How to Choose Trekking Clothing for Multi-Day Trips: Philosophy and Essential Tips

During my years as a trekker, from amateur to professional guide, I have learned through precious mistakes how important it is to carefully choose your trekking equipment. Even if these mistakes have never put me in dangerous situations, they have still ruined some days of hiking.

Now, choosing the right clothing and accessories has become a real ritual. A few days before leaving, I imagine the landscapes I will face and carefully consult the weather forecast. I consider the equipment as the means to best enjoy the experience in the wilderness. The goal is to ensure maximum safety and maximum comfort possible during the trek.

Here are the 4 key attributes I consider when choosing trekking gear:

1. Features

Functionality comes first, much more than aesthetics. Gear should be practical and perform. It may look great in the store, but if it doesn't meet your needs on a hike, it will be useless. Before purchasing a new piece of gear, read hiking guides or ask experienced hikers and guides for advice. You don't want to find yourself with a rain jacket that gets soaked in torrential rain.

Where to start your search? There are specialized sites that test hiking and mountaineering equipment. Make sure you consult reliable sources, avoiding those that promote products just for marketing.

2. Duration

Investing in durable equipment is essential. Ask yourself if the design and materials are suitable for the terrain you will be using. For example, an inflatable sleeping pad may not be suitable for rocky or desert terrain. Also, once you have purchased your equipment, take care of it with daily actions such as:

• Don't overload your backpack.
• Clean and dry the tent thoroughly before storing it.
• Avoid over-compressing the sleeping bag.

3. Lightness

Hiking is much more enjoyable if your pack doesn’t weigh a ton. Advances in lightweight yet durable materials make it possible to pack ultralight without sacrificing safety or functionality. Reducing the weight of your pack will improve your comfort, reduce the risk of injury, and increase your enjoyment. I speak from personal experience: on my first few hikes, I carried loads that were too heavy, resulting in back and leg pain. Since opting for ultralight hiking, I’ve noticed a huge difference in my well-being.

4. Value

Good value for money means balancing the long-term effectiveness of the equipment with its cost. There are several physical stores and online sites, such as our By Fair Means Shop , where you can find quality equipment at competitive prices. However, remember that it is not the price that makes the difference in your adventure: study the specifications carefully and choose equipment that suits your needs.

Final considerations

Today, the internet is filled with forums, YouTube reviews, and websites dedicated to outdoor gear. Some are reliable, others are less so. It’s easy for those new to hiking to get caught up in the latest fads, with increasingly lightweight and advanced gear. However, while gear is essential to keeping you safe and comfortable in the great outdoors, it’s no substitute for skill, fitness, and experience.

Remember: "We use gear to hike, we don't hike to use gear."

Mattia Pozzati

International Mountain Leader UIMLA

Mountain Media Guide Liguria Alpine Guides