If you plan on doing some summer hiking, you might have wondered what to wear when hiking in the summer. What you wear will definitely help you be more comfortable and protected in the summer heat. Your clothing can serve many purposes, whether it’s to protect you from harmful UV rays, keep you cool, or prevent chafing and discomfort. I am going to share what types of pieces of clothing you should look for as well as some of my favorites to wear.
If you are looking for more information about hiking in the heat, check out my post where I share 10 Tips for Hiking in the Summer.
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What To Wear When Hiking in the Summer
Material: When hiking in the summer, opt for lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester, nylon, or merino wool. These materials help to keep you cool by allowing sweat to evaporate quickly. Cotton should generally be avoided as it absorbs sweat, takes a long time to dry, and can cause discomfort and chafing. I have worn cotton as a shirt before and I don’t mind it too much. I actually like that I can get it wet and it stays wet to keep me cool. But the chafing can get uncomfortable.
Color: Light colors are preferred in hot weather because they reflect sunlight, while darker colors absorb it and can make you feel hotter.
Fit: Loose-fitting clothes can help to keep you cooler in the summer by allowing air to circulate and sweat to evaporate.
Layers: Even on hot, summer hikes, it’s a good idea to layer your clothing. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures and conditions. For example, you might start the day with a long-sleeved shirt over a t-shirt, then remove the long-sleeved shirt as the day heats up.
Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade for your face and neck, helping to keep you cooler when hiking in the summer. Some hats even have a neck cover for added protection. Choose a hat made of breathable material to allow heat to escape from your head.
Kids’ Sun Hat:
Sunglasses: Quality sunglasses with UV protection are crucial to protect your eyes from harmful sun rays. Look for sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
Kids’ Sunglasses:
Footwear: Choose lightweight, breathable hiking shoes or boots. Some people prefer hiking sandals like Chacos in hot weather, which can be a good option if the trail isn’t too rough or steep. Personally, I go for a lightweight and breathable trail runner when I am hiking in the summer.
Make sure your socks are also made from moisture-wicking material to help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. I love merino wool socks.
Kids Footwear:
Sun Protection: Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re really sweating.
I also love to wear a sun shirt to protect my skin. I look for ones that are lightweight and breathable.
Kids’ Sun Hoody:
Bandana or Buff: A bandana or buff can be soaked in water and worn around the neck or forehead to help keep you cool.
Dressing for a summer hike just takes a little bit of preparation and it will set you up for a great day enjoying nature.
