The sun is beating down, you hear the roar of a waterfall, and just around the corner is a cool, secluded waterhole. It's the perfect time to make the most of the warm weather with a summer hike. But before you do, let's make sure you have the basics covered to get out there.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Before we launch into clothing essentials, here are a few things to look out for to keep cool and comfy on the trails:
Synthetics: Materials like nylon and polyester are light, loose and breathable. Nylon and polyester are also durable and dry quickly — essential when you’re sweating uphill.
Merino wool: It might be wool, but this natural temperature regulator will also keep you cool when it’s hot outside which makes it a great choice all year round. It's worth learning a bit more about the benefits of merino wool.
Moisture-wicking: Clothing with moisture-wicking technology will help move moisture away from your skin so you can stay drier for longer.
Polygiene: It might not be labelled as such exactly, but technology that fights odour is useful for obvious reasons. It's particularly useful in garments made of nylon and polyester, which are great for lightweight hiking gear, but have a hard time managing odour on their own. Keep an eye out for clothing labelled with Polygiene or driMOTION.
UPF 50+: Most clothing will help block the sun from your skin, but UV rays have been known to penetrate some fabrics. Make sure you’re fully protected with clothing that offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Ventilation panels: Concealed mesh ventilation panels will improve airflow on a hot day. Look for clothing that will allow you to unzip ventilation panels on either your shirts or shorts.
A BREATHABLE SHIRT
At a minimum, we’d recommend a shirt that keeps your shoulders protected from the sun and from any potential friction or dreaded chaffing from your backpack. A breathable long-sleeved top is a good idea on high UV days to protect your skin, and there's a couple of different options that will help keep you cool.
A good place to start is a Merino top. Merino is also a natural temperature regulator, so this wool will work to cool you down.
If you prefer something a little lighter, the Sunstopper Range is lightweight, offers UPF50+ protection, and provides excellent moisture management. The built in hood It also dries quickly, so you can feel fresher for longer. Our UPF range is perfect for hikes and any summer outdoor activities as all items are UPF 50+. The range includes long and short sleeves and will keep you safe and looking your best however you choose to get out there.
SHORTS OR PANTS DESIGNED FOR HIKING
For most people, these are the go-to for summer hikes and there's plenty of options to choose from.
A simple pair of lightweight, quick-dry hiking shorts make for an easy, comfortable hike, while they are both moisture-wicking and quick to dry. If you want to throw in a little running during your hike, opt for shorts with a mesh inner like the Drimotion shorts to keep dry and fresh.
Long pants might seem like a risky choice on a hot day, but they offer a lot in terms of protection. If you burn easy, long pants will protect you from the sun. They’re also ideal on hiking trails where you might brush up against branches, weeds, prickly barbs, and whatever else the trail throw at you.
BREATHABLE, SEAMLESS SOCKS
Heat is a breeding ground for blisters, so opt for material with temperature regulation like merino wool. Don’t wear cotton socks as they won’t have a chance to dry out. Seamless isn’t essential, but you should consider them if you’re hiking over a couple of days or if you have blister-prone feet.
A WIDE-BRIMMED HAT
Protect your face and neck with a wide-brimmed hat. Some hats will offer UPF protection and/or ventilation to help keep you cool. The Buzzguard wide-brim hat even has a sweatband on the inside edge. At a minimum, you should wear a cap; just make sure you apply sunscreen at regular intervals to the back of your neck and your ears.
A BACKPACK WITH A HIKING HARNESS
A hiking backpack with the right harness will allow air circulation between you and your pack so you can stay cool and more comfortable. For a day pack, 25-30L packs tick a lot of boxes.
HIKING ACCESSORIES
- Water bladder — you'll need a water bladder that can hold at least 2L of water. See our safety tips below.
- Sunscreen — it should have no less than UPF 50 rating. Apply before you get started but bring it along so you can reapply along the way.
- Sunglasses — invest in polarised lenses to cut out the glare and protect your eyes from UVA, UVB and UVC rays.
- Electrolytes — we sweat on hot days to help cool down our bodies. But prolonged sweating can mean we lose a lot of important electrolytes in our system. Take some oral rehydration solutions to pop in your water bottle when you’re feeling a little tired and dehydrated.
- First-aid kit — accidents happen, even to the most safety-conscious hikers. Don’t risk it.
- Walking poles — typically taking the load off your legs, walking poles can help reduce your energy expenditure, and support your joints.
- An emergency rainjacket — even on bluebird days, the weather can change quickly, so be prepared.
SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HEAT
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. Avoid the burning middle-of-the-day sun and set off first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. As a bonus, it usually means you'll encounter less people on the trail, too.
- Bring enough water. A good rule of thumb for a hot weather hike is 500ml per hour for each person. However, this can depend on a few things like how hot it is, and how much you sweat. Make sure you account for all the variables, and if in doubt, bring more rather than less.
- Pay attention to your body. If you experience dizziness, nausea, disorientation or strong headaches, don't push on. Find shade, cool yourself down, drink water, eat food, and take as long you need.
- Pick a smart route. If you haven’t been hiking in a while, don’t pick a long, exposed trail in the middle of the day. Instead, find a trail with plenty of shade and options to stop and rest. Bonus points if water is available on the way. If you're not sure where to start, look up your local Parks Authority.
- Stop for breaks. Tiring yourself out by racing to the finish line isn’t what hiking is about. Stop to admire your surroundings, give your muscles a stretch, and cool down before getting on your way again.
As long as you are prepared, a summer hike can bring the kind of memories that stay with you forever.