You’re getting ready for a hot weather hike. You want to be prepared, but you’re not sure what to wear. You don’t want to be too hot and sweaty while hiking, but you don’t want to be cold once you stop moving.
So what are you supposed to do in order to stay safe, hydrated, and as cool as possible?
The thing is, you want to be prepared for the heat and how to tackle it while on the trail, but you also aren’t sure how to do that. Hotw weather can lead to conditions such as heatstroke and dehydration, which you don’t want to get on the trail.
This article has 12 tips for what to wear on a hot weather hike so that you can be comfortable no matter what. Take a pew and join us as we go through each of them and bring you the best possible advice.
12 Tips on What to Wear on a Hot Weather Hike
When hiking in hot weather, dress in loose, breathable clothing and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and a hat. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon wick away moisture, so they’re good choices for a hot-weather hike.
Your hiking clothes play a big part in your overall safety during summer hikes, so keep this in mind when you are on your next outdoor adventure.
Here are our 12 top tips on what you should wear hiking when you are in the heat, helping you to be properly prepared for anything you face.
Dressing in Loose and Breathable Clothes
The first step is to make sure that you are dressing in loose and breathable clothing. This will help to ensure that your skin can breathe and that you are as comfortable as possible.
There are a few different fabrics that you can choose from, but the best options are usually synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. These materials are good at wicking away moisture, which will keep you feeling dry and comfortable even when you are sweating.
Cotton is another option for hiking clothes, but it doesn’t wick away moisture as well as synthetic fabrics. This means that you are more likely to feel wet and uncomfortable if you sweat a lot.
Loose fitting clothing is part of giving your body a little more room to breathe while hiking during the hot summer months, which leads us to our next tip to stay cool.
Dressing in Clothes That Vent
Ventilation is key when you are hiking in hot weather. You want to make sure that your clothes have some sort of ventilation so that your skin can breathe.
One way to do this is to choose clothes with mesh panels or vents on your shirts or hiking pants. These allow air to flow through your clothes and help to keep you cool.
Another option is to choose clothing that is made from a light, breathable fabric. This will help to keep you cool and comfortable even when it is hot outside.
Bringing Quick-Dry T-Shirts
When you are hiking in hot weather, you will probably sweat a lot. This can make your clothes feel wet and uncomfortable.
To avoid this, you should bring along some quick-dry t-shirts. These shirts are made from a synthetic fabric that wicks away moisture quickly. This means that you will feel dry and comfortable even if you sweat a lot.
Quick-dry t-shirts are a great option for hot hikes because they are light, breathable, and dry quickly.
Choosing Light Colours
When choosing clothes for hot weather hiking, it is also important to consider the color of the fabric. Light colors reflect heat, while dark colors absorb it. This means that light-colored clothes will help to keep you cool, while dark-colored clothes may make you feel hot.
Choosing UPF Rated Clothing
Another factor to consider when choosing clothes for hot weather hiking is the UPF rating. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it is a measure of how well a fabric protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays.
UPF-rated fabrics are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can find something that suits your needs. Sun protection is important when you are going to be out on a long summer hike.
Wearing the Right Hat
When you are hiking in hot weather, it is important to protect your head from the sun. A wide-brimmed hat is a great option because it will shade your face, neck, and ears.
Baseball caps are also a good choice, but they don’t provide as much coverage as a wide-brimmed hat. If you choose to wear a baseball cap, be sure to apply sunscreen to your neck and ears.
Wearing Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another essential piece of gear for hot weather hikes. They offer sun protection for your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays and help to reduce glare from the sun.
When choosing sunglasses, be sure to pick a pair that blocks at least 99% of UV rays. Also, look for lenses that are polarized, which will help to reduce glare.
Wearing the Right Socks for Heat
When you are hiking in hot weather, it is important to choose the right socks. Socks that are too thick can make your feet hot and sweaty, while socks that are too thin may not provide enough cushioning.
