A lot of people think that heavy cotton socks and hiking boots are the right accessories for hiking, but thin dress socks from Walmarts and tennis shoes or walking shoes work much better for covering more ground. Hiking boots are in reality unnecessary and heavier than a serious hiker needs, and blisters won't be a problem with shoes that fit correctly, even with the thin socks are worn.



Hiking pants usually have big pockets, and that's a big plus. The pockets make room for carrying extra things without taking a backpack. Candy bars, keys, an extra pair of socks, chap-stick, insect repellant , ID, sunscreen and cameras are all good items to take.



Nylon pants are available as convertible, meaning the lower part can be removed to convert them into shorts or capris. But nylon shorts are already extremely lightweight, and the zipper sections of the convertibles are known to have a problem with getting stained with dirt. So since they are so lightweight, just take a pair of nylon shorts along in a pocket for when it gets too warm and you need to change.

For those who are hiking in the cold, a pair of gloves should be brought, and long underwear can be worn, then removed and put into backpack when one gets up to hiking speed. However, it usually doesn't take long to get warm when walking briskly, especially on hilly trails. So, in many cases, long underwear is not necessary. If an overnight is planned, long underwear in soft morina wool is a good addition to bring for sleeping in. Also, a warm hooded jacket is much better than a hat, as the hood encloses the body heat between the shoulders and the head.

Nylon hiking pants are a great addition to the outerwear that one takes when hiking or camping. They are lightweight, dry quickly, and protect the skin. The pockets are big and allow carrying of other necessary items like keys, candy bars, ID, and sunscreen when hiking. A hiker who plans ahead by bringing the right equipment will be a happy hiker, indeed.