You’ve decided to take up hiking. Congratulations! Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime. If you’ve stumbled upon this post, it is likely because you have no idea where to start looking for summer hiking outfits. Thank your lucky stars that you’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you skip the trial and error phase and get to the good part.
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing what to wear for hiking during the summer.
Table of contents
Summer Hiking Clothes 101: Hiking Pants
When you think of hiking pants, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably those beige-colored cargo pants from the early 2000s, right? If that doesn’t sound appealing, we’re here to tell you that hiking pants have come a long way from what they once were.
Whether you prioritize fashion, functionality, or comfort, there’s a pair of hiking pants or hiking leggings designed to suit your needs.
If you plan to hike more challenging trails and unforgiving terrains, hiking pants are your best bet for protecting your legs from unprecedented dangers. Make sure they’re made of lightweight, quick-drying fabric to keep you cool and airy during your summer hike; if you can get one with a UPF rating—even better.
Best Summer Hiking Pants for Men – TBMPOY Men’s Hiking Pants
These hiking pants from TBMPOY are one of our favorites. They’re 90% nylon and 10% spandex, making them lightweight, quick-dry, and water-repellent. The five zippered pockets are a nice touch because you can never have too many!
Best Summer Hiking Pants for Women – BALEAF Women’s Hiking Pants
This hot number from BALEAF is the perfect balance of style and functionality. They’re 90% polyester, which keeps you nice and airy during hot summer weather. They also have a 50+ UPF rating to keep those brutal UV rays at bay.
Hiking Leggings
If you find hiking pants a little too bulky for a summer hike, hiking leggings are a great option for those who prefer a more fitted look. Keep in mind that while hiking leggings may look like your run-off-the-mill yoga pants, they’re not the same. They’re made of durable material that doesn’t snag when brushing up against rocks or branches.
They’re usually stretchy, making them super comfortable. You can hardly feel them on you. The only downside we can think of is that, unlike hiking pants, you can’t roll them up if you want to feel the sun against your skin. You would have to remove them entirely and change into hiking shorts if you brought them along. That’s not a deal-breaker, though.
Best Summer Hiking Leggings for Men – TSLA Men’s Compression Leggings
This high-quality pair of hiking leggings from TSLA is a top choice for most male hikers, and with good reason. They’re 87% polyester and 13% spandex which give you just the right amount of compression while keeping you cool as you hike in the sun. They are UPF50+ rated, providing outstanding protection against harmful UV rays.
Best Summer Hiking Leggings for Women – Patagonia Pack Out Tights
These Patagonia Pack Out Tights are super versatile and just what you need if you want to ensure mobility and comfort while hitting the trails. They have an easy access drop in pocket on each leg, a zippered side pocket, and the wide waistband lies flat under a pack.
Hiking Shorts
If it is super-duper hot out and your hiking trail isn’t buggy, hiking shorts are a great option for summer hikes. Any pair of athletic shorts made from lightweight, quick-drying fabric works great as summer hiking outfits.
While they will keep you nice and airy throughout your hike, they don’t offer much in the way of protection against scratches, bruises, bugs, brutal sun rays, and unpredictable weather changes. However, they’re great for short, easy hikes.
Best Summer Hiking Shorts for Men – Jessie Kidden Men’s Hiking Shorts
Jessie Kidden hiking shorts for men are one of the most versatile outdoor active wear we’ve encountered. They’re 90% nylon, making them ultra-breathable, water-resistant, and quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about getting sweat-drenched while hiking. We also can’t get enough of how masculine they look. You can tell they were made with men in mind.
Best Summer Hiking Shorts for Women – Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 Bermuda Shorts – Women
These summer hiking shorts from Mountain Hardwear will make the perfect addition to one of the most comfortable summer hiking outfits you’ll come across. Every aspect of their design is well-thought-out and extremely versatile. They’re super breathable, so you’ll stay fresh and cool all day.
Sports Bra
As a woman, proper support is important if you intend to engage in any sporting activity. There’s a wide range of sports bras or the best hiking bras, made to fit different body types, so there’s something for everyone.
Ensure the sports bra you get is made of durable, quick-drying fabric. It should also be comfortable, so you don’t want anything that feels as though it’s cutting off blood supply along your torso. Some bras even come with pockets where you can stash your phone, credit card, keys, and any other latest hiking gadgets you want within close reach.
You can hike in just your sports bra on a hot day. However, don’t forget to slather the sunscreen beforehand to ward off sunburn.
Best Hiking Sports Bra – Women’s Wild Trails Sports Bra
One of our favorite things about the Women’s Wild Trails hiking sports bra is its cotton-like feel. Make no mistake about it, though. It is 73% nylon and 27% spandex, so there’s no trace of cotton. It offers the right amount of support to wear it all day without feeling restricted. The elastic band provides additional support and moisture management. It’s a definite must-have.
Hiking Shirt
Hiking shirts are available in so many different styles and fabrics perfect as summer hiking outfits. The one you pick comes down to personal preference. You only need to check for the fabric it’s made of.
