Tired, panting and sweaty is probably not the image you want to portray on a date, especially if it’s a first date. But a hiking date can be a lot of fun, even romantic. The beautiful outdoors provide the perfect romantic backdrop.  

To avoid turning onto a sweaty and smelly embarrassment, pick out what you wear carefully. No one expects you to look dashing, but you can still manage to look and smell nice while hiking. Here are some tips on what to wear on a hiking date. 

1. Prioritize Comfort 

Don't become obsessed so much with how you look that you forget that comfort is the most important thing when going outdoors. The last thing you want while on a date is to be grimacing in pain from aching feet or too-tight pants that are chafing your thighs raw.

Make sure everything you wear from your shoes to your hat is comfortable and fits well. This is not the time to be trying on new hiking clothes (unless it’s your first hike). Wear what you are sure is comfortable. 

2. Check The Weather 

Before you choose your outfit, you need to know what weather you’ll be hiking in. This is not just to avoid looking dumb when you get rained on in a t-shirt, it’s also about comfort and safety. 

So check the weather forecast and then pick out the appropriate clothes. Light and breathable for warm weather and heavier for cooler weather. If you expect rain or snow, pack a raincoat and maybe some leg gaiters to keep your pants and shoes dry. 

If there’s a possibility the weather can change, dress in layers with cooler layers underneath (e.g. a t-shirt) and heavier layers on top (jumper or coat). You can then remove or add layers depending on the weather. 

3. Wear Breathable and Moisture-wicking Clothes

Regardless of the weather, make sure the clothes you pick are breathable and sweat-wicking. 

Breathable clothes keep you from overheating, which can happen even in cold weather when you are all bundled up. Sweat-wicking fabrics keep you from getting too sweaty (and smelly). 

Merino wool is the best fabric for outdoors. It is highly breathable, wicks sweat and keeps you comfortable in any weather. Synthetics like polyester are also good thanks to their quick-drying nature. But they can get smelly if you sweat too much. They are also not as breathable as wool when it gets hot. 

But synthetics like nylon and polyester make for good material for pants since they are hardy and durable. We recommend pairing them with breathable and odor-resistant underwear to avoid any uncomfortable smells because of sweat. The Hercleon Kribi sports underwear is an excellent choice. 

Cotton is not a good choice for outdoors. It is hydrophilic, meaning it easily holds onto moisture. So when you sweat, it stays damp and can make you really uncomfortable. In cold temperatures, cotton can actually be hazardous because it increases the risk of hypothermia. 

4. For Freshness, Avoid Synthetics

Synthetic clothes have a lot of advantages when worn outdoors, as we have just explained above. But if you want to smell as fresh as possible throughout your date, it’s best to avoid them completely. 

As we discussed in a previous post, synthetic fabrics smell sweatier and hold onto that odor for longer. There are two alternatives that will keep you fresh. 

You can get antibacterial clothing like the Hercleon HercShirt that kills odor-causing bacteria and can stay smell-free for days without requiring a wash. 

Two, go with wool. Because it is naturally antibacterial, wool stays fresher for longer even if you sweat. 

5. Don't Forget About Your Feet 

As you deal with the smell problem from the rest of your body, don't forget about your feet. Smelly feet can be particularly embarrassing.

Wearing breathable and sweat-wicking socks plus well ventilated shows will ensure you can let your feet breathe without scaring away your date. Wool is a great material for socks thanks to its natural odor-resistance. You can also get a pair of HercSocks, which are designed to be water and smell-proof.   

Tip: If you often struggle with foot odor, try applying foot deodorizer before you leave home. It reduces sweating and odors.