Small Choices for More Comfortable Hiking

Comfort Belongs on the Trail, Too

Hiking can be demanding, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

For us, the hikes we remember most are the ones where we feel at ease. When we’re not distracted by blisters, sunburn, or layers that don’t quite work, we can actually settle in. Hear the sound of wind through the trees, the steady rhythm of our steps, and soak up the quiet that shows up when nothing is asking for our attention.

This isn’t about performance or having the perfect setup. It’s about the small comforts that make being outside feel supportive.

Because when hiking feels good, it stops being something you push through and starts becoming something you want to return to.

Socks — the understated hero

Good socks don’t get much attention, but they are monumental in making a good trip.

Comfortable feet make it easier to stay present on the trail. When you’re not dealing with hot spots, rubbing, or fabric slipping around, it’s easier to move at a steady pace and actually enjoy where you are.

We reach for wool hiking socks because they regulate temperature well, hold their shape, and stay comfortable over long stretches of time. For most activities / climates, a medium cushion offers protection without feeling bulky, and quality materials make a noticeable difference by the end of the day.

They don’t need to be flashy or overly technical. Reliability matters more. Look for trusted materials, take time to learn about the brand, and prioritize companies that stand behind their products and values. We are big fans of Point6, who offer solid warranties and clear sustainability practices.

What’s under the base layer

Some of the most important layers are the ones no one sees.

When something feels off underneath – annoying seams, fabric that doesn’t breathe, anything you’re constantly adjusting – it’s hard to stay in the moment. That low-level discomfort pulls attention away from the experience, even if you try to ignore it.

Personally, I opt for underwear as my basest layer. My preferred choices are ones that are soft, breathable, and secure without digging in or shifting as I move. Organic Basics pieces work well for long days outside because they’re simple, comfortable, and made from materials that can last all day.

It’s not a luxurious detail, but it’s an honest one. When the layer closest to your body feels natural, everything else becomes easier.

Sun protection that feels effortless

Sun protection is easy to skip when it feels like a hassle.

Heavy formulas, chemicals, strong scents, and greasy textures… no thanks. We stick with options that feel good to wear, reapply, and that are safe for the environment. We opt for mineral only sunscreen and lip care that blend well and keep things protected (like our skin and the waterways).

Reach for brands with clean, gentle, and effective formulas (like Badger) that hold up while moving and reapplying. When protection feels effortless, you’re far more likely to use it consistently, and that consistency matters.

Headwear for shade and familiarity

Some things earn their place not because they’re technical, but because they feel familiar.

A favorite hat offers shade and sun protection, but it also does something more subtle. Wearing something you’ve reached for time and again can feel grounding — a small signal that you’re prepared, comfortable, and allowed to slow down.

I gravitate toward pieces that feel broken-in rather than brand new, ones that move easily between trail days and everyday life. A well-loved hat keeps the sun off my face and brings a sense of familiarity that makes being outdoors feel less performative and more personal.

Small comforts add up. When you feel grounded in what you’re wearing, it’s easier to relax into the experience.

Choosing comfort as a form of preparedness

None of these choices are about doing more or having the ultimate setup. They’re about choosing comfort in a way that supports a better experience.

When you’re not distracted by sore feet, sunburn, or clothing that doesn’t feel good to wear, you can stay present and engaged. You move more steadily. You notice more. Hiking becomes something you settle into rather than something you push through.

Preparedness doesn’t have to mean excess. Sometimes it looks like knowing what helps your body feel supported and bringing just enough of that along. Fewer items. Better choices. Comfort that earns its place.

For me, these small choices are what make hiking feel more comfortable and sustainable — something I can return to again and again.