The most suitable outfit for mountain climbing

When you are preparing for a mountain climbing trip, choosing the right clothing and equipment is an essential part of ensuring safety and comfort in all weather conditions and terrain.

1. What outfit should I prepare when going mountain climbing?

When deciding on your outfit, consider the time and place you plan to climb. Depending on the time of your trip and the weather conditions at that climbing location, choose the appropriate outfit:

- For short hikes, you can choose comfortable and flexible clothes like t-shirts and jogger pants.

- Meanwhile, for longer climbs and in harsh weather conditions, you need to prepare waterproof and windproof clothing such as rain jackets and waterproof pants.

2. Choose clothes with lining and absorbent dots

When climbing mountains, the higher the altitude, the higher the temperature, making the air colder, so choose layered clothes as well as cotton pants and jackets with thermal lining to keep your body warm in the cold conditions on the mountain top.

Choose clothes made of sweat-absorbent and waterproof materials to keep your body dry and comfortable throughout your mountain climbing trip.

3. Prioritize lightweight outfits and choose durable clothes

Avoid carrying too many layers of clothing to reduce weight and increase flexibility when moving on mountainous terrain.

Ensure clothing, shoes with durable and non-slip soles for increased safety when moving on difficult and dangerous mountain terrain.

4. Reasons to wear layers when climbing mountains

Wearing layers of clothing can help keep you from getting cold, but you also need to choose the right material to avoid feeling heavy from sweat and losing strength from the heat.

Below are different types of layers that can be used in combination to achieve the ideal effect depending on the climb, the intensity of the activity and the individual's physical condition. You can divide them into 4 layers: moisture-wicking, thermal, insulating and windproof.

4.1. Moisture-proof layer

A better alternative to cotton is a synthetic. You can wear long underwear made of polypropylene (PP), polyester, or capilene. The advantages are that they are non-itchy, are usually cheaper than wool, are more durable, and dry faster. The downside to synthetic base layers is that they tend to smell when they absorb sweat.

A good material is merino wool, which insulates better than synthetics in cold weather and is more comfortable in sudden temperature changes. It also continues to insulate well when wet, and it doesn’t smell like sweat. Avoid wearing a cotton base layer, as it retains sweat and quickly flattens when wet.

4.2. Heat retention layer

This layer helps retain heat emitted from the body. Many people often wear sweatshirts or wool, and wear them according to the principle that the thicker the warmer. The weather in Vietnam is not too cold, so there is no need to wear sweatshirts. Not only is fleece absorbent, it is also hot and stuffy. Felt will perform best in subzero temperatures. Wool is still the ideal material for a thermal layer, but be sure to choose a thicker layer than the moisture-proof layer.

4.3. Insulation layer

You can use a windbreaker; a down jacket or a synthetic insulated jacket. A synthetic insulated jacket is the smartest choice, as it has the added ability to effectively repel rain and water while still ensuring good insulation.

4.4. Windproof layer

The temperature outside is not too low, but if there is a strong wind, you will shiver. The outer layer needs to be able to block wind and rain well. If you choose a good raincoat, you only need to wear waterproof pants when it rains.
As a general rule, a lightweight jacket is best, with plenty of vents for ventilation when needed. In particular, the jacket should have a hood to protect against wind and rain as well as insects.

When climbing mountains in Vietnam, you should only wear layers 1 and 4. When it rains and is cold, add layers 2 or 3 (keep a spare in your backpack). Many people who climb mountains in winter for the first time often prepare thick clothes, but they often have to take them off because they are hot and heavy to carry.

5. To decide how many layers to wear, consider the following factors:

- Strong wind: The temperature remains the same, but you feel cold even though you are wearing a jacket.

- Humidity: Higher humidity not only makes you colder, but also affects the ability of the down lining inside the jacket to keep you warm. The more moisture, the less heat it retains.

- Activities: Mountain climbing activities are often very continuous, so the body will generate more heat than normal activities. Therefore, you only need to wear a moisture-proof shirt, and sometimes a jacket is enough.

- Body condition: People with less body fat are more susceptible to cold, so need to be more carefully equipped.

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