What to wear hiking in summer

Whether you prefer a long, leisurely stroll through the woods or a more energetic ramble over hill and dale, a hike is a great way to keep active and enjoy the fresh air. But when it comes to hiking in the summertime, it can often be tricky to know what to wear to stay cool and comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you.

In this blog, we explore your options for summer hiking clothing, including tips for choosing the right kind of footwear.

What to wear for summer hiking

Although the Great British summertime can be unpredictable to say the least, it’s usually a safe assumption that you’ll be reasonably warm while out and about in the daytime – especially when you’re getting your heart rate up on a hike.

Because of this, you probably won’t need any knitwear while you’re on the move – but it might be a good idea to bring a light cardigan or jumper along with you to wear if you take breaks for breathers or lunch. In most cases, though, a simple T-shirt, blouse or polo shirt should be enough to keep you warm.

Likewise, you’ll likely want to prioritise ventilation when choosing what to wear on your lower half. Skirts and shorts can be great options to take advantage of the natural breeze, but they’re not the only choice. If you easily get sunburned or you’re heading to a trail where brambles and stinging nettles pose a risk, a pair of lightweight trousers can help to protect your legs.

As for outerwear, you probably won’t need a coat for warmth, but rain can surprise you even in the middle of summer. A thin cagoule or similar rain jacket is generally enough to keep light to moderate rain at bay without adding too much in the way of insulation – you don’t want to be baking inside your raincoat!

If it’s a cooler day or you’re hiking in the early morning or evening, a light gilet or body warmer may be a good choice. If you warm up as the hike goes on, you can open the jacket for increased ventilation – and this kind of coat typically comes with lots of pockets which are handy for maps, snacks, compasses and mobile phones.

That added benefit of a gilet can come in particularly handy on hot days if you don’t have a lot to carry. Instead of wearing a backpack – and ending up with sweat running down your back – you can pop everything you need in your pockets and enjoy your hike unencumbered.

Can you wear winter hiking boots in summer?

Most people, when heading out for a hike, automatically turn towards their hiking boots as a choice of footwear. After all, that’s what they’re made for, right?

Broadly speaking, yes – but it pays to consider whether your trusty hiking boots are the best choice for the type of hike you’re going on and the weather outside. Winter hiking boots typically offer some level of insulation designed to keep your feet warm in frosty weather, which can mean your feet overheat in the summer months.

So, what’s the alternative? Well, trainer-style hiking shoes or walking shoes offer the best of both worlds: the superior traction and rough terrain protection of a hiking boot paired with better ventilation and breathability for summer conditions.

But if your walk involves paved areas, maintained grasslands or flat trails, you might not even need a hiking shoe. In some cases, regular trainers intended for sports or athletic use are all you need – and these can be a good choice if you’re planning to go straight on to an event or occasion after your hike.

What socks to wear with hiking boots in summer?

As with your choice of shoes, you’ll probably want to opt for a more lightweight and well-ventilated type of sock when hiking in summer. Though padding is important to help prevent friction injuries and blisters, a thin sock may be a more appropriate choice for summer than the thick walking socks you’d usually wear with a hiking boot.

Whatever the case, the chances are that by the end of your hike, your socks will be soaked in sweat – that’s the sign of a good spell of exercise! To help keep your feet comfortable, you may want to bring along a spare pair of thin, cotton socks you can change into after your hike, plus a pair of comfortable shoes. Or, if the weather is right for it, you could ditch the socks altogether and opt for a post-hike pair of sandals.

Summer is well known for its unpredictable weather but knowing what’s best for different conditions can help you to prepare quickly for a hike in the summer months. Remember, the most important thing is to stay comfortable and not overheat or risk injuring yourself with the wrong kind of footwear for the terrain. And, as always, stay hydrated throughout.