Hiking can be the perfect hobby for people looking to improve both their physical and mental health. It not only burns calories, but also improves cardiovascular health, builds coordination and balance, reduces stress and promotes healthy aging. Quite a lot of benefits, huh? So, if you were thinking of engaging in this activity, you will definitely love what it can do for you. Read more on why it may be good for you.
As with any other sport, of course, getting properly equipped for it is a must. Picking out the right clothes and the right shoes is certainly important if you want to have a great hiking experience. Wearing the wrong items can make movement difficult, and that goes especially for wearing jackets that haven’t been designed for this activity specifically.
In short, if you want to have the best experience, you’ll need to wear the right hiking jacket. One that won’t make it difficult to move and that will be perfect in all kinds of weather conditions. Choosing the best one, of course, can be tricky, especially if you’re new to this activity and if you, thus, haven’t had the need to buy hiking jackets in the past. Understanding what to consider when choosing, though, will definitely help you make the best purchasing decision.
Consider Materials
Choosing the right materials is perhaps the most significant thing to do here. A lot of first-time hikers make the mistake of going for cotton for all their clothes, including the jacket. That, however, is not a good idea, because cotton doesn’t dry well and as it soaks up the sweat, it becomes heavier and heavier, and more and more unpleasant. Hard-shell jackets are perfect if you want a waterproof, lightweight and breathable item all in one, while a softshell one could also be a great option, provided that you insulate with other clothing items for winter hiking.
Get tips on choosing clothes for this activity in general: https://www.thewildestroad.com/blog/7-tips-to-help-you-choose-hiking-clothes
And the Size
Going for the wrong size can make it difficult for you to move, both when you choose a smaller one and a larger one. And, when hiking, you want to be able to move freely and without any issues, which is why considering the size is definitely of crucial significance. If you already know what your size is, you can easily order these jackets online. But, if you don’t, trying them out in person first is a better idea.
Water Resistance Is a Must
No matter what time of the year you’re planning on hiking, there’s always a possibility of getting caught in rain. Wearing a waterproof jacket in such cases will make all the difference. You’ll remain dry and be able to continue your hiking trip without too much trouble. While rain will definitely make the trip a bit more difficult, you’ll make it at least a little bit easier with a water resistant jacket.
And So Is Breathability
Breathability is another vital factor to consider. The higher the breathability, the less the jacket will actually trap the moisture and the heat. For intense activities, wearing fabric that is able to breathe, so to speak, is certainly important. And, hiking is, without a doubt, an intense activity. So, remember to check breathability.
Choose the Right Color
When choosing a jacket for hiking, most people check all of those important factors we’ve mentioned, but fail to consider the color, thinking it’s not that important. Yet, in certain situations, the color can actually have an impact on your trip. If tracking and aiming at spotting wildlife, you should go for neutral colors that will make blending in easier. On the other hand, bright colors are the perfect choice for altitude hikes and climbs and generally for hiking in remote areas, specifically because they will make you more visible and thus increase your safety.
Shop from Reputable Brands
The quality of the jacket you’ll purchase should be amazing. And, checking the factors mentioned above will definitely help you choose the perfect quality piece of clothing for your hiking trips. Still, buying from some shady places that claim to have the best quality jackets is not a good idea, because you never know what to expect until the jacket arrives and you try it out. Thus, shopping from reputable brands and stores is also important, as it will significantly improve your chances of getting the perfect quality hiking jacket.
Compare the Prices
Another thing to do is compare the actual prices of the items you’re considering. While you should be ready to pay a good price for the perfect quality, that doesn’t automatically mean you should agree to just any price, without doing the comparisons. Comparing the costs will help you find the most reasonable solution for you, thus being gentle on your budget, while getting the perfect quality hiking equipment.