Outdoor Tips – Hot Weather Hiking Clothes

The right hiking clothing can make or break your trip. This is especially true in hot weather environments, where heat can be a real killer if you’re not prepared.

Hiking in the wrong gear

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind before hiking in hot weather:

Know the 3 L’s of Summertime Hiking Clothing: Wear lightweight, loose fitting, and light-colored clothing.

  • Light-colored clothing will reflect the sun and keep you cool. It also attracts fewer insects than darker clothes.
  • Lightweight clothing protects you from the sun without trapping extra heat inside the clothing.
  • Loose fitting clothing will keep air flowing around the skin.

Wide Brimmed Hats are a Must: When hiking in the heat, you need to do everything you can to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

  • Wide brimmed hats will protect your face, head and neck from the sun’s damaging rays.
  • To get more protection out of the hat, add a Bandanna to your hot weather hiking setup. Not only will it allow your to add extra shade to your neck area, but soaking the bandanna at stream crossings on a hot day’s hike can be just the relief you need.
  • Look for a hat that also provides extra SPF Protection.

Clothing is your #1 protection from the sun. Sunscreens and lotions can sometimes actually interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself by blocking perspiration and it evaporation.

  • Many experienced hikers will wear a lightweight shirt that wicks moisture, while carrying a fleece pullover and a waterproof jacket in their backpack.
  • Wear your clothes lose and in layers.
  • Always check the weather conditions before setting out on your trip.
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