What to Wear Hiking in 50 Degree Weather: Your Guide

So, you’re planning a hike and the forecast says 50°F. Sounds pleasant, right? Not too hot, not too cold. But here’s the thing: 50-degree weather can be surprisingly tricky. Are you truly prepared for how quickly conditions can shift on the trail? Do you know how to avoid that uncomfortable “sweat-then-freeze” cycle that can ruin a perfectly good day outdoors? Understanding what to wear hiking in 50 degree weather is more than just comfort—it’s about safety and enjoyment.

This guide will break down exactly how to dress for those “in-between” temperature hikes. We’ll cover the all-important layering system, the best fabric choices, specific clothing items, and other crucial considerations to keep you comfortable and confident on your adventure.

Why 50°F Hiking Demands Smart Clothing Choices

Fifty degrees Fahrenheit might seem mild, but it’s a temperature that demands respect from hikers. It’s not bitingly cold, but it’s cool enough that getting wet or being caught in wind can rapidly lead to discomfort, and even hypothermia, especially if you’re not moving.

Here’s what makes 50°F unique:

• The “In-Between” Challenge: It’s easy to either overdress and overheat, or underdress and get chilled, particularly during breaks or if the weather changes.
• Activity Level Fluctuations: You’ll generate a lot of heat while climbing uphill, but cool down quickly when you stop for a snack or enjoy the view. Your clothing needs to adapt.
• The Impact of Variables:
  • Sun Exposure: Direct sun can make 50°F feel much warmer. Conversely, shaded trails or cloud cover will make it feel cooler.
  • Wind Chill: A moderate breeze can make 50°F feel like 40°F or even colder. Check the “feels like” temperature in the forecast. The National Weather Service is a great resource for detailed forecasts.
  • Precipitation: Rain at 50°F is a fast track to getting dangerously cold if your gear isn’t waterproof.
  • Humidity: High humidity can make it feel clammy and can hinder sweat evaporation, while low humidity can make it feel crisper.
  • Elevation Changes: Remember that temperatures typically drop about 3-5°F for every 1,000 feet you ascend.
• The Cotton Problem: We need to say it loud and clear: cotton is not your friend for hiking in cool, potentially damp conditions. When cotton gets wet (from sweat or rain), it loses all its insulating properties and takes a very long time to dry. This can leave you feeling cold, clammy, and significantly increase your risk of hypothermia. You’ll often hear experienced hikers say “cotton kills,” and while dramatic, it highlights a serious safety concern.

The Core Principle: Mastering the Layering System

The secret to comfort when figuring out what to wear hiking in 50 degree weather is the layering system. This isn’t just about piling on clothes; it’s a strategic approach that allows you to adapt to changing conditions and your own activity level. Think of it as your personal climate control.

The system typically consists of three key layers:

A. Base Layer: Your Second Skin (Moisture Management)

• Purpose: This layer sits directly against your skin. Its primary job is to wick sweat away from your body, moving it to the outer surface of the fabric where it can evaporate. Keeping your skin dry is the first step to staying warm and comfortable.
• Recommended Fabrics:
  • Merino Wool: A natural wonder. It’s soft, breathable, wicks moisture well, resists odor, and insulates even when damp.
  • Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are excellent choices. They are durable, wick moisture effectively, and dry very quickly.
• Why Avoid Cotton Here (Again!): Cotton absorbs moisture and holds onto it, making you feel damp and cold.
• Fit: Your base layer should be snug but not constricting. You want good skin contact for effective moisture wicking, but you also need freedom of movement.
• Examples for 50°F:
  • Lightweight long-sleeved merino wool top.
  • Synthetic long-sleeved crew neck shirt.
  • A synthetic t-shirt might work if you run very warm and the conditions are exceptionally mild and dry, but a long-sleeve option offers more versatility and protection.

