Last Updated on February 24, 2023
It can be difficult to find the perfect clothing for desert climates, which are characterized by extreme temperatures with highly variable weather conditions, with a very high day-to-night temperature range, and lack of shade.
In order to know how to dress in the desert, you need to keep in mind that the days in the desert are very hot while the nights can be very cold. Not only that, but while the desert environment is generally dry, it can be subject to extreme weather such as flash floods, thunderstorms, windstorms and sandstorms.
When hiking in the desert for extensive periods of time, you need to be ready for just about everything nature can throw at you. And most importantly, desert dwellers need to cover up as much as possible in order to minimize the risk of sunburn.
What to wear in the desert?
When traveling in a hot desert, you should dress in breathable, light clothing during the day and change into something warmer at night.
Wear light-colored, comfortable clothing made of natural fibers like as linen and cotton in order to minimize exposure to dangerous UV rays from the sun.
In the case of windy weather or sand storms, wear preferably shielded sunglasses and a kefiah or shemagh scarf to cover your nose and mouth.
This can also be used as a replacement for a desert sun hat if you don’t own one, just wear it as ah headband and shield your forehead which can potentially save you from a sunstroke.
A strong, 70+SPF sunscreen can help protect your skin from the dangers of the desert sun and likewise a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses will protect your eyes which can also get sunburnt in the desert.
Desert clothes for winter
Most hot deserts have temperatures which are actually rather enjoyable in winter during the day, and you don’t really need to cover up more than you would during summer.
Keep in mind though that temperature at night could drop below freezing: bring a heavier desert jacket and sweater with you for when it gets dark.
In a cold desert it can get chilly even during the day, and it’s actually common to see snow in these deserts in winter.
Best fabric for desert
The optimal choice of fabric for hiking in the desert is merino wool.
This type of material both regulates your body temperature, protecting you from the heat during the day and from cold at night, and is sweat-repellent, which is something you are going to need in a hot desert climate.
Other than merino, regular wool is also a good choice for the desert, as are silk and linen.
The choice of color also makes a different: bright colored clothes tend to repel UV rays, while dark colors absorb them, therefore it may be better to pick a white shirt over a black one if you are travelling to the desert.
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Best Clothes for Desert Hiking
The ideal desert outfit covers you head to toe, leaving no skin exposed to dangerous UV rays and offering protection from wind, rain and all the elements.
This includes protecting your eyes and mouth, so don’t forget to bring useful accessories such as scarves, hats, sunglasses or goggles, and most importantly sunscreen.
Shirts
The best shirts for desert hiking are long sleeve, lightweight, and offer sun protection. Wearing long sleeves is always recommended in the desert, regardless of how hot it gets. Sun rays aren’t just stronger in the desert, they also get reflected all over the place by sand, rocks and terrains which lack vegetation.
This means that it is especially important that your desert attire covers up every inch of your body, and there are UPF 50+ sun protection clothing items that are made just for that.
Trousers
As with long sleeves, you should also wear long pants and trousers over shorts in the desert. The goal is again to cover as much of your skin as possible. The best pants for desert hiking are long, light, and bright-colored.
Jacket
A light jacket is needed in most desert climates which see temperatures drop sharply every night.
Bring a good jacket with you on your day hikes and wear it in the early mornings and evenings.
If you are looking for a motorcycle jacket for desert riding on your dirt bike, avoid leather and pick an enduro jacket instead.
Desert Footwear
Shoes
When travelling to a desert climate, wear outdoor hiking shoes that are sturdy enough yet not too heavy.
The best shoes for desert running have durable thick soles that will protect you from debris on rough terrains while also allowing you to firmly step on soft sand without sinking.
 Oboz Sawtooth II Low B-Dry |  HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 |  Xero Barefoot Shoes Terraflex |
Boots
If you are going on a desert hike or on a desert survival trip then boots are recommended. Desert boots are meant to be sturdy but made of material that can withstand extreme heat without making your feet sweat more, allowing for breathability.
Weather in the desert can be unpredictable, so a quality pair of boots must protect you from all sorts of environmental hazards, from sandstorms to flash floods.
 Kenetrek Desert Guide Non-Insulated Hiking Boot |  BLACKHAWK Desert Ops Boot, Coyote |  DANNER MANUFACTURING Bull Run Moc Toe Work Boot |  VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi III Eco |
Socks
A pair of quality socks is a must when hiking in the desert, in order to prevent blisters and other foot problems during your travels.
You need to choose a fabric that will both defend your feet from the scorching sand of the desert while also absorbing sweat and ensuring proper perspiration.
The best desert hiking socks are made in large percentage from Merino wool, a special type of material which is especially good at absorbing moisture from sweat and keeping your feet fresh.
Gaiters
Gaiters offer an extra layer of protection for your ankles as they shelter your legs and feet from rocks and debris while hiking or running in the desert.
High gaiters are also useful against snake bites and scorpion stings which makes them especially suited for desert survival situation.
 Outdoor Research Bugout Gaiters |  TurtleSkin SnakeArmor Gaiters |  Kahtoola INSTAgaiter Low |  Outdoor Research Rocky Mountain Low Gaiters |
Desert Clothing Accessories
Sunscreen
In a desert climate, SPF 50 should be the very least level of UV protection, and that’s only if you live in a stony desert with some shade.
If you are travelling to a hot desert like the Sahara, make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 70 or SPF 100.
This is due to the fact that you will be surrounded nearly exclusively by sand dunes, which will reflect the harmful sun rays all over the place, even on your skin.
Not only should you use the greatest sun protection you can get, but you should also reapply it frequently if you are hiking for several hours.
 SPF 100 Banana Boat Sport Ultra |  SPF 100 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch |  SPF 100 La Roche-Posay Anthelios |  SPF 110 Neutrogena Age Shield |
Sunglasses
The best sunglasses for desert offer maximum UV protection with a rating of UV400, which blocks 99-100% of UV rays.
BEST BUDGET GLASSES SUNGAIT Polarized Sunglasses | TOP DESIGNER GLASSES  Hammockable Handmade Wood Sunglasses | TOP QUALITY GLASSES BNUS Sunglasses | BEST KIDS GLASSES ACBLUCE Kids Polarized Sunglasses |
Goggles
If you are planning extreme sports activities such as sand surfing or dirt bike riding then sunglasses may not be enough, but eye goggles can offer protection from dust and rock debris as well as from the sun.
 Scott Recoil Pro WFS Goggles |  Scott Recoil XI Pro Tether Goggles |  Scott Sports 89Si Youth Goggles (for kids) |
Hat
The best type of hat for desert climates is the so-called sun hat, which is a wide-brimmed hat made of lightweight cotton or other beathable natural fibers.
A sun hat complements your desert outfit while protecting you from the sun. If you don’t want to bring a hat, you can opt for a headscarf instead.
 Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat |  Columbia Unisex Adult Bora Bora Booney |  Panama Jack Mesh Crown Safari Sun Hat |
Scarf
A great addition to your desert outfit is a traditional Shemag or Keffiyeh scarf.
You can either wear is as a bandana to cover your forehead if you don’t have a hat or wrap it around the bottom half of your face to cover your mouth and nose in what is a typical desert attire.
Scarves are especially useful if you are caught in the middle of a sandstorm or extremely windy weather as they can help you keep sand granules out of your face.
Read also: Packing List for Desert Travel
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