What to Wear Hiking in the Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while connecting with the world around you, but it can be hard on your body if you’re not prepared for it.

Here’s what you need to wear hiking in the summer:

A patterned bandana to keep sweat at bay

A bandana is a versatile piece of gear that can serve as a sweat-wicking headband, neck scarf or even a pair of sunglasses. For summer hiking, look for a lightweight cotton or silk fabric that will keep you cool and dry.

Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and to squinting

Many sunglasses, like those from Oakley, have an Anti-Fog lens coating. This is a thin layer of special oil that prevents condensation from forming on the inside of your glasses when they get wet or sweat off your face. These coatings are designed to prevent fogging at all times, even if you’re high in elevation where temperatures drop below freezing and water vapors in the air condense as droplets onto your lenses.

In addition to preventing fogging and keeping debris out of your eyes, sunglasses can also greatly reduce squinting while hiking. If you don’t wear sunglasses when on long walks outdoors during summer months (or any time of year), you’re likely going to develop eye strain from squinting against bright sunlight or staring directly into light sources like street lamps or fires. By wearing shades with UV protection built into them such as polarized lenses which cut down on glare coming off water surfaces like lakes and oceans; this reduces eye fatigue caused by squinting too much throughout the day!

Sunscreen with a high SPF to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage

Sunscreen is a must for any outdoor activity. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, including premature aging and even skin cancer.

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful effects. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your ears, nose and lips as well!

Clothing made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking material.

You can usually find moisture-wicking material in clothing for running and other high-intensity activities, but there are also some great options for those who don’t like to overheat.

Why is this important? Quick-drying fabric is a must because it dries quickly after getting wet, which helps prevent hypothermia in hot weather. A piece of clothing made from quick drying, moisture wicking material will also keep you cool while hiking in the summer. This is especially helpful if you’re on a long hike through the woods or up a mountain where it gets warm fast!

Socks with special features like cushioning around high impact areas and mesh ventilation panels to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry.

Socks with special features like cushioning around high impact areas and mesh ventilation panels to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry.

Wicking properties to keep your feet dry, moisture-wicking material or socks made with a special blend of materials that absorb sweat, then pull it away from the skin to evaporate it quickly.

A hat with a curved brim and partial mesh to block the sun, but allow airflow.

If you’re going to be hiking in the summer, you’ll want a hat with a curved brim and some mesh on the back of it. This will allow your head to breathe as you’re walking in the heat of summer. It also keeps the sun off of your face, which is especially important if there’s no shade around.

Layers of lightweight clothing that will still wick away sweat, adjust to temperature changes, and give you extra protection if you need it.

Layers of lightweight clothing that will still wick away sweat, adjust to temperature changes, and give you extra protection if you need it. In this section, we’ll go over what the most popular hiking layers are and why they should be part of your pack-out list.

The first layer is often a long-sleeved t-shirt made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon (and sometimes even cotton). These fabrics have been treated with special coatings that allow them to “wick” away sweat and moisture from the body while still providing breathability.

The second layer is a pair of shorts or pants made from woven nylon or polyester (depending on your preference). The material used here should be lightweight but not thin enough to become transparent when worn next to bare skin. Most hikers opt for shorts in summertime because they’re more comfortable against the skin than heavier fabrics such as jeans or corduroys, but if it’s too hot out then feel free to swap these out with some nice cargo pants instead!

You may think this would be all you need during warm months since there isn’t much wind chill at higher altitudes where hikers prefer going during summertime activities such as hiking through national parks like Yellowstone National Park which offers visitors many different types of trails ranging from easy hikes suitable for families with young children all the way up through advanced hikes where experienced climbers might consider bringing along their climbing gear just in case there are any unexpected obstacles along their path (like climbing up steep rock faces).

Dress light and in layers so you can be comfortable throughout the hike, which can take all day during summer months

  • Dress light and in layers so you can be comfortable throughout the hike, which can take all day during summer months.
  • Wear clothing that wicks away sweat to keep you dry.
  • Wear clothing that protects you from the sun’s harmful rays by blocking UV rays and protecting your skin from rashes and sunburns. A hat or visor is also a good idea on any hike because it keeps the sun out of your eyes and off your scalp, which could otherwise become sunburned if left unprotected.
  • Wear clothing that is comfortable so that you won’t get too hot on a warmer day of hiking. Some people prefer wearing multiple layers instead of one bulky layer because they feel it helps them stay cooler when they’re working hard during their hikes. If this is what works for them, then go for it! Just make sure whatever method works best for each person doesn’t create an obstacle for another person trying to help them if needed (like trying to assist someone who is having difficulty).
  • Be sure all items selected are durable enough so as not to rip easily under pressure from rocks or branches while hiking through rough terrain with uneven surfaces such as gravel paths leading up mountainside trails where there may be some steep inclines requiring both hands free at times due to lack of handrails along these types trails but may still have slippery spots due rainwater runoff earlier this morning after last night’s storm caused localized flooding downriver causing debris pick-up downstream leaving behind residuals mixed into mud/soil which could cause stumbling hazards during descent after heavy rainfall event occurred yesterday afternoon resulting in flash flooding conditions downriver

What to wear hiking summer

As a hiker, you’ll want to wear clothes that are lightweight and loose-fitting. This will help keep you cool as well as free from bugs and ticks. The clothing should also be light-colored and made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking material. For example, a cotton T-shirt or shorts are great for hiking in the summer if they’re made out of synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester instead of cotton.

Best outfit for hiking summer
Best outfit for hiking summer

If your clothing has any zippers or buttons on it at all—and most do—make sure that they’re securely fastened so as not to fall off while you’re hiking up a mountain (and possibly into another person’s face). Loosely tied shoelaces might work just fine for walking around town but could easily become undone when hiking up rocky terrain; invest in some sturdy boots with laces that won’t easily untie themselves! Also remember not just what color hat but how it fits: A snug cap will help keep those rays out of your eyes while letting them in through its brim so you can see where exactly they’re coming from!

Conclusion

We hope this guide will help you to plan your next hiking trip. Remember that the most important thing is being prepared and comfortable at all times, so don’t forget to pack extra sunscreen, water, and snacks just in case!

Matthew Koch

Hi, I'm Matthew, a passionate blogger and traveler. I'm also a hard-core hiker. Hiking with friends and visiting new places is what I live for. Currently, I'm working at Gear Odds as CEO & Columnist. I would like to provide my best outdoor experience possible.