While you don’t need to have the shiniest and priciest gear to hit the trails, you definitely don’t want to head out wearing your old Levi’s – and not because doing so is considered a hiking fashion faux pas. In this article, we explain why hiking in jeans is a bad idea.
You might have rolled your eyes a time or two passing fellow hikers on the trail who are all kitted out in that season’s newest outdoor gear, but dressing properly for hiking is actually the biggest aspect of mountain safety – and that includes thinking about the best hiking pants for your trip.
At any time of year – and especially in wet and cold weather – safety should be the first thing on your mind when you’re going hiking. There are all the obvious safety tips like carrying a map and compass, telling someone where you’re going and even knowing what to do if you meet a bear on the trail, but one of the biggest blunders you can make is to set off in the wrong clothes.
In many regards, hiking in jeans doesn’t seem like a terrible idea. You no doubt already own at least a couple of pairs so it’s economical, they’re sturdy so they’ll hold up against a fall and they’re relatively thick compared to other styles of pants like leggings, so they should keep you warm, right?
Wrong. Jeans are made from cotton which means they soak up moisture like a sponge instead of wicking it away like wool, nylon and polyester. If you are hiking in wet weather or sweating, you’ll soon be hiking in cold, clammy jeans that cling to your skin and take a long time to dry out. This moisture also sucks away your body heat, and jeans can freeze solid in very cold weather, increasing your risk of hypothermia in low temperatures. Their sturdiness also becomes heaviness when they’re wet, and they will limit your range of motion making it awkward to hike.
What you’re looking for in a pair of hiking pants is something lightweight and breathable that doesn’t retain moisture or restrict your movement, and dries easily if you get wet. Short story long, ditch the jeans no matter how you look in them, remember that hiking isn’t a fashion parade and get yourself some decent hiking pants that keep you comfortable and safe on the trail. And yes, all of the above counts towards denim shirts and jackets too.
