Seasoned Hikers Swear By This Seemingly Silly Clothing To Stay Dry And Control Body Heat
Whether you're hiking out in cold weather, hot weather, or somewhere in between, staying dry and regulating your body temperature is crucial. Thankfully, lovers of the great outdoors are quick to recommend weather-combating items to pack for hiking. Think a cooling towel (which is also a great summer hack at Disney) or heated gloves. Some tips seem unorthodox but are tried-and-true ways to make your hiking adventures more enjoyable.
Seasoned hikers believe that fishnets are not just a fashion staple found at rock concerts or in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Using these fishnet or mesh clothing items as a base layer when hiking can help keep you dry. As TikToker Oscar Hikes explains, "Most of [your sweat] is transferred to the outer layers through the gaps in the fabric." This helps keep the moisture off of your skin, keeping you more comfortable and dry. Put the long-sleeved mesh shirt under a slightly looser-fitting long-sleeved shirt to create this barrier between your skin and clothing. However, wearing mesh under your outer clothing can keep you warm too.
Wearing mesh as a base layer can create an insulating effect
The Avid outdoorsman behind TheIronSnail YouTube channel explains that Norwegians have been wearing mesh fishnets for centuries, and they definitely know a thing or two about staying warm. Wearing them under regular clothes creates "an invisible layer of air" which gets trapped by your outer layer. This is how mesh can create an insulating effect. Mesh leggings and long-sleeved shirts made of either wool or polypropylene (a thermoplastic polymer) are good options. Both materials keep moisture off of your skin and keep you warm.
Hikers on Reddit seem to agree that mesh clothing does help you stay warm during winter adventures. In the r/UltraLight subreddit, Redditor JuxMaster said, "I've been wearing mine in near and sub-freezing temps, and it works as well as they say." Another commentor summarized the benefits of a mesh base layer in both hot and cold temperatures, stating, "The empty space between the material hold warm air when its cold, and vents when its warm."