Your summer hiking clothing will help you be 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. Here are the pieces of clothing you should look for as well as some of my favorites to wear.
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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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Summer Hiking Clothing Guidelines
Material: When choosing summer hiking clothing, 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 like that it stays wet to keep me cool. However the chafing is really uncomfortable, so it isn’t my first choice.
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.
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.
Headwear:
Hats
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:
Wide Brimmed Hat: This is great for protecting their face and back of their neck.
REI Trailsmith Cap: A simple baseball cap works great and I love how lightweight and breathable this one is.
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’ Polarized Sunglasses: I didn’t know if my kids would wear sunglasses but they actually love them!
Bandana or Buff:
Bandana or buff: These can be soaked in water and worn around the neck or forehead to help keep you cool.
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.
Chacos: I love wearing hiking sandals in warmer weather because my feet are just able to breathe better and I don’t feel as hot. They’re also great when a trail has water crossings.
Trail Runners– Salomon Women’s X Ultra Pioneer Climasalomon Waterproof Hiking Shoes: I rarely wear hiking boots any time of the year, but definitely not in the summer. I find it best to wear non-waterproof, trail runners because they are lightweight and breathe better. Also, if they get wet on the inside, they will dry much faster than heavy boots or waterproof shoes.
Wool Socks: While you might think wool socks are best for colder months, I actually wear them year round. I wear thinner ones in the summer, and they help wick away moisture keeping my feet dry. They are also odor resistant.
Kids’ Footwear
Hiking Sandals: I love these closed-toe Keen Kid sandals because they are breathable, but still protect their toes.
Trailsmith Merino Wool Lightweight Crew Socks- Kid’s:
Tops
I will occasionally wear a short sleeve or tank top in the summer, but most often, I love to wear a sun shirt to protect my skin. I look for ones that are lightweight and breathable.
Sun Hoodie
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoodie: This is one of the lightest weight sun hoodies on the market and is still 50 UPF. This is my #1 recommendation!
Sahara Shade Hoodie: This is a more budget friendly option that is a little heavier but still a great option!
Kids’ Sun Hoodie:
I love sun hoodies for my kids because I don’t have to worry about lathering them up with as much sunscreen and their is no reapplication.
Patagonia Baby Capilene Silkweight Hoodie: This was the first sun hoodie I got my toddler and he still wears it.
REI Kid’s Sahara Shade Hoodie: This one is slightly heavier than the Patagonia one, but my kids don’t seem to care. And it’s less expensive. Here is the link for the toddler size.
Bottoms
I look for lightweight and sweat-wicking materials. Shorts offer less protection from scrapes and scratches, but make the heat less stifling on a trail.
Shorts
REI Trailmade Shorts: These are my go to shorts and a great price. They’re lightweight and an ideal length.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi 5″ Shorts: These shorts came highly rated and I love the built in, flexible belt.
REI Active Pursuits 6″ Shorts: These are another pair of less expensive short options. They have a little more spandex in them so they’re nice and stretchy.
Columbia Leslie Falls’ Shorts: These shorts are great because they have a flat, smooth waistband with no tie so they’re extra comfortable when wearing a big pack.
Kids’ Hiking Shorts:
My kids usually just wear whatever shorts they’re already wearing for the day on our hikes. But this pair has been a favorite of mine that they wear.
Columbia Washed Out Shorts: These shorts are 100% cotton and I have found them to be really durable while still lightweight. And if they get a little wet, they keep my kids cool.
Here is a link for the Girl’s version.
Patagonia Baby Baggies: I got these shorts for my daughter and she loves them. They are super lightweight and super quickdrying.
Pants:
Getting the right pants can give the protection you need while staying cool. There are even some versatile pairs like the second pair from Outdoor Voices that let you choose your length.
REI Trailmade Pants: These pants are lightweight and I don’t feel too hot when wearing them. They dry really quick too which is a plus!
Outdoor Research RecTrek Zip-Off Pants: These are great when the weather changes a lot. In the mountains, it can be cool in the mornings but warm up as the day goes on. Being able to adjust the length is great!
Choosing the right summer hiking clothing takes a little bit of preparation and it will set you up for a great day enjoying nature. You know what they say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only wrong clothing.
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