Enjoying the outdoors starts with wearing the right gear. Without comfort, even a leisurely walk can turn miserable within a few minutes. Knowing your fibers is key, and thinking through wardrobe choices in advance helps avert crisis. To start, here are five pieces to avoid:

1. Wool scarf
   Wool scarves deliver on warmth, though they tend to overheat the body as physical activity increases. Wearing a scarf for good measure is smart, though you’ll want to avoid one-hundred percent wool and opt for wool blends instead to counterbalance rising body temperature. Wool doesn’t absorb moisture well either, which is another reason to save it for ready-to-wear only, not activewear.

2. Rain jacket
   Practical in a pinch, rain jackets protect from the wet but tend to trap heat and lack airflow for longer wear. Plus the material is meant to be non-absorbent (positive) which means it’s not breathable or built to wick body moisture (negative). The solution? Keep a rain jacket at the ready for rain only, nothing else.

3. Hat with a strap
   Windy conditions make for constant fretting, fussing and fixing of headwear while outdoors. Reduce stress by investing in a hat with a sturdy chin strap so you can be hands-free. Shop packable styles that easily roll-and-go, are machine washable and offer UV ray protection. Having sensible, high-functioning headwear is game changing.

4. Hiking shoes
   One would think hiking shoes and walking shoes are interchangeable, but they’re not. Hiking shoes have heavy treads that, on surface streets, slow you down and lack sufficient shock absorption. They’re also cumbersome on soft surfaces like sand. Today’s footwear technology is outstanding, so make sure your shoe suits your activity to ensure maximum comfort, performance and safety.

5. New sneakers
   A long walk is not the time to test out new sneakers. The risk of blisters and chafing is high, which is enough to cut short any walk quickly. Instead break in new sneakers little by little by first wearing around the house and on brief errands before working up to full days and distance walks. Also consider orthotic inserts for extra support. Your feet will thank you!

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