(content by Nasir)
Even in the sweltering heat of peak summer, I hit the trail to continue exploring more and more of the world’s beautiful trails. Do you know what helps me to keep moving even in the hot weather hiking?
An effective hot-weather hiking strategy that I formulated with years of hiking experience. From 98-degree days in the desert heat to high humidity terrains, I experienced nearly every kind of summer hiking condition the season could throw at me.
Some of my hikes were accompanied by backpackers, weekend hikers, and even beginners. This gave me the opportunity to learn from their experiences and how they tackle the hot weather hiking.
Every hot weather hike ended with gear notes and a future hiking checklist for better performance in such weather. Having said that, I thoroughly review what works—and what does not.
I wasn’t just chasing my night campsite destination; I was figuring out how to stay safe when the temperature rises and the miles stretch long. Whether you’re dealing with dehydration, heat rash, or want to boost hiking performance in hot weather, the strategies in this guide are built from sweat-soaked experience, not theory.
Choosing the Right Clothing
You cannot go wrong with the clothing, especially in summer hiking. Just understanding what fabric works on the trail in particular weather can put you on the experienced hikers list. Despite soaring temperatures, I pulled on boots and hit the trail, testing gear across climates.
I look closely at how different materials perform when it comes to quick-drying, moisture-wicking, and breathability. Based on my experience, synthetic fabric does well; it is not only breathable but also quick drying. Cotton is the worst material for hiking in summer, so stay away from it. It does not dry quickly and also absorbs moisture, making it heavy.
The last thing you want is a shirt sticking to your back or socks soaked with sweat halfway through a steep climb. Lightweight polyester blends and merino wool alternatives are better bets. They keep your body cool and regulate temperature without weighing you down.
I’ve found that layering these materials also helps with sudden weather shifts.
In short, lightweight, breathable fabrics, generous ventilation features, and smart design choices—like drop hems for sun coverage or gusseted underarms for movement—make all the difference. The winners weren’t just good—they were essential.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated on summer hikes isn’t just important—it’s the key to staying functional, clear-headed, and safe. I learned that the hard way after underestimating a short, exposed hike on a 90-degree day.
Even with a decent pace and some shade, I felt the signs creeping in: dry mouth and dragging legs that say you’re behind on fluids. Since then, hydration has been my top priority.
I started carrying more water than I thought I’d need, testing different ways to store and access it. I keep a hydration bladder in my pack to store water for extended hikes. If you like cold water, then an insulated bottle is a good pick for summer hikes. I don’t usually go with the insulated bottle due to the extra weight.
On backpacking trips, I found that a good collapsible water bottle is easy to manage and store. It does not add weight and takes almost no space in the pack when empty.
I also track how much I drink per hour, adjusting for elevation, effort, and humidity. The takeaway? If you’re sweating, you’re losing more than you realize. And if you’re not drinking steadily, you’re setting yourself up to crash. In hot weather, water isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Managing Your Energy and Pacing
Many times, I saw new hikers rushing on the trail to get to the finish like it’s a race. Do you know what happens? They exhaust themselves, quit, and promise not to come back to the trail because hiking feels too tough.
If you don’t manage your energy and pace in the summer heat, you’ll end up quitting your hike sooner rather than later. I learned early on that charging up a hill in 85-degree sun was a fast track to exhaustion. Instead, I controlled my pace, focusing on consistency over speed. That meant shorter strides, steady breathing, and taking breaks before I actually felt tired.
On longer hikes, I watched how the heat affected my energy levels throughout the day. If you still want to do a quick hike in summer, then hit the trail early in the morning. You can cover good ground with cooler air, better focus, and fewer bugs.
During midday, I move slowly, take more breaks in the shade, eat a light lunch, and rest. Snacks played a role too. I take salty foods to catch up on electrolytes. For extended summer hiking, I recommend electrolyte powder.
All in all, I suggest you listen to your body, manage your pace, and stay one step ahead of the heat.
Protecting Yourself from the Sun
Sun protection is non-negotiable. I’ve had hikes where I underestimated UV exposure and paid for it later. The scorched skin and headaches really kill your energy when you expose yourself to UV. You won’t have any left by the end of the day.
I never thought that UV exposure could kill my hiking performance. Since then, I don’t compromise on sun protection gear. I always take sunscreen with me. I don’t like wearing a hat on the trail, but in the sun, I really do. I started wearing UPF-rated long sleeves instead of short-sleeve shirts.
They keep your cooler compared to normal shirts. I wear lightweight and breathable fabrics. I know it’s expensive compared to cheap cotton, but it’s worth it if you’re a regular hiker.
When possible, I plan tougher treks for early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower.
Finding Shelter
In scorching summer conditions, knowing when and where to rest can be just as important as how far you hike. I’ve had days where pushing through the heat without a proper break left me dizzy, dehydrated, and dragging for the rest of the trip.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to treat rest stops like essential trail strategy—not an afterthought.
