What To Wear Hiking In Summer [2025 Guide]

Wondering what to wear hiking in the summer?

When the weather turns warm, knowing what to wear while hiking can be tricky. You want to stay cool and comfortable, but you also don’t want to get too hot or end up with sunburn. Fortunately, there are some key factors you should keep in mind when selecting your summer hiking wardrobe that will help ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Summer usually means hot weather, but that doesn’t mean that every day will be the same. Summer in some areas can bring around heavy rain and conditions in the mountains can change at a moments notice.

When I first started hiking, I thought that denim shorts and a t-shirt would suffice – boy was I wrong! After investing in more appropriate gear and talking to experienced hikers who have tried different products, I now know what to wear when hiking in the summer for optimum comfort.

This post outlines all thing things you need to consider when it comes to purchasing clothing for your hike, why quality matters and provide some tips on what you should look out for while shopping.

A City Girl Outside contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for reading!

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Tips On Choosing What To Wear Hiking In Summer

• Layers – You’ve probably hard teat layers are great for the colder season, but this rule rings true for summer months too. If like me you start your hike super early before sunrise, chances are temperatures are still on the colder side. You’ll want to stay warm until the sun comes out and starts warming things up. Layers are also great for when you reach the summit, temps are always cooler at the top of the mountain than the bottom, especially if there is still snow in the area.

• Fabric – The type of fabric you wear makes a huge difference to your hiking experience. Merino wool is one of the best fabrics to wear when hiking any time of year. It has resists odour naturally and wicks moisture better than any other fabric. I swear by my Smartwool 150 shirt, and I also wear their underwear when hiking too. Steer clear of cotton apparel as it absorbs perspiration and holds moisture. But if the temperature drops unexpectedly or you’re heading up to colder elevation levels, this material won’t insulate your body sufficiently for comfort or safety.

• UPF Rating – It is important to wear clothing that has a UPF rating if hiking in the summer months. UPF stands for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor”. This means the fabric will protect you from the sun’s rays. Wearing UPF rated clothes can help keep you cool and stop your skin from getting burned by the sun.

• Ventilation – When you go hiking in the summer, be sure to wear clothes with ventilation. This means that your clothes have holes or openings so that air can move freely through them. This helps keep you cool and comfortable hiking in the hot weather.

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What To Wear Hiking In Summer?

Summer is the ideal season to get some fresh air and revel in the beauty of nature, with hiking as one of its most popular activities. But if you don’t come prepared, your outdoor escapade can quickly become uncomfortable. It’s important to know what to pack when hiking in hot climates and destinations.

This blog post will provide ideas for what attire works best when conquering summer trails – plus a few items to avoid!

Women’s Hiking Shirts

Men’s Hiking Shirts

Women’s Hiking Pants

Men’s Hiking Pants

Women’s Hiking Shorts

Men’s Hiking Shorts

Hiking Underwear

What type of underwear should you wear when hiking in summer? Breathability and moisture-wicking ability are paramount; thus, cotton is not a suitable option as it absorbs sweat and leads to chafing.

Instead, opt for natural fabrics such as merino wool that will quickly wick away perspiration and dry rapidly.

Hiking Socks

It is important to select the appropriate sock for your environment. During warm conditions, opt for socks with breathable ventilation zones or a moisture-wicking fabric that ensures dryness and comfortability that will help keep blisters at bay.

Merino wool provides enhanced absorbency – up to 30% of its own weight in moisture making it an ideal natural option. Alternatively, polyester may be cheaper yet offer less odour control than other fabrics used in hiking socks.

As an avid hiker, I believe you can never have enough socks, and they make great stocking stuffers for hikers.

Raincoat

While summer is typically associated with sunny and warm weather, it is important to keep in mind that mountain ranges are unpredictable environments. Weather conditions can quickly shift without warning, causing a sunny day to turn into a downpour. That’s why packing a raincoat is essential for any summer hike in the mountains.

A good raincoat provides protection from unexpected rain, keeping you dry and warm. It can also serve as an extra layer to keep you warm in case of temperature drops, which can occur in higher-altitude locations.

When it comes to safety, keeping dry is crucial to prevent hypothermia, especially in windy or chilly weather. Don’t let the sunny forecast fool you, always pack a raincoat when hiking in the summer, and be prepared for any weather condition.

Other Items To Wear When Hiking In Summer

Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes while hiking in the summer is crucial, and that’s where sunglasses come in handy. The sun’s rays can cause damage to your eyes and lead to eye strain and headaches.

Hiking trails can also be reflective, so a good pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses will reduce glare and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes, but they also improve your visual acuity and allow you to see the terrain and obstacles more clearly.

It’s important to opt for lightweight, durable and comfortable sunglasses that won’t slip or fog up during a strenuous hike. With so many styles to choose from, it’s almost certain that you can find a pair that matches your personal preference, whilst fitting under any budget.

