Whether you're tackling coastal trails or alpine terrain, the right hiking clothing keeps you comfortable across Australia's varied conditions. We cover essential gear, layering techniques, and what to wear for summer heat, unpredictable shoulder seasons, and cold alpine conditions.
Watch our guide on layering for cold, mild and hot weather conditions:
Essential Hiking clothing
Layering System
Master the three-layer system to stay comfortable in changing conditions. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to manage sweat, add an insulating midlayer for warmth, and finish with a waterproof and windproof shell. Layers can be added or removed as temperatures and conditions change throughout the day.
Footwear
Enclosed hiking boots or trail shoes provide stability and protection on uneven terrain. Look for footwear with good grip, durable soles, and support appropriate for the terrain and pack weight you're carrying.
Sun Protection
Australia experiences some of the highest UV levels in the world, even in cooler weather. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to exposed skin.
Protective Clothing
Long pants and long sleeves protect against sun exposure, scratches from vegetation, and insect bites on bushy trails. In forested areas or near water, insect repellent adds extra comfort.
What Not to Wear
Avoid cotton, which holds moisture and dries slowly, increasing discomfort. Denim restricts movement, while thongs and sandals don't provide adequate grip or protection on trails.
Professional skier, Kaylin Richardson loves to stay active all year round. In the summer, she chooses technical and lightweight clothing while Tyler goes for our sun-protective hoodie and technical pants. Credit: Cam McLeod
Summer Hiking
Summer (December to February) brings intense heat and UV, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics wick moisture and dry quickly. Long sleeves and full-length pants provide dual protection from sun and insects.
Our UPF 50 base layers block harmful rays while maintaining breathability.
Temperatures drop at elevation, so pack a lightweight down jacket, thin gloves, and a beanie.
Bushwalking and Trail Hiking
Bush tracks navigate dense vegetation, rocky outcrops, and uneven ground. Long pants and enclosed footwear protect against scratches and provide stability on loose surfaces. Trails like the Blue Mountains' Grand Canyon Track showcase this varied terrain.
The 3-layer system works well here: start with a wicking base layer, add your midlayer when cool, and pull on your shell when wind or rain arrive.
In fall and spring, your hiking clothing needs to adapt to a wider range of conditions. Credit: Sverre Hjørnevik
Unpredictable Autumn and Spring Hiking
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) are shoulder seasons where temperatures vary widely and conditions shift quickly.
Beyond the 3-layer system, add a warm puffy jacket between your midlayer and shell. Synthetic materials (like polyester) work well for unpredictable conditions because they retain warmth when wet, while down offers superior warmth and packability but loses insulation once damp.
Coastal walks can start warm and turn cool as sea breezes arrive. Inland trails experience larger temperature swings. Keep layers accessible.
Alpine and Cold Weather Hiking
At 4°C or below, you're dealing with cold weather hiking, primarily alpine conditions during winter (June to August) across Victoria's High Country, the Snowy Mountains, and Tasmania's peaks.
Alpine conditions shift quickly. Temperature drops become significant above 1,500 metres, and weather can change within minutes.
Use the 3-layer system with a down puffy jacket for maximum warmth.
Protect your extremities with insulated boots, warm gloves, merino wool socks, a wool beanie, and a buff for exposed ridgelines. Many hikers carry a second base layer to change into when activity decreases.
Sunglasses and sunscreen remain essential as UV reflects off snow. Micro spikes or crampons may be necessary for icy sections.
Multi-Day Expeditions
Extended treks like the Larapinta Trail require lightweight gear selection. Every gram counts.
Choose versatile clothing that serves multiple purposes. Quick-dry fabrics mean you can wash items overnight. Your clothing needs to handle drastically different conditions across days, from cool mornings to scorching heat, or rain and wind.
Hiking in cold weather requires much warmer technical clothing. Credit: Millerjord Photography
Essential Gear and Preparation
What to Carry
-
Navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS device)
-
Headlamp with extra batteries
-
First aid kit
-
Repair kit, fire starter, knife
-
Extra food, water (carry extra in summer), emergency shelter
-
Backpack to carry everything
-
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) - strongly recommended for remote hiking. These devices send a distress signal via satellite to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in emergencies. Some locations, including NSW National Parks, offer free rental.
Before You Go
-
Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast
-
Ensure you have appropriate clothing and gear
-
Share your hiking plan with someone you trust
-
Know emergency contact numbers (000)
5 Key Takeaways
-
Layering is essential: The three-layer system of base layer, midlayer, and shell jacket keeps you comfortable across variable weather.
-
Sun protection matters: Wear SPF 50+ sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses year-round.
-
Match clothing to terrain: Bushwalking through vegetation requires different protection than alpine hiking or coastal walks.
-
Carry safety equipment: A Personal Locator Beacon, navigation tools, first aid kit, and extra water are essential.
-
Prepare for rapid changes: Weather can shift quickly, especially in alpine and coastal regions. Pack extra layers even on perfect days.