B. Mid Layer: Your Insulation (Warmth)

• Purpose: This layer goes over your base layer and is responsible for trapping your body heat, providing insulation to keep you warm.
• Recommended Fabrics:
  • Fleece (Polyester): Comes in various weights (e.g., 100-weight, 200-weight). It’s breathable, insulates well even when damp, and dries quickly. A very versatile mid-layer.
  • Down Insulation: Offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible, making it easy to pack. However, down loses its insulating ability when wet and takes a long time to dry. Best for cold, dry conditions.
  • Synthetic Insulation: (e.g., PrimaLoft®, Thinsulate™) Mimics the qualities of down but retains more warmth when wet and dries faster. A good alternative to down in potentially damp environments.
• Types: Fleece jackets, insulated vests, lightweight down or synthetic puffy jackets.
• Considerations: Think about packability and warmth-to-weight. You want something effective that doesn’t take up too much space in your pack.
• For 50°F: A light to mid-weight fleece jacket (like a 100-weight or 200-weight) is often perfect. An insulated vest can also be a great option, keeping your core warm while allowing your arms more freedom and ventilation.

C. Outer Layer: Your Shield (Protection from Elements)

• Purpose: This is your outermost layer, designed to protect you from wind, rain, and snow.
• Key Features:
  • Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant:
    • Waterproof shells (often with taped seams and membranes like Gore-Tex® or proprietary equivalents) offer the highest level of protection against rain.
    • Water-resistant shells will shed light precipitation for a short time but will eventually soak through in sustained rain.
  • Breathability: Crucial for hiking. A breathable outer layer allows some of your body vapor (sweat) to escape, preventing you from getting clammy inside your shell. Non-breathable rain gear can make you feel like you’re in a sauna.
• Types:
  • Hardshell: Fully waterproof, windproof, and usually the most durable. Essential if significant rain is in the forecast.
  • Softshell: Highly breathable, water-resistant, and wind-resistant. They offer good stretch and comfort. Excellent for many 50°F days, especially if conditions are dry or only light precipitation is expected.
  • Windbreaker (or Wind Shell): Very lightweight, highly packable, and primarily designed to block wind. Offers minimal insulation or rain protection but can be surprisingly effective at preventing wind chill on a dry day.
• For 50°F:
  • If the forecast is dry and breezy: A windbreaker or a breathable softshell jacket is often ideal.
  • If there’s a chance of showers: A lightweight, packable waterproof-breathable hardshell is a must-have in your pack. Even if you don’t start with it on, you’ll be glad you have it.

D. Adaptability: The Power of Peeling Layers

The beauty of the layering system is its adaptability.

• Start Cool: It’s often wise to start your hike feeling slightly cool, especially if you know you’ll be tackling an uphill section soon. You’ll warm up quickly.
• De-layer Proactively: Remove layers before you start to overheat and sweat excessively through your mid-layers. It’s much harder to dry out once you’re soaked.
• Add Layers During Breaks: When you stop moving, your body temperature will drop. This is the time to add your mid-layer or outer layer to retain warmth.
• Utilize Vents: Many hiking jackets and even some shirts have zippered vents (e.g., pit zips) that allow you to release excess heat and moisture without removing the entire garment.

What to Wear Hiking in 50 Degree Weather: Specific Garments

Now let’s translate the layering principles into specific clothing items for your 50°F hike.

A. Upper Body

• Base Layer:
  • Recommendation: Lightweight long-sleeved merino wool or synthetic shirt.
  • Why: Provides essential moisture-wicking and a foundational layer of warmth that can be easily built upon.
• Mid Layer (adapt based on conditions and personal preference):
  • Recommendation: Lightweight fleece jacket (e.g., Polartec® 100-weight) or a light insulated vest.
  • Why: Offers core warmth without too much bulk. A vest is great for maintaining arm mobility and ventilation if you tend to overheat.
• Outer Layer (carry even if not wearing initially):
  • Dry, breezy conditions: A packable windbreaker or a lightweight, breathable softshell jacket.
  • Chance of rain/strong wind: A lightweight, waterproof-breathable hardshell jacket.
  • Why: Essential for protection against the elements. 50 degrees with wind and rain feels dramatically colder.

B. Lower Body

• Pants:
  • Recommendation: Synthetic hiking pants. Look for materials like nylon or polyester.
  • Features to Consider: Quick-drying, durable water repellent (DWR) finish, good range of motion (gusseted crotch, articulated knees), and pockets.
  • Convertible Pants: These have zip-off legs, turning them into shorts. While less common to need shorts at 50°F, they offer versatility if the day warms up significantly or if you have a water crossing.
  • Hiking Leggings (for women, or men who prefer them): Ensure they are made of merino wool or a robust synthetic fabric designed for activity (not thin fashion leggings). They offer great mobility. In cooler 50°F conditions or if windy, you might wear them under shell pants.
  • Avoid: Jeans or any cotton pants. They absorb water, chafe, and offer poor temperature regulation.
• Base Layer Bottoms (Highly Recommended to Pack):
  • Recommendation: Lightweight merino wool or synthetic long underwear (long johns).
  • Why: Even if you don’t start your hike wearing them, having these in your pack is a smart move. If the temperature drops, the wind picks up, or you get unexpectedly delayed, they provide a significant warmth boost. For 50°F, you might wear them if it’s particularly windy, damp, or if you’re on a less strenuous hike where you’re generating less body heat.

