Choosing appropriate outdoor gear whether your hiking, playing a sport, performing an activity, or simply just being outside is crucial to staying dry and comfortable in every season. Knowing a few tips and tricks can make this process all the more easy and simple. Start with the basics, like considering the current season and checking the forecast for the temperature. This might not even seem like a real step in the process but it is important to figure out if lighter or heavier clothing is necessary. Most seasonal outdoor gear is made up of moisture wicking materials and durable fibers. These factors allow it to stand up to wear and tear through harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and snow.

During cooler seasons like fall and winter, one crucial aspect to staying warm, safe, and dry is the amount and type of layers that you wear. The three main types include the base layer, mid layer, and outer layer.

• Base Layer: The first layer helps to regulate the body’s temperature and keep it dry. Recommended clothing includes merino wool and thick fibers such as insulated pants, wool sweaters, or long underwear.

• Mid Layer: The second layer helps to insulate the body’s temperature in order to trap heat and keep the body warm. This is accomplished through wearing natural or synthetic fibers.

• Outer Layer: The third and last layer is waterproof, windproof, and breathable in order to protect the body from outside elements. It is usually made of polyamide or nylon materials.

• Accessories: Layering the essentials like socks, hats, gloves, and scarves is key in containing the body’s heat.

During warmer seasons like spring and summer it is important to stay cool, dry, and well protected from the sun. Therefore, learning these few tips and tricks will help you to make the best choices when it comes to choosing the most appropriate outdoor gear for yourself.

• Lightweight and Breathable: These types of clothing materials will keep the body cool by protecting it from intense heat. Fabric options to choose from include nylon, mesh, or polyester.
• Moisture Wicking: These types of clothing materials will keep the body dry and protect it from absorbing any wetness or dampness because they are designed to keep perspiration away from the body. Try to avoid wearing cotton clothing as it will leave the body feeling heavy and sweaty.
• Wear Lighter Colors: These types of clothing will keep you feeling cool because light colors reflect off of the sun while dark colors absorb heat from the sun causing you to feel hot. 
• Wear Comfortable and Supportive Footwear:. Choose lightweight and breathable shoes such as hiking boots for utmost protection and comfort.
• Sun Protection: While it is important to get a sufficient daily dosage of vitamin D from the sun, it is also important to protect your skin from getting sunburned. Therefore, wear a wide hat to protect your face and neck. Then, apply a mineral based sunscreen on any other exposed skin. Another option is to wear UV resistant clothing.
• Key Layers: Wearing layers during the summertime (especially if hiking or outside majority of the day) is more crucial to your own success because throughout the day you can easily adjust your clothing to ranging temperatures. Begin with a moisture resistant base layer which will help to keep perspiration away from the body. Next, apply a lightweight and breathable shirt as the mid layer which will help to keep the body cool and comfortable. Lastly, end off with a lightweight and breathable jacket or vest as the outer layer which will help to keep the body warmer at night when temperatures drop.
• Resources: A few of my favorite trusted brands and websites for seasonal outdoor gear are listed below.
• https://www.llbean.com/
• https://www.rei.com/
• https://www.backcountry.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqLl1zGF7haHOsbPQUi3JBHmIaxxd33Bs5U8GugN7NZszlrkeWE
• https://www.mountainhardwear.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorpSKBFAUZZ23AnuBWbtUgxDWBEjZ7NkWiRvVGS2ibdc4wWua90
• https://www.karitraa.com/

There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. ~Norwegian Proverb

*The information listed above is only based on the authors research and/or experience.