Quick heads-up: some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This small bit of income helps keep our site running.
What to Wear Hiking in Hot Weather
When it comes to hiking in hot weather, figuring out the right gear is really, really important. I've sweated through enough miles to know what works and what's just going to weigh you down and make you miserable. Let's dive deeper into making your hot weather hikes more bearable and enjoyable.
Lightweight and Breathable Clothing
First off, your clothing has to be lightweight and breathable. You're bound to sweat, so you need fabrics that dry quickly and let your skin breathe. Look for synthetic materials or merino wool, which have great moisture wicking properties. A standout for me has been the Patagonia Capilene Cool Trail Shirt (womens). It's incredibly light, wicks moisture effectively, and feels comfortable against the skin, even in the pounding, midday sun.
Pants might seem like a safe choice for protection against the sun and brush, but don't overlook the benefits of wearing shorts, especially in extremely hot weather. Shorts provide unmatched ventilation, keeping you cooler as you trek. The Outdoor Research Ferrosi shorts are my go-to. They're lightweight, offer plenty of mobility, and the fabric is quick to dry, which is essential for comfort and chafe prevention.
However, if you're trekking through areas with dense vegetation or you're just more concerned about sun exposure, lightweight pants like the Prana Stretch Zion Pants are probably what you want. They provide coverage without sacrificing comfort or mobility and come with UPF 50+ protection, which is plenty of protection for those really sunny days.
Sun Protection
The importance of sun protection cannot be overstated. A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt shields you from harmful UV rays while helping to manage body heat. Complement this with a high-coverage hat, such as the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat, which features a wide brim and a neck cape for all-around protection. You'll look pretty goofy and no one will want you in their picture, but your neck definitely wont get burnt.
You should also invest in a good sunscreen. Something with a high UV rating that is meant to work even if you're sweating is what to look for.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are crucial for protecting your eyes from UV damage, and the right pair can make a real difference. Look for sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare, which is especially helpful near water or on highly reflective surfaces like alpine snow that can hang around well in to the summer. Double check that they provide 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from the UVA and UVB rays. Models like the Oakley Flak 2.0 offer a comfortable fit, excellent coverage, and durable lenses. Like the hat they're not the most stylish piece of gear, but they work.
Breathable Shoes
While hiking boots provide excellent ankle support and protection, they can be a poor choice for hot weather hikes due to their tendency to become saunas for your feet in really high temps. Instead, opt for lightweight, breathable hiking shoes. The Merrell Moab Ventilators are my personal favorite. They give you plenty of ventilation while still doing a decent job of protecting your feet.
Pair your footwear with high-quality, moisture-wicking socks. Look for wool or synthetic, definitely stay away from cotton. Socks might not seem that important but the right socks, combined with a good pair of shoes, will keep you from getting blisters, which can make even the most scenic hike miserable.
Hydration and Cooling Accessories
Staying hydrated is crucial in hot temps. A hydration pack, such as the Osprey Scarab 18, allows for easy access to water, which means you'll have no excuse not to get enough fluids in. It's also worth pairing your water with some kind of hydration tablets, that will add salt and electrolytes back in to your system. I like the Nuun tablets but there are a few good options out there.
Elevation and Sun Exposure
It's also important to be aware that the higher you hike in elevation, the thinner the atmosphere becomes, reducing the amount of UV protection you get from the atmosphere. In English, that means you'll burn faster the higher up you go, even if the temperature feels cooler up there. So the higher you go, the more you want to think about all of the above. Often the temperatures higher up will be a little cooler though, so wearing long sleeves and pants becomes more bearable.