Whether you’re just embarking on your first hike or are a seasoned veteran, knowing the colors that correspond with various conditions is helpful. This article breaks down what colors mean when you’re outside and will help you decide what to wear at different times of the day.
Hiking clothing colors are great because they reflect the terrain you’ll be hiking in. They also are relatively simple to choose from, so getting the best match is easy! From white to yellow, here’s our guide on what clothing colors to use when trekking!
1. Wearing Bright Color Is Helpful When You Get Lost
Wearing bright colors when hiking makes it easier for others to see you. Many new hikers are disappointed when they get lost because they forget to be seen. Bright colors on lightweight, breathable fabrics will keep you visible while keeping you cool and comfortable.
If you’ve ever been on a hike and gotten lost, you know how important it is to be seen. So wearing a bright color is a great idea! Luckily, many hiking clothing colors just scream, “look at me!” For example, if you wear a red sweatshirt or shirt, the bright color will help rescue workers find you.
However, some wear bright colors just because they look good together! For example, many people wear red and blue because blue jeans look great with a red shirt or sweatshirt.
2. Wearing Light Colors In The Morning
The morning is when the world slowly comes to life, so it’s best to wear light colors. Those with light colors will blend into their surroundings instead of sticking out starkly in the early morning light. Light colors also help prevent sunburn.
When you’re hiking, it’s a good idea to wear light colors in the morning. Since the day is bright and cheerful, you’ll want to bring out your happy vibes! Wear a light-colored shirt or jacket to help you look and feel good throughout your hike!
It also makes a lot of sense to wear a bright yellow or red cap when hiking in the morning. These colors will help you stand out in the bright sunlight.
If you are planning to hike in the morning, wearing light-colored clothing is recommended. Check out these outfit ideas for a baptism that feature light-colored clothing options. Light color reflects the sun’s rays and can help keep your body cooler. Plus, light-colored clothing can make it easier for you to see ticks, insects, and other outdoor hazards.
3. Wearing Dark Colors At Night
Wearing dark colors at night is the best way to stay hidden. The darkness will help you blend in with your surroundings, so wear something too bright. When you want to be seen, wear bright colors instead of dark colors.So what are some different hiking clothing colors that will help you hide in the dark? If you’re on a night hike, wearing black clothing may be best.
4. Choose Red Or Orange When You Want To Observe Deer
Deer can see in both blue and green. They can’t see colors like red or orange, so those are the best colors to choose if you want to watch some deer. Wearing clothes of those colors will help you blend in with nature, which will make it easier for you to see the deer!A common myth is that yellow is a color that makes deer more scared. Therefore, if you wear bright yellow hiking clothing, it will make the deer more skittish. While this may be true, it’s important to remember that wearing bright yellow can help you stand out if you’re hiking with others.
5. Wear Blue And Green Together On A Hike
Many hikers wear blue and green together because those colors look great and don’t stand out too much. However, if you’re looking for hiking clothing colors that blend in, you should go with blue or green.
Blue and green are great hiking clothing colors because they will help you blend in with the sky, trees, and water. So if you’re hiking in an area with lots of trees, wearing blue or green will make it easier for you to find the right trail!
People also like to wear blue and green together because they look super cute together! Blue jeans with an adorable shirt, for example, are a must-have look for anyone who likes hiking.
Pairing blue and green hiking clothes can help you camouflage into the natural surroundings around you. Check out our guide on hiking and camping tips for the Pacific Northwest to learn more about blending in with nature during your next hike.
6. Choose Black If You Want To Hide In The Woods
If you’re trying to hide in the woods, black is the best choice. But, unfortunately, it’s the darkest color you can make, so it’ll make it hard to see you.
It might seem silly to wear black when you’re trying to stay hidden, but black is the perfect color that works best in the woods. Black clothing will help you blend in with your surroundings while still making it hard to see you. If your clothing is black, be sure to bring a flashlight to help others find you.
