What to wear for a day on the hills

Clothing for the hills is less about brands and more about layers you can add and remove without stopping for long. The aim is to stay slightly cool while moving and to have something warm ready the moment you stop.

Three layers cover most days

A base layer that dries quickly, a warm middle layer such as fleece, and a waterproof shell. Cotton holds sweat and cools you down fast, so leave it at home for anything longer than an hour.

Put the shell on before the rain starts, not after. Once the base layer is wet, the rest of the day is harder.

Feet and hands

Wool or wool-blend socks, one size that fits without bunching, matter more than the price of the boots. Carry a spare pair in the bag on long days.

A thin pair of gloves and a hat weigh almost nothing and make a cold summit pleasant instead of miserable.