What to Wear to Your First Hash

Practical guide on shoes, clothing, and gear for hashing success from day one.

What to Wear to Your First Hash

The right gear makes the difference between a great trail and a miserable one. Here’s your practical guide to hashing attire.

The Golden Rule: No Cotton!

Hashers have a saying: “Cotton is rotten.” Once cotton gets wet (sweat, rain, streams), it stays wet and heavy. Choose synthetic or wool fabrics instead.

Footwear

Trail Running Shoes (Best Choice)

  • Good grip for varied terrain
  • Drain well if you cross water
  • Light enough for running, sturdy enough for shiggy
  • Brands: Salomon, Hoka, Altra, Brooks Cascadia

Soccer/Rugby Cleats (For Shiggy Trails)

  • Excellent traction in mud
  • Not comfortable on pavement
  • Ask the hare if trail is “cleatable”

What NOT to Wear

  • Road running shoes - Not enough grip, soak up water
  • Hiking boots - Too heavy and hot
  • Sandals/flip-flops - Unless it’s a beach hash (and even then…)
  • Brand new shoes - Break them in first or suffer blisters

Clothing

Socks (Critical!)

  • Synthetic or wool only - Smartwool, Darn Tough, synthetic running socks
  • Avoid cotton socks - The #1 cause of blisters
  • Bring a spare pair - For the on-after if your trail socks are soaked

Shorts/Pants

  • Running shorts with liner (no underwear needed)
  • Lightweight athletic pants for shiggy/cold weather
  • Compression shorts prevent chafing on long trails
  • Avoid jeans - Heavy, hot, and miserable when wet

Shirts

  • Synthetic tech shirts - Lightweight, wicking, quick-dry
  • Hash haberdashery - Most kennels sell hash shirts; great conversation starter!
  • Bright colors - Easier to see in the woods

Optional but Smart

  • Hat/Visor - For sun and keeping branches out of your face
  • Gaiters - Keep shiggy out of your shoes on muddy trails
  • Lightweight jacket - Packable, waterproof shell for unexpected weather

Accessories

Essential

  • Headlamp or flashlight - For night hashes (always bring one even for day hashes… just in case)
  • ID and hash cash - In a waterproof bag or ziplock

Nice to Have

  • Hydration pack or handheld bottle - Some trails are long between beer checks
  • BodyGlide or Vaseline - For chafe-prone areas
  • Bug spray - Season and location dependent
  • Sunscreen - Even cloudy days can burn

Seasonal Adjustments

Summer/Heat

  • Lighter colors, minimal clothing
  • More water capacity
  • Hat for sun protection

Winter/Cold

  • Layer up: base layer + insulating layer + wind shell
  • Bring dry clothes for the circle
  • Gloves and beanie for extremities

Rain

  • Lightweight rain shell (packed)
  • Accept you’ll get wet anyway
  • Plastic bag for phone/wallet

Pre-Trail Checklist

Before leaving home:

  • Shoes with good grip
  • Non-cotton socks
  • Synthetic shirt
  • Comfortable shorts
  • Headlamp in bag
  • Hash cash
  • Spare socks (for after)
  • Change of clothes (for the on-after)

“Dress for the hash you want, not the hash you have. On-On!”

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