Summer Hiking: 13 Best Tips For Hiking in Summer
Going hiking in the summer heat? Then check out my list of the best tips for hiking in summer to plan your adventure well!
One of the best things to do in summer is hiking! The weather is nice, the landscapes are beautiful, and the long days provide more time to enjoy the outdoors!
However, hiking in the summer heat does present its own set of challenges. From staying hydrated and protecting against the sun to choosing the right gear, there’s a lot to consider before hitting the trails.

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As an avid hiker, I am here to share with you some of the best tips for summer hiking to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and fun adventure!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner eager to explore, these practical summer hiking tips will help you make the most of your day!
Best Tips For Hiking in The Summer
Before you hit the trail, make sure that you know these tips for hiking in summer!
1. Stay Hydrated

One of the most important tips for hiking in summer is to stay adequately hydrated.
The summer heat and physical exertion can lead to increased sweating, leading to rapid loss of water from the body, and later dehydration.
This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even more severe conditions if not managed promptly.
To make sure you don’t suffer from dehydration, ensure that you carry enough water for your hike.
A general rule of thumb is to take half a liter of water per hour of hiking. You can carry this refillable travel water bottle but I recommend opting for a hydration pack instead!
It’s very convenient and gives hands-free access to water. This particular hydration pack can hold up to 3 litres of water, perfectly hydrated to survive in very hote temperatures and its easy to use.
Besides carrying enough water, you should also carry this travel water filter! It will come in handy if you run of clean water and need to filter water from any waterbody you find along the way!
2. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
It’s important to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays by apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 (I like this one since it’s also reef friendly incase you choose to take a swim somehwer) and keep re-applying every couple of hours.
You can also wear a wide brim hat like this one to protect your face and neck, and to protect your eyes, make sure that you don’t forget your UV-protection sunglasses.
Another one of my hot weather hiking tips is to opt for clothing with built-in UV protection for additional safety.
3. Start Early

The summer sun can be harsh, especially during midday when it’s at its peak. To avoid the intense heat, consider starting your hike early in the morning.
This way, you can cover most of your trail when the temperatures are relatively cooler.
Plus, early morning hikes often offer the bonus of quieter trails and beautiful sunrise views.
4. Choose Your Trail Wisely

Not all trails are created equal, especially when it comes to summer hiking. Some trails offer more shade than others making them more suitable for hotter days.
Trails through woods can be cooler and provide relief from the sun.
Also, consider the trail’s difficulty level! If you’re hiking for the first time, consider trails with low elevation!
5. Take Breaks

Even if you’re an experienced hiker, the summer heat can worn you out. Listen to your body and take regular breaks whenever you need one!
Find a shady spot to rest, hydrate, and snack. Avoid pushing too hard and remember that it’s okay to slow down, enjoy your surroundings, and pace yourself according to your abilities.
6. Watch Out for Heat-related Illness

One of the tips for hiking in summer is to watch out for heat-related illnesses!
Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can include dizziness, rapid pulse, nausea, and headache.
If you or anyone in your group starts showing these signs, find a shady spot immediately, rest, hydrate, and cool down. Remember, safety always comes first.
7. Be Bug Prepared
Summer is the peak season for many bugs! On top of the other day hiking essentials, make sure you pack this insect repellent to keep bugs like mosquitoes and ticks at bay.
You can also consider clothing treated with permethrin, a bug repellent that offers added protection.
8. Leave No Trace

Hiking in the heat doesn’t mean that you have to forget about the “Leave no trace” principles!Respect nature and help preserve it for future generations.
Some of the Leave no trace principles to follow include packing out all your trash, not disturbing wildlife, and being considerate of other hikers.
9. Inform Someone About Your Hike
No matter how short or easy your hike is, always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
This information can be crucial if an emergency arises, and search and rescue teams need to find you.
In my opinion, forgetting to let someone know of your hike is one of the biggest hiking mistakes you can ever make!
10. Wear the Right Clothes

