What Color Clothing Should You Wear On A Hike?
When you're preparing for a hike, it’s easy to focus entirely on footwear or gear weight. We might have some dedicated hiking clothes, but how often do you think about the color of those clothes? If you didn't know, the hue of your clothing actually serves a functional purpose on the trail. It can affect everything from your body temperature to your safety. Here's what you should be wearing while out hiking to stay safe, cool, and happy.
Orange
There's a reason hunters wear bright blaze orange. It’s the most visible color in the woods because it doesn't occur naturally in most environments. You don’t need to be hunting to benefit from this fact either. If you get lost or injured, high-visibility clothing makes it much easier for search and rescue teams to spot you from the ground or air. It’s also a smart choice during hunting season to ensure you aren't mistaken for game.
Greens
If you're hoping to spot a rare bird or watch a deer graze, wear greens, specifically olive green, since it mimics the foliage found in most forests. It breaks up your outline and lets you fade into the background, effectively camouflaging yourself. Animals rely heavily on movement and contrast to detect threats, and by wearing olive green, you reduce that contrast significantly. It’s the respectful choice when you want to observe nature without causing a disturbance.
White
When the sun is blazing and there's no shade nearby, white is your best friend. It reflects the sun’s radiation away from your body rather than absorbing it. It’s the same reason houses in hot climates are painted white. It’s not great for keeping clean, but for temperature management on hot days, it’s the most practical choice you can make. If you don't have white, lighter shades of other colors like blue or yellow can help serve the same purpose.
Khaki
Ticks and mosquitoes are a nuisance that can ruin a good hike. Interestingly, they're attracted to dark shapes that mimic the silhouettes of animals. Khaki is too light to interest them as much as dark blue or black would. Plus, it’s much easier to spot a dark tick crawling on light khaki fabric before it bites you. It’s a dual-purpose color that keeps you cooler and helps you manage the bug situation effectively, but like white, any light-colored fabric can help with this.
Grey or Black
Let's be realistic about trail conditions. You’re going to sit on dirty logs and brush against muddy rocks. You're also going to sweat. Light pants will look ruined within ten minutes. Charcoal grey, black, or other dark colors are excellent for hiding soil, mud, and grass stains. It keeps you looking somewhat presentable if you stop for food or need to run errands on the way home. It’s a forgiving color that can take a beating and still look decent after a long day in the woods.
Red
Red is a fantastic color for visibility in snowy environments or deep green forests. It provides a sharp contrast against white snow and green leaves. It's not quite as aggressive as neon orange, but still stands out clearly to the human eye. This makes it a great choice if you’re hiking in a group and want to keep track of everyone. It’s easy to spot your hiking partner up the switchbacks if they’re wearing red.
Next time you're packing for a trip, think about what you need your clothes to do. You don't have to overthink it, but a little intention goes a long way. Whether you need the safety, cooler body temperatures, or less of a chance of picking up bugs, there’s a specific color for the job. You’ll be glad you made the switch once you’re out on the trail.