Boundless Adventures
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The Experts Guide to Zipline Clothing: Options for Beginners and Seasoned Vets

October 30, 2022

Ziplines are an exciting way to explore nature and get some exercise. But before you go, you should know a few things about how to dress for your adventure. 

While we know the decision-making process can seem overwhelming, don’t sweat it.  We’ve been a household name in the zipline world for ages and we can’t wait to share our best-kept secrets. 

On a high note, choose clothes that fit well. You don’t want to wear tight pants that ride up while you zip through the trees. Also, since you’ll likely be climbing and trusting your feet for grip, you’ll need shoes that provide good traction. Finally, bring along a change of clothes. You never know when you’ll get caught in a rainstorm, sweat through your gear, or want some new clothes to relax in later. 

Now that the high-level notes are out of the way, let’s break down the 3 clothing categories you need to spend some time deciding on. 

P.S. We don’t make specific brand recommendations because there are a ton of great options.  If we dove into all of the zipline clothing brand options here, you’d be reading for days. 

The Top Half – Zipline Clothing Options

For the sake of our “Top Half” zipline clothing options, we’ll consider anything from the waist up to be included (we’ll count the hands too!) 

Shirts

Here at our Boundless Adventures Parks you won’t need to overthink your shirt choice too much.  Just consider that shirts can easily bunch up against your harness, so choose something that is either fitted or a shirt that can be tucked in.  

Depending on the season, consider short sleeves vs long sleeves.  We’ll leave that to you and your personal preference. 

Just don’t forget, ziplining is an outdoor activity so you have to consider all of the different elements you may encounter. 

Hats

While you’re free to wear hats here at Boundless Adventures, it’s not a requirement.  In fact, most of our zipline areas are tree-covered and provide natural shade.  Plus, flying through the air with your hat coming loose may not be something you want to mess with. 

Gloves

At Boundless Adventures, gloves are a must.  We encourage you to bring your own pair (bike or gardening gloves are fine) or you can purchase gloves on-site for $6/pair.  

We want to protect your hands and ensure you have the most enjoyable zipline adventure you can! 

The Bottom Half – Zipline Clothing Options

For the sake of our “Bottom Half” zipline clothing options, we’ll consider anything from the waist down to be included.

Shorts/Pants/Leggings

Please don’t take us as ones for the theatrics, but making the right choice on your pants/shorts debate is extremely important.  Why do we say such a thing? 

That’s because the harness that you’ll wear when ziplining goes under your legs and around your waist, securing you tightly to the line above your head. Shorts that are too short may ride up when your harness is tightened, or when you’re zipping down the line.

Footwear

While we like to give our guests options when they visit the park, we have a strict rule on shoes: NO open-toed shoes are allowed. 

Requiring closed-toe shoes helps us ensure you don’t injure your feet before, during, or after your zipline adventure. Just remember, you need to walk/climb/hike to start and finish your adventure! 

All The Extras

No list would be complete without the zipline clothing extras.  While they may not technically qualify as “clothing” it’s still important to remember: 

Sunscreen

Yes, we know we sound like your parents harping on sunscreen, but it’s extremely important.  During the day you’ll be exposed to a ton of sun that could leave you with some sunburn.  While you won’t burn as if you were laying out at the beach, we want to make sure you stay safe at all times. 

Cell Phones / GoPros

This sounds obvious, but it’s important to talk about.  We have a strict no-cellphone policy while you’re actually in the air ziplining.  That’s because when you’re gliding from tree to tree, you need to be focused on the experience, not your phone.  

We encourage you to have family/friends on the platforms take photos or videos of you.  

We’ve also seen plenty of guests use GoPro mounts to record the actual zipline experience.  We LOVE seeing that footage, so if you do choose to record, please feel free to share it with us on social media! 

Zipline Clothing Options Recap

At the end of the day, wear what makes you happy and comfortable (as long as it’s within the rules of course.) 

We want you to enjoy the day and not let this become a stress point of your zipline adventure.  Overall, pick things that fit you well and that you’re comfortable in.  The rest will take care of itself. 

If you’re in the NY, MA or WI areas we’d love to host you at our local Zipline Courses.  If you’re somewhere else just learning about zipline clothing, we hope you feel a little more confident before your next zipline adventure. 

We’ll see you in the trees!