Hat / Cap

When the sun is particularly beaming during summer hikes, don’t forget to protect your face with a hat! Even when it’s cloudy out, you can still get burned. Not only does wearing a hat help shield and cool your head from the heat of the sun but provides more protection than without one.

Hiking hats come in different shapes and sizes – whether you prefer something simple such as a ball cap or full brimmed for extra coverage; there are even caps available with neck guards included should you want additional defence against UV rays.

Sunscreen

It may seem commonplace or even pointless to mention, but the sun’s strength should not be underestimated – especially during summer months. That is why when it comes to summer hiking, sunscreen must always be a priority in your backpack!

Sunscreens come with varying SPF protection levels, can repel water and sweat as well as pesky bugs if you’re anticipating them on your hike. Unquestionably don’t let an intense burn stop you from enjoying your day outdoors; remember to protect yourself from those UV rays!

Insect Repellent

When going for a hike during summer, insect repellent is an essential item to have in your backpack. Mosquitoes and ticks are abundant during summer and are notorious for carrying diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

Insect bites can be painful, itchy and result in severe skin irritation. Therefore, it’s crucial to use an insect repellent to keep biting insects away, reduce the risk of contracting diseases and enjoy your hike without worrying about pesky bugs.

Choose an insect repellent that contains DEET, Picaridin, or natural repellents like oil of lemon eucalyptus, as research has shown them to be effective in repelling insects and lowering the risk of mosquito and tick-borne diseases.

Lightweight Backpack

When you go hiking in the summer, it is important to have a lightweight backpack. This backpack should be comfortable and have enough room for all the things you need, like sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.

It also needs to be strong enough to carry your supplies without tearing or breaking. A good backpack will help make sure that your hike is fun and safe!

My personal favourite is the Osprey Tempest 20L – this has a mesh back that helps the circulation of air, ensuring your back stays cool on any hiking trail.

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FAQ: What To Wear When Hiking In The Summer

Should I hike in summer shorts or pants?

If you’re going on a summer hike at a low altitude, wearing shorts can give you more freedom and keep you cooler than pants. If you want extra protection from UVA/UVB rays pants may be the better option. They also provide more protection again wind, rain and rough terrain or trail conditions.

Can I wear cotton when hiking?

Cotton is a fabric that should be avoided then hiking. It’s important for hiking clothes to have moisture-wicking, odour-resistant, and quick-drying qualities, which cotton does not offer. Since cotton retains moisture, it doesn’t have the temperature regulating qualities of other materials.

Should you wear pants hiking in summer?

Hiking pants offer a lot of benefits when hiking in summer. A good pair of hiking pants will protect your legs from sunburn, insects and changing weather conditions. They also help regulate temperature and wick moisture.

What do you wear hiking in Canada in summer?

When hiking in Canada during the summer, you should wear clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Opt for loose-fitting shorts or pants with a wicking material such as polyester to keep your skin dry and comfortable.

Wear layers that can be easily added or removed depending on the weather conditions, and make sure to bring along gear for unexpected rain showers. A good pair of shoes designed for outdoors activities is also essential, such as hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. Finally, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-resistant sunglasses!

Can I hike with sneakers?

Sneakers are a good option for beginners on easy trails. If the trails you are hiking are flat, even and short, you can use your sneakers without any difficulty. For anything more technical, longer or multi-day hikes I would not recommend sneakers.

Are crocs a good hiking shoe?

Crocs can be comfortable and provide good arch support, making them a helpful shoe for hiking, especially for people with plantar fasciitis. However, if you plan to go hiking over long distances, on technical terrain or less-maintained trails, it’s better to wear actual hiking boots or trail runners.

Are jeans or leggings better for hiking?

Jeans are a bad idea for hiking, they hold moisture and have very little mobility. Leggings are great for day hikes as they offer much more flexibility.

Although some hiking leggings may work for shorter periods of light showers and wind, they will not last as long as pants during a 3-day hike in rough weather.

Should I wear a hoodie on a hike?

A hoodie can be worn when hiking or carried in a backpack. I would recommend looking for one that is moisture wicking with as little cotton as possible. A midlayer, like a fleece or wool hoodie, is a great item to have when hiking in places where nighttime temperatures are below 70 degrees.

Should I wear a bra while hiking?

This all comes through to individual preference. You have the option to not wear a bra while hiking if you prefer. Some women choose to go without one completely. However, I prefer the comfort and benefits of a supportive sports bra to prevent chafing.

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What To Wear When Hiking In The Summer: Final Thoughts

Hiking in the summer can be a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise, but it is important to make sure that you are prepared with the right clothing for hot weather.

You want to wear clothing that is lightweight and breathable, as well as comfortable, to keep you cool in the heat. Wear light-coloured clothing that will reflect the sun’s rays and provide protection against UV exposure. Be sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF for added protection, and don’t forget insect repellent.

Knowing what to wear when hiking in the summer can be challenging. Hopefully this post has provided useful tips on what type of clothing items will keep you comfortable during your hike, as well as other essential pieces such as sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.

With the right preparation, you can enjoy your summer hike without worry!

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