Hiking In The Summer | Learn To Best The Hot Weather

In this article, we are going to review how to hike in the summer. Many hikers love to enjoy the outdoors; however, during the summer, you can face some dire weather conditions. We'll be going over how to prepare for summer hiking, what to wear during summer hiking, such as the best summer hiking boots, and additional tips for hot weather hiking.

Summer Hiking Key Points

While enjoying summer hiking, it is best to properly prepare. This includes preparing when you will be leaving for your hike, such as in the morning (our recommendation), having the proper hydration and food gear, and the proper summer hiking boots.

For summer hiking boots, we recommend ones that are very breathable and have less leather material, as they are not as breathable. It’s also important to monitor hydration status, know the signs of heat exhaustion, and know how to avoid ticks. 

How To Prepare For Summer Hiking

It's crucial to understand your body's heat tolerance when preparing for hiking in hot weather. If you're going to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona after getting used to the weather in Canada, it's important to first acclimate yourself to the heat. You want to give yourself at least 3 to 7 days to acclimate to the heat. 

Next, when planning out your summer hiking trip, you want to avoid the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m.

We suggest starting out on a morning hike right when the sun comes out, as it rises earlier in the day in the summer. We also suggest ending your hike before the hottest part of the day. If this isn't possible, we recommend nighttime hiking after 4:30–5:00 p.m. during cooler weather.

If you're going nighttime hiking during the summer, you want to have the proper equipment, such as flashlights or headlamps. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the environment you'll be in, as in a desert setting, the temperature can rapidly drop once the sun sets.

In terms of proper hydration, it starts the night before your hike. In extreme weather, you should be consuming at least half a liter of water every hour. You want to monitor your hydration status and plan accordingly. Dehydration can happen very rapidly in hot weather, so it's important to stay on top. 

Where To Hike In The Hot Weather

If you're not accustomed to the heat, we recommend steering clear of trails with a steep incline and/or limited shade. You want to pick a trail that has outstanding views but does not overly strain your body. We also suggest hiking near water, where you may have a breeze to help cool you down. 

What To Wear For Summer Hiking

Start with loose-fitting shirts with UPF-rated protection and/or non-cotton materials. Cotton does not absorb sweat as easily as polyester. You also want to wear light colors and avoid darker colors such as gray and black, as these retain more heat. Lighter colors, such as white or yellow, do not absorb as much heat. 

Next, you want to choose a proper hat if needed; this will shade your face from the sun and absorb sweat over your head. 

Summer Hiking Socks

A suitable pair of summer hiking socks are essential. You want to choose something that is moisture-wicking. Some people find polyester socks thin; try them. You want moisture-wicking summer hiking socks that'll give you the protection you need. Personally, I like to wear midcalf socks throughout the year; however, I switched to polyester during the summer months to help with moisture wicking. 

The Best Summer Hiking Boots

You want to choose a suitable pair of summer hiking boots. You want to stay away from hiking boots that have heavy leather grains, such as the Salomon Quest 4 or Columbia Newton Ridge. These boots are not as breathable and, unfortunately, can absorb a lot of heat.

Proper summer hiking boots should be breathable, made with synthetic material, and may carry some open ventilation. I'll give you my two top picks for the best summer hiking boots. 

Merrell Moab 3

The Merrell Moab 3 is a decent pick for summer hiking boots. They do have leather-grade material; however, synthetic material makes up the rest of the boot. They are breathable and cover part of your ankle, but they are lower than the Hoka Kaha 2.

They are waterproof but do not have the Gore-Tex membrane, which traps heat. These boots give you proper ventilation, making them one of my go-tos for the best summer hiking boots. 

Hoka Anacapa 2

The Hoka Anacapa 2's are my other favorite summer hiking boots. These boots are undoubtedly the most breathable, as they have open ventilation mesh throughout the sides and top of the toe box. They are waterproof with a Gore-Tex membrane; however, they do not retain as much heat as other hiking boots do.

These are extremely lightweight, so they carry less strain on your feet. This is my second go-to for hot-weather hiking boots. 

Additional Hot-Weather Hiking Tips 

Bring bug spray as needed: This is particularly important in the northeast, where the tick season peaks in the summer and fall months. Be sure to check yourself for ticks and avoid Lyme disease. 

Know the signs of heat exhaustion: nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and headache are some of the telltale signs. 

Use sunscreen as needed; reapply as indicated. Additionally, it's important to protect your arms and legs from sunburn. More clothing while hiking in the summer prevents sunburn, but most find it counterintuitive.

Use cooling towels: Use them around your head and neck, which helps cool you down, especially in the heat.

Take advantage of the shade: When you come across an area of shade, make the most of it by spending your break time there, especially near the game water. Staying in the shade can significantly change your experience of the whole hike with just a few stops. 

My Experience Hiking In The Summer

Over the past 15 years, I have hiked in many hot-weather places. Some places include the Grand Canyon during the summer, Shenandoah National Park, Zion National Park, and Sedona, Arizona. To say I'm an expert at hiking in the summer is an understatement. In the morning, I like to begin hydrating with at least one liter of fluid and also put some electrolytes in my water.

My go-to hiking boots, as I said, are the Merrell Moab 3 or the Hoka Kaha 2. I like to wear adequate sunscreen, shorts, and a UPF-rated t-shirt. I must say, I am pretty acclimated to the heat; therefore, I can hike during the day in most places. I'm sure I'll keep my water and find shade when needed. One additional tip I will give is to know your limits. I am aware of the point at which my body reaches about 80% of its peak while hiking. At that point in time, if I must turn around, I will. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear shorts or pants while hiking in the summer?

You should wear shorts or pants, depending on your goals. If you're trying to avoid sunburn or using sunscreen, you can wear long pants over your shorts, but keep in mind that the weather may be hotter than usual. If you have the ability to apply sunscreen and are not concerned about getting sunburned in your shorts, then wearing long pants makes more sense.

What is the best material to wear when hiking in hot weather?

Polyester, or moisture-wicking material, is the best material to wear, especially for shirts. They're also UPF-rated material, which helps block the sun's rays. For socks, it is best to wear thin, moisture-wicking socks.

Is 80 degrees too hot for hiking?

This depends on how acclimated you are to the heat. For some people, 80° is simple to hike, while for others, they struggle. It is best to make sure you acclimate to your climate before hiking; this takes at least 3 to 7 days. 

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler