Dress in long sleeves shirts and long pants. Exposed skin can suffer sunburn, bug bites, scratches and scrapes from every bush you pass. Long sleeves and pants prevent contact with toxic properties of some plants -- poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, for example. Some injuries from these plants can lead to infection.
Dress in short clothing when you're in the water for a swim or when you're spending a day at the beach for fun. If you're just lounging around camp, wear short pants and shirt, as long as you wear sufficient sunscreen and bug spray.
Choose the right fabrics. Cotton feels soft and comfortable but it is not the best material for serious outdoor clothing. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it against the skin if you sweat or are in a humid environment. Wool or synthetics blends are a better choice. Look for products that are manufactured to wick moisture away from your body. This type of clothing keeps you dry and helps retain a proper body temperature.
Dress in layers. Think of your outdoor clothing as a system, not just items to make you look good. Wear a base-layer undergarment that wicks moisture away, allowing you to remain dry and comfortable. Add pants and a shirt or fleece hoodie that insulates to trap and hold air at body temperature. A jacket and bib pants works as an outer shell, designed to turn the wind and repel precipitation while allowing body moisture to pass through from the inside and escape to the atmosphere.
Wear a brimmed hat. Keep your head, neck, ears and face covered with shade is an advantage when the sun is strong. Keeping those parts of your body covered when it's raining also helps keep you warm and keeps things falling from trees out of your hair or going down your neck. A bush hat works well for the outdoor adventurer. An alternative to a full-brimmed hat is to tuck a handkerchief up under the back of a ball cap and let it drape (Legionnaire style) over your neck and ears to protect against the sun, wind and rain.
Wear sturdy shoes or boots. Nothing will slow you down faster than sore feet. Look for trail or hiking boots that provide protection against stone bruises or twisted ankles. Check that they fit well and break them in before going out on any hike or trail outing. Sandals are fine for the beach or in camp, but not for the trail.
Look for clothing that includes pockets. Pockets are a great asset. Cargo pants and shirts with pockets are great for carrying such things as an emergency supply of toilet paper, fire starting equipment, folding knife, signal mirror and whistle, map and compass, snacks and a lightweight poncho.