C. Footwear: Foundation of Your Hike

Your feet do a lot of work, so treat them right!

• Socks:
  • Material: Merino wool or synthetic (polyester, nylon blends). Absolutely NO COTTON SOCKS. Cotton absorbs sweat, leading to blisters and cold feet.
  • Cushioning: Light to medium cushioning is generally good for day hikes. The amount of cushioning is a personal preference and also depends on your footwear.
  • Height: Choose socks that come up higher than the cuff of your hiking shoes or boots to prevent rubbing and blisters.
  • Pro Tip: Always pack an extra pair of hiking socks! If your feet get wet from stream crossings or excessive sweat, changing into dry socks can be a game-changer for comfort and blister prevention.
• Shoes/Boots:
  • Hiking Shoes: Low-cut, flexible, and lightweight. Good for well-maintained trails and lighter pack loads.
  • Hiking Boots: Mid-cut or high-cut, offering more ankle support and stability. Better for rugged, uneven terrain, and when carrying a heavier pack.
  • Waterproof vs. Non-Waterproof:
    • Waterproof footwear (often with Gore-Tex® or similar membranes) is beneficial if you anticipate wet trails, stream crossings, or rain. This will help keep your feet dry in damp 50°F conditions.
    • Non-waterproof footwear is generally more breathable, which can be nice if your feet tend to sweat a lot and conditions are dry. They also dry faster if they do get submerged.
    • For 50°F, if there’s any chance of moisture on the ground or from the sky, waterproof footwear is often a safer bet.
  • Break Them In: Never wear brand-new hiking shoes or boots on a long hike. Make sure they are well broken-in to prevent painful blisters.

D. Head, Hands, and Neck: Don’t Forget the Extremities!

These areas are often overlooked but are critical for temperature regulation and overall comfort.

• Hat:
  • Warm Hat (Beanie): You lose a significant amount of heat through your head. A fleece or merino wool beanie is essential for staying warm, especially during breaks or if it’s windy. Pack it even if you don’t think you’ll need it.
  • Sun Hat (Wide-brimmed or Baseball Cap): Even at 50°F, the sun can be strong, especially at higher elevations or on exposed trails. Sun protection is important year-round.
• Gloves:
  • Recommendation: Lightweight liner gloves made of fleece, merino wool, or a synthetic material.
  • Why: Your hands can get cold quickly, even in relatively mild temperatures. Having a pair of light gloves can make a huge difference in comfort.
  • If rain/snow is possible: Consider packing waterproof outer mittens or gloves to wear over your liners.
• Neck Gaiter/Buff®:
  • Recommendation: A versatile tube of fabric (merino wool or synthetic).
  • Why: Incredibly useful. Can be worn as a neck warmer, pulled up over your chin and mouth for extra warmth, as a headband, or even as a light hat. Takes up almost no space in your pack.

Key Considerations for Your 50°F Hike

Beyond the specific items of clothing, several factors will influence what to wear hiking in 50 degree weather:

A. Activity Level & Intensity:

• High Exertion (steep climbs, fast pace): You’ll generate more body heat, so you might opt for slightly lighter layers or be quicker to shed them.
• Low Exertion (flat trails, leisurely pace): You’ll generate less heat, so you may need slightly warmer layers or be less inclined to remove them.

B. Trail Conditions & Terrain:

• Exposure: Exposed ridges will be windier and feel colder than sheltered forest trails.
• Elevation Gain: Remember that temperature drops with altitude. If your hike involves significant elevation gain, be prepared for cooler temperatures at the top.
• Ground Conditions: Muddy or snowy trails might necessitate waterproof footwear and perhaps gaiters.

C. Weather Forecast Nuances:

• Don’t just look at the temperature. Pay close attention to:
  • Wind Speed: Wind chill can make 50°F feel much colder.
  • Chance of Precipitation: Rain or sleet dramatically changes your gear needs.
  • Humidity: High humidity can make it feel clammy and prevent sweat from evaporating efficiently.
• Always check the “feels like” or “wind chill” temperature.

