Clothes for Hiking and Wildlife Watching

Almost everything will get wet on a long hike in the rain, including you.

A good soaking is just part of the adventure. Be prepared for heavy rain, occasional water crossings, or a refreshing swim. Optimal clothing is the key to a joyful trip. Test your clothes for comfort before hiking.

If staying perspiration-free in the rain is important to you while you’re hiking down a trail carrying a loaded backpack, maybe you should pick another sport. You’re going to sweat. Perspiring is inevitable on the move.

For rain or wetland hiking you want comfy functional clothes that can get wet repeatedly and not soak up much water, but let it run off or wick it away. They should be lightweight, quick drying, and above all feel good and comfortable when swimming.

Kit for Rain Hiking

1. Beathable unlined cagoule
2. Quick drying base layer
3. Fleece insulating layer if cold
4. Rain pants (with or without shorts or leggings underneath)
5. Wool socks
6. Robust hiking boots

Shirts for Wading

A quick drying wading shirt feels good in the water, repels bugs and has good sun protection. It should blend well into the environment to hide you from the animals in the area.

A quality wading shirt isn’t always easy to find. Either they’re too heavy, too light or far too expensive. Each wader has their own preference when it comes to a quality wading shirt. Consider where you go wading before you make your decision.

Many waders have shirts for spring, summer, spring, autumn and winter. Shirts are a bit of an investment, but comfort in the water will give you more joy.

A nice wading shirt will repel bugs and sun as well as blend into the environment. You don’t want a shirt that sticks out and gives you away to all of the animals in the area.

Two zipped chest pockets keep your items in place no matter how much you're moving through water. The durability make the $30 or $40 for these shirts well worth it.

Kit List for Amphibian Hiking

Every hobby has its essential gear, hiking and wetland wildlife watching is no exception.

1. Waterproof marine binoculars
2. Waterproof camera
3. Waterproof mobile phone with GPS logger
4. Field guide app
5. Note taking app
6. Quick drying clothes that can get wet
7. A dark/camo poncho or cape to hide your shape

Attach all gadgets to you, so they don't get lost.

Cost

If you’ve ever bought waterproof hiking equipment you already know it usually comes with a hefty price, but this doesn't have to be so. Don't go for expensive technical fabrics. Simple nylon and polyester is fine, as long as it is breathable. A good breathable anorak or poncho, rain pants, robust footwear, and a hooded rain cover for your pack have you prepared for wet days.

No Swimwear

Swimwear is not needed. You can use unlined rain clothes as swimwear, because they dry quicker than shorts or swimsuits, and make good sun protection that doesn't wash off like sun lotion. Save the weight and help protect the environment.

Test your kit in your bath or at a swimming pool for comfort before your wetland hike. It should fit well when wet and feel good in the water.

Hiking clothes we've found most useful