There’s no shortage of moisture-wicking garments in outdoor clothing options, but what exactly do they do? And why is it such a “must-have” in your hiking clothes?
If you’re not sure how to answer those questions, don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered in the guide below. We’ll break down the jargon so you can understand what you’re actually looking at when you’re in the market for some new hiking garb, and also tell you which types of moisture-wicking clothing you should be shopping for.
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Gear Jargon 101: “Moisture-Wicking”
In a Nutshell
Simply put, it means the fabric will move liquid – aka sweat – away from your skin during physical activity and dry out fast.
How Does it Actually Work?
The Science Bit
The literal definition of wicking is to draw off liquid by capillary action (movement of fluid due to adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension). A shirt, for example, will draw perspiration away from your body without you having to wipe it away.
Certain kinds of fibers are woven in a way that will allow the sweat to move through the material, rather than permeate it. Once it’s drawn out, the sweat evaporates quickly on the outer surface.
Why Should I Wear Moisture-Wicking Layers?
If you sweat during physical activity, like hiking, you’ll want a fabric that ensures your clothing won’t be sopping wet when you’re working hard. It will keep your skin dry, help moderate your body temperature, and keep you comfortable.
Pro-Tip: Skip the fabric softener to get the most out of your moisture-wicking layers. Fabric softeners can leave a waxy residue and remove the fabric’s ability to draw sweat away from your skin.
When hiking, you want to wear these types of fabrics as a base layer to keep your body dry as you continue to exert energy.
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics Vs. Breathable Fabrics
While both types of fabric have similar qualities, they aren’t the same. If a garment is breathable, that means the fabric is woven in a way that allows air to get in and out. It might let your body heat escape, but not necessarily remove any sweat. Ideally, you want apparel that does both.
Types of Moisture-Wicking Fabric
1. Polyester
Synthetic fabrics are popular for workout clothing for the exact reasons we’ve discussed. Polyester fabric is breathable, stretchy, and naturally repels water, making it a great choice for hiking apparel. It’s also a more affordable option.
However, polyester does not control odor very well, so if you’re sweating a lot, prepare for that hiker stink.
Another downside is the lack of insulation. Don’t expect polyester to keep you warm in winter if you’re using it as a base layer and make sure you add an outer layer or two.
2. Merino Wool
Wool has long been the go-to fabric for hikers. It’s warm, and has anti-odor, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It can pull vapor off your skin before it even turns into sweat. Although it does absorb water, wool releases it into the air so efficiently it won’t feel damp.
Merino wool (which comes from a specific breed of sheep) is softer, sturdier, and not as itchy (for some people) as regular wool, and is better at wicking moisture due to the slenderness of the fibers. Because it’s thermoregulatory, it helps to keep your body cool in high temps and warm in cool temps.
But all those positive attributes mean wool costs more than other high-wicking fabrics. It also tends to break down faster than synthetic fabrics.
3. Polypropylene
As a lightweight, long-lasting synthetic material, polypropylene is great for hikers who need clothing to withstand some rough treatment. It’s extremely water-resistant and quick-drying, so you’ll stay comfortable, even in the summer. It also has some thermal properties to help keep you warm in cold weather.
The downside is that Polypropylene retains odor, so it might take a couple of washes to thoroughly clean your garment.
4. Nylon
Nylon is another popular and affordable synthetic fabric. It’s stretchy and lightweight, so hikers can save weight and retain flexibility on the trail.
Nylon is a thin material, so while it’s a good choice for hot weather, it won’t keep you warm if the temperature drops. It’s often blended with other fabrics, primarily polyester, so you might find a mixed-material garment more versatile.
5. Bamboo
Bamboo’s unique natural fiber will absorb moisture, but won’t trap it, allowing perspiration to quickly evaporate.
Bamboo fabric is also smooth and soft, so you’re bound to love the feel of anything you wear. It’s also a sustainable and eco-friendly option.
There is also some evidence that bamboo is antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so it could be a good option for hikers with sensitive skin.
The downside? It tends to wrinkle and shrink, so take special care of your garments.
6. MicroModal
As a semi-synthetic, MicroModal is stretchy and breathable, so provides plenty of airflow and freedom of movement while out on the trail. It’s also soft and silky to the touch, so brands often use it in underwear.
The fibers are produced from beech trees, so it’s another sustainable option for environmentally-conscious hikers.
The biggest downside is it’s pretty costly compared to other fabrics on the market.
What About Cotton?
Experienced hikers have a saying: “Cotton kills.”
Cotton can soak up to 27% of its weight in liquid, meaning it’s a “moisture-absorbing fabric.” A cotton shirt, for example, will become heavy and clammy when you sweat. It will keep the dampness close to your body and remove any insulating capability. If it’s cold out, this can lead to hypothermia.
It might be great for lounging around the house, but on the trail, avoid cotton (and cotton blends).
What Does Moisture-Wicking Mean?
Whether you’re climbing a mountain, trekking through snow, or hiking mellow trails, it’s important to stay dry and comfortable during your outdoor activity. Now you know what moisture-wicking means we hope the information above will help when you choose the garments that will allow you to do just that!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask away in the comment section below! And if you’d like to share this post with your friends, go ahead!