Mountain clothing: tips on how to choose the perfect combination

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Mountain clothing / Photo: Luke Helgeson (unsplash)
Mountain clothing / Photo: Luke Helgeson (unsplash)

The choice of mountain clothing is one of the first aspects to take into account when deciding to practice outdoor activities. It is specially designed so that the wearer can withstand the inclement weather that he/she has to face in his/her activity. Choose comfortable clothing that allows free movement and provides technical performance, putting this before any aesthetic features. It is true that nowadays clothes for hiking or mountaineering tend to be more colourful and more in line with current fashion criteria, but put the technical characteristics before any other aesthetic criteria -you will be grateful-. The climatic factors are one of the determining factors in deciding the model and type of fabric of the clothing to wear. First of all, you must know the place where you are going to go: terrain, climate, time of year.

Shirts, jackets and linings. Three-layer top.

When it comes to T-shirts or tops, there are many types of lightweight fabrics and thermal layers. Consideration of the type of weather and the type of activity are very important in order to choose these garments, because depending on the type of weather you will need more than one shirt and jacket to keep away moisture and store body heat. We will overlap different layers of clothing, the so called three-layer method (see article). Depending on the conditions, some layers of clothing may be omitted. The types of layers you can choose from are as follows:

Helly Hansen HH LIFA Active Crew, Men's
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Active Crew, Male (female model). 2-layer system with fibre (100% Lifa next to the skin and absorbent technical fibres on the outside) for better moisture management while keeping you warm and comfortable for mountaineering activity.
  • Sports bra. For women, the choice of a good sports top is of great importance. It will influence your performance. It should be comfortable and offer support without being too tight. We must bear in mind that with moderate use, they are garments with important wear and tear and it is recommended to renew them every year. The choice will be a high-impact model for aerobic sport, such as the NIKE W NP Classic Swoosh Bra (Amazon / Alltricks). 
NIKE W NP Classic Swoosh Bra.
NIKE W NP Classic Swoosh Bra (Amazon / Alltricks). Breathable Dri-Fit technology fabric wicks away moisture and keeps feet dry, ready for high-intensity athletic performance.
HH Lifa Active Solen
HH Lifa Active Solen (Female) / Similar male model. Designed to keep you dry on hot summer days.
The North Face M 100 Glacier
Fleece 100 Glacier Full Zip by The North Face for men. Female Model. Made with Polartec® microfleece fabric for lightweight warmth and ease of movement. Simplicity perfected for use as a second layer.
  • Waistcoat. Provides comfort of movement as well as maintaining body temperature. Can be a complement to the mid-layer. They are available in different fabrics and can function well as a windbreaker. In this case, consider that it will allow an optimal evacuation of sweat. Some, such as the TRANGOWOLD Otal Vest Duck Down, we can use it for winter activities. 
TRANGOWORLD Otal
TRANGOWORLD Otal Men's . Technical duck down waistcoat 90/10 550 cuins for demanding winter activities. Very warm and robust. That accessory that you can carry in your rucksack and that can save you from getting very cold, at a reduced volume and weight.
  • Soft-shell jacket. These jackets have a membrane fabric 
    soft-shell jackets, which are characterised by waterproofness and breathability. One such jacket is the Arc'teryx Atom SL Hoody (Click here) or the Cascade Ridge II Softshell (get it here) from Columbia. Its good performance and value for money make it one of the most popular jackets among mountaineers. The evolution of the second layers have become more and more versatile, as is the case with soft-shell, which have become layers 2.5 which provide warmth, while protecting the body from humidity and the harshness of the weather (wind, water to a certain extent).
Arcteryx Atom SL Hoody Mens Men's Jacket
Arcteryx Atom SL Hoody Mens Men's Jacket / Female model. Hooded jacket with Coreloft™ hollow fibre, super lightweight and easy to compress, for medium to high intensity activities. Atom Series: Synthetic insulated midlayers.
  • Raincoat/Jacket. The last of the layers, which will provide waterproofing, as well as protecting us from inclement weather such as wind. It must contain a membrane that provides waterproofing and breathability. There are technologies such as Gore-tex among others.

The variety of mountain jackets is very wide and so is the range of prices. We can find them for 650 euros as Haglöfs Roc Nordic Gtx Pro (Click to view) 356 euros, or at more affordable prices, such as the MILLET Kamet Light GTX (Amazon / Alltricks). On the other hand, ultralight jackets take up little space in the backpack and are very easy to carry. Personally, I usually carry an ultralight (thin) gore-tex jacket to be used only in case of rain.(YOU MAY BE INTERESTED: The best third layer for mountaineering: how to choose the right one).

