What To Wear Hiking In Summer

Hiking in the summer is the perfect time to explore new trails, enjoy nature and get some exercise too. There are some great trails here in Michigan that we have found for hiking and biking with our families. This fall, Bev and Nate are hiking in Utah and the temperature can still be quite warm at that time. Summer can bring on some intense heat that can make you feel uncomfortable. If you enjoy hiking or are going on a hiking vacation this summer, we are sharing a round up of items you should wear to make your summer hikes safe, fun, and comfortable and stylish.

What To Wear Hiking In Summer

When you are preparing for a summer hike comfort, protection, and practicality are your key considerations. We reached out to our friends that do extensive hikes in Colorado and California for their recommendations and they gave us some great ones. Clothing that has UPF sun protection, is quick drying, has moisture wicking and is comfortable is what to look for. After considering these, creating your hiking outfits comes down to personal preference and your own sense of style.

Click on any photo below for more information.

Best Pants To Wear Hiking In Summer

Hiking pants for summer should be lightweight, moisture wicking, water repellent and have pockets. Another good reason to wear pants while hiking is to protect your legs from bugs and scratchy plants. Click on any photo for more details.

L.L. Beans Women’s Vista Trekking Pants

LuluLemon Lightweight Cargo Mid-Rise Hiking Pant

Kuhl Freeflex Dash Pants

Athleta Trekkie North High Rise Jogger

Athleta Endless High Rise Cargo Pant

Best Skorts To Wear Hiking In Summer

Sometimes, if the weather is warm and you are on a paved hiking trail- think the TART trail in Traverse City- you can wear a skort. The selections we found are lightweight and allow for free movement. Just remember your sunscreen on your legs.

Click here for our post on back roads trips

Patagonia Tech Skort

L.L.Bean Vista Camp Skort

Orvis Wonder Ripstop Trail Skort

Best Tank Tops To Wear Hiking in Summer

Tank tops are a good choice for summer hiking because they are breathable and allow for air circulation around the shoulders and arms. They also provide a first layer for cooler weather. Make sure they are moisture wicking and quick drying.

Zella Energy Performance Tank

Vuori Women’s Performance Tank

Athleta In Motion Seamless Heather Tank

Best Long Sleeve Shirts To Wear Hiking in Summer

A long sleeve shirt is probably the best choice of a top to wear hiking in the summer. Made from the proper material, a long sleeve shirt provides sun protection and is better to wear if you are carrying a backpack. A light colored shirt is best.

Athleta Pacifica Illume UPF Fitted Top

REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long Sleeve Crew Top

Backcountry Tahoe Sun Crew

L.L. Bean Tropicwear Comfort Crew Long Sleeve

Orvis DriCast Long Sleeve Knit Tee

Best Light Weight Tops and Jackets For Hiking In Summer

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any weather that might arise if you are on a summer hike. Cooler weather or rain can appear out of nowhere. When that occurs, you want something that is dry and comfortable. A rain jacket that is lightweight, compactible and quick drying is a must.

Athleta Seasoft QuarterZip

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie

Athleta Dash Jacket

The North Face Antora Rain Hoodie

Arc’teryx Coelle Shell Jacket

Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes For Summer Hiking

We thought a selection of waterproof hiking shoes would be helpful if you are hiking in the early morning when dew can be present. Also, our friends recommended these. It’s important to wear merino wool socks with waterproof shoes to keep your feet cool, dry and prevent blisters. Scroll down to see the socks we picked out.

Oboz Katabatic Low Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoes

On Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Best Hiking Socks For Summer Hiking

The two brands that we love are Bombas and Smartwool. They have great socks for everyday and sports and they come recommended by our hiking friends!!

Smartwool Performance Hike Targeted Cushion Ankle Socks

Bombas Merino Wool Blend Athletic 1/4 Socks

Bombas Women’s Quarter Hiking Socks

Click on any photo below for more information.

Best Accessories For Hiking In Summer

For a safe and fun hiking experience, there are accessories that you should consider. We have gathered some good ones for you to think about.

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are a good choice if you are on uneven terrain, they keep your posture in check and can be an additional workout. Remember, they need to be light weight.

Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Core Trekking Poles

Back Packs

Back packs can range from small sling bags to larger day packs. Bev used the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag when she went on a recent Back Roads trip with Nate. It was very easy to use while biking and hiking. However, it only fit a water bottle, phone and small items- it would not fit poles and such. The larger bags that we selected would fit larger water bottles and water systems, poles and would distribute the weight of the pack evenly on your back and shoulders.

Patagonia Atom Sling Bag

Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack

Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack

Water Bottles or Water System

Water bottles need to be lightweight and carry a large capacity if you are gone for hours or if it is really hot out. The Platypus Soft Bottle is collapsible and the Hydroflask is lighter in weight. The Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir is a water system that has a baffle(reservoir) that can hold 2L of water with tubing and a bite valve to dispense water. This system fits into the Osprey back pack and allows you easy access to water anytime you want it. It’s similar to the Camel Back water system.

Platypus Soft Bottle Water Bottle

Hydroflask Light Weight Wide Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle

Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir

Hats

Hats are an essential accessory to keep the sun off of your head and face while hiking in the summer or anytime for that matter. A wide brim hat is preferred, however, it a cap is more your speed we have included two of our favorites.

The North Face Horizon Hat

VimHue Sun Goddess Hat

Eric Javits Squishee VIP

Sun Screen

Sunscreen is always so important and we know there are many brands out there. For simplicity, we stayed with the SuperGoop brand for their face, body and lip products.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion

Supergoop Lip Balm

Supergoop Lipshade 100% Mineral Lip Color

Sunglasses

We know this is a personal preference, but if you are looking for a great pair of sunnies that are great for sports and won’t break the bank, check out Goodr sunglasses. They are lightweight and come in a ton of styles and colors. The price point is so good you won’t flip out if you break or lose them.

Goodr Sunnies

Goodr Sunnies

Goodr Sunnies

Click on any photo below for more information.

We hope this information was helpful. Please let us know, we love hearing from you.

Recent posts you might enjoy

Easy Spirit Footwear

Ten Summer Accessories For That Polished Look

Clothes To Wear In Hot Humid Weather

In the spirit of full disclosure, this site contains affiliate links, which means that we may get a commission if you decide to purchase anything from suggested companies. We only recommend products and companies that we use and love.