Key Takeaways
- Checking the forecast and dressing for the season before you arrive is one of the simplest ways to make sure a zipline tour stays fun from the first platform to the last.
- There is no single outfit that works best for ziplining in every season, but moisture-wicking athletic wear, knee-length or longer bottoms, and closed-toe shoes with a secure fit are the right foundation in any weather.
- Layers are essential in spring and fall, when temperatures can shift dramatically over the course of a single tour.
- Winter ziplining requires the most outfit planning, with a three-layer outfit (thermal base, insulating mid-layer, and wind- and water-resistant outer jacket) being the standard approach.
- Sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, skirts, dresses, and baggy clothing are incompatible with the harness system and are not permitted on most zipline courses.
Zipline tours run year-round at most adventure parks, which means your packing list looks very different in July than it does in January. As a result, there’s no single outfit that will work best for ziplining in every season.
Before you schedule a tour, review our guide on what to wear for ziplining in every season to ensure you’re always comfortable and safe on the course.
What to Wear Ziplining in Spring
Spring is unpredictable in the best way. Mornings can start in the low 50s and climb well into the 70s by mid-afternoon, so layers are your best friend. The ability to tie a hoodie around your waist mid-tour is worth more than you’d think.
Rain showers are also more common in spring than in any other season, but ziplining in the rain can be a fun experience. If you want to zipline in the rain, a compact rain jacket (meaning one you can stuff into a small bag or clip to your pack) is worth grabbing before you leave the house. Trails between platforms tend to stay damp, making shoes with a little grip a smart call.
What to wear
- Base layer: Light moisture-wicking tee
- Mid layer: Zip-up hoodie or light fleece
- Bottoms: Leggings, joggers, or knee-length athletic shorts
- Footwear: Closed-toe trail runners or sneakers
- Extras: Compact rain jacket, sunscreen
Spring sample outfits
- Men: Knee-length athletic shorts, moisture-wicking tee, zip-up hoodie, trail runners
- Women: Capris or leggings, fitted long-sleeve top, light zip-up, trail runners or sneakers
- Kids: Athletic joggers, layered tee and hoodie, securely tied or velcro-strap sneakers
What to Wear Ziplining in Summer
Summer ziplining means heat and humidity, and cotton is not your friend. Once you start hiking between platforms, a regular cotton tee turns into a wet blanket fast. Stick with moisture-wicking fabrics from head to toe.
Shorts are totally fine in summer, just make sure they reach at least to the knee. Shorter shorts ride up under the harness leg loops, which gets uncomfortable quickly. For the same reason, choose a fitted tee or one long enough to tuck in so it doesn’t bunch under your chest harness. To avoid the heat, you may also want to schedule your zipline tour in the morning for cooler temperatures.
Sun protection matters even inside the tree canopy. UV rays filter through gaps in the leaves, so apply sunscreen before you arrive. Sunglasses are welcome, but test the fit with a quick head shake before your tour. Anything that slips should stay in the car.
What to wear
- Bottoms: Moisture-wicking athletic shorts (knee length or longer)
- Top: Fitted moisture-wicking tee or tank
- Footwear: Closed-toe sneakers or light trail shoes
- Extras: Sunscreen, bug spray, compact rain jacket
Summer sample outfits
- Men: Knee-length athletic shorts, moisture-wicking tee, trail runners, sunglasses
- Women: Athletic shorts or capris, fitted tank or tee, sneakers, sunglasses
- Kids: Athletic shorts, moisture-wicking tee, securely tied or velcro-close sneakers
What to Wear Ziplining in Fall
Fall is arguably the best time of year to zipline. The canopy turns orange, red, and gold, and the cooler air makes the hike between platforms genuinely enjoyable. Crowds tend to thin out, too, and first-timers especially love the season due to the comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage.
Temperatures drop fast once the sun dips below the ridgeline, though. Pull a fleece over your base layer and switch out shorts for pants or leggings before heading out. Early September may still be okay for shorts, but by mid-October, warmer bottoms are the smarter choice.
What to wear
- Bottoms: Athletic pants, joggers, or leggings (shorts are fine in early fall)
- Top: Long-sleeve base layer plus a fleece or light sweatshirt
- Footwear: Closed-toe sneakers or light hiking shoes
- Extras: Compact rain jacket, sunscreen
Fall sample outfits
- Men: Athletic pants or joggers, long-sleeve tee, light fleece, trail runners
- Women: Leggings, fitted long-sleeve top, zip-up fleece, sneakers or hiking shoes
- Kids: Athletic pants, long-sleeve tee, hoodie, securely tied sneakers
What to Wear Ziplining in Winter
Winter ziplining is spectacular. With the leaves down, you get bigger, wider views across the ridgelines, and the trails are quiet. You do have to dress for it, though, and a three-layer system is the standard approach.
Start with a thermal base layer on top and bottom. A light fleece or insulating mid-layer goes over that, with a wind- and water-resistant outer jacket as your final layer. All of those layers sit under your harness, so keep them functional rather than excessive. You still need a full range of motion.
