Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

How to Hike in a Onesie

You’re on a pleasant mountain stroll on a Sunday morning when suddenly you round a switchback and find what appears to be a jubilant group of zoo escapees hiking down toward you.

No, you’re not hallucinating from the lack of oxygen. You’re seeing hikers wearing onesies. It’s a thing, particularly among millennials. Because there’s nothing more Instagrammable than standing on a mountain summit dressed as a penguin. Ok, maybe avocado toast in a well-lit coffee shop is more Instagrammable. But onesie summits are up there too!

But while hiking in a onesie looks like fun and games, it’s actually quite a serious endeavor. Like any hike preparation, there’s time and effort that must go into embracing onesie life.

Choose your spirit animal—The very first step to hiking in a onesie is acquiring said onesie, which is not a decision to be made lightly. Are you a North Carolina narwhal? A Midwestern penguin? Or the elusive Kansas kangaroo? Sit with yourself and contemplate which mammal speaks to you most.

Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

Embrace your spirit animal—You’ve chosen your second skin. Wonderful! Now you must truly become that animal. Slink through the forest like a sleepy sloth. Snack on the leafy green foliage like a giraffe. Swing on the branches like a playful monkey. Go big or go home, right?

Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

Watch your tail—You may inherit additional body parts the moment you don your onesie. Wings. Paws. A baby kangaroo. All of which warrants extra mindfulness on the trail. Don’t drag that luxurious unicorn tail in the dirt! Don’t snag a wing on a stump! Don’t let the baby fall out of its pouch!

Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

Be a steward of the trails—If there’s one thing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taught us (other than not to eat a poison apple) it’s that forest creatures are friendly. Greet every hiker with a warm smile and hearty “Hello!” Make someone’s day with your silly attire.

Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

Shed your skin—Hiking up a mountain increases your heart rate and makes you sweat even without wearing a full fuzzy costume. Fortunately, this is only a costume. If your onesie gets to be too warm or cumbersome, take it off! Tie it around your waist, wear only the hood and let the body flap behind you as a cape, tuck it into your pack.

Hiking in a Onesie, Wilderness Press, hiking costumes, adult onesie

Wearing a onesie on an outdoor expedition has literally no downside. They’re comfortable and mood-lifting. They’re silly, yet functional. Give it a try and we promise they’ll get you hook, line, and sinker. Which is only a negative if you chose to be a fish.


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