What to Wear While Camping With Your Boyfriend

So your boyfriend just proposed that you go camping with him. Super great idea if you love nature, adventure and wilderness. But being the first time camping with your boyfriend, you don't know what to pack for your trip. Well, I totally get you. I mean, how do you look good and still not look all dressed up for camping?

How do you even look sexy for your lover when you have to deal with varying temperatures, bug bites, rocky terrain and monsoonal rain, you name it?

Don't fret though. I got you.

Here is a quick guide on what to wear while camping with your boyfriend. It should help you a great deal with your packing list, and the logic behind each pick will help you adjust it to your own trip.

Underwear fabrics and cuts

We will start right from the innerwear. I am talking panties and bra, basically the clothes you wear closest to your skin. For this layer I always advise going for simple and comfortable, however much you would want to impress your boyfriend with something sexy. Comfort is key when camping, so keep that in mind as we move to the other clothing items.

Any type of panties is fine, but the best for camping are full-cut briefs, boy shorts (boxer briefs) and hipster briefs. Bikinis too, and a good pair of thongs for an intimate night are advisable. I'd argue thongs are best kept for the evening, since a long day of walking is when seams and bunching make themselves known.

Only make sure that they are made of merino wool or synthetics like nylon and polyester. These fabrics are moisture-wicking, meaning they pull sweat off your skin so it can evaporate instead of sitting against you. They also don't hold odors and they dry pretty fast. If you're doing any hiking, you won't get uncomfortable with wet clingy undies or chafing. That being said, many hikers do go hiking commando.

Wool is most preferred as it is perfect for all seasons. During the cool season, it will keep you warm and during the hot season, it will keep you cool. Silk is also another great fabric choice for your undies. Whichever fabric works for you is fine, so long as it dries fast, supports you, and is breathable. Cotton is the one to avoid, because it soaks up moisture and stays damp for a long time, which is exactly what leads to chafing.

Sports bras and what to look for

For bras, if you can get a good set of sports bras that would be perfect. Sports bras come in a range of constructions, strap types, designs, and other comfortable features. They are most preferred because they are functional and stylish. Camping rarely means sitting still, so a bra that holds its shape while you carry firewood, set up the tent or walk a rocky trail is worth more than a pretty one.

Here is a great guide on choosing sports bras that I am sure will be of help to you. If you are unsure of your size, check bra sizing here. A poorly fitting band or strap is the usual cause of rubbing, so it is worth getting the fit right before you leave home rather than at the trailhead.

A couple of tips when choosing underwear for camping:

• Go for tagless innerwear. You need to focus on your hike and your boyfriend and not a tag scratching your skin
• Go for a fabric that is odor resistant. Camping is a sweaty affair as is but that is no reason to be smelly. If you are the very sweaty type, go for merino wool briefs. Wool is naturally an odor-resistant fabric. A few suggestions are the Ridge Merino Wool Women's Ridge Boy Short or the Icebreaker Siren Bikini Underwear for a sexy look.
• Go for a perfectly fitting waistband. One that sits comfortably on your skin.

Tees, tanks and thermals

For the shirts, it's a good idea to combine thermals, t-shirts, and tank tops. Thermals will come in handy in the early mornings and nighttime, especially if you are camping in the early or late camping seasons. What I love about thermal shirts is that you won't need to layer up with a sweater unless it is super cold. A thin base layer traps a little warm air against your body, which is why it does so much for so little bulk.

During the day depending on the temperature, you can adorn mid-sleeve or short sleeve shirts. Remember to carry a jacket with you if you are in a place where the weather changes drastically. Before any trip, it also pays to look at the forecast from the National Weather Service for the area, so you know whether to pack for heat, chill or both.

For the t-shirts and tank tops, I would recommend cotton fabric or wool. Keep off polyester unless for thermals. If you choose cotton, remember it holds moisture, so wool is the safer pick when you expect to sweat or the weather might turn. You can get some really fashionable tank tops at REI.

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Jackets, coats and vests

Even on warm summer days, early mornings and late nights can be chilly forcing you to layer up. A jacket or vest comes in handy for such times. And they don't have to be very thick. Even a thin one works great as long as it has an insulating layer.