A few details below the neck are worth getting right. Double-layered socks make a real difference on cold platforms, with a thin liner under a wool outer being the most effective combination for warmth and comfort. Your beanie needs to fit cleanly under your helmet, so skip any style with a pom-pom or top decoration. Traction-friendly boots are also a smarter pick than regular sneakers when frost or damp boards are a factor.
What to wear
- Base layer: Thermal undershirt and long johns or tights
- Mid layer: Light fleece or insulating shirt and pants
- Outer layer: Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Footwear: Insulated boots with traction
- Accessories: Double-layer socks, flat beanie, thin liner gloves
- Skip the jeans: They’re cold, restrictive when layered, and miserable if they get damp
Winter sample outfits
- Men: Thermal base set, fleece mid-layer, wind-resistant jacket, insulated hiking pants, wool socks, insulated trail boots, flat beanie, thin glove liners
- Women: Thermal tights and base layer top, fleece pullover or vest, water-resistant outer layer, insulated hiking pants, wool socks, insulated boots, flat beanie
- Kids: Thermal base layer set, fleece pullover, light puffer or wind jacket, insulated pants, wool socks, waterproof boots, flat beanie
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear Ziplining
Can I wear shorts ziplining?
Yes, as long as they reach at least to the knee. Shorter shorts ride up under the harness leg loops and get uncomfortable fast once you’re on the line.
Can I wear leggings ziplining?
Absolutely. Leggings are one of the best options for ziplining. They’re flexible, close-fitting, and won’t bunch or ride up under the harness.
Are jeans okay for ziplining?
Technically, yes. In practice, however, jeans are stiff, restrictive when layered, and miserable if you sweat or get caught in a shower. Athletic pants or leggings will serve you much better.
What shoes should I wear ziplining?
Closed-toe sneakers or light trail shoes are the standard choice. In winter, insulated boots with traction are the smarter call, especially on frosty platforms and boardwalks.
Can I wear sandals or flip-flops ziplining?
No. Closed-toe, secured footwear is a safety requirement at most zipline venues, not a suggestion. Open-toed shoes won’t get you on the course.
What gear does the zipline operator provide?
Most operators provide your helmet, harness, and gloves. Your guides will fit everything on arrival and walk you through how it all works before your tour begins.
Can I wear a hat or sunglasses while ziplining?
Sunglasses are welcome as long as they fit securely. Do a quick head-shake test to confirm they won’t fly off at speed. Hats don’t sit well under a helmet, but a flat beanie works fine in cold weather.
Do I need to wear sunscreen ziplining?
Yes. UV rays reach you even inside the tree canopy. Apply sunscreen before you arrive, especially on your face, neck, and any exposed arms.
What should I do if it rains on my tour day?
Pack a compact rain jacket and plan to zipline anyway. Most tours run in light rain, and a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer keeps the experience comfortable.
What should I do with my hair while ziplining?
Tie it back before you arrive. Long, loose hair can get caught in your harness or helmet, and managing it mid-course is a distraction you don’t need.
Can I wear a skirt or dress ziplining?
No. The harness uses individual leg loops that fit over your clothing, and skirts or dresses aren’t compatible with the fit.
Can I bring a camera or phone?
Leave your phone stored safely off the course. If you want to take a video of the experience, some ziplines, like WildSide, offer video packages, with cameras mounted on the rider’s helmet.
What should you not wear for ziplining?
Skip sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, and any open-toed shoes, as secured, closed-toe footwear is required on every course. Avoid short shorts, skirts, dresses, and baggy or loose-fitting clothing, all of which are incompatible with the harness fit. Leave dangling jewelry at home, and skip jeans if you can since they’re restrictive, especially in warm weather or under winter layers.
Can you wear Crocs to zipline?
No. Crocs don’t fasten securely to your feet, which makes them a safety issue on the course and on the hiking sections between platforms. Stick with closed-toe sneakers, trail shoes, or boots that lace or strap firmly in place.
What to wear ziplining for women?
Leggings, capris, or knee-length athletic shorts are all solid choices, paired with a fitted tee or tank that won’t ride up under the chest harness. Closed-toe sneakers or trail shoes with a secure fit are the right footwear call. Tie your hair back before arriving, as a low ponytail or braid sits cleanly under the helmet without getting in the way.
What is best to wear for ziplining?
Moisture-wicking athletic wear is the most consistently recommended option across every season. Aim for bottoms that reach at least to the knee, a fitted top that stays in place under a harness, and closed-toe shoes with a firm, secure fit.
Beyond that, dress for the weather. Layers in spring and fall, breathable fabrics in summer, and warm clothes in winter.
Ride the Longest Zipline in North America at WildSide
At 5,771 feet long, WildSide’s MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, holds the record as the longest zipline in North America. Launching from an elevation of 2,472 feet, riders descend over 1,000 vertical feet on a single continuous cable at speeds up to 55 mph. Four side-by-side lines mean you can race your whole crew down the mountain together, and a self-braking system keeps you in control from launch to touchdown. The full experience, including safety orientation, gear fitting, a practice zip, and the main ride, runs about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Learn more about MegaZip today. If you’re ready to ride, book your tickets online.