Whatever you do, do not get anything made of cotton. Nothing you hike in should be made of cotton. While it is highly absorbent, it takes ages to dry.
Unless you want to spend the day drenched in your own sweat, pick a long sleeve hiking shirt made of polyester, nylon, or a blend of the two. These are both quick-drying fabrics. Hiking in a wet shirt can lower your body temperature to the point of hypothermia.
Best Summer Hiking Shirt for Men – BALEAF Men’s Quick-Dry Hiking Shirt
This BALEAF hiking shirt for men is 100% polyester. It doesn’t get any more quick-dry than that. It is ultra-lightweight and designed with UPF50+ fabric to prevent sunburn during your hike.
Best Summer Hiking Shirt for Women – Patagonia Long Sleeve Capilene Cool Daily Graphic Shirt
This hiking shirt for women is also 100% polyester and made with miDori biosoft for added wicking and softness. We like the fit, its overall aesthetic, and how it accentuates your curves. There’s nothing wrong with looking good when you hit the trails. Bonus? There is minimal stitching and seams, and this helps prevent chafing.
Tank Top / T-Shirt
If you’ve just started hiking, and all you have in your wardrobe are cotton tank tops and t-shirts, you can wear them, provided you’re going on a short, easy summer hike. Think—two hours or less. However, if you’re going on a strenuous hike that’ll have you on the trails for the better part of the day, leave the tank top/t-shirt at home and get a proper hiking shirt.
Base Layer
Contrary to what you might think, base layers aren’t just a reserve for winter hikes. A base layer is still necessary even when hiking in the summer, but not for the reasons you might think.
Base layers in summer hiking outfits wick sweat away from the body to keep you cool and dry throughout your hike. If the weather changes and temperatures drop suddenly, the base layer should be versatile enough to keep you warm by preserving your body heat.
Best Summer Base Layer Set for Men – Icebreaker Tech Lite II Crew T-Shirt Men’s
This base layer shirt from Icebreaker is made from 100% merino wool, making it one of the most breathable, moisture-wicking hiking shirts on the market. We particularly like how lightweight it is, so you won’t get too hot during your summer hike.
Best Summer Base Layer Set for Women – Helly Hansen Women’s Base Layer Crew Top
The women’s base layer shirt from Helly Hansen is made with 100% LIFA and natural stretch fabric. The LIFA yarn technology delivers lightweight insulation and wicking moisture management, so you aren’t drenched during your summer hike.
Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
The rule of thumb all hikers live by is: Be prepared for anything. Sure, it’s summer. That doesn’t mean the weather can’t change in a snap. This is especially true for hikes with elevation gain. That’s why you should always bring a rain jacket and rain pants in your backpack, just in case the heavens open up.
At the risk of stating the obvious, your rain jacket and pants should be waterproof to protect your underlying layers from the rain and wind and keep you warm. Ensure the rain gear you get is breathable so you don’t sweat a ton, which would be counterintuitive as far as keeping you dry goes.
Best Summer Hiking Rain Suit for Men – FROGG TOGGS Men’s Waterproof Rain Suit
You can’t go wrong with FROGGS TOGGS when it comes to rain gear. The company’s range of rain suits offers unmatched protection against rainy weather. This set is 100% polypropylene with a Dripore Gen II mid-layer, making it completely waterproof, wind-resistant, and breathable.
Best Summer Hiking Rain Suit for Women – FROGG TOGGS Women’s Waterproof Rain Suit
FROGG TOGGS women’s rain suit is also made of 100% polypropylene and a Dripore Gen II mid-layer for waterproofing, water resistance, and breathability. They’re easy to slip on and off over your hiking outfit if the heavens open up mid-hike.
Hiking Boots / Shoes
As tempting as it might be to throw on your favorite pair of running sneakers and hit the trails—don’t. It’s all fun and games until you’re miles away from civilization dealing with a twisted ankle.
Always wear hiking boots or hiking shoes every time you go hiking. The best hiking footwear should be waterproof, ideal for hiking in wet or dry conditions, reinforced with extra cushioning, and provide adequate ankle support.
Best Summer Hiking Boot for Men – Timberland Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
This Timberland hiking boot for men is perfect for summer hikes. They have a waterproof seam-sealed construction with superior full-grain leather on the upper enclosures for added water resistance. The rubber sole makes them super flexible, ideal for a full day of hiking in all weather conditions.
Best Summer Hiking Boots for Women – Columbia Women’s Waterproof Hiking Boots
Columbia women’s hiking boots are one of the most functional, versatile, and lightweight hiking shoes on the market. They are extremely well-padded and made with a leather construction for total waterproofing. The mesh tongue is a nice touch for breathability when hiking in the summer.
Hiking Sandals
If you’re going on a relatively easy hike on a hot summer day, hiking sandals are a perfectly acceptable choice of footwear for the trails. They’re great for navigating wet terrain, which you may encounter when crossing a small stream along the trail, or if you want to dip your toes in the water when hiking along a beach. They’re great if you want to let your feet breathe.
