the rain or on wet sections. Depending on the season, technical leggings as a base layer can usefully complement your trousers on cold-weather outings.

Don't forget everyday accessories

A scrunchie or a sturdy hair tie, discreet bracelets that don't get in the way, or a light poncho to slip into your backpack for an unplanned break by a mountain lake: it's often the little details that make the difference over a long day of walking.

The general idea remains the same whatever the season: several thin, adaptable layers are better than one thick piece, so you can easily adjust to changes in temperature and effort throughout the hike.