Can You Wear Cotton While Hiking?

Cotton and hiking have an interesting relationship. On one hand, cotton is a comfortable and breathable fabric that is perfect for everyday wear, but on the other, it can be a nightmare when it comes to hiking in the outdoors.

While cotton can be a great choice for short day hikes close to home, it can be a poor choice for long-distance treks in more remote areas where water sources are scarce.

The main issue with wearing cotton while hiking is that it absorbs moisture and then takes a long time to dry out. This can be problematic if you are caught in the rain or if you are sweating heavily during your hike.

Not only will your clothing feel wet and heavy, but it will also take much longer to dry out than other fabrics like polyester or wool.

Cotton also doesn’t provide much insulation when wet so if you are caught in cold weather conditions, you may find yourself feeling chilled very quickly. Additionally, when wet, cotton becomes much more susceptible to tearing and damage from abrasion which could leave you vulnerable to injury.

So, should you wear cotton while hiking?

The answer really depends on your personal preference as well as the type of hike you are planning on taking. For short day hikes close to home where water sources are readily available and the weather is fairly mild, cotton can be fine for wear. However, for longer treks in more remote areas where water sources may not be available or where extreme temperatures could be encountered, it’s best to stick with fabrics like polyester or wool.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while cotton can be suitable for short day hikes close to home with mild weather conditions, it’s not recommended for longer treks in more remote areas due to its propensity to absorb moisture and lack of insulation when wet. It’s best to stick with fabrics like polyester or wool for these types of hikes instead.

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Samantha Mckinney