What to Wear Hiking in the Philippines: A Complete Outfit Guide

Why Your Hiking Outfit Actually Matters

You might think you can just throw on any old shirt and shorts for a hike. And honestly, for a quick trail near the city, you probably can. But once you start tackling longer hikes or higher elevations, what you wear makes a real difference in how comfortable (and safe) you are on the trail.

The right outfit keeps you cool when it's hot, warm when it's cold, and dry when it rains. The wrong one can lead to chafing, overheating, or shivering at the summit.

Here's how to put together a hiking outfit that works for Philippine trails.

The Golden Rule: No Cotton

This is the one rule every hiker learns eventually. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds onto it, which means it stays wet against your skin. On a hot day, that's just uncomfortable. At higher elevations where temperatures drop, wet cotton against your body can actually be dangerous.

Go with synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) or merino wool instead. They wick moisture away from your skin and dry fast.

Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Hat or Cap

Sun protection starts at the top. A breathable cap or wide-brimmed hat keeps the sun off your face and helps prevent heatstroke on exposed trails.

For rainy hikes, a waterproof hat with a brim keeps rain out of your eyes better than a hood alone.

Top

For warm, low-elevation hikes:

• A lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt is all you need
• Loose-fitting is more comfortable than tight
• Long sleeves protect against sun and scratches from overgrown trails

For cool, high-elevation hikes:

• Start with a moisture-wicking base layer
• Add a fleece or light insulating jacket
• Bring a windproof or waterproof outer layer

A lot of hikers like wearing a dri-fit shirt for the climb and then throwing on a jacket at the summit when it gets chilly.

Bottom

Hiking pants or leggings are the way to go. Look for something that dries quickly and gives you enough room to move.

• Convertible pants (the ones that zip off into shorts) are popular for a reason. You get both options in one
• Leggings are great for women and increasingly popular with men too. Just make sure they're not see-through when you stretch
• Board shorts or running shorts work fine for easy, low-elevation hikes

Avoid jeans. They're heavy, don't stretch, and take forever to dry.

Socks

Don't overlook your socks. A good pair of hiking socks prevents blisters and keeps your feet comfortable for hours.

• Go with wool or synthetic blends
• Avoid cotton (yes, even for socks)
• Bring an extra pair in a ziplock bag in case yours get soaked

Footwear

Your shoes are your most important gear decision. The right pick depends on the trail:

• Trail running shoes work great for well-maintained, shorter trails
• Hiking shoes (low-cut) are a solid all-around choice
• Hiking boots (ankle-height) give extra support for rocky or steep terrain
• Sandals are fine for river treks but not for summit climbs

Whatever you choose, break them in before the hike. New shoes on a long trail is a recipe for blisters.

Outfit Ideas by Hike Type

Easy Day Hike (Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Mt. Kalisungan)

• Dri-fit shirt (short or long sleeve)
• Hiking shorts or leggings
• Trail running shoes or hiking shoes
• Cap and sunglasses
• Light rain jacket in your pack

Moderate Day Hike (Mt. Batulao, Mt. Maculot)

• Moisture-wicking shirt
• Hiking pants or leggings
• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Packable rain jacket
• Buff or bandana for sun/dust

High-Elevation Overnight (Mt. Pulag, Mt. Apo)

• Moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom)
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down jacket)
• Waterproof outer shell
• Hiking pants (not shorts, it gets cold)
• Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
• Hiking boots with ankle support
• Extra dry clothes for camp

What NOT to Wear

Let's save you some trouble:

• Jeans - Heavy, restrictive, slow to dry
• Cotton t-shirts - They soak up sweat and stay wet
• Flip-flops or fashion sneakers - No traction, no support
• Brand new shoes - Break them in first
• Too much jewelry - It catches on branches and gets in the way
• All black on a sunny day - You'll cook. Go with lighter colors

Budget-Friendly Options

You don't need to spend a fortune to dress right for hiking.

Where to shop:

• Decathlon has affordable hiking-specific clothing
• Uniqlo dri-fit and AIRism lines work surprisingly well
• Local brands like Conquer and Sandugo offer good value
• Shopee/Lazada for budget dri-fit shirts and hiking pants
• Ukay-ukay (thrift stores) occasionally have quality outdoor brands

A solid hiking outfit can cost as little as PHP 500 to PHP 1,500 if you shop smart.

Dressing for Philippine Weather

The Philippines has two main seasons that affect what you wear on the trail:

Dry season (November to May):

• Lighter clothing, more sun protection
• Still bring a rain jacket for mountain weather
• Sunscreen is a must on exposed ridgelines

Wet season (June to October):

• Waterproof layers become essential
• Quick-dry everything
• Gaiters help keep mud out of your shoes
• Extra dry clothes in a waterproof bag

Look Good, Hike Smart

At the end of the day, the best hiking outfit is one that keeps you comfortable and safe on the trail. You can absolutely look good doing it, but function comes first.

Join the Peaksy community to connect with hikers who can share their favorite gear finds and outfit tips for every type of Philippine trail.