Hiking in Hot Weather: 5 Tips for Staying Cool on Your Summer Hikes
Summer is just around the corner and with the arrival of sunshine and longer days, it also means hiking in hot weather. But don’t let the warmer days stop you from getting outside! With the right gear and a little extra prep and planning, summer hiking can be tough to beat.
In this post, we’re sharing a few of our top tips for hiking in hot weather (as well as our favorite summer hiking gear) so you can take full advantage of those summer days while staying safe out on the trail.
Tip #1: Have a plan
Before you set out on the trail, make sure you have a good understanding of what’s ahead. This is especially important if you’re planning to hike on a new trail. A few important questions you should have the answers to:
- How far is the trail?
- Approximately how long do you expect it to take you?
- How many feet of elevation will you gain?
- What can you expect the terrain to be like? Is the trail forested or exposed?
Once you have your plan, be sure you share it with someone who will not be joining you on the hike – even if you’re planning to hike in a group. Share what trail you’re doing, what time you’re starting the hike and when you plan to finish. And then text them when you’ve made it back safely.
Hiking in hot weather does have its risks, like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. For an extra layer of safety, consider bringing a satellite communicator like this Garmin InReach Mini 2 so you can trigger an SOS should something go wrong.
Tip #2: Make it a sunrise or sunset hike
Another tip for staying cool while hiking in hot weather is to avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. It’s usually the hottest around 12-3pm, but can sometimes get warmer much earlier and stay warmer much later.
Consider doing a sunrise hike so you are back before the temps heat up for the day. If you’re not a sunrise person, think about doing a sunset hike instead. Just don’t forget to bring a headlamp (like this one) for hiking in the dark!
Tip #3: Choose a trail that’s shaded or near water
If you’re not able to hike in the early morning or evening, consider choosing a trail that’s either shaded or near water. While you may not always get the mountain-top views, shaded trails provide some great natural sun protection and keep you cooler than if you were on an exposed trail.
Another great option is to consider choosing a trail that’s near water, either one that ends at a lake or follows a river. The air coming off the water is often cooler and nothing cools you down more than a dip in a glacial river or an alpine lake.
Tip #4: Pack snacks and water…then pack EXTRA
As with any hike, it’s important to make sure you pack enough snacks and water for the hike, and even some extras just in case.
When hiking in hot weather, you should always bring extra food and lots of water, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. You will be working harder and sweating more than if you were hiking in cooler weather, so we recommend adding electrolyte tablets to your water to help you recover and keep you hydrated. These Nuun tablets are our favorites.
Pro tip: If you’re hiking near water, consider bringing a water filter so you don’t have to carry the extra water weight. We love this collapsible Katadyn Water Filter Bottle.
Tip #5: Wear the right clothing
Wearing the right clothing is so important when hiking in hot weather. Wear light colors and moisture-wicking fabrics (we recommend staying away from cotton materials).
The best tops for hiking in hot weather
For shirts, the REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirt is a great option for something light, and breathable while still keeping you protected from the sun. If you’re wanting to stay a little cooler, the short sleeve version is amazing, too. The Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve and short sleeve shirts are also some of our favorites for hiking, but are a bit more on the expensive side.
For shorts, these REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts are a great option. With stretchy, quick-drying fabrics and lots of pockets, these are perfect for hot weather hiking. I also really love these YPB High Rise Lined Workout Shorts from Abercrombie. They don’t have as many pockets as the REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts, but I love the spandex-like liner in them.
The best bottoms for hiking in hot weather
I often wear leggings, even when hiking in warm weather for extra sun protection and protection from brush and sticks. I love the Align leggings from Lululemon. If you’re looking for more of a pant option, the REI Co-op Trailmade Pants are the way to go. The fabric is stretchy for a full range of motion and offers UPF 50+ sun protection. And these pants come is sizes XS to 3X in petite, regular, and tall.
For added sun protection, think about purchasing UPF-rated clothing items. I got this sun shirt from REI for hiking in New Zealand and practically lived in it for our full two week trip. It is so breathable and light, and kept me protected from the intense southern hemisphere sun.
Additional clothing items to consider
Bringing a hat or a visor is a great idea to keep the sun off your head and face. And remember to bring sunscreen with you!
You might be hiking in hot weather, but it’s important to also bring an extra layer like a light fleece or puffy jacket. This REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece is a great choice for something lighter or this Patagonia down jacket for something light weight but warmer. Temps often drop as you gain elevation and weather can roll in quickly so it’s best to have an extra jacket just in case!
