Jeans is probably the most popular article of clothing in the modern world regardless of your gender. This casual legwear goes with practically anything, and you can wear it almost everywhere. But when it comes to hiking, is it really a good idea to wear jeans?
The short answer is no; it might not be the best idea to wear jeans while hiking. Despite being so comfortable, hiking and jeans do not usually get along with each other. However, there are some situations where it might be okay to wear jeans for hiking.
In this article, we will explore why it is not okay to go hiking in jeans and the situations where you might be able to get away with it.
Why Hiking in Jeans is not Advisable
Jeans are usually made of cotton, which, as you might know, can hold water. When it comes into contact with water, it gets heavy and freezing, which is not a very good feeling to have when you are on a hiking trail. Especially if you are on a mountain hike, the cold temperature can cause a lot of issues with jeans.
Other than cold temperatures, mountain regions tend to have very weird weather conditions. One second, you are walking under the bright sun, while the next, you will see clouds darkening the sky. If it starts raining, you will get soaked and have a tough time continuing the journey because of the weight of the jeans.
Even if you are hiking in a relatively humid or hot region in the summer, there might be puddles or rivers that you have to cross. If your jeans get soaked, you will have a tough time rest of your hike. The extra weight of the jeans and the chilly sensation in your legs can feel quite annoying.
In addition, hiking is quite taxing on the human body. You will sweat a lot, and as you sweat, the moisture from your body will also affect the jeans. That is why some hiking clubs will not allow you to go on a hike if you are wearing jeans. It can not only be a nuisance to manage but can also be quite dangerous.
When It is Okay to Wear Jeans?
Around the 1970s to 80s, hiking in jeans was a common sight. The synthetic clothing that we have these days explicitly made for hiking was only a thing of imagination back then. Jeans were the only article of clothing practical enough for you to wear while hiking.
Although the trend is gone, there are still a group of people who stick to jeans while hiking. Some people prefer the lightweight, rugged nature of jeans to be a must-have while hiking. But in that case, they need to be extra careful not to let their jeans get wet.
If you want to go hiking in jeans, you should go on shorter hikes or nature walks. Mountain climbing with jeans is still not recommended and can be quite dangerous. However, for small trips through the forest, jeans might not be the worst idea. Especially since synthetic fabrics can be very hot.
Alternative Fabric Choices for Hiking
As we have already established that hiking in cotton jeans is not a good idea, you must be wondering what better options are there. Well, these days, there are many great alternatives to hiking in jeans that can make your adventure even better.
And when you are out on the trail, you want to have the best protection for your body. This includes wearing the best hiking garments available to you. Here are a few options to help you decide which material is better suited to your needs.
- Wool
Woolen clothes have a notorious reputation of being old-school and itchy. But a particular form of wool known as Merino Wool has become a massive hit as a material for hiking attires. It dries easily, has impressive moisture-wicking capabilities, and is also quite soft and breathable.
So, even if you have to move through a large river wearing merino wool pants, it will dry up within a short time. You also do not have to worry about any extra weight from the material weighing you down. Furthermore, the unit protects you from blisters and chafing.
- Synthetic Materials
Despite being such a great material choice, Merino wool has the issue of being a bit too expensive. Synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, on the other hand, are quite affordable and an excellent choice as hiking garments material. These materials are also environment-friendly.
The benefit of synthetic materials, other than the price, is that it is quite durable, breathable and can repel water to a large extent. However, a common complaint with these materials is that they can hold bad smells. So you need to clean it more extensively after a day-long hike.
- Fleece
Although not very common, fleece garments are a very good choice as hiking garments materials, especially for colder environments. It is made using polyester and has thick, soft fibers that can keep the temperature warm inside it. So this material can keep your body protected against the chilly breeze.
However, this material does not go well with water or wind. Fleece is typically used as an inner layer to keep your core warm in freezing temperatures. As long as you have an upper layer of synthetic clothing, fleece is a great choice for insulating your body.
Final Thoughts
Hiking in jeans might not be the brightest idea if you are going on a long trail. However, for shorter trips, it might be a good option because of its comfortable nature. As long as you keep it from getting wet, jeans are a great material choice.
We hope our article could enlighten you on why you do not want to wear your favorite jeans on your upcoming hiking trip. You should also get plenty of great options when you are choosing your clothes for hiking.
Also Read-Is It Weird To Hike Alone?
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