We’ve all been there before, diving into a new activity with friends or a family member who we love dearly. We want to be supportive and spend time bonding so we enthusiastically dive in to this new activity. Then, the panic sets in a few days before the big trip – what are we going to bring.

If you find yourself gearing up for a new hiking adventure and are scouring the internet looking for tips and tricks to make this a fun adventure, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s our quick guide on what to wear when hitting the trails.

Pants

Pants – yep that’s right. A good, breathable pair of pants is exactly what you’ll want as you venture out onto the trail. In the summertime, you might be tempted to throw on a pair of shorts to stay cool, but if you’re going to be in the woods, pants are a better choice. They’ll protect your legs from tree branches and bushes and will also help keep the bugs off of your skin.

Hiking Shoes

Choosing the right pair of shoes is going to be a vital part of your success on the trip. Make sure that you purchase a pair that fits you well and be sure to break them in ahead of time to avoid unnecessary blisters from new shoes. As you go to make a purchase consider what type of terrain you’ll be traveling, and how the shoes feels by trying boots made of different materials and with different cuts.

Wear Layers

When you’re planning to hike, it’s always a good idea to wear layers. This will allow you to adjust what you’re wearing based on the temperature outside. Make sure to pack a rain jacket as well in case you run into an unexpected rainstorm.

Choose Light Colors

Wearing light colored clothing can help you stay cool in the heat of the day and when the sun is shining directly on you. As a bonus, light colored clothes will make it easier to spot bugs on your.