In-camp clothing
Overview
In-camp clothing refers to the layers reserved primarily for use at rest stops and overnight camps, rather than for active hiking. These items emphasize comfort and warmth after movement has slowed or stopped.
Key points
- Common pieces include a warm midlayer or insulated jacket, dry socks, and sleep layers.
- Often kept as dry as possible to provide reliable warmth at the end of the day.
- Helps separate sweat-prone hiking layers from rest and sleep systems.
- Contributes to comfort, recovery, and morale during multi-day trips.
- Specific items vary by climate, personal preferences, and overall gear strategy.
Details
In-camp clothing is part of many hikers' layering strategies. After a day of walking, hiking layers may be damp from perspiration, weather, or brush. Changing into drier, warmer layers at camp reduces chill and helps the body cool down more comfortably. This practice can improve sleep quality and overall recovery from long days of movement.
Typical in-camp clothing might include a lightweight or medium-weight insulated jacket, a long-sleeve base layer reserved mainly for evenings, dry socks, and sometimes dedicated sleepwear. In cold conditions, additional pieces such as warm hats or insulated pants might be added. The exact combination depends on expected temperatures, personal tolerance for cold, and total pack weight considerations.
Separating hiking and camp clothing also supports moisture management. Keeping at least one set of layers relatively dry provides a reserve if weather worsens or if drying conditions are limited. Over time, hikers refine how much they carry for camp based on how often they feel cold or how much they value extra comfort at the end of the day.
In-camp clothing interacts with the broader sleep system and shelter. Effective layering allows adjustments as temperatures change overnight, minimizing the need to leave the shelter to access additional items once settled in.
Related topics
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