Guide
What to Wear for Light and Technical Trekking
More performance, more comfort, less weight: Here’s how to dress smart for light and technical alpine hikes.
Whether you’re heading out on a fast-paced day hike or planning a multi-day trek with overnight stays, choosing the right hiking clothes is essential for your safety, comfort, and overall experience. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build a high-performance lightweight layering system tailored for hiking in alpine environments.
The Foundation: The Layering System
In alpine terrain, weather can change rapidly. That’s why your hiking outfit should be made up of multiple layers that are easy to add or remove depending on your activity level and the elements.
1. Base Layer – Manage Moisture and Temperature
Every good hiking clothing system starts with a quality base layer. A base layer made from pure merino wool offers excellent thermal regulation and stays fresh for longer, even after extended use. It wicks moisture away from your skin, helping you stay dry and warm.
Pro tip: Avoid cotton. It absorbs moisture and cools your body down when wet.
Recommended products:
Merino Wool
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Available Sizes True Black:
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Extra warm, soft and comfy 100% merino wool base layer with high collar and half zip. Use as a first or second layer for activities like skiing, mountaineering or any wintertime adventure where you need extra insulation.
$ 255.00
Merino Wool
Available Sizes True Black:
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XXL
T-shirt in 100% super fine merino wool that works perfectly all year around. The light fabric and athletic fit makes Men’s Desoli Tee a perfect outdoor companion for everything from hiking or climbing to biking or training.
$ 95.00
Merino Wool
Available Sizes True Black:
XS
S
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XXL
Light, warm and soft boxers in 100% super fine merino wool, nature's own performance material.
$ 55.00
2. Mid Layer – Insulate Your Body Heat
The mid layer’s main job is to retain body warmth and provide insulation in all weather conditions. For fast-paced or technical hiking, a synthetic mid layer is ideal—it offers lightweight insulation, breathability, and reliable performance even in damp conditions.
Pro tip: If you’ll be hiking at high altitudes where temperatures drop at night, consider adding an insulated vest or a lightweight puffer jacket.
2. Mid Layer – Insulate Your Body Heat
The mid layer’s main job is to retain body warmth and provide insulation in all weather conditions. For fast-paced or technical hiking, a synthetic mid layer is ideal—it offers lightweight insulation, breathability, and reliable performance even in damp conditions.
Pro tip: If you’ll be hiking at high altitudes where temperatures drop at night, consider adding an insulated vest or a lightweight puffer jacket.
Recommended products:
New
Available Sizes Foggy Mountain:
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XXL
Technical men's mid-layer designed to provide comfort, warmth and breathability for a wide variety of outdoor activities. Never too warm, never too cold – always stay comfortable in the Men's Aero Houdi.
$ 220.00
New Color
Available Sizes Tribe Blue:
XXS
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XL
Smooth, warm and stretchy fleece jacket with over 20 years on the market. Exceptional performance and durability, made with Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro™.
$ 240.00
Available Sizes True Black:
XS
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XXL
Lightweight insulation men's vest padded with Primaloft® Gold. Warm, highly packable and water repellent.
$ 220.00
3. Outer Layer: For Most Weather
When you’re on the move for hours at a time, your outerwear should protect you from wind and light moisture without trapping excess heat or sweat. A lightweight, durable, and stretchy softshell jacket with high breathability is often the best choice—at least when the rain holds off.
Pro tip: Many softshell jackets for hiking also work great for ski touring and alpine missions in winter.
Recommended products:
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Available Sizes True Black:
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Fully featured, soft, stretchy and durable women's softshell pants made to handle rough conditions and demanding adventures. Breathable with great wind- and water protection. Fully recyclable.
$ 250.00
Available Sizes True Black:
XS
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XXL
Light, stretchy and super versatile men's softshell windbreaker jacket. The soft, breathable and durable construction makes Go Jacket perfect for adventures like hiking, climbing and kayaking. Fully recyclable.
$ 250.00
Available Sizes Sandstorm:
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Lightweight, durable and super comfortable women's shorts made for adventure and everyday use. 100% PFAS-free and fully recyclable.
$ 135.00
4. Waterproof Shell – When the Storm Hits
In recent years, waterproof shell clothing has made huge strides in both packability and performance. Modern rain gear is so light and compact that you can easily bring both a softshell for fair conditions and a fully waterproof shell for when the rain or snow rolls in. Pro tip: Make sure your waterproof jacket has enough room to comfortably fit an insulating layer underneath.
4. Waterproof Shell – When the Storm Hits
In recent years, waterproof shell clothing has made huge strides in both packability and performance. Modern rain gear is so light and compact that you can easily bring both a softshell for fair conditions and a fully waterproof shell for when the rain or snow rolls in. Pro tip: Make sure your waterproof jacket has enough room to comfortably fit an insulating layer underneath.
Recommended products:
New Color
Available Sizes Be the Light Green:
XXS
XS
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XL
Extremely light and highly packable waterproof women's shell jacket that will keep you sheltered in any blizzard but still takes no more space in your pack than a small orange.
$ 320.00
New
Available Sizes True Black:
XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
Extremely light and highly packable waterproof men's shell pants that will keep you sheltered in any blizzard but still takes no more space in your pack than a small orange.
$ 250.00
Available Sizes Morning Haze:
XXS
XS
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Fully featured, durable and super versatile women's shell jacket made for every adventure and all seasons. Waterproof and breathable. 100% PFAS-free and circular design.
$ 500.00
5. Smart Accessories – Small Things, Big Difference
Since 1993, technical accessories have been a specialty at Houdini. These multi-functional hiking essentials provide both warmth and versatility—often filling more than one role in your gear list. Pro tip: A thin headband can double as a neck warmer or an eye mask for bright nights in the tent.
Recommended products:
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Available Sizes True Black:
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M/L
Everyday cap in a technical fabric suitable for everything from everyday use to big adventures. Made in tough and stretchy polyester ripstop.
$ 55.00
Merino Wool
Available Sizes True Black:
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M/L
Headband in 100% super fine merino wool for high intensity sports like running, biking or cross country skiing. Fits under ski, climb or bicycle helmet.
$ 40.00
Available Sizes True Black:
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Keep your hands warm with all fingers free. Made in Polartec Power Stretch Pro. 4-way stretch. Moisture wicking. Extremely durable.
$ 35.00
Enjoy the Outdoors
Dressing for alpine hiking is all about balancing weight, protection, and comfort. With a smart layering strategy and carefully chosen materials, you’re well-equipped for everything from sunny ascents to sudden storms at altitude. Remember, don’t just dress for the current weather—dress for the mountain’s shifting moods. And most importantly: the reason to plan your gear so carefully is simple—so you don’t have to think about it once you’re out there. With the right hiking clothes, you’re free to focus on the adventure itself and the raw beauty of the natural world.
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