Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy warmer weather but as temperatures rise, keeping cool becomes more of a challenge. You can only remove so many layers as the day heats up and doing so means you run the risk of sunburn. A little education and prepwork ensures you’ll be able to safely enjoy your hike to the fullest.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a budding enthusiast, knowing how to stay safe and comfortable in the heat can make or break your experience. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for keeping cool on the trail with a special focus on choosing the right hiking apparel for both performance and protection in the heat.
1. Pick the Right Time and Place
No matter where you live and how hot it gets there, the best way to beat the heat on your hike is to plan ahead. Try to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day, planning your trip for the early morning or late afternoon. Scout out some trails ahead of time, opting for shadier routes or trails that take you near a water source.
2. Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is essential regardless of the outside temperature but staying hydrated in the heat requires careful planning. Drink plenty of water before you set out for your hike and bring enough to last you the duration of the hike. For every hour you plan to hike, bring at least ½ liter of water. In hot weather or at a high level of exertion, you may need 1-2 liters per hour.
Don’t forget to consider electrolytes. You’ll lose salt and essential minerals as you sweat, so you may need to add electrolytes to your water during longer or more strenuous hikes.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing
Dressing appropriately for your hike is crucial for keeping cool. Your base layer should be made from moisture-wicking fabric to help draw heat and sweat away from your body. If you’re wearing layers, choose lightweight fabrics to promote circulation. Wear light-colored apparel, when possible, to better reflect sunlight and consider clothing that blocks UVA/UVB rays.
4. Pace Yourself
If you’re an experienced hiker, you may already have a decent understanding of your typical pace but if you’re a casual hiker it’s best to take things slow and steady. Try matching your pace to your breath, moving at a stride that enables you to keep breathing comfortably. It’s important to avoid overexerting yourself, especially during the hottest part of the day.
5. Take Breaks to Cool Down
Even if you’re pacing yourself properly, it’s important to take frequent breaks. Listen to your body regarding the timing of your breaks. If you feel like you need one, take it—don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Even a 5-minute break in a shady spot can help you cool down and regain some energy. If you’re going to be out all day, plan to take a longer break during the hottest part of the day.
6. Be Smart with Snacks
Hot weather can kill your appetite but it’s important to keep your energy up as you hike. Pack a variety of sweet and salty snacks so you’ll always have something appealing in the moment. Try to balance snacking with water consumption to avoid depleting your electrolytes.
7. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
As you’re hiking, pay attention to your body and don’t take any risks when it comes to heat-related illness. If you start to feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, find a shady spot to rest in immediately. Take some time to cool off and rehydrate. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, you may need to cut the hike short or seek help.
8. Invest in Cooling Clothes
Hiking should be an enjoyable activity but when temperatures start to soar, it can become uncomfortable or even dangerous. Choosing the right clothing is crucial for keeping cool while you’re out on the trail.
The best clothing for hot weather hiking is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Moisture-wicking fabrics help your body manage the heat, giving you a cooling advantage as sweat evaporates. Apparel with ventilation provides airflow while lighter colors help reflect sunlight to keep you from overheating.
If you’re ready to upgrade your hiking wardrobe, consider investing in Mobile Cooling clothing from Fieldsheer. Made with premium moisture-wicking materials and infused with advanced fabric technologies to block UV rays and resist odor, Fieldsheer’s cooling clothing is just what you need to enjoy your summer hikes to the fullest.
On top of lightweight base layers for men and women, you’ll also find cooling accessories like neck gaiters and water-activated vests.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re heading out for a hiking weekend or making a quick day trip, proper planning is the key to keeping cool. Make sure you have all the supplies you need and choose your apparel carefully. The right clothing makes all the difference when you’re having fun in the sun.
Shop the collection of moisture wicking shirts for men and women on Fieldsheer.com and find more tips for keeping cool on the Compass Blog.
