At present, outdoor sports in China are thriving. Outdoor activities are increasingly popular, and on holidays, gathering with a few friends to climb high and gaze into the distance, sipping wine in the breeze—what could be more enjoyable? Mountain climbing, in particular, is booming in many regions. However, many people still have significant gaps in their understanding—or even misconceptions—about the gear required for outdoor pursuits, especially mountain climbing.

　　However, to ensure that outdoor activities are safer and smoother, it’s still essential to familiarize yourself with some basic guidelines for appropriate outdoor attire. Below, I’ll share my own experiences and insights on what to wear when heading out—hopefully, this will be helpful to you.

　　What should I wear for outdoor hiking? This is probably one of the most common questions people ask when they first get into the outdoors. Outdoor conditions can be complex and unpredictable—sometimes windy, frosty, or rainy; other times scorching under the blazing sun—so it’s essential to be fully equipped. Below, we’ve compiled a list of must-have items for your personal attire when heading out. Let’s take a look.

　　Clothing Section:

　　1. Windproof jacket and pants (essential for spring and autumn outdoor activities—windproof, waterproof, breathable, and abrasion-resistant…)

　　2. Fleece jacket (with WINDSTOPPER, primarily for wind protection and warmth)

　　3. Moisture-wicking underwear (keeps your body dry after outdoor activities)

　　4. Quick-drying clothing (a must-have for summer travel; ideally with detachable pant legs and sleeves)

　　5. Down jacket and pants (essential for staying warm when traveling in winter or at high altitudes)

　　6. Other personal items (disposable underwear, undershirts, T-shirts, etc.)

　　With winter now upon us, I’ll talk about what to wear during the colder months.

　　The three-layer dressing system: This is a layered clothing approach that countless outdoor veterans have refined through experience.

　　The layering system consists of a base layer, an insulating layer, and a windproof layer. Its advantage is that you can flexibly adjust the thickness of your clothing based on your activity level and the outdoor conditions, effectively preventing the awkward situation of being too hot in a jacket or too cold when you take it off. Many people assume that all they need for hiking is to throw on some old clothes at home—but if you understand the properties of different fabrics, you may make a more informed choice.

　　①: Base layers are the garments that sit directly against your skin, and they should be comfortable, breathable, and quick-drying. Only wool-based tops and bottoms can maintain their insulating properties even after absorbing up to 30% of their weight in moisture. In fact, some synthetic wool‑like fabrics work well too. If you can’t find any of these options, it’s time to invest in a set of thermal base layers designed specifically for mountaineering. As for underwear, I’ve never heard of anyone wearing sweat‑wicking athletic undergarments as everyday wear, so there’s no real substitute—hypothermia often sets in precisely through those closest‑fitting underlayers.

　　②: The insulating layer, which traps most of the heat generated by your body. This layer can be made of fleece, down, or softshell, or it may consist of multiple close-fitting layers. There’s no rigid standard for an insulating layer—so long as it maximizes air retention and preserves heat, it’s effective.

　　Please make your selection after carefully considering your individual constitution, cold tolerance, and the difficulty level of the route.

　　③: The windproof layer—whether you’re engaging in high‑intensity outdoor activities or simply taking a leisurely stroll after dinner—your body will sweat as long as it’s moving. If you’re exposed to wind while sweating, the evaporation of perspiration rapidly carries away a significant amount of heat, making you highly susceptible to chills and colds—what people in northern regions often refer to as “getting a chill.” Additionally, in rainy or snowy conditions, moisture from rain or snow can soak your clothing. Therefore, when choosing a windproof layer, you should prioritize both windproof and waterproof performance. However, as I mentioned earlier, excessive internal moisture vapor can also lower your skin temperature. So, beyond windproof and waterproof qualities, it’s equally important to consider the fabric’s breathability.

　　Additionally, when engaging in outdoor activities in rainforests or mountainous regions, protecting your body from hazards like sharp branches and rocks is another task that falls to the windproof layer. Therefore, beyond the three performance characteristics mentioned earlier, you should also consider abrasion resistance. As for how to prioritize among these four attributes, it depends on your budget, as well as the specific environment and intensity of your use.

　　So my suggestion is: if you enjoy outdoor activities, consider preparing two sets of outdoor gear.