When hiking in the summer, it’s essential to wear clothing that is both lightweight and breathable to keep you cool.
Opt for materials that are moisture-wicking, meaning that they draw sweat away from your body and they draw easily.
Synthetic materials or merino wool are excellent choices when it comes to this! Avoid cotton as it tends to retain moisture, making you feel sweaty and uncomfortable.
You can alo opt for loose-fitting clothing to increase ventilation. And as I mentioned earlier, you can consider clothing with built-in UV protection to protect against harmful sun rays.
11. Wear the Right Socks
Don’t just stop at wearing the right clothes, but also wear the right socks as they will make a significant difference in your comfort level while hiking.
Choose socks made of materials that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, like this Merino wool pair.
I like Merino wool because it keeps the feet dry and comfortable while also reducing the likelihood of blisters.
Also, make sure that your socks fit well! They shouldn’t be too tight or too loose, as either can lead to friction and potentially blisters. If you’re in the market for a new pair, these are the summer hiking socks I recommend!
12. Wear the Right Hiking Shoes

Another useful tip for hiking in hot weather or any weather for that matter is to wear proper hiking shoes!
The shoes you wear should be comfortable, well-fitting, and appropriate for the terrain you’ll be hiking.
For summer hiking, I recommend opting for breathable and lightweight hiking shoes like Allbirds or Tropical feel.
And remember, even the best shoes won’t help if they’re not the right size, so ensure you’ve got the right fit!
13. Check the Weather Before You Go

The weather can change rapidly, so it’s important to know what to expect when you’re planning a summer hike.
High temperatures can make a hike more challenging and potentially dangerous if you’re not prepared, but rain can also bring its own set of challenges.
Check the forecast for both temperature and humidity, as the combination of these can significantly affect how hot it will actually feel.
Also, be aware of the potential for summer storms. If the forecast calls for high heat or severe weather, it might be best to choose another day or a different time for your hike.
Related Post: Best Tips for Camping in the Rain
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in The Summer

To summarize what we’ve looked at, here are some of the frequently asked questions about hiking in the summer!
What Should I Wear When Hiking In The Summer?
For summer hiking, opt for lightweight and breathable clothing that wicks away sweat.
This typically includes synthetic materials or merino wool. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture. Also, consider clothing with built-in UV protection to protect your skin from sun damage.
How Much Water Should I Carry On A Summer Hike?
A general rule of thumb is to carry about half a liter of water per hour of hiking. However, this can vary based on the intensity of the hike, the temperature, and individual needs. It’s always better to carry a bit extra just in case.
What are some ways to protect myself from the sun during a summer hike?
Protecting yourself from the sun involves multiple strategies. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 every two hours and after sweating or swimming. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face and neck, and protect your eyes with UV-protection sunglasses.

What time should I start my hike in the summer?
While you can start any time, I recommend starting early in the morning in the summer. This allows you to cover most of your trail when the temperatures are relatively cooler and avoid the intense midday heat.
How do I choose a suitable trail for a summer hike?
Choose a trail that offers shade and is at a difficulty level you’re comfortable with. Remember, the heat can make hiking more challenging, so you might want to opt for a less strenuous trail than you would choose in cooler weather.
How often should I take breaks during a summer hike?
Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or overheated, it’s time to take a break. As a general rule, take short breaks every hour or so to hydrate and rest.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke?
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, cool, moist skin, muscle cramps, and nausea.
If these symptoms progress to confusion, fainting, or a very high body temperature, it may be heatstroke, a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

How can I protect myself from bugs during a summer hike?
Use an insect repellent like this one to keep bugs away. For added protection, consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin, a bug repellent.
What are the Leave No Trace principles I should follow during a summer hike?
The Leave No Trace principles include respecting wildlife, leaving what you find, disposing of waste properly, and being considerate of other visitors. Basically, leave the wilderness as you found it.
Why is it important to let someone know about my hiking plan?
In case of an emergency, it’s crucial for someone to know your location and expected return time. If you don’t check in as planned, they can alert search and rescue teams
Final Thoughts About Summer Hiking
And that wraps up of my tips for hiking in summer! From figuring out the right clothes to wear to understanding how important your socks are (who knew, right?), to everything you need to know before you go!
Remember, summer hiking isn’t just about enduring the heat, it’s about working with it and having fun while at it!
It’s a journey not a sprint, so it shouldn’t be about how fast you finish the trail but rather how much you enjoy the experience of being outdoors!
And now that you know all the useful hot-weather hiking tips, I am sure you’ll have an amazing adventure!
More travel tips to help you plan your trip.
- How to plan a trip from scratch
- Practical tips to save money while traveling
- How to stay safe while traveling
- Things to know and do before going on any trip
- Big mistakes to avoid while traveling
- How to plan a road trip
- Big mistakes to avoid on a road trip
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