THE MUST HAVE CLOTHING ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING AND HUNTING
So it’s been over 15 years now that I have been wandering around the mighty Karakoram and Hindukush ranges of Pakistan, partly for trekking and partly for hunting wild game birds. And the fact that whether on a trekking expedition or a hunting, apart from a few things, most of my gear remains the same. For instance, a hunting expedition requires me to have the same clothing functionalities, but in camouflage patterns. Similarly, an additional item to my gear could be a gun and a cartridge bag. The rest of my backpack has the same gear that I would take for any of my trekking expeditions.
Over the years, technical apparel has set the standards pretty high. With fabrics specifically designed for specific activities with specific functionalities, some could be myths while other realities. As consumers, we hardly know the subject but are conveniently allured by the brand stories of big names like Northface, Patagonia, Karrimor, Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, Realtree etc. The list is endless and hence their alluring brand stories. A different debate that I will try to cover some other day.
In this article I will try to cover clothing essentials for your expeditions whether it’s hunting or hiking. Something that if you have, will make your adventure worth experiencing and if you don’t, will give you an early retirement from the sport. Similarly, this article will focus on the gear that has functionality, performance and endurance for your adventure. However, I always have a piece of advice for adventurers, “Where would adventure be if you plan everything”. With this, let’s get started.
ADVENTURE ESSENTIALS # 1 HEAD GEAR
Hiking Hats/ Hiking Caps
A hiking hat is an essential while you are on your way to the base camp. Hot climate, scorching sun and dry terrain. If these three elements are part of your adventure, make sure to have a hiking cap or hat in your bagpack. Make sure it has mesh panels for breathability so your skull won’t soak in sweat. Also a good hiking cap has a face mask and neck curtain to protect you against sun burns. Similarly, a good hiking cap is made of materials that are quick dry. If you have a cap like this, you have a story to tell about your adventure. Similarly, these caps are equally good for your hunting adventures, if they come in camo patterns.
Balaclavas
Another essential to have for your hiking or hunting adventure is Balaclava. There are many variations of balaclavas on the market today. From light breathable fabrics to head warmer fabrics, balaclavas have different uses. I would strongly recommend to have one if you plan to stay or wander beyond an elevation of 3500 meters above sea level. The temperature normally tends to drop at evening on this altitude. You need to have something to protect you against potential flu and allergies. Your body is still taking references from sudden climate and altitude changes and adjusting to it. Having a balaclava catalyzes the process while protecting you at the same time. I would strongly recommend a balaclava that is multi-function. It has to be something you can adjust to your needs. A balaclava that can be used as cap only at one point, a neck gaiter only, open face and full compartment at other times to protects your head, face, ears and neck. Ideal fabric in this case should be polar fleece which is flexible, compressible, quick dry, extremely light weight and yet warm enough to embrace high altitude temperatures.
ADVENTURE ESSENTIALS # 2 UPPER BODY GEAR
It is inevitable to have clothing for your upper body. There are tons of upper body clothing options out there. Ideally it should be something that is easy to carry, easy to retrieve and meets the purpose of your adventure. You need to consider climatic conditions of your adventure, most importantly the level of your activity and altitude changes. From base layers to T-shirts, windbreakers to parka jackets and insulated jackets, are all essential options to consider.
Base Layers and T-Shirts for Hiking and Hunting
The first possible clothing layer that attaches to your skin is a base layer or a T-shirt. Of course you cannot just put on your jacket without a t-shirt or base layer. While base layers are very specific to low temperature zones, ideally snow or glaciated terrain, they are an essential to keep your body warm and ensure smooth blood flow across your body. If your hiking or hunting demands you to be in a zone with sub-zero temperature, make sure to pack a base layer with you. Merino wool is trend of the day but there are many variations to merino wool. Make sure to choose the one that is highly compressible and lightweight. Breathability and waterproofing is not an objective of this type of clothing.
T-shirt is another upper body essential that you need to have while you are active in the field. Make sure to take of the base layer and replace it with a T-shirt before you start your activity. It doesn’t matter whether your activity’s objective is to hike towards the next camp or scale a ridge where you can fix your scope to spot the game. Your t-shirt here must be 4-way flexible, breathable, and compressible and quick dry. All these factors are essential components for your active day.
Windbreakers and Parka Jackets
Ideal for both camping and activity based-day, these upper body apparels are a great choice to protect you from strong wind gusts and heavy downpour. Consider a situation where you are hiking uphill and a sudden down pour occurs. Wouldn’t it be great to have a rain jacket that you can retrieve in no time from the side pocket of your bagpack or even your trouser’s pocket? Without losing time, you can continue in the downpour towards your destination. When the weather clears, take it off and stuff it back in the pocket. If there is a strong wind, the same jacket can be used as a wind stopper or windbreaker.
If you think, this might not be the choice for you, you can always opt for heavier parka jackets or hard-shell jackets. They are equally protective, breathable and highly waterproof. The only downside is, they could be a little heavier than the lightweight jackets. However despite their weight, they are highly packable and can be easily stuffed in any corner of your bagpack. Not to mention their ability to stop the strong winds, heavy down pour and even snow fall.
ADVENTURE ESSENTIAL # 3 LOWER BODY GEAR
As much as your head gear and upper body clothing is important, your legs are as important. After all, it is them who take you to these wonderful places. Lower body gear is no different that the upper body gear except the make and design of it. You need base layer for your legs like I mentioned in upper body essentials. Make sure to include lower body base layer if you are on high altitude and plan to camp. You can always wear a pair of soft shell pants or fleece pants over your base layer. This way, your legs that have taken beatings of the day’s activity, are warm and comfortable providing ample environment for recovery during the camp time.
However, if you plan to have an active day in the field, I would strongly recommend to include walking pants in your bagpack. In my opinion, you should have walking or hiking pants that are made of highly flexible material which is breathable and quick dry. While on the move, you never know what surprises Mother Nature has for you. It could shower blessing from the sky in no time, or cut your trail with a gushing stream. You need to be prepared for that and there is none better than a quick dry pair of pants. Even if you don’t face a situation like this, a breathable and quick dry pant is a great option that will take away any moisture your body creates. But what if you are sort of a guy, who doesn’t like his pants to be soaked in a down pour? Well there is always a way. You can have a lightweight, compressible and breathable over trouser with you. Hanged to your waist bag, belt or stuffed in the side pockets of your bagpack, you can always quickly retrieve it and wear over your hiking pants in no time. When the time calls, you can put them off and stuff it back as quick as you retrieved them.
I hope this article has given you an idea of the essential gear for your adventure. As I mentioned, the list of adventure gear is endless and I will try to cover all the aspects in times to come.