20-something when you reach the mountain peak. The key to comfort is layering. First, put on a long-sleeve t-shirt and add from there. Depending on the weather, a lightweight jacket or polyester fleece hoodie may be all you need. On cold days, a down jacket will offer warmth and is easily packable if you don’t need it all day. A windbreaker can block the breeze but doesn’t offer much insulation or warmth. A waterproof shell is designed to carry perspiration away from your body while also keeping precipitation from entering in. I prefer a light-weight, long-sleeve t-shirt even on warm, sunny, summer days. The sleeves help protect my arms from brush, sun, and insects. Next on the list: pants. Until recently, I have always worn bluejeans for hiking. The rugged and durable denim fabric seemed perfect for a day of climbing rocks and walking through paths of overgrown brush. Now, there are pants made from tough, light-weight, non-cotton materials. Many pant options have stretchy-spandex integrated into the fabric to make rock climbing and sitting cross-legged on the ground more comfortable. Hiking pants also have pockets strategically placed for hiking essentials. Some pant styles are convertible— they can be unzipped at the thigh to transform into shorts. Don’t forget the little things: socks and undies can make a big difference in the overall comfort of your day. To avoid blisters, it may help to wear two pairs of socks; a thick pair over a thin pair. Thermal underwear or a pair of tights can keep you warm on cold days, and gloves are handy for keeping your fingers from freezing. Ladies need to wear a supportive bra that doesn’t bind or shift around. Finally: footwear. Whether you prefer high or low tops, a pair of supportive, waterproof hiking boots is the most essential article of gear you need. If your feet hurt, you will spend the entire day in agony. I prefer high tops as they offer more ankle support and protection from thorns and snakes. The only way to know which footwear is best for you is to try several pairs on and decide for yourself. Hiking clothes can be stylish and fun, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable. After all, if you are going to hike, you might as well look cute. Ee (Thanks to Catherine Love and Linda James for their helpful hiking information)
Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com
What to Bring Being prepared is vital to a successful and delightful day in the woods. What to pack in your backpack: enough to get you through the day, but not so much that your pack becomes too heavy. Here is a list of my hiking essentials: * * * * * * * * * *
Plenty of water—in a non-glass container. Food to sustain you: nuts, fruit, chocolate. An extra pair of socks in case one pair gets wet. Lip balm, hand sanitizer or wipes, and lotion. (See Taylor’d with Style January 2020) A bandana. First aid supplies. A sitting pad. A rain jacket or poncho. Trash bag—Don’t leave anything behind except your footprints. Jingle bells. Don’t laugh. There are times on the trail when everyone is quiet; lost in their own thoughts and mesmerized by the beauty of nature. To avoid sneaking up on Mama bear, I wear a jingle bell tied onto my shoelace to alert her of my presence. The soft jingle isn’t annoying, and it keeps Mama bear from being startled.
It’s also recommended to bring a change of clothes to keep in the car—just in case you get wet and don’t want to ride home in soaking clothes. If you have hiking tips, I’d love to hear them. Please send an email to me: jeananntaylor@rewnc.com
Happy Hiking! March 2020 | 50+ Living | 11
