How to dress for a hike in summer?
How to dress for a hike in summer?
February 11, 2026 (17 minutes)
You love going on adventures on the trails when the fine weather arrives but you hesitate about the ideal outfit? Hiking in summer requires finding the right balance between freshness, sun protection and comfort over several hours of walking. Discover our advice to compose the perfect outfit, from breathable technical materials to essential accessories, with Picture Organic Clothing clothing.
Table of Contents
What criteria to choose your summer hiking outfit?
Breathability and evacuation of perspiration
During an effort in the mountains, your body naturally produces water vapour that must be evacuated to maintain your comfort. Synthetic materials like polyester or merino wool fibres excel in this mission: they transport moisture away from the skin towards the outside of the garment.
This evacuation of moisture becomes crucial when temperatures rise. A breathable fabric with a low RET index guarantees that your sweat does not stagnate against your body, avoiding that unpleasant feeling of wet clothing that cools down as soon as you stop.
Picture develops technical clothing with treatments that promote quick drying, particularly appreciable during intense day hikes or multi-day treks where changing outfit is not always possible.
Protection against UV and the elements
The sun in the mountains hits harder than in the plains: every 1000 meters of altitude amplifies the intensity of the rays by 10 to 12%. Your anti-UV clothing constitutes your first line of defence, far more reliable than a sunscreen that can run with sweat.
Favour long sleeves and lightweight pants with a UPF 50+ rating that block 98% of harmful rays. Bright colours reflect heat better than dark shades, while making you visible on the trails.
Faced with sudden summer showers or wind on ridges, a compact waterproof jacket in your backpack will save the day. Also think of high-protection sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect neck and face from reflections on light rocks.
Comfort and freedom of movement
Walking several hours on trails requires technical clothing that accompanies each stride without constraint. Stretch materials integrating elastane transform your experience: no more pulling at the knees or shoulders during technical climbs.
Favour ergonomic cuts that follow the natural morphology of the body. Well-fitted hiking pants with articulated knees allow you to cross rocks and roots with ease, while a tank top or T-shirt with free armholes avoids friction under the backpack straps.
Picture designs its models with this philosophy: each movement must remain fluid, whether you are attacking a short morning hike or a long ridge itinerary. This optimal freedom of movement reduces energy expenditure and keeps your walking pleasure intact kilometre after kilometre.
Weight and compactness in the bag
Every gram counts when you leave for several days with your backpack. A classic fleece can weigh 400g against 200g for a micro-down jacket equivalent in warmth, which compresses into its own pocket.
Favour multifunctional technical clothing: modular pants replace shorts and long pants, an ultra-light membrane jacket of 150g effectively protects from changing weather conditions. Picture develops compressible materials that optimise space in your bag.
For a short hike, limit yourself to essentials: breathable first layer, compact intermediate layer if altitude requires it. The principle: better to wear your heaviest options on you rather than carrying them, especially in hot weather when sensations of cold remain limited compared to external elements.
Technical materials: which ones to favour in summer?
Synthetic fibres: polyester and polyamide
Polyester and polyamide (or nylon) dominate the world of summer hiking for their remarkable performance. These fibres offer excellent breathability and instantly evacuate moisture to the outside, keeping your skin dry even during intense efforts.
Their ultra-quick drying constitutes a major asset: a synthetic T-shirt regains its freshness in a few minutes in the shade, compared to several hours for cotton. Polyamide stands out for its exceptional sun resistance and natural elasticity, perfect for repeated movements with a hiking pole.
These technical materials withstand frequent washes without losing their properties, ideal for multi-day treks. Picture integrates these fibres into its hiking shoes and clothing, often recycled to reduce environmental impact while maintaining their performance.
Merino wool: the natural ally of the hiker
This natural fibre revolutionizes summer hiking thanks to its unique thermoregulation: it keeps you cool when it is hot and retains warmth during descents at altitude. Its natural anti-odour capacity allows wearing the same garment for several days without discomfort, a precious asset on a trek.
Picture works this noble material to create T-shirts and underwear that dry quickly while offering natural UV protection. Merino wool excels particularly in mid-season or on high-altitude trails where thermal variations are significant.
Its soft touch avoids irritation even when worn directly on the skin, contrary to preconceived ideas about traditional wool.
Eco-responsible and durable materials
The outdoor industry is evolving towards more environmentally respectful practices, without compromising technical performance. Recycled fibres from plastic bottles or textile waste now offer the same properties as virgin materials: moisture evacuation, resistance, and lightness.
OEKO-TEX and Bluesign labels guarantee the absence of harmful substances in manufacturing, while GOTS and RDS certifications ensure ethical production of natural materials. These garments retain their thermoregulation and quick-drying qualities.
