How to Dress for Success in the Great Outdoors
When heading into the great outdoors for a walk, hike or tramp, the right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but it could also – literally - save your life. The key to success is careful planning – so you have what you need on hand for the changing conditions. The same general principles apply all year round, but with winter, there are a few extra things to add to your pack.
First, Give Some Thought to Fabrics
For all clothing in your tramping arsenal, choose the fabrics carefully. They need to be breathable, lightweight and, ideally, quick drying. Synthetics (like fleece and polypropylene) or wool (such as merino) are perfect for the ngahere. These fabrics will stay warm when they get wet and won’t absorb moisture as much as other materials. Synthetics have the added benefit of drying quickly.
Leave your cotton and denim clothing at home! When wet, these fabrics suck heat from your body. At the very least, they’ll make you cold and miserable. At worst, you could get hypothermia. Heavy cotton and denim are also next to impossible to dry, even in a hut with a fire.
Layer Up
Wearing multiple layers of clothing will keep you warm when the weather turns and allow you to take layers off as you warm up, so you maintain an optimal temperature.
For a tried and tested layering system, we recommend:
- Base layer – tramping shirt or short-sleeved top. No matter what the season, being able to strip down to a shirt or t-shirt when you get warm will mean you won’t overheat on the track. Opting for a collared shirt will have the added benefit of providing sun protection for your neck. For the cooler months, add a long-sleeved thermal to this layer for extra warmth.
- Mid layer – fleece or long-sleeved woollen top. This layer provides a warmer layer that, as part of the layering system, will help see you through all the seasons.
- Insulation layer – a synthetic or down jacket. This is essential for the colder months but it's a good idea to take one all year round, especially if heading into our national parks. If it's chilly, it will be great on the track or when you stop for a break, or in the hut if it's really cold. Note that down loses its insulating properties when it gets wet.
- Water and wind-proof layer – raincoat or quality rain jacket. This will keep you dry and protect you against the wind.
For your bottom half, whether you’re wearing shorts or long pants, include a pair of long thermals in your pack for layering when it’s really cold. If your rain jacket is short, consider waterproof trousers for added rain and wind protection.
Add a hat and gloves
A warm hat and gloves are vital, as they stop body heat from escaping. In the New Zealand outdoors, where four seasons in one day is commonplace, you should never leave home without these – even in summer!
Keep a sun hat on hand, even in winter, especially if you’ll be walking on exposed ridges or in valleys where you won’t have tree cover. Ideally, choose a wide brim hat to protect your neck, head and face from the harsh New Zealand sun.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
To stay warm and dry throughout your trip, monitor and manage your temperature pre-emptively.
Stopping for a break? Put on warm clothing (including your warm hat) immediately, rather than when you start to cool down. Once you stop moving, you’ll begin to lose heat quickly, and it will be hard to get warm again.
If rain looks likely, put on your rain gear before it starts. To avoid overheating, you may need to take off some warm layers first, depending on the temperature.
Keep warm clothes and rain gear in a dry bag near the top of your pack so they’re easy to access when you need them.
Don’t Forget Your Feet
Thick, long socks made from a synthetic-wool mix will keep your feet warm and comfortable, and they’ll dry relatively quickly if they get wet.
Waterproof tramping boots for overnight hikes or multi-day tramps are a must. They will protect your feet and ankles, and keep them dry. As an optional extra, think about gaiters as an added protection against mud and rain. They’ll also keep pesky stones and grass seeds from getting into your boots. In winter, tramping boots are also a wise choice for day walks.
For the Hut or Campsite
Pack a spare set of clothing for when you arrive (possibly wet!) at the hut. Dry clothes, including socks, after a day in the rain will not only keep you toasty and comfortable but will boast your morale. Where possible, dry out any damp clothing by the woodburner.
Plan, Plan, Plan…
The Plan My Walk website and free app is a great way to make sure you’ve always got the clothing you need in your pack. Along with the latest weather and track updates, It includes a customisable gear list so you can create lists for different types of adventures and for different times of the year.
Happy tramping!
Further Information
- Supplies Section | Learn more about food, equipment and emergency supplies you may need for your next adventure.
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