The downside to them is that they don’t give you that all-important ankle support and cushioning that hiking boots and shoes provide. They also don’t protect your feet from the flora and fauna you might encounter along the trail.
However, they’re great if you’re not hiking a particularly challenging trail.
Best Summer Hiking Sandals for Men – KEEN Men’s Zerraport 2 Lightweight Closed Toe Sandal Sport
This pair of KEEN hiking sandals looks and feels premium. They are made with lightweight materials, and the durable outsole provides the traction you need when hitting the trails. They also feature eco anti-odor technology and are quick drying.
Best Summer Hiking Sandals for Women – Jambu Eclipse All-Terrain Sandals
These all-terrain sandals are rugged yet comfortable. They are nonslip, thanks to All Terra traction. These sandals are water ready and have mesh uppers with an open back and a single-heel strap, making them easy to take off and put on. The EVA insoles add some much-needed comfort as you traverse different terrain, perfect summer hiking outfits.
Hiking Socks
Hiking requires a special type of sock. Your regular cotton variety just won’t cut it. Hiking socks should be made of quick-drying fabric with moisture-wicking properties to pull sweat away from your feet and keep them nice and dry throughout your hike. Anything with a high proportion of merino wool or made entirely from it is an excellent choice for hiking socks.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, synthetic hiking socks made from polyester are a great option. They are just as effective as wool socks, but unlike wool, they lack anti-microbial properties. In other words, they may get smelly after a day on the trails.
A good hiking sock should also provide adequate padding, especially around the toes, heels, and balls of the feet, to prevent chafing and blistering. While you’re at it, look for a pair with a seamless toe feature. Thank us later.
Best Summer Hiking Socks for Men – Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Crew Socks
Darn Tough is the brand of choice for avid hikers when it comes to summer hiking socks. These particular ones are made of 63% merino wool, giving them excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. We love the undetectable seams, which are practically invisible, and the cushioning they provide. They are great quality socks through and through.
Best Summer Hiking Socks for Women – Darn Tough Women’s Merino Wool Crew Socks
Darn Tough’s range of women’s hiking socks is just as good. They’re also made from 63% merino, making them soft, breathable, and ultra-comfortable. They’ll stay odor-free even after hiking in the hot summer sun.
Wide Brim Sun Hat
No summer hiking outfits would be complete without a wide-brim hat. Never underestimate the sun’s ability to brutally beat you on the trails. Sunscreen or sunblock just won’t cut it. You need to leverage all the protection you can get.
Wearing a wide-brim bucket hat while hiking doesn’t just protect you from sunburn; it can prevent you from getting acute sunstroke due to overexposure for extended periods.
Best Wide Brim Hiking Hat – EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women
This EINSKEY wide-brimmed bucket hut is made from 100% polyester and provides outstanding protection from harmful sun rays. We especially love that it is water-repellent and can protect your head from rainwater. It is ultra-comfortable, breathable, and prevents sweat build-up in your head.
Sun-Protection Gloves
This last one might sound a little extra but trust us—it’s necessary. Gloves aren’t just important for winter hikes; these are essentials you also need in the summer.
Wearing sun-protection gloves protects your hands from harmful UVA and UVB rays while hiking. Plus, if you lose your footing and fall, you don’t have to worry about nasty scrapes and bruises on your hands.
Best Hiking Sun Protection Gloves – Glacier Glove Islamorada Fingerless Sun Gloves
These Glacier Glove fingerless sun gloves are one of our favorites. They are made from partial synthetic leather with UPF50+ sun protection woven into the fabric. They are super stretchy, breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying, making them the perfect summer hiking outfits accessory for outdoor adventures.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the best summer hiking outfits for outdoor adventures. Hiking is an excellent hobby to pick up. It is borderline addictive. However, whether or not you have a great experience on the trails comes down to your choice of summer hiking clothes.
Invest in the right gear, and everything else will fall neatly into place. The summer hiking outfits detailed in this guide are a great starting point.
In the meantime, should you get hiking shoes or trail runners for the next time you hit the trails? What’s the difference? Should you wear hiking shoes everyday or save them for the trail?
Recommended reading: Review: RTIC 45 Hard Cooler: Top-Tier Quality for a Low Price, Columbia Vs North Face Jackets: Which Is Best?
FAQ
If you plan to go hiking in warm weather, ensure the summer hiking outfits you pick are breathable, quick-drying, and protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Steer clear of cotton fabrics and opt for clothes made of Merino wool, polyester, or any other moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabric. Don’t forget to bring a wide-brimmed hat.
Whether or not to wear shorts when hiking in the summer comes down to preference. If you anticipate elevation gain during your hot weather hiking session, shorts may not be ideal as they won’t provide adequate protection against the elements in high altitudes.
To stay cool during your hikes, pick loose-fitting, light-colored summer hiking clothes to help regulate your body temperature. Think—light blue, light gray, tan, and white. Dark colors like navy blue and black absorb heat, making you feel hotter. You want to steer clear of those.
Get the Best Comfy Hiking Outfits and Shoes
Here are some links to our most popular articles:
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API