Hiking footwear and clothing

What you wear on your feet and body has a big effect on how a walk feels and how safe it is. Slipping on a wet rock in smooth-soled shoes, or getting cold and wet on an exposed ridge, can quickly turn a good day into an emergency. This guide explains how to choose footwear and clothing for Australian conditions, based on parks advice and general good practice.

This guide is general information written in our own words, based on the official sources listed at the end. Track conditions, closures, fire danger and safety advice change, and rules differ between parks and states, so always check current park alerts and the managing agency's advice before you go. It is not a substitute for first aid training or local knowledge. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

What parks agencies recommend

NSW National Parks' bushwalking safety advice recommends comfortable, protective shoes, and specifically says not to wear high heels or thongs. It also recommends bright coloured clothes so you can be easily seen if you're lost, waterproof and windproof clothing to keep you warm, lightweight layers you can take off and put back on, long and loose clothing to protect you from sun, insects and scratches, and a hat and sunscreen.

Choosing footwear

The right shoe depends on the track:

• Easy, well-made tracks (Grades 1 and 2): comfortable walking shoes or trail runners with good grip are usually enough.
• Rougher tracks (Grade 3 and above): shoes or boots with firmer soles, deeper tread and more protection around the toes and ankles help on loose rock, roots and mud.
• Multi-day walks with a heavy pack: many walkers prefer boots with more support, but comfort and fit matter most.

Whatever you choose, look for grip, a secure fit at the heel, enough room for your toes on descents and a sole that protects you from sharp rocks.

Fit and breaking in

Try shoes on later in the day, when your feet are slightly larger, and with the socks you'll walk in. Walk downhill in the shop if you can; toes hitting the front is a sign the shoes are too small or loose. Wear new shoes on short walks before any long ones. Blisters on a long walk often start with shoes that haven't been worn in.

Socks and blisters

Good socks matter as much as good shoes. Choose socks that fit without wrinkles, wick moisture and suit the temperature. Carry a spare pair on long or wet walks. Stop as soon as you feel a hot spot and cover it before it becomes a blister.

Layering

Layering lets you adjust to changing conditions:

• Base layer: a light shirt that dries quickly. Many walkers avoid cotton in cool or wet conditions because it stays wet.
• Warm layer: a light fleece or similar that you can put on at rest stops or in wind.
• Outer layer: a waterproof, windproof jacket. Even on a fine morning, carry it.

Take layers off before you start sweating heavily, and put them back on before you get cold.

Sun protection

Australia's sun is strong. A broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and long, loose, light clothing protect you on exposed tracks. On coastal and alpine walks, there can be little shade for hours.

Cold, wet and alpine conditions

In the mountains and in Tasmania, conditions can change from warm to cold, wet and windy in a short time. Carry thermal layers, a beanie and gloves as well as your jacket, and keep a spare set of dry clothes in a waterproof bag. Wet and windy conditions can cool you quickly, even when temperatures don't seem low.

Hot weather clothing

In heat, choose light-coloured, loose clothing that covers your skin, and a hat with a wide brim. Our heat and fire danger guide explains when to change your plans on hot days.

Insects, leeches and scratches

Long pants and long sleeves help protect against insects, scratches from plants and, in wet forests, leeches. Insect repellent is on parks agencies' lists of things to carry. Gaiters can protect your lower legs on overgrown tracks.

Caring for your gear

Clean mud off shoes after walks, which also helps stop spreading weeds and plant diseases between areas. Dry wet shoes away from direct heat. Check soles regularly: worn tread loses grip on wet rock.

A quick checklist

For most day walks: comfortable, protective shoes with good grip; well-fitting socks; a quick-drying shirt; a warm layer; a waterproof, windproof jacket; a hat; and sunscreen. Add thermal layers, a beanie and gloves for cold or alpine walks, and long, loose, light clothing for hot days. Choose bright colours so you can be seen.

Use our pack list

Our free pack list builds a checklist from the type of walk and the conditions you choose, such as hot weather, cold or alpine areas, remote walks without phone coverage and walking with children. It is based on NSW National Parks' bushwalking safety advice, runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere.

Where our information comes from

Factual statements in our guides are based on official and expert sources, including NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, healthdirect, the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation, St John Ambulance, the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Bureau of Meteorology, Leave No Trace Australia and Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania. We link to each source at the end of the page and write everything in our own words.

Conditions change

Tracks close for fire, flood, storm damage, maintenance and pest control, and conditions can change quickly. Safety advice and park rules are also updated from time to time, and they differ between states and parks. Treat our guides as a starting point, and always check current park alerts, the weather forecast and the fire danger rating with the managing agency before you go.

Other states and territories

Our examples often draw on NSW National Parks advice, because it is detailed and clearly written, but every state and territory has its own parks agency, rules and safety information. Before walking in another state, check that agency's website for park alerts, bookings, fire and camping rules, and any trip registration options.

Learn first aid and navigation

Two skills make the biggest difference for regular walkers: first aid and navigation. A recognised first aid course teaches you how to manage injuries, snakebite and medical emergencies until help arrives. Navigation skills, including reading a topographic map and using a compass, help you stay on route when signs are missing or your phone fails. Walking clubs often run navigation training.

Walking clubs

Bushwalking clubs are a great way to build experience. Club walks are usually graded, led by experienced members and planned with safety in mind, and many clubs run training in navigation, first aid and multi-day walking. They are also a good way to discover new walks and meet people who share your interest.

A quick checklist

If you remember only a few things from our guides, make them these: choose a walk that suits the slowest person; check the weather, park alerts and fire danger; carry water, food, layers, a map, a torch and a first aid kit; tell someone your plans; carry a PLB for remote walks; and turn back when conditions change. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Respect Country

Every walk in Australia is on the Country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, many of whom continue to care for these places. Learn about the Traditional Owners of the areas you visit, respect any requests about culturally significant sites, and leave cultural places undisturbed.

Key points

• NSW National Parks advises comfortable, protective shoes, not thongs or high heels.
• Choose footwear to suit the track, and break new shoes in on short walks.
• Dress in layers and always carry a waterproof, windproof jacket.
• Wear bright colours so you can be seen, and protect yourself from the sun.
• Clean mud from shoes to avoid spreading weeds and plant diseases.