However there is nothing that can spoil a great backpacking trip like bad clothing. If you are not wearing the right clothes, you might suffer from bruises and blisters, not to mention that you might catch a cold. The key to proper clothing on a backpacking trip is planning, and knowing your destination. You need to be aware of what the climate is like in the place you go to, and what the vegetation is like. If the forest you are going to has plenty of grass and bushes, you should not wear shorts, however you can easily wear them in pine forests, which don't have bushes. The problem with shorts is that your legs might get bruised, so wear them only if you are very familiar with your destination.
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| Source: Wikipedia |
You are going to need something for your head. This is where knowing your destination comes in. If you are going backpacking in a hot area, a baseball cap will do, but if you are hiking in a colder area, use a bonnet. The reason why you need something for your head is that it protects you against the strong sunlight, and it also prevents ticks from attaching themselves to your head. Ticks are one of the most dangerous creatures you are going to encounter while backpacking. Ticks transmit diseases because they feed on blood. Some studies show that more than fifty percent of ticks are infected with some kind of disease. The most dangerous disease you can get infected with by ticks is the Lyme disease, you should do everything you can to avoid these creatures.
The most crucial part of your clothing for a backpacking trip is going to be your boots. You need to cover a lot of ground during a trip, having comfortable and healthy boots is an absolute must. The best boots are lightweight and waterproof at the same time. They must have a thick bottom, otherwise the sharp rocks might pierce through them and damage your feet. They must be waterproof otherwise one short rain might ruin your whole backpacking trip. Imagine getting caught by a rain and having to hike in boots soaked with water for the whole duration of the trip. Not only does it sound like a nightmare scenario, but it would be unhealthy as well. Germs live in warm and wet places, they would flourish inside a wet boot.
A heavy boot would put considerable demands on your knees. Imagine carrying around two blocks of concrete on your feet for a whole day. That is what it feels like to wear heavy hiking boots. This not only makes the backpacking trip a hassle, but it also damages your knee joints and ligaments. I like to wear running socks inside my boots. They are the most durable and comfortable socks I know, and they provide the most protection for your feet during a long trip. Running socks are also excellent at keeping your feet dry as they have mesh parts that allow your feet to breathe.
You should get a waterproof jacket or wind jacket as well. This is also for remaining dry even during your backpacking trips. It ensures that you are going to be able to carry on dry after it starts raining.
