What To Wear Hiking In Summer (2023)

Hiking is one of the most exciting and everyday outdoor activities in summer. However, if you are new to this activity, choosing what to wear hiking in summer might not be an easy task.

Along with the excitement of finding a fantastic alpine lake or reaching a peak, hiking in summer will also relate to dangers if you do not have a complete plan for your journey.

Hiking In Summer – Where To Hike?

There are tons of hiking destinations around the world for you to visit. However, in the summer, with hot temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions, not all places are suitable for hiking.

Hiking in forests

One of the best areas for summer hiking is the forest. In forest regions, the humidity will be higher. The weather will also be more relaxed since you are kept under the tree’s shade.

Moreover, hiking in the shade will protect you from direct sunlight, protect your skin and prevent dehydration.

Hiking near water

Hiking near water resources is also a good idea in the summer. You could hike next to the ocean, river, or lake. It will be a great experience to enjoy the cool breeze.

Besides, available water will be beneficial sometimes. When you need to use water for face and skin cleaning or moisture wicking and keep you cool in hot summer, destinations near water will be the ideal way to go.

You could try to hike when the sun comes down since the temperature will decrease significantly at this time.

What To Wear Hiking In Summer?

Hiking pants

You might think that pants are not suitable for summer hiking. However, this item is one of the most favorite types of clothes for professional hikers.

Even though wearing pants might make you hot outside, this item could protect you from insects and even sunburn. Summer is the perfect time for bugs, mosquitoes, and other insects, especially in wild locations for hiking.

Moreover, hiking pants have been greatly improved now. Not only are they more narrow and breathable, but they are also flexible.

There are many hiking pants on the market that allow you to remove their bottom. Thanks to that, you could have convenient shorts in needed situations.

If you do not want to spend an extra budget to purchase new hiking pants, you can take advantage of your yoga pants and leggings. They are lightweight, and comfortable to wear, so they will help you move more quickly.

Hiking shorts

If you worry that long pants might make you hot in summer hiking, hiking shorts will be safer option. The most considerable advantage of this item is its comfort. When you wear hiking shorts, your leg could move freely and easily.

Also, hiking shorts will help you feel more relaxed when hiking in hot weather. Thanks to that, you will not sweat too much and smell bad after your journey.

On the other hand, this item will offer less protection than hiking pants. Also, you should not wear hiking shorts if you walk at night.

Hiking shirts

When hiking in summer, all you need for your upper body might be just a hiking shirt as a thin base layer.

Depending on the individual preferences of each hiker, there are numerous types of shirts with various materials and designs for you to choose from.

I always choose basic T-shirts for my summer hiking. They are comfortable, and no-frills. More importantly, they do not create many layers on my body, and I’m satisfied with this feature.

However, that does not mean I deny the benefits of a shirt with lots of buttons and tight collars. This type of shirt will protect you against the sun and other effects on the environment.

When you purchase a hiking shirt, you should choose one made of synthetic fabric such as nylon, or polyester. Remember that cotton is not a good material for summer hiking shirts.

Hiking boots

If you want to hike in wet areas, I highly recommend wearing hiking boots rather than hiking sandals or hiking shoes.

A typical pair of hiking boots will have high collars and waterproof material. Thanks to that, your feet will be perfectly protected from skin diseases.

When wearing hiking boots, you should combine them with short socks to reduce the temperature inside the boots. Besides, make sure that your hiking boots are completely dry and clean before wearing them.

Hiking shoes and socks

If you are preparing for hiking on challenging and bumpy trails, running shoes, sporty shoes, and hiking shoes are ideal ways to go. These items are durable enough to go through rigid surfaces.

Moreover, with a sturdy design and the ability to hug your feet tightly, hiking shoes are the best choice to protect your feet.

Besides, when hiking in the summer, you should pick socks with a high neck, thin, and elastic materials that could absorb sweat well. Avoid cotton socks.

Hiking sandals

In flat and easy-to-walk terrains, hiking sandals could be valuable thanks to their ventilation and convenience.

There are many types of sandals on the market that are suitable for summer hiking. You should choose the one with durable material and a thick sole. You might not wear socks when using sandals.

However, hiking sandals are only appropriate for short hikes.

Hiking underwear

Many people probably will not care about hiking underwear. However, these things could also affect your hiking experience in many ways.

When hiking in hot weather, you should avoid wearing bras with thick mattresses and sucking because they might make you feel frustrated and uncomfortable. Instead, choose bras that are light in weight, stretchy, and breathable.

Gentlemen could skip this section.

Jacket

Jackets will be more necessary for those who hike at night since, at that time, the temperature is calm. You should choose waterproof material if you do not have a raincoat.

Make sure that there is always a rain jacket in your pack back since the summer’s weather is changeable.