8 Tips to Stay Cool While Hiking
Hiking is the perfect way to enjoy warmer weather but as temperatures rise, keeping cool becomes more of a challenge. You can only remove so many layers as the day heats up and doing so means you run the risk of sunburn. A little education and prepwork ensures you’ll be able to safely enjoy your hike to the fullest.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a budding enthusiast, knowing how to stay safe and comfortable in the heat can make or break your experience. In this guide, we’ll cover practical tips for keeping cool on the trail with a special focus on choosing the right hiking apparel for both performance and protection in the heat.
1. Pick the Right Time and Place
No matter where you live and how hot it gets there, the best way to beat the heat on your hike is to plan ahead. Try to avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day, planning your trip for the early morning or late afternoon. Scout out some trails ahead of time, opting for shadier routes or trails that take you near a water source.
2. Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is essential regardless of the outside temperature but staying hydrated in the heat requires careful planning. Drink plenty of water before you set out for your hike and bring enough to last you the duration of the hike. For every hour you plan to hike, bring at least ½ liter of water. In hot weather or at a high level of exertion, you may need 1-2 liters per hour.
Don’t forget to consider electrolytes. You’ll lose salt and essential minerals as you sweat, so you may need to add electrolytes to your water during longer or more strenuous hikes.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing
Dressing appropriately for your hike is crucial for keeping cool. Your base layer should be made from moisture-wicking fabric to help draw heat and sweat away from your body. If you’re wearing layers, choose lightweight fabrics to promote circulation. Wear light-colored apparel, when possible, to better reflect sunlight and consider clothing that blocks UVA/UVB rays.
4. Pace Yourself
If you’re an experienced hiker, you may already have a decent understanding of your typical pace but if you’re a casual hiker it’s best to take things slow and steady. Try matching your pace to your breath, moving at a stride that enables you to keep breathing comfortably. It’s important to avoid overexerting yourself, especially during the hottest part of the day.
5. Take Breaks to Cool Down
Even if you’re pacing yourself properly, it’s important to take frequent breaks. Listen to your body regarding the timing of your breaks. If you feel like you need one, take it—don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Even a 5-minute break in a shady spot can help you cool down and regain some energy. If you’re going to be out all day, plan to take a longer break during the hottest part of the day.
6. Be Smart with Snacks
Hot weather can kill your appetite but it’s important to keep your energy up as you hike. Pack a variety of sweet and salty snacks so you’ll always have something appealing in the moment. Try to balance snacking with water consumption to avoid depleting your electrolytes.
7. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
As you’re hiking, pay attention to your body and don’t take any risks when it comes to heat-related illness. If you start to feel faint, dizzy, or nauseous, find a shady spot to rest in immediately. Take some time to cool off and rehydrate. If your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, you may need to cut the hike short or seek help.
8. Invest in Cooling Clothes
Hiking should be an enjoyable activity but when temperatures start to soar, it can become uncomfortable or even dangerous. Choosing the right clothing is crucial for keeping cool while you’re out on the trail.
The best clothing for hot weather hiking is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Moisture-wicking fabrics help your body manage the heat, giving you a cooling advantage as sweat evaporates. Apparel with ventilation provides airflow while lighter colors help reflect sunlight to keep you from overheating.
If you’re ready to upgrade your hiking wardrobe, consider investing in Mobile Cooling clothing from Fieldsheer. Made with premium moisture-wicking materials and infused with advanced fabric technologies to block UV rays and resist odor, Fieldsheer’s cooling clothing is just what you need to enjoy your summer hikes to the fullest.
On top of lightweight base layers for men and women, you’ll also find cooling accessories like neck gaiters and water-activated vests.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re heading out for a hiking weekend or making a quick day trip, proper planning is the key to keeping cool. Make sure you have all the supplies you need and choose your apparel carefully. The right clothing makes all the difference when you’re having fun in the sun.
Shop the collection of moisture wicking shirts for men and women on Fieldsheer.com and find more tips for keeping cool on the Compass Blog.