GORE WEAR R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Trail.
Jacket man GORE WEAR R7 Gore-Tex Shakedry for Trail (Amazon/ Alltricks)/ Female model (see here). Lightweight jacket for running and trail running in cold weather conditions. GORE-TEX Active Shakedry technology: waterproof, windproof, highly breathable and drip-proof outer surface.

Trousers and underwear

For the lower garments you have various options ranging from from leggings to shortsFor this choice you should consider the type of weather and the type of hiking you will be doing, as sometimes a pair of trousers will be necessary to keep warm. The types of bottoms you can use for hiking are as follows:

  • Special underwear for outdoor activities. In this chapter I definitely trust the brand. Helly Hansen. Technical underwear with excellent moisture management and ventilation thanks to Lifa fibre technology. Flat seams, elasticated waistband. The boxer shorts in HH LIFA Merno is ideal for intense activities in any sport. In its version for women on Helly Hansen W HH Dry Revolutioncomplemented by the top Dry Revolution Sports.
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Merno Boxer, Men's
Helly Hansen HH LIFA Merno Boxer, Male (model for women)

For very cold conditions and when using waterproof trousers (outer layer). They will also offer comfort when sleeping. 

Helly Hansen W HH LIFA Merino (Women's)
Helly Hansen W HH LIFA Merino (Female) / Male model. A unique 2-in-1 base layer with 100% merino wool combined with Lifa Stay warm technology in a 2-layer construction. HH Lifa merino offers all the great benefits of merino wool fibres lint The unique properties of lifa(r) technical fibres.
  • Technical trekking trousers. There are many types and fabrics available today, and their use will depend on the conditions we expect to encounter. The Salomon Wayfarer Warm (from 100 euros on Amazon) is a versatile trouser and its elasticity will allow you to have ease of movement. 

(YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: The best hiking trousers. Comparison & buying guide)

Izas Trekking Trousers Wengen
Izas Trekking Trousers Wengen (female model). The Izas Chamonix trousers (men's model) is specifically designed for hiking. Thanks to its fabric Mount-Stretch has the following technical features: water repellency, breathability, quick drying and elasticity. Pre-shaped knees for ease of movement. The women's version is available in the Izas Wengen (female model). On the other hand, the Hannah Claim II Anthrazit for men are made of flexible Doube back fabric, which is breathable, windproof and windproof. 
  • Waterproof trousers. As with the jackets, they will have a membrane that makes them waterproof and breathable. We can find the Berghaus Gore Tex Paclite Shell (Click here to buy on Amazon). Manufactured using GORE-TEX fabric to provide waterproof, breathable and windproof properties.

Footwear

We could say that footwear is the most important item to practice this sport because of the protection and support it gives to feet and ankles. To find the right most suitable hiking footwearYou have multiple options to choose from, such as: hiking boots, trekking shoes, running shoes and special sandals. The different shoes you can choose from are as follows:

  • Lightweight hiking shoes. On trekking routes it is more and more common to replace the traditional boots with trekking shoes. New technologies and systems give them a not inconsiderable stability. (YOU MAY BE INTERESTED: Wearing trekking shoes on the Camino de Santiago) There are shoes on the market that offer lightness, safety and grip at the same time. The Salomon brand has specialised in this type of footwear. An example is its model  XA PRO 3D GTX (click here to buy it at Alltricks).
SALOMON X Ultra 4 gore-Tex
SALOMON X Ultra 4 gore-Tex Male model / Model for women. I have selected the SALOMON X Ultra 4 GTX (female model / male model) for fit, comfort and durability. Salomon has set a milestone in the world of running shoes. trailThe experience is transferred to this shoe, which also offers you stability (ADV-C Chassis), the grip (Sole Contagrip® MA) and waterproof protection for longer hiking and trekking routes.
  • Semi-rigid boots for difficult terrains. When the terrain is difficult, the footwear must provide robustness and resistance. In addition, when we move in medium or high mountains, we may need cramponsOur footwear must allow us to fit them. In this type of boots we have the BESTARD SPIDER Krecommended for mid-mountain hikes. Another model we recommend is the TR Quantic by Bestard.
Hiking boots, which perfectly combine mobility and flexibility with comfort and protection. I like the TR Quantic de Bestard (female model / male model)combining Bestard's classic trekking boot with new generation comfort technology and functionalities. Resistance, lightness and breathability thanks to the Perwanger leather and Kevlar upper with natural rubber toe cap, along with GORE-TEX that will keep your foot dry and cool. It's a boot for long backpacking tripsWe are also planning to pass through areas of snow or a lot of mud.
  • Stiff boots for mountaineering and high alpinism. We move on icy terrain in a winter environment. The boot must provide comfort against the cold as well as grip and robustness. The boots will be semi-cramponable and cramponable. It is a challenge to combine all this while maintaining a certain lightness. La Sportiva Nepal Evo Gtx (see on Amazon / Alltricks) is the most widely used model among experienced mountaineers for its versatility in extreme high mountain environments.
  • Hiking sandals. Both for moments of rest and for excursions in a low mountain environment. This item should not be missing in your backpack. The robustness and support of the COLUMBIA SANTIAM 3 STRAPideal for summer hikes over uneven terrain or the Columbia Trailstorm Hiker 2 Strap in its women's version. 
MERRELL Kahuna III
The Merrell KAHUNA III (male model / female model) are recommended for hiking in high temperature environments. Internal neoprene Lycra lining with antimicrobial Aegis treatment, stability and fit thanks to the TPU heel piece, Merrell Air Cushion cushioning system and Vibram sole. Another option is the Merrell Terran 3 Women's Cush Lattice.