The best hiking socks for hot weather hiking are usually made from a synthetic fabric like polyester or nylon. These materials wick away moisture and help to keep your feet dry.
You should also look for socks that have ventilation panels or are made from a light, breathable fabric. This will help to keep your feet cool and comfortable even when it is hot outside.
Wearing the Right Shoes for Heat
The type of hiking shoes that you wear can make a big difference in how comfortable you are when hiking in hot weather.
You want to ensure that your shoes are made from a breathable fabric like mesh. This will allow your feet to breathe and helps to prevent blisters.
You also want to make sure that your hiking boots have good ventilation. This can be in the form of mesh panels or vents.
Finally, you want to ensure that your shoes have a good grip. This will help to prevent you from slipping on hot, sweaty rocks.
Keeping Your Neck Cool
When you are hiking in hot weather, it is important to keep your neck cool. One way to do this is to wear a bandanna or neck gaiter.
A bandanna is a piece of cloth that can be worn around your neck. It helps to absorb sweat and keeps your neck cool while also offer sun protection.
A neck gaiter is a fabric that covers your neck and can be pulled over your mouth and nose. This provides additional sun protection and helps keep your neck cool.
Both bandannas and neck gaiters can be found at most outdoor stores.
Bring a Light Rain Jacket
Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, it is always a good idea to bring a light rain jacket when you are hiking in hot weather.
A light rain jacket will help to keep you cool and comfortable if the weather changes and it starts to rain – especially if you end up summer hiking in the UK.
It is also good to bring a light rain jacket even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain. This is because the air can be cooler in the mountains than it is at lower elevations.
A light rain jacket will help to keep you warm if the temperature drops.
Always Wear Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is also important when you are hiking in hot weather. Be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and arms.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you are sweating or swimming.
Additional Tips for Hot Weather Hiking
Here are some of our best hot weather hiking tips to help you stay safe and cool when you are heading out on the trail during the summer months.
Keep Water on You
When you are hiking in hot weather, it is important to stay hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you, and drink frequently.
If you will be hiking for more than a few hours, it is also a good idea to bring along some sports drinks or electrolyte powder. These will help replenish the salt and minerals you lose through sweating.
Bring Hydration Packs
CamelBaks and hydration packs are water reservoirs that you wear on your back. They have a long tube that you can drink from without having to stop and remove your backpack.
CamelBaks and hydration packs are great for hot weather hikes because they allow you to stay hydrated without having to stop and take off your backpack.
Do Not hike Alone
It is always best to hike with at least one other person, especially when hiking in hot weather.
If you hike alone, be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Hiking with a partner will also help if you encounter any problems on the trail.
Hike in the Early Morning or Late Afternoon
The sun is the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If possible, hike during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the day’s heat. This will also reduce your risk of heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
Stick to the Shade
If you must hike during the middle of the day, stick to trails that are in the shade. This will help to keep you cooler.
Why is Hot Weather Dangerous to Hike in?
A hot weather hike can be dangerous if the correct precautions aren’t implemented. The main dangers are dehydration and heat stroke, both of which can be avoided by following the tips in this article.
Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, and fatigue.
Heatstroke is a condition that occurs when your body overheats. Symptoms of heat stroke include headache, dizziness, nausea, and hot, red skin. If you think you or someone else is suffering from heatstroke, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.
A hot weather hike can be a great experience if you’re prepared. Following this article’s tips, you can stay safe, hydrated, and comfortable on your next hot weather hike.
To Conclude
Dressing for a hot weather hike can be tricky, but it is important to dress for the conditions. Be sure to wear sunscreen, bring plenty of water, and hike in the shade whenever possible.
Even little things like choosing clothes that have light colors or bringing a wide-brimmed sun hat can help you to keep the heat off and stay as cool as possible.
Moreover, you also need to remember how important it is to bring plenty of water and electrolyte drinks with you and hike during the coolest parts of the day. Dehydration and heat stroke can be fatal, so you need to stay safe on the trail.
Following these tips will make you have a safe and enjoyable experience on your next hot weather hike.
