Summer is the perfect time to experience the great outdoors, and if you’re planning to get out and take a walk through nature, you’ll want to dress right. When you hit the trail, you’ll want to stay comfortable and keep the sun off your back and the bugs at bay, but you’ll also want to look good. Wearing the right men’s activewear will help you enjoy your time even more.
Packing the Essentials
While there are plenty of stylish summer hiking options, you’ll look and feel your best when you prepare for your journey, dress practically and take along everything you need without overdoing it. Nobody wants to be weighted down with gear, especially on a casual hike. Our list of lightweight essentials and accessories will ensure you’re dressed right.
Undergarments
When you’re hiking, you want to be experiencing the beauty of nature, without worrying about your underwear. Your foundations can definitely impact your comfort, so you’ll want to wear moisture-wicking shorts that will keep you dry and prevent chafing.
While cotton underwear may seem like an obvious choice, it can retain moisture and feel clammy while you’re strolling in the heat. The most breathable fabrics feature blends of synthetic yarns made from polyester, rayon, and modal. Undergarments made with these fibers will feel stretchy, soft, cool to the touch and fit like a second skin. Form-fitting knit boxers or boxer briefs with tagless waistbands and flat-seamed or seamless construction can make a perfect choice; the legs will be long enough to prevent chafing, and they won’t bunch up under your clothes.
Hiking Socks
Picking the right socks for your hike will keep your feet cool, cushioned and free from blisters. Be sure to choose socks that will keep the cuffs of your shoes or boots from rubbing against your feet. Hiking socks made from merino wool, polyester or nylon blends will help to wick moisture away, and light cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot will keep your toes feeling comfortable. It also helps to wear socks that fit well. When your heel lines up with the sock’s heel cup, your socks will be less likely to slip or rub.
Hiking Shoes
Of course, your hike will be more fun if you wear the right shoes for the terrain. Pick shoes that will support your feet and ankles and provide good traction. Trail runners, hiking boots and hiking sandals can all be good choices for traveling over dirt trails and crossing creeks.
Moisture-Wicking Materials
Choosing fabrics that will keep you cool and dry is key to putting together a great hiking outfit. Cotton is a popular summer fabric, but it’s not always great for a hike. If you’re out for a short walk on a sunny, breezy day with low humidity, you’ll probably feel fine wearing a white tee in a cotton blend. Otherwise, consider wearing a long or short-sleeved t-shirt made from a performance fabric with quick-drying and sweat-wicking properties. Polyester, rayon, and merino wool blends can help regulate your body temperature.
Tops for Summer Hiking
When you’re hiking in summer weather, you need a good base layer. If the air is humid or you get hot easily, consider wearing a hydrophobic, polyester-based synthetic shirt that’s made for outdoor activity. Many sports shirts are engineered to be super light and comfortable in hot weather.
Long-sleeved layers can help protect your skin from the sun. If you’re wearing a short-sleeved base layer, it can’t hurt to wear or take along a lightweight long-sleeved button-down shirt that will help protect you against the elements. Generously cut linen and reinforced polyester or nylon blends with mesh insets make great choices.
Hiking Pants
Although shorts might seem like a natural choice for a summer hike, a pair of light, sturdy and breathable pants may be a better option. Comfortable, compact performance joggers are great for casual hikes because they provide ease of movement and protect your legs and ankles from mosquitoes, ticks, poison ivy and other scratchy branches and foliage.
Special Considerations
When you’re putting your hiking outfits together, keep the fit and durability of your gear in mind. Properly fitting garments will rest close to your body without being tight. Excess fabric can catch on branches, cause chafing or just get in the way as you’re moving, so make sure to pick out clothes that will suit your body and your surroundings, come rain or shine.
Consider the Weather
It helps to be ready for anything when you’re out in nature. Bringing along the right outerwear ensures you’ll be prepared if the wind picks up or you get caught in a summer shower. If you’re carrying a backpack, take along a lightweight, ultrapackable hooded waterproof windbreaker or a disposable poncho or two to protect you from unexpected rain. When it’s sunny, remember that lighter colors are better at reflecting the sun’s rays and tend to absorb less heat.
Wear Sunscreen
Even if your hike is casual, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Any fabric will offer some protection from the sun’s rays, but you can also choose UPF-rated layers that are engineered to block ultraviolet rays. Always apply an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to exposed skin 15 minutes before you go out, and reapply it every few hours, especially if you have been swimming or sweating.
Wear a Hat
While sunscreen is essential, pairing it with a hat will go even further to protect your face and neck from the sun’s rays. If you’re hiking during midday in an especially bright region, consider wearing a broad-brimmed sun hat that will provide you with full shade. Otherwise, a bucket hat, baseball cap or mesh-backed trucker-style hat can help keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face.
Stay Cool and Hydrated
When you’re out and about, consider staying in the shade between noon and 3 p.m. to avoid the heat. If you’re hiking by a canyon, the river or under the cover of trees, you’re likely to stay cooler.
It’s also important to stay hydrated, even if the trail is easy. Dehydration can make you feel faint and nauseous, and it can even lead to cramps and heat exhaustion on particularly warm days. The temperature, humidity, time of day, your age and fitness level all factor into how much water you’ll need. In general, it never hurts to bring along a water bottle or a hydration pack. When the weather is moderately warm, you should drink about half a liter of water per hour. Take a drink every 15 or 20 minutes and consider pairing it with a salty snack, like a pretzel, to keep your electrolyte levels stable.
Consider the Social Setting
Summer hikes can be fun solo adventures, but they’re also a great way to spend time with friends and family, connect with a loved one or even go out on a date. When you’re hiking with a group, you’ll want to be comfortable and look good too. Picking clothes in coordinating hues and fabrics will go a long way toward making you look put-together. This way, you’ll be at your relaxed best, whether you’re working your way to the mountaintop or stopping along the river for a quick picnic.
The Right Outfit Can Help You Take Your Summer Hike to the Next Level
There’s nothing like taking a casual summer hike to recharge and reconnect with nature. Wearing the right clothes will ensure that you stay safe and comfortable as you enjoy your time to the fullest.