The right gear makes a difference. If this is your first mountain climb, here are a few tips on how to shop for hiking gear in Portland OR that can make for a very enjoyable or miserable time.
Make up a list
You’re going to need more than a jacket or two if you plan on going to the top. Pack right, though. If you’ve got jeans, ditch them. The name of the game is to pack lightweight items.
Look for the right material
Cotton absorbs sweat, so it’s only going to be heavy and will make you sweat if you find yourself in hot temps. That’s not good. Switch to pieces made from merino, nylon or polyester since these materials move sweat off your skin much faster.
Get the right footwear
When you shop for hiking gear in Portland OR, don’t forget about getting the right hiking books. Going up on the mountain with only a pair of hiking sandals isn’t going to cut it. And if you try to save up on costs by going for cheap footwear, then you may end up going down the mountain barefoot. Keep that scenario from happening. Invest in quality footwear. Look for something lightweight, waterproof and durable, RealBuzz says.
Learn how to layer
A lot of first-timers think they need to look for thick clothes for the hike. But learning the art of layering is a much better option. This just means putting clothes on top of each other to keep you warm. You have your base layer, mid-layer and outer layers. Layers are easier to wear. You can either take one layer off when you’re warm or add another when you’re cold. That makes it much easier for you to move instead of taking bulky hiking gear on your climb.