Few basic clothing questions - pants/shoes/jumpers

[SwanRonston]

Hi All,

Been looking at grabbing new outdoor wear, as I usually go in runners shorts and a tee. Was wondering why I see hiking pants? I usually go in summer or so, and in winter I think I'd still wear shorts where I'd warm up?
Was there much benefit to grabbing a pair of these?

Similarly with shoes, will it be a game changer grabbing a dedicated pair of hiking shoes? Though mostly go like 3-4 times a year only, so seems a waste.
Typically hikes are usually short ones, or half day ones, nothing too intensive.

For something over my tee when it's a bit chilly, been looking around, and see some pretty crazy priced stuff like from Arcteryx, and Patagonia. Guessing this is for the hardcore folk doing a few days/weeks?
I'm thinking Decathalon might be good enough, or on sale stuff from northface/icebreaker, etc.

Mostly just hoping to get back out there again, haven't gone out since covid so might as well do a bit of a gear refresh as a little extra motivation.

[Casparvitch]

I pack rain pants for shoulder season or winter trips if the weather looks a bit rough. Others pack windpants (more breathable). If you like shorts I'd say stick with them.

I think most would recommend trail runners these days. The nice light feel is worth it.

You definitely don't need those fancy arcteryx fleece layers (etc). A cheap Macpac fleece or equivalent will get you 95% of the way there.

Don't worry about all the new clothing gear, the tech hasn't changed much in 20 years. Polartec alpha is one advance, but not a big deal for most hikers.

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[Moondog55]

There really isn't that much difference between the basic fleece sold by Macpac and ALDI and the high end Patagonia and DeadBird stuff, what can be different is the fit and perhaps the "Green" credentials
I have worn shorts; and shorts with long-johns too but UV can be deadly and the damage is cumulative so keep that in mind
I do most of my walking in white season above the snowline so I pack very heavy and always storm clothing plus enough warm layers and that include base fleece and high loft bulk insulation. I do not agree with Casparvitch tho on that 95%, I'd say 50% or carry two layers plus an extra windproof.
Alpha is great stuff my OMG it's fragile. Also never pay full price for it,Macpac have a clearance sale every other month and I almost always buy last years colours.
However this assumes you are not contemplating snow camping or learning cross country skiing. That has different criteria and needs better and therefore more expensive gear. I have worn shorts on skis, once. sunburn behind the knees is too painful to repeat

[north-north-west]

For the occasional walker, if you're staying on good tracks and only out for a few hours, there's not much point in investing in specialised clothing. A fleece or similar jacket/pullover in case of sudden temperature changes and a rainjacket is all you really need to carry; neither needs to be flash and expensive.