Hiking Trousers

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

There are different types of hiking trousers, and it is very likely you will need several different types so that you are fully prepared for all types of weather.

To keep you dry, it is important that you have a pair of thermal underwear trousers or tights. Both thermal underwear and tights are able to wick moisture away from your skin. These days you can buy very fancy tights that make use of the same kind of technology used by athletes, such as swimmers and runners, in their full length body suits. This clothing technology has the ability to reduce the energy used by your muscles and the lactate acid produced within them. The result is that you can hike for longer before you start to get tired or sore.

Outside of your thermal hiking underwear or hiking tights you will need some regular long hiking trousers. These are usually resistant to water and they are made of a fabric that breathes well to minimize sweat. Some models of hiking pants provide the same moisture removal technology as the specialized underpants, and thus these can be worn as a single layer.

Often underpants and regular hiking pants, or a single pair of moisture-extracting hiking pants, are sufficient for many hikers. However, if you think you may encounter some particularly harsh weather, such as extreme cold, then you may want to get a full three layer hiking trouser system. This system includes the moisture-extraction layer, an insulation layer, and an outer layer.

An insulation layer is achieved by special insulation hiking pants. These are made from fleece or some other materials that have excellent insulation properties. Some insulation pants can double as moisture-extraction pants, thus eliminating the need for three distinct layers in your three layer system.

The outer layer is achieved by pants that are very waterproof and have outstanding breathing properties. These pants simultaneously protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable. You can even buy special mountaineering pants that include this layer as well as the moisture and insulation layers all in one. Mountaineering pants are more expensive than other types of hiking trousers, but they can be cheaper and and more comfortable than having three separate layers.

The hiking pants mentioned so far are best suited for hikers who plan to encounter some cold or wet weather. However, some hikers are able to hike in good conditions on a consistent basis. Such hikers often favour hiking shorts over the usual hiking pants. Shorts are generally more comfortable and they do not restrict your movement as much as hiking trousers. They also help keep you cool in warmer weather.

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