What to Wear for Trekking? The A-Z Guide to Layering Your Outfit

In recent years, trekking - a form of long-distance walking through natural trails such as forests, hills, or mountains - has become a trend loved by many. From day trips for beginners to multi-day journeys, trekking offers the chance to explore nature and test endurance. However, terrain, weather, and activity intensity can change constantly, making the choice of clothing an important factor in ensuring comfort and safety. That's also why many people apply the principle of dressing in layers when trekking.

So how do experienced trekkers usually dress to stay both comfortable and safe throughout the journey? Let's explore layering with Supersports - the secret used by experts on every trail!

What Is Layering (Layer) in Clothing?

Layering means combining multiple layers of clothing on top of each other, with each layer serving its own function: keeping dry, keeping warm, or blocking wind and rain. Instead of choosing one jacket that "does it all," the layering system lets you add or remove layers depending on your activity intensity and the actual weather conditions on the trail.

The biggest benefit of layering is flexibility. On a cold morning, you can wear all 3 layers. When the sun comes up at noon or climbing makes your body heat up, you just need to remove the outer layer without having to carry many spare outfits. This is also the dressing principle applied by most outdoor brands like Columbia apply when designing their products.

The 3-Layer System in Trekking Apparel

The standard layering system consists of 3 layers, arranged from inside to outside, with each layer solving a different problem rather than simply "adding more for warmth":

1. Base Layer

This is the layer worn against the skin, usually a short-sleeve t-shirt or thermal shirt combined with specialized sports pants, acting as a "moisture-wicking system" for the body. Thanks to the specialized fabric fiber structure, sweat quickly moves to the outer surface of the shirt to evaporate, instead of staying trapped and making your body damp and cold when you stop to rest or when the wind blows.

Recommended materials: Polyester, polypropylene, or Merino wool. Merino wool also has natural antibacterial properties, reducing body odor, making it suitable for multi-day treks where washing clothes regularly isn't convenient.

2. Mid Layer

This layer is responsible for keeping the body warm, acting as an insulating layer that limits heat from escaping the body into the environment. Use fleece jackets, thin hoodies, or thin puffer jackets, and prioritize types with a built-in UPF rating for UV protection or a water-repellent coating. Some zip-off pants (which convert into shorts by removing the legs) are also quite convenient since they're easy to adjust when the temperature changes during the day.

Recommended materials: Synthetic fill is the most practical choice since it still retains warmth when slightly damp. Natural down is lighter and warmer, but loses its effectiveness when fully wet, so it's only suitable in dry conditions. If you prioritize breathability during continuous activity, choose fleece. There's also heat-reflective technology like Omni-Heat from Columbia, which uses a lining with small metallic dots that reflect body heat back, helping keep you warm without needing thick layers.

3. Outer Layer/Shell

This is the outermost layer, and also the most versatile choice in the entire layering system - it protects against sun, water, and dust while also blocking wind, thanks to specialized fabric technologies integrated into the jacket. A good choice for this layer should not only block water and wind, but also be breathable enough to let heat and sweat escape from the body, avoiding that stuffy feeling when climbing slopes or engaging in intense activity.

Note when choosing: Choose a jacket that clearly states waterproof capability (able to withstand heavy, prolonged rain), not just water-resistant (which only withstands light drizzle). Also, a jacket's waterproofing will gradually decrease after long-term use, especially in the shoulder area that rubs against backpack straps, so you'll need to reapply a waterproof spray occasionally. Columbia's waterproofing technology is an example of fabric that's both highly waterproof and still breathable during activity.

> Read more: Top 5 Best Quality Columbia Waterproof Jackets

Not Every Trekking Trip Needs All 3 Layers

The 3-layer principle is just a reference framework, not a mandatory formula that must be applied to every trip. The number of layers and materials you choose depends on the actual weather conditions of the trail and the time you go. Below is how to dress for each common weather type encountered when trekking in Vietnam.

Hot, Sunny Weather

• Typical trails: Grassy hill and savanna treks like Ta Nang - Phan Dung (Lam Dong - Ninh Thuan - Binh Thuan), or coastal sand dune routes like Mui Doi - Cuc Dong (Khanh Hoa) - open terrain, little shade, with intense sun all day long.
• Should choose: A base layer with good sweat-wicking, combined with a UV-protective (UPF) long-sleeve shirt to avoid sunburn.
• Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses. No need for a warming layer.

Cool, Windy Weather

• Typical trails: Highland trekking spots like Da Lat, Bidoup - Nui Ba (Lam Dong), Ta Xua (Son La), or the Y Ty area (Bat Xat, Lao Cai) - places with a cool climate, cloudy and windy year-round due to being at an elevation of over 2,000m.
• Should choose: A long-sleeve t-shirt as the base layer, combined with a thin fleece jacket, hoodie, or thermal top, and a thin windbreaker if the wind is strong.