Ankle support

When hiking, many factors could hurt your feet, especially your ankles. Thus ankle support will help you avoid unfortunate injuries.

Hiking gear

Along with clothes and shoes, you also need to carry other essential hiking gear for your summer hiking. Here are some suggestions for you:

Drinking water and food: ensure that you have at least 2 liters for your hikes. Also, some snacks will energize you for long and tiring walks.

Sunglasses: these are always indispensable items in my backpack when summer hiking. They will protect your eyes from being dazzled by the sun.

Sun protection: it’s no doubt that the summer sun is very harsh, and it could literally scorch your skin. Therefore, sun-protecting items are essential when hiking in the summer. I always use sunscreen with a high sun protection rating. If your hikes are long, you should apply sunscreen more than one time.

Bug protection: Permethrin or Picaridin is what you need for bug protection.

First-aid kit: there is no denying that hiking can be risky in some ways. It would be best if you had careful preparation when an accident occurs. Thus, it is wise to always carry the first-aid kit with you at all times.

Health Concerns for Hot-summer Hiking

Sunburn

Sunburn is one of the most common health problems that you might face when summer hiking. Thus, sun-protection clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for you to have a safe hike.

If your hike is longer than 2 hours, you should use sunscreen products with a high sun protection rate (SPS 50+ and PA++++ are recommended). Also, re-apply with sunscreen is necessary.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common condition in the beginner of hiking. Please do not underestimate this health problem as it could lead to more severe consequences like cramps or even stroke.

To avoid dehydration, you have to drink enough water. Generally, you should drink at least 0.5 liters of water each hour. If the temperature is high and you feel tired, you might need to drink an enormous amount of water.

Overhydration

Overhydration is a dangerous health problem. It happens when you over-drink. If you have headaches, fatigue, or nausea, you might be overhydrated.

In this case, you have to add salt to balance your safe level. Also, don’t drink too much water in a short period.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps occur when you hike at high speed, or your body is too tired. To prevent this problem, you need to drink enough water and avoid walking too hard. Take a break when you feel your legs are out of strength.

Heat Exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, heavy sweating, fatigue, faintness, and nausea. When you face this problem, you should find shade and stop hiking immediately. Also, drinking water is a helpful solution in this case.

Color Selection for Cloth – Important Notes

The color of your hiking attire might be an essential factor when you hike. It could also affect your hiking experience. So what color should you choose when summer hiking? Here is helpful information for you.

Stylish colors for hiking

What do stylish colors for hiking mean? Generally, you could understand that is the favorite and popular color tone of the majority of hikers.

If you used to search for this information, you would know that the most stylish colors for hiking are the earthy tones. Many hikers choose hiking clothes that have this tone since it helps them feel “natural”.

Earthy tones include natural and harmonious colors such as green, brown, gray, and black.

If you want to wear earthy tone clothes, ensure that you are hiking during the day. Bringing some bright color items like a jacket in your backpack is also a good idea to match with earth-tone clothes.

Safe colors for hiking

If safety is your priority, you should wear some clothes that have neon tones. These items will be beneficial in some ways. Neon tones include bright, vibrant, and striking colors, for example, bright yellow, neon green, orange, and electric blue.

In case you hike in a group, neon clothes will help your friends or your family realize you. Thanks to that, you could not worry about being lost.

Moreover, neon tones are not seen in nature. As such, if there are any hunters in your hiking area, they will know that you are human and not shoot you.

Why should you choose bright colors?

Finally, bright colors are the ideal tones for almost all hikers for several reasons.

Wearing a bright shirt or jacket might be the best way to help others who do not think you are an animal. In nature, this mistake is very usual. Moreover, these bright color items also allow your teammate to recognize you easier in case you are lost.

Moreover, these color-tone hiking outfits are the best option for hikers in the summertime since they will not absorb the sun’s rays. Thanks to that, you will feel more comfortable and more excellent than wearing dark colored clothes.

FAQs

What should I not wear while summer hiking?

When hiking, you should avoid clothes and materials that are not stretchy, hot, and sweat-proof since they could make your hikes uncomfortable and inconvenient. Some items that you should not wear are denim, no-show socks, and cotton clothes.

What kinds of shoes should I wear for summer hiking?

If you want to offer your foot the best safety and comfort, I recommend you wear trail-running shoes when hiking in the summer. Also, hiking boots are considered alternatives.

Is legging suitable for summer hiking?

Leggings with breathable and comfortable materials, lightweight, and tight-fitting might be one of the best choices for your summer hiking. This item will help you feel more relaxed than when you hike with your bare legs.

What type of fabric is the most suitable for summer hiking?

Any fabric that is sweat-absorbing, lightweight, and breathable will be an excellent choice for your summer hiking. I believe that polyester is an ideal material for this energy-consuming activity.