Deciding to go on a hiking adventure allows you to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself and your physical abilities, and enjoy breathtaking views along the way. And the summer season is a great time for hikes. They allow you to spend some time away from the heat of the city. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or exploring the trails for the first time, your hiking experience won’t be the same if you are not well prepared with the right clothing and accessories, that’s why we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll highlight essential pieces to bring with you on your next hike, focusing on practicality, comfort, and being prepared for any outdoor conditions. Read along and get ready for a true adventure.
The first and most important thing is your footwear. Investing in high-quality hiking boots or shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe hiking experience. You wanna look for footwear with good ankle support, durable and appropriate soles for different terrains, and waterproof or water-resistant features to keep your feet dry during water crossings or unexpected rain showers. You should go for summer hiking shoes, to make sure you’re not gonna be too hot. Also, make sure you break in your hiking footwear before using them on an actual hike to prevent blisters and discomfort, as this could ruin your enthusiasm for hiking. This is one of the most common mistakes inexperienced hikers make. To make everything more comfortable, consider wearing moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet cool and blister-free throughout the hike.
Now the next piece we suggest will help in any hike, no matter if it’s in summer or winter. A wool sweater is a versatile and essential layering piece for hikes, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. Wool fibers provide natural insulation, keeping you warm even if you manage to get damp, which is very important if temperatures drop unexpectedly or if you encounter chilly winds at higher elevations. Choose a lightweight merino wool sweater that can be easily packed in your backpack and worn as a second layer over a thermal base layer, or a T-shirt. If you want some merino wool options, check out Shamrock Gift’s mens’ section. Wool also has the benefit of being odor-resistant, making it ideal for bigger hikes in the summer, where laundry may not be available.
Last but not least, you gotta be prepared for the case of unexpected rain, even on the sunniest day. Carrying a waterproof and windproof outer layer, such as a rain jacket or shell pants, is essential for staying dry and comfortable during rainy or windy conditions on the trail. There are plenty of options in all the sports stores, designed specifically for summer hikes. These are usually made out of breathable fabrics with sealed seams to prevent water from getting in while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you dry from both external and internal factors. Waterproof gear usually comes in very easily packable sacks or compact so you don’t have to worry about them taking up much space. A good outer layer not only protects you from rain and wind but can also be an extra layer of warmth in cases when temperatures drop unexpectedly, or if the top of the mountain is chillier than you expected.