D. Time of Day:

• Mornings and evenings will generally be cooler than midday. If your hike spans these times, your layering strategy needs to accommodate these shifts.

E. Personal Thermostat:

• Do you generally run hot or cold? Adjust your layers accordingly. If you know you get cold easily, you might opt for a slightly warmer mid-layer or ensure you have those base layer bottoms. If you run hot, you might choose more breathable options or start with fewer layers.

F. Pack Essentials (Beyond Clothing):

• Even for a day hike, always carry the “Ten Essentials.” These include:
  • Navigation (map, compass, GPS device/app – know how to use them!)
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat)
  • Insulation (your layers, including extras)
  • Illumination (headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries)
  • First-aid supplies
  • Fire (waterproof matches, lighter, firestarter)
  • Repair kit and tools (multi-tool, duct tape)
  • Nutrition (extra food)
  • Hydration (extra water or means to purify)
  • Emergency shelter (e.g., emergency bivy or space blanket)

Example Outfits for Different 50°F Scenarios

To help you visualize, here are a few example outfit combinations for different 50°F hiking scenarios:

A. Scenario 1: Sunny, Calm, Moderate Trail, Consistent Pace

• Upper Body: Lightweight synthetic or merino long-sleeve base layer.
• Lower Body: Comfortable synthetic hiking pants.
• Mid Layer: Lightweight fleece jacket or vest packed (ready to add if you cool down during breaks).
• Outer Layer: Lightweight windbreaker packed (just in case a breeze picks up).
• Head: Sun hat or baseball cap. Beanie packed.
• Hands: Light gloves packed.
• Feet: Merino wool or synthetic socks, broken-in hiking shoes or light boots.

B. Scenario 2: Windy, Overcast, Chance of Light Rain, Strenuous Uphill Sections

• Upper Body:
  • Base: Merino wool long-sleeve base layer.
  • Mid: Mid-weight fleece jacket (you might start with this off if tackling a big climb immediately).
  • Outer: Breathable, water-resistant softshell jacket (if only light, intermittent rain) OR a lightweight waterproof-breathable hardshell jacket (if steady rain is possible). Carry it if not wearing.
• Lower Body:
  • Synthetic hiking pants.
  • Lightweight base layer bottoms packed (or worn if it’s particularly blustery and cold from the start).
• Head: Warm beanie.
• Hands: Lightweight gloves.
• Feet: Merino wool or synthetic socks, waterproof hiking boots.

C. Scenario 3: Shady Forest Trail, Damp Underfoot, Casual Pace

• Upper Body:
  • Base: Synthetic or merino long-sleeve base layer.
  • Mid: Light to mid-weight fleece jacket.
• Lower Body:
  • Hiking pants (DWR treated would be beneficial for brushing against damp foliage).
• Outer Layer: Lightweight rain jacket packed (essential for damp forests, even if not actively raining).
• Head: Warm hat.
• Hands: Light gloves.
• Feet: Merino wool or synthetic socks, waterproof hiking shoes or boots.

Read more: Best Cities for Hiking: Your US Trail Guide

Final Checks Before You Hit the Trail

You’ve got your gear, you’ve planned your layers. Before you head out:

1. Test Your Layers: Put everything on at home. Does it all fit comfortably together? Can you move freely? Are there any weird bunching spots?
2. Check Zippers and Closures: Make sure all zippers, drawcords, and snaps on your gear are functioning correctly.
3. Pack Smart: Keep layers you might need to access quickly (like your rain jacket or gloves) in an easily reachable spot in your backpack.
4. Inform Someone: Always tell a reliable person your hiking plan: where you’re going, when you expect to be back, and who to call if you don’t return on time. Resources like the National Park Service often provide safety tips that include this crucial step.

Dressing correctly for a 50-degree hike isn’t about having the most expensive gear; it’s about making smart choices with what you have and understanding how to use it. By mastering the layering system and considering the variables, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy your hike in comfort and safety, no matter what the “fickle fifties” throw your way.

FAQ: What to Wear Hiking in 50 Degree Weather

Now you have a comprehensive understanding of what to wear hiking in 50 degree weather. Get out there, stay comfortable, and enjoy the trails!