Note: A thick jacket isn't necessary since continuous movement while trekking already generates enough heat to keep the body warm.

Sudden Rain or Strong Wind

• Typical trails: Forest treks in the Hoang Lien Son range like Fansipan, Bach Moc Luong Tu, Pu Ta Leng, or the Sa Mu Pass area (Khe Sanh, Quang Tri) - known for thick fog and sudden rain year-round.
• Should choose: Prioritize bringing a waterproof, windproof jacket, even if you start out on a sunny, dry day.

Note: Choose a lightweight jacket that packs down easily, prioritizing material that blocks rain while still allowing moisture to escape, to avoid sweating on the inside while climbing. Outdoor jacket lines from Columbia or HOKA are worth considering, as many models can be packed down right into their own pocket, which is very convenient to carry in case the weather turns suddenly windy.

Mountain Areas with Low Temperatures

• Typical trails: High-altitude peaks like Fansipan, Ta Chi Nhu, Lao Than, Nhiu Co San (all in Lao Cai, Lai Chau), especially in the early morning, evening, or winter when temperatures drop sharply.
• Should choose: Apply the full 3-layer system - a moisture-wicking base layer, a thicker warming mid layer (a heat-reflective jacket or lightweight down jacket), and a windproof, waterproof outer layer.
• Accessories: Gloves, a beanie, warm socks, as these are the areas of the body that lose heat most easily.

Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

• Wearing cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture well but dries very slowly, making the body prone to feeling cold when exposed to wind or when stopping to rest.
• Wearing too many layers from the start. The body generates heat quickly after just a few minutes of activity, so it's reasonable to only dress warm enough for when you're standing still.
• Not bringing a spare jacket. Mountain weather can change unexpectedly, so a compact, lightweight jacket should always be kept in your backpack.
• Focusing only on warmth while ignoring sun protection. UV intensity in high mountain areas doesn't decrease at all, so UV-protective clothing is still necessary even in cold weather.
• Not checking the weather forecast for the specific trekking area. Each trail has its own climate characteristics, so checking the forecast for the correct area will help you prepare your clothing more accurately.

Buy Authentic Trekking Apparel at Supersports

Specialized apparel is always a more worthwhile investment than regular sportswear if you want your trek to be both safe and comfortable. Here's a checklist to help you choose the right products for each layer when shopping at Supersports:

Layer 1 – Base Layer

The innermost layer should prioritize baselayer lines or performance t-shirts like the Columbia Silver Ridge™ Utility Lite, Columbia Tech Trail™ Tee, Under Armour HeatGear® Compression, or the adidas Climacool line. These lines all use moisture-wicking, quick-dry material, suitable for trekking. If heading out in cold weather, choose the Columbia Omni-Heat™ Midweight Baselayer or Under Armour ColdGear® to stay warm while remaining comfortable during activity.

Layer 2 – Mid Layer (Warmth & Flexibility)

The mid layer helps retain warmth when trekking in the early morning, evening, or in low-temperature areas. You should prioritize a Columbia fleece jacket to stay warm while still being lightweight and easy to remove when your body heats up. In colder weather, the Columbia Powder Lite™ II Hooded, with Omni-Heat™ Reflective technology and Thermarator™ insulation, will help retain heat effectively without feeling bulky.

Layer 3 – Outer Layer (Weather Protection)

The outer layer helps protect the body from wind and rain. For short treks or dry weather, the HOKA Skyflow Jacket is a convenient choice thanks to its ultra-lightweight design, packability, and light rain resistance. If trekking in rainy or unpredictable weather conditions, prioritize the Columbia Hikebound™ II Rain Jacket or Columbia Whistler Peak™ Shell Rain Jacket, designed for hiking with better waterproofing and breathability.

In addition to apparel, Supersports also offers trekking shoes, backpacks, hats, socks, and many accessories from international brands, helping you fully prepare according to the checklist for every trekking trail.

Supersports is the NO. 1 RETAILER AND DISTRIBUTOR OF AUTHENTIC SPORTS FOOTWEAR, APPAREL, AND ACCESSORIES IN VIETNAM. The brand is part of Central Retail Group - a leading retailer from Thailand.

Supersports operates a retail system with over 30 renowned sports brands, including: Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Puma... Among these, Supersports is the official and exclusive distributor of: Under Armour, HOKA, and Columbia. We are committed to bringing authentic, top-quality products to sports enthusiasts in Vietnam.