7. Use Earth Tones While Birdwatching
There are a lot of different bird species out there, and many can see colors that we can’t. If you want to see the same colors that birds see, then you should wear earth tones. Earth tones, overall, are great colors that will work for bird watching and other outdoor activities. For example, red and blue will work well for spotting birds, but Fruits that are green or orange should be avoided at all costs. Because their color range isn’t the same as the birds’.
When birdwatching, it’s important to wear clothing that blends in with the surrounding environment. That’s why earth tones, such as browns and greens, are the best choice. For more information on how to mix brown and green colors, check out Hood MWR’s article.
8. Chamomile, Leaf Green, And Mossy Green Help You Blend In With Plants And Trees
Don’t be afraid to wear colors that are close to the colors of plants and trees. Some lizard, reptile and amphibian species can see colors that we can’t, so wear clothing similar to the color of plants. Some ways to wear a green oufit for you.
This might seem like an odd pick because it’s obvious that bright colors will stand out better than subdued colors. However, it’s safe to wear muted colors when hiking with a family or group of friends. If you wear muted clothing, the other people in your group will stand out less. Therefore, you’ll be able to hide better.
9. Choose Bright Color When Hiking In Snow
Many different types of animals live in the snow, including birds, squirrels, and deer. If you want to be able to see them while you’re hiking in the snow, your best choice is white clothing.
One of the most important things to remember when hiking in the snow is that your shoes should be light-colored. Otherwise, you’ll stand out too much, and the snow will reflect your bright colors. It’s always a good idea to wear something that doesn’t easily reflect light and s a darker color. If you can find a white-colored shirt or jacket, it should work great!
10. Wear Light Colors When You’re On A Field Trip
One of the best ways to keep up with kids is to tell them what to wear. There’s nothing wrong with telling them to wear white, light blue, or yellow shirts. This will make it easier for you to keep track of them when you’re on a field trip!
Most field trips are held during the day, so wearing light colors makes sense. In addition, children can blend in with their surroundings more easily when wearing light clothes.
If the kids wear clothes of many different colors, it may be difficult for you to follow them around.
11. Wear White Clothing To Be Seen By The Seagulls
If you want to be seen by the seagulls, wear clothes that are white or light gray. These colors will make it easier for them to see you! If they can’t see you, they should probably land on you and make a mess of your clothing.
Seagulls love to fish, so if fish are swimming nearby, there’s a good chance that the gulls will land next to them.
12. Wearing Light Colors If Hiking In The Heat
The light colors are best because the sun’s rays are strong, especially when you’re hiking through very hot terrain. If you wear dark-colored clothing, it will make you hotter.
If you want to feel cooler when hiking in the heat, go with light clothing. Light colors are breathable, helping them stay cool for longer periods.
Once again, wearing light-colored shirts and jackets is best for warmth.
If you’re planning on hiking in warm weather, wearing light colors can help you stay comfortable and cool, as they reflect sunlight and heat. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and avoid dark colors that tend to absorb heat. Stay stylish and comfortable with these outfit inspiration ideas when visiting Portland City.
13. Wearing Dark Colors If Hiking In The Rain
Dark colors are best because they don’t absorb water. Therefore, you’ll stay wet for longer periods if you’re wearing light clothing.
When hiking in the rain, it’s not just the water that’s dangerous. Thunderstorms also produce lightning! You should wear dark colors so you can see any nearby lightning strikes if they come your way.
Light clothes tend to absorb water, so it’s best to wear dark clothing so your clothes can dry off.
14. Wearing Dark Colors If Hiking In The Cold
We’ve talked a lot about dark colors when it comes to absorbing water, but it’s also true that dark clothing can keep you warm. Therefore, you should wear dark clothing if you’re hiking in the cold.
Extreme weather conditions produce extreme temperatures. You should use light-colored clothes to stay warm in the extreme cold since they will dry faster than their darker counterparts. Also, make sure that your dark clothing is warm enough for the cold because wearing too much or too thin of clothing will prevent heat from escaping.
