Men's Hiking

"Match your walking clothing to activity intensity, terrain, and exposure level for optimal comfort and protection:

Mountain trekking and mountaineering:

Waterproof 3-layer shells for sustained weather exposure
Durable hiking trousers with reinforced knees and abrasion resistance
Midweight fleece or insulated mid layers for altitude and cold
Merino or synthetic base layers for moisture management
Technical rucksacks designed for load carrying

Day hiking and trail routes:

Breathable hiking shirts with moisture-wicking properties
Lightweight fleeces for variable conditions
Walking trousers with stretch and water resistance
Base layers for cold starts and high-output efforts

Winter walking:

Insulated jackets or heavyweight fleeces for static warmth
Waterproof shells over insulating layers
Thermal base layers (midweight to heavyweight)
Insulated gloves, warm hats, and merino hiking socks

Everyday outdoor walking:

Lightweight t-shirts or long-sleeve base layers
Quick-drying walking trousers or shorts
Packable lightweight jacket for unexpected weather
Comfortable walking footwear suitable for maintained paths

Multi-day treks and travel:

Packable waterproof jackets with minimal weight
Quick-drying base layers and hiking shirts
Versatile hiking trousers that work across conditions
Layering pieces that cover multiple temperature ranges"

Choose hiking clothing based on the dominant weather challenge you'll face:

Cold weather (below 10°C):

Thermal base layers (midweight to heavyweight merino or synthetic)
Insulating mid layers (fleece or synthetic insulation)
Windproof outer layer to prevent heat loss
Moisture-wicking fabrics to prevent damp cold from sweat
Extended coverage (high collars, long sleeves, full-length trousers)

Rain and wet conditions:

Waterproof shells with taped seams and waterproof ratings above 10,000mm
Water-resistant hiking trousers or waterproof overtrousers
Breathable membranes to manage internal moisture
Quick-drying base layers and mid layers underneath
Adjustable hoods, cuffs, and hems for weather sealing

Hot weather (above 20°C):

Lightweight, highly breathable fabrics with maximum airflow
Moisture-wicking base layers or technical t-shirts
UPF sun protection in fabrics for exposed skin coverage
Light colors to reflect heat
Ventilation features (mesh panels, pit zips) in outer layers
Quick-drying materials to handle sweat

Snow and winter conditions:

Layering system: thermal base + insulated mid + waterproof shell
Windproof outer layers to prevent wind chill
Water-resistant or waterproof trousers to shed snow
Insulated accessories (gloves, hat, neck gaiter)
Gaiters to keep snow out of boots
Fabrics that retain warmth when damp

Premium hiking gear costs more upfront but delivers superior performance, durability, and total value over its lifespan. Quality outdoor clothing uses advanced fabrics with better moisture management, temperature regulation, and weather protection compared to budget alternatives. Premium construction includes reinforced stitching, abrasion-resistant panels, and robust hardware that withstand years of hard use. Budget gear degrades quickly, requiring replacement within 1-2 seasons. Quality gear lasts 5-10 years with proper care. Poor-performing gear fails in critical conditions—cheap waterproofs leak, low-quality base layers trap moisture, inadequate insulation leaves you cold. Premium gear performs when conditions deteriorate and comfort matters most. Calculate cost per wear over the product's lifespan, not just initial price. Investing in proven fabrics like merino wool, Gore-Tex® membranes, and Polartec® fleeces delivers measurable performance advantages that justify higher cost through extended durability and consistent function.

As a UK Special Forces heritage brand, we understand the importance of functional clothing better than most. Whilst on operations, a torn sleeve, busted zip or flailing hood could quickly become the difference between life and death. However, when the only consequence is comfort, it's best to consider the following when looking for hiking clothes.

- Moisture wicking fabrics, either synthetic fibres or merino wool that move sweat away from the skin whilst working hard on challenging terrain or steep climbs

- Breathability, allowing heat to escape, preventing overheating and dehydration which can be disastrous in extreme conditions

- Mobility, stretch fabrics and articulated design that allow for unrestricted movement

- Durability, abrasion resistant reinforcements from Cordura® to Dyneema® that can withstand the scuffs and scrapes of arduous terrain

- Layering compatibility, ensuring your garments work as part of a layering system able of managing warmth and comfort at all times

- Weather protection, waterproof hard shells and/or insulated jackets are essential for any pursuit beyond a foul weather dog walk

We would not recommend wearing gym clothes for hiking. Whilst ThruDark Force Activewear is built to endure, standard gym clothes have typically been designed for indoor, controlled enviroments. Their purpose is to respond to a limited variety of movements and stressors. This generally makes gym clothes lightweight and lacking the abrasion resistance and weather protection offered by outdoor technical clothing. By contrast, hiking clothing has been designed to protect you from both the elements and challenging terrain. Durable water repellent coatings, waterproof membranes, down and synthetic insulation plus stronger than steel Dyneema® reinforcements or high tenacity Cordura. Proper hiking clothing offers numerous performance benefits that vastly outweigh those of gym clothing when it comes to taking your endeavours outdoors.