The most important thing about the choice of footwear is that it has good support and provides foot safety and protection The tyres are also designed to ensure good traction in both wet and dry terrain.

Other complements:

  • Gaiters. Another must-have for snow or wet terrain. There is a wide range of models on the market, a good choice would be the MILLET ALPINE GAITERS GTX (Amazon / Alltricks)Gore-tex gaiters. Another option is the Berghaus Rodmann Gaiters GTX II.
berghaus Rodmann Gaiters GTX II
Gaiters Berghaus Rodmann Gaiters GTX II They have a Gore-Tex 3L Lofoten/6000 Poly membrane. In short, waterproof, breathable and highly durable gaiters for the most demanding alpine activities.

Accessories and complements

Some items are necessary for protection against the sun or cold. For cold climates it is important to bring gloves and a hatand for warmer climates, the following are necessary cap or hat y sunglasses.

Millet Warm Stretch Gloves
The Millet Warm Stretch Gloves gloves are warm and breathable gloves, they are made of a Polartec® power stretch®The gloves are made of a soft, lightweight material, which gives them that protection. They will primarily be lightweight gloves to keep your hands warm for outdoor activities in winter. They are versatile, insulating and flexible, and offer great freedom of movement. Also noteworthy are the Millet Pirment II (Alltricks).

The type of glove we use will depend on the activity and environment, ranging from thin gloves for trail running on a cool morning to high-mountain gloves with innovative fabrics to keep you warm at low temperatures while maintaining high waterproofness and breathability.

The Helly Hansen Brand Beanie is a classic beanie that provides warmth and comfort on your outings.
Buff Rodmann Thermal Merino
Merino BuffThe multifunctional, natural and comfortable 100% fabric made of merino sheep's wool is elastic, stable, breathable and very hard-wearing, a necessary accessory for winter and autumn outings.

The types of fabric to consider for mountain clothing

There are different types of fabrics that are ideal for this sport, for this reason here are some of them:

  • Insulation. This refers to the ability of a fabric to keep warmth in, the better the insulating fabric the more it stores body heat. These can be wool, fleece, synthetics or down as they are excellent insulators.
  • Wicking. When it comes to outdoor clothing, this is arguably one of the best fabrics, as it draws sweat away from the body and moves it to the outside of the garment, preventing moisture and cold. In case it gets wet, it will dry quickly, which guarantees protection against bad smells and the annoying sticky feeling.
  • Waterproof. Waterproof fabrics are the best for extreme climates, they do not allow rain to pass through. We can consider it to be waterproof as well as breathable, on the other hand it can be a fabric that confers "windproof" to the garment. On the market there are membranes and technologies such as Gore-Tex, which provide the garment with both waterproofing and breathability - essential so that we don't get soaked with our own sweat.
  • Sun protection. This type of fabric used for outdoor activities usually comes with UV protection. It allows to block the sun's rays, creating a protective and cooling effect.
  • Breathable. Breathable fabrics are important for any of the layers of clothing, because if they are not breathable, they will not wick sweat and moisture away from the body, ending up completely wet due to sweat.

*All purchase prices included in this article are current as of 03-11-2021.