Fleece jackets and vests, sweatshirts with hoodies, or nylon jackets are most ideal. They are stylish and still very functional for a cool night. Fleece is warm for its weight and stays reasonably comfortable if it gets a little damp, while a nylon shell cuts the wind that makes a still evening feel colder than it is.

Of course, if you are camping during the winter you would need a thicker jacket. Cold-season trips call for more than one extra layer, so it helps to read up on how to keep your tent warm and cozy before you decide how much to bring.

Pants for the trail and the tent

While it's hot camping in summer, pants will still help. At night, it gets cool and they definitely help keep the bugs off you so you don't hate your camping trip. Covered legs are also a simple defence against ticks and brush, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes general advice on preventing tick and insect bites if you want more detail.

If you are hitting the trail, both shorts and pants for hiking will work. Leggings are also an option as well. There are even leggings for hiking that have pockets for carrying your cellphone. Hiking in jeans is an option for short hikes, but I would advise against them for anything strenuous. Denim is heavy, slow to dry and stiff once wet, which is a poor combination far from the car.

When you are moving, you'll want a pant that is free-flowing and is not extra long else you risk tripping over yourself. A good pant should also be stretchy, have an adjustable waist, and a gusseted crotch to give you more legroom. Even better if the knee and seat area is reinforced.

Don't forget to pack sweatpants in place for pajamas for nighttime and early morning. They are warmer than regular pajamas.

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Shorts for warm days

If you have been looking for a chance to show some skin, shorts are your best bet. There is no limit to the length so long as you are comfortable. You can wear them when going for short hikes or lounging around the campsite. Columbia Women's shorts are hands-down comfy, stylish and functional. They have a wide selection too, I am certain you won't miss your preference.

Look for the same qualities you wanted in pants: a stretchy fabric, a waistband that adjusts, and seams that sit away from the inner thigh so nothing rubs. Bare legs do take more care on the trail, so think about sun protection and bug cover, and keep a lightweight pair of long pants in your bag for when the evening cools.

Footwear and socks

If there is one place you need to consider functionality more than fashion, it is footwear. If your boyfriend is a regular camper he would advise you the same. No heels, no wedges, no flats or fancy sandals but proper hiking boots. Boots will protect your feet and stay dry. In my view this is the one item where it's worth refusing to compromise, because a blister or a rolled ankle can end a trip faster than any weather.

And if you must do sandals, the Platform Tevas are a great option. They will give you the height you desire while still maintaining comfort. The most important things to consider are the grip the boot will offer and the comfort. Rocky or wet ground is unforgiving, and a sole that grips is what keeps you upright.

You can carry flip flops for when hanging out on the campsite or even going to the bathroom. And don't forget a good pair of woolen socks. Your socks should fit snugly but not too tight. Loose socks bunch and cause hot spots, while tight ones restrict circulation. Some hikers go further and wear two pairs of socks to cut friction.

Makeup kit and sun protection

Last but not least, you will need your make-up kit. Since you can't go all out on dressing, adding makeup to your look is the best way to go from simple to gorgeous.

The first thing you need in your make-up kit is sunscreen. And here you need to go for quality sunscreen. You will be spending a lot of time outdoors so you need maximum protection. Go for sunscreen with an SPF of 30+. The L'OReal Sublime Sunscreen SPF50+ is a perfect option. It is oil-free and comes in a small travel size. Sun exposure builds up over a long day outdoors, even when it's cloudy, so apply it again through the day rather than once at breakfast.

Remember to also pack up some makeup wipes, moisturizer, deodorant, and an SPF-rated lip balm. Keep scented items sealed and stored as you would your food, and pack out your used wipes, following the Leave No Trace principles.

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Packing for camping with your boyfriend without overdoing it

Dressing up for camping is more about safety, comfort, and convenience rather than fashion. Don't be too caught up in trying to impress your boyfriend that you don't enjoy your trip. You will have plenty of time to show off your latest trends once you get home.

If you are still weighing up how much to bring, the length of the trip changes your list, so see how long a camping trip should be and use the camping safety tips as a final check. What will impress your boyfriend the most is that you came prepared and can handle the trip.