Wicking layers can be made of synthetics, such as polyester, polypropylene,and proprietary brand fabrics made and used by individual companies. They can be natural fabrics, such as wool and silk. And they can be blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Their function is to transport moisture away from the body. Wicking layers can help keep hikers and other outdoorspeople comfortable year-round.
Wicking Clothing Layers for Three-Season Hiking
In three-season hiking (spring, summer, and fall), backpackers typically wear shorts and T-shirts during the day. A T-shirt made of a wicking fabric will move sweat away from the skin, while a cotton T-shirt, will simply soak through and can cause rashes, especially if pack straps or waistbelts are rubbing. Popular choices are Capilene (a proprietary fabric used by the outdoor clothing manufacturer, Patagonia) and a variety of different polyesters.
In particular, women might want to choose wicking bras or sports bras, which are available in sporting goods stores or through catalogs specializing in women's athletic wear.
Wicking socks (sometimes called sock liners) are also useful. If wearing boots, sock liners should be worn under a pair of mid-weight cushioning socks made of wool or a wool-synthetic blend (even in summer). Wool socks provide cushioning, but a pair of wicking liners can help prevent blisters because they are less abrasive next to the skin than wool, or even a wool-synthetic blend. The lighter and more comfortable the boot, the lighter the socks can be.
If the hiker is wearing trekking shoes or other athletic shoes, a wicking sock can be worn under a lightweight wool sock. If the shoes are comfortable and the hiker isn't prone to blisters, liners can be worn on their own. However, liners provide any cushioning, so blisters can occur if dirt, sand, or small bits of stone get into the shoe. Avoid cotton, as it keeps the moisture right next to the skin and will cause blisters.
Even in summer, night-time temperatures can drop into the 50s (Fahrenheit), and even lower, especially in high mountains. Spring and autumn evenings can be downright frosty. A lightweight wicking shirt and hiking tights or long-johns can keep hikers comfortable during the evening and night-time hours, and be be used if necessary for hiking on a particularly cold day.
Wicking Clothing in Winter
In winter, wicking layers are essential for both moisture management and insulation.
Hikers may not be aware they are sweating in winter when temperatures are cold. However, wearing a lot of clothes plus working hard is an equation that creates sweat. If not removed from the skin, this moisture can contribute to hypothermia, especially if hikers stop to rest and the moisture next to their skin starts to chill. A wicking layer makes sure that sweat is drawn away from the skin, helping to keep the hiker warm and dry.
Wicking layers are also part of the insulating system. Most wicking layers for winter hiking come in several different weights, or warmths. Polypropylene has been an inexpensive option for many years, although it has drawbacks, most notably, it retains body odors. Microfleece is popular (and less stinky). In recent years, merino wool has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. This lightweight fabric is very lightweight, doesn't retain odors the way polypropylene does, and retains insulating capabilities even when wet.
In winter, hikers wear a lightweight underlayer when hiking during the day. In temperatures in the 30s and 40s, walking gear might comprise a base layer of a lightweight pair of wicking tights and a lightweight long-sleeved wicking shirt. Other layers such as another insulating layer and a windshirt or weather-proof outer jacket, can be added as needed.
In colder weather, the hiker might start with a heavier weight underlayer, and can add more layers as needed. When gauging how many layers are needed, put on the intended hiking clothes and stand around for a few minutes doing nothing. If the chosen outfit is cozy warm at a standstill, it will be too warm when hiking.
Wicking Outdoor Clothing Accessories for Winter Warmth
Wicking glove liners can keep hands warm but not sweaty. Balaclavas and hats are also available in wicking fabrics; and some specialty outdoor hats have an inner wicking layer of a fabric such as polypropylene and an outer layer of wool. By keeping moisture away from the skin, these clothing items help the neck and face stay warm and dry.
Two final words of advice on wicking clothing:
Two layers are better than one. Multiple layers can be combined in different ways to adjust to a variety of different temperatures. Plus if one item gets wet, another item can be worn instead.
And second, in caring for wicking fabrics, read all care tags carefully: Some, such as polypropylene and wool must be washed in cold water, and cannot tolerate being put in a clothes drier.
By choosing wicking fabrics appropriate for the season and caring for them properly, hikers can stay comfortable, warm, and dry fr many outdoor conditions.
For more on outdoor gear, see Backpacking Equipment Resources.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
