Bamboo Clothing for Hiking and Outdoor Life

Short answer: Bamboo clothing works well for hiking and outdoor life, because it moves sweat away, smells less after several days of use and feels soft without chafing. Use bamboo as a base layer and socks, and add wind and rain gear on top.

Bamboo outdoor life: where the material makes a difference

On a hike the body switches constantly between warm climbs and cold breaks. Bamboo viscose moves the moisture away from the skin, so you do not get cold when you stop. Read more about how it works in the guide to bamboo and temperature regulation.

Socks are the most important choice

Wet feet give you blisters, and that makes the sock the most important garment of the trip. Bamboo socks keep your feet dry and fresh, even after many kilometres. Find them under bamboo socks for men and bamboo socks for women.

Layering with bamboo closest to the skin

Use a bamboo undershirt or a long sleeved bamboo T-shirt as the innermost layer and add wool or fleece plus a shell jacket on top depending on the weather. Bamboo is not rain gear, but as a base layer it keeps you dry from the inside. See also the guide to bamboo for training.

Frequently asked questions

Can bamboo clothing replace wool on hikes?

For most paces and weather bamboo works fine as a base layer, but in hard cold, wool on top of the bamboo can be a good combination.

Do bamboo socks help against blisters?

Dry feet get fewer blisters, and bamboo socks move sweat away and reduce the friction against the skin.

Does bamboo clothing smell after several days on the trail?

Bamboo slows down the odour causing bacteria, so the clothes stay noticeably fresher than cotton and polyester.