To keep warm during winter hikes, make sure to wear dark-colored clothing, as they retain heat better than lighter colors. Check out these outfit ideas for 50-degree weather for women to get some inspiration for your next cold-weather hiking trip.
15. Wearing Desert Camouflage If Need Be
If you’re hiking in the desert, then wearing desert camouflage clothing might be a smart decision. However, if there are snakes or other animals that blend into their surroundings, it’s best to wear clothing that matches their environment.
When you wear desert camouflage, your clothes will blend in better with your surroundings.
16. Wearing Brown Or Green Clothes While Hiking In The Woods
The woods are different than the desert. When you’re hiking in the woods, it’s best to wear brown or green clothing. These colors will help you blend in with your surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot you.
If you want to see colorful wildflowers, then it’s best to wear brown or green clothes. Then, if predators can’t see you, they won’t be able to hunt you.
The woods have a lot of trees and other plants.
17. Wearing Brown Clothing When Hiking Near Lakes And Ponds
If you want to take pictures of the wildlife around the water, it’s best to wear brown or green clothing.
When you’re hiking near a lake or pond, you might see all kinds of animals running around, from frogs to ducks. Wearing brown or green clothes will help these animals blend in with their surroundings.
It’s best to wear muted colors in a forest because they may blend in with the environment better than brighter colors.
18. Wearing Camo Clothing If You’re Visiting A Military Base
If you’re visiting a military base, then it might be best to wear camo clothing. There are several types of camouflage, including Woodland, Leafy, Desert, and Urban. If you’re hiking near a military base, you might see people wearing camouflage clothing on the base. Wearing camo clothing will make it dangerous for enemy soldiers who may be on the base to attack you.
19. Wearing Red Clothing If You’re Hiking Near Deer
If you’re hiking near a deer, it’s best to wear red clothing. Red has been proven to be one of the most prominent colors that deer see. If there are deer directly in your way, wearing red could help them move out of your way.
FAQs
What color should I wear for hiking?
The answer to this question depends on many different factors, which you can discuss with your hiking partner or group of friends before hiking begins. If you’re lost, don’t be afraid to try out new combinations of clothing. Some people believe that wearing white is always best since it works as a beacon for searchers. Others believe that wearing clothing similar to the surrounding foliage will make it easier to hide. It all boils down to what you think will work best for your situation.
What color should you not wear hiking?
Some people have the belief that wearing bright colors is dangerous, but this is false. The only time you may want to avoid wearing bright colors is when hiking in the winter. Bright colors tend to reflect light, especially when you are hiking in the snowy terrain. This helps keep you warm, but it will also make it easier for others to find you.
What color shirt should I wear hiking?
Again, this depends on many different factors. Different people have different opinions on this topic. However, some people strongly believe that wearing a black shirt will help avoid being kidnapped by a predator. Others have a different view of this. The best way to answer this question is to discuss it with your friends ahead of time since no two people are the same.
To avoid standing out too much on the trail and disturbing other hikers, it’s best to stick with neutral shirt colors like gray, green, or brown. Check out 45 great men’s shirt color ideas for more inspiration.
Does clothing color matter when hiking?
When it comes to shining in the sunlight, yes, if there are hunters in the area, wearing light-colored clothing will make you more visible if they decide to take a shot at you.
The color of the clothing you wear does matter to some degree. It can be vital to your safety if you choose to wear clothing that clashes with your surroundings (like wearing white if you’re in the country). Since you’re using your bivy sack as a shelter, the last thing you want is to be chilly or chilly in the early morning hours.
What color hiking pants should I get?
The color of your hiking pants doesn’t matter that much because the rest of your clothing covers them up.
If you want to be comfy, it’s best to go with black since black clothing is typically the most flexible.
Is black a good color for hiking?
When it comes to camping, black is a great choice because it hides dirt very well. If you’re wearing black clothing while hiking, then dirt shouldn’t be a problem since dirt is concealed more easily on black clothing. Black also works well in snowy conditions because the white snow won’t show up on your clothing as much as it will on other colors of attire.