-Good Hiking Boots or Shoes, which are a very personal preference. (More hints on that here.)
-2 pair of your favorite merino wool socks: one pair for the morning hike and one pair to change into at lunch. Pack the lunch socks near the top or outside pocket of the pack for easy access. If rainy weather is in the forecast, I will pack a 3rd pair.
-Shorts, Pants or zip-offs, again a totally personal preference. If the sun or bugs are going to be an issue, I lean toward pants for protection. Good fit is very important for comfort.
-High quality underwear. You want something that fits well and will not stretch out- chaffing is not your friend. Pack a second pair to rotate daily. (
Side note: I purchase socks in several colors so you can tell which ones you have used, and I do the same with underwear to make rotating idiot proof...)
-For your top, start with a well-fitting performance tee shirt. Experience has taught that tank tops and sleeveless shirts allow your pack's shoulder straps to abrade your skin.
-Add a very lightweight button front nylon/performance material long sleeve shirt helps with the sun, bugs, and morning chills, and also provides easy layer adjusting if needed
-Head covering, again personal taste, typically a wide brim hat provides sun protection, while a bandana can be wet down in really hot weather. The trusty baseball cap is a standard go-to.
-Having your shell or poncho packed in an easily accessible place rounds out your trail clothes.
Now for Set 2: Camp clothes:
Upon arrival to camp and setup being complete, it is time to remove the sweaty, stinky trail clothes and don the comfy camp clothes.
-In warm weather, I start with a cotton tee shirt- no need for performance only comfort.
-Next will be some comfy loose-fitting boxers or boxer briefs and lightweight baggy gym shorts or very light weight sweat pants depending on weather.
-Fresh wool socks will help to dry out your damp boots
-If you carry some sort of flip flops or toe shoes, these are great for around camp, but if its a walk to get water, experience has taught wearing your boots is better than busted or cut-up toes.
-A fleece top as a warm layer rounds out the summer time camp clothing.
The camp clothes, since they are only worn around camp make great clothes to sleep in as they are cleaner than the trail clothes so your sleeping bag stays cleaner. (Si
de note: a super light silk or coolmax liner does wonders to keep your bag cleaner and make you feel fresher.)
Once changed and comfy, put up your clothes line and hang your trail clothing to air out for the next day. Be sure you take down the clothes line and trail clothes to stow in your tent before the dew sets in.
This system has served very well to be comfortable in the back country, does not add any weight to the pack since it is everything you would carry any way, and allows your sweaty trail clothes the opportunity to air out each day. The multiple socks keep your feet happy, dry and blister free.
This simple model can be expanded by the season, adding base layers, heavier warm layers, hats, gloves and neck gaiters.
Of course it can be tailored to your style and clothing needs. Most importantly have a plan and a system to ensure comfort when far away from home.