Choosing durable materials is investing in clothing that will accompany your adventures longer, reducing the need for frequent renewal of your hiking equipment.
3-layer system adapted to summer hiking
Layer 1: the breathable base in contact with the skin
This first layer determines your comfort for the entire outing: it evacuates sweat directly from your skin to the upper layers. Ban cotton which retains moisture and favour technical materials.
Synthetic T-shirt: polyester or polyamide for express drying, perfect if you sweat a lot or in strong heat.
Merino tank top: natural thermoregulation and anti-odour, ideal for multi-day treks.
Long sleeves: integrated UV protection for exposed terrains, avoids sunscreen on arms.
Picture offers models with antibacterial treatments and flat seams to avoid friction under the backpack. Think of taking a spare first layer in your bag: putting on a dry garment upon arrival transforms your recovery.
Layer 2: insulation adaptable according to altitude
Thermal variations in the mountains require an intermediate layer that adapts: cool morning, heat from effort uphill, icy wind at the summit.
Light fleece: breathable and compressible, perfect for cool morning starts or high-altitude breaks. Slides easily into the bag when the temperature rises.
Micro-down jacket: unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio, essential above 2000m where differences can reach 15°C between valley and summit.
Thin softshell: integrated windproof, ideal in changing weather when clouds and clearings alternate.
Tip: put on this layer at the first chills rather than waiting until you are really cold. Your body retains heat better if it has not had time to cool down.
Layer 3: protection against the elements
Even in sunny weather, mountain weather changes in a few minutes: sudden storm, icy wind at the summit, passing showers. Your waterproof jacket remains your best insurance against these climate whims.
Favour a breathable membrane that evacuates sweat while blocking water: a waterproof but suffocating jacket will make you overheat from the first efforts. Picture develops ultra-compact 2.5-layer models that slip into a pocket of the bag without bulk.
Look for an adjustable hood, waterproof zippers, and underarm vents to modulate ventilation according to your walking pace. This protection will accompany you from the first drops to difficult conditions, keeping your intermediate layer dry to maintain all its thermal efficiency.
Women’s and men’s outfit: how to dress the upper body?
T-shirt short sleeves or long sleeves: which to choose?
Short or long sleeves for your hiking T-shirt? It all depends on your itinerary and your sensitivity to the sun. Short sleeves maximize ventilation in strong heat and offer total freedom in movements. Picture develops ultra-breathable models with anti-UV treatments, perfect for walks in the forest or shaded trails. Conversely, long sleeves transform your T-shirt into permanent sun protection: no more cream to renew on the forearms, ideal on exposed ridges or at high altitude. Their technical fabric remains as fresh as a short model thanks to modern breathable fibres. Smart hiker tip: choose a model with roll-up sleeves that adapts to exposure changes throughout your route.
Technical anti-UV shirts
Long-sleeve shirts represent the perfect compromise between maximum sun protection and breathable comfort. Their technical fabric offers a permanent barrier against ultraviolet rays, sparing you from sunscreen on arms and chest.
Picture develops ultra-light models with ventilation systems under the armpits and on the back, turning this protection into true natural air conditioning. The high collar protects the sensitive neck, a zone often forgotten but particularly exposed with a backpack.
These technical shirts also dry as quickly as a classic T-shirt while offering casual elegance, perfect for lunch breaks in refuges or village crossings. Your skin remains protected from dawn to dusk, even during long days exposed on ridges.
Light jackets: softshell and windbreaker
A light jacket in your bag transforms your adaptability to sudden mountain weather changes.
Ultra-compact windbreaker: fits in a pocket, protects you from gusts on ridges or during long pauses. Breathable membrane to avoid overheating during effort.
Breathable softshell: combines windproof and light insulation, replacing both your fleece and outer protection in dry weather. Stretch fabric follows your movements without constraint.
Picture designs these models with recycled materials and water-repellent finishes, resistant to passing showers. Favour a fitted cut that is worn directly over your first layer: you gain thermal efficiency while keeping freedom of movement on technical passages.
Pants, shorts or leggings: dressing the lower body
Hiking shorts: criteria and advantages
Hiking shorts become your indispensable ally as soon as the thermometer exceeds 25°C. Their incomparable freedom of movement accompanies you on all terrains, from forest trails to rocky ridges.
Favour a technical stretch fabric that follows your strides without constraint, with water-repellent treatment to resist morning dew and passing showers. Zipped pockets secure your essentials: phone, energy bars, map.
The length determines your comfort according to the terrain: short model to maximize ventilation, Bermuda style to protect against brambles and insects. Reinforced seams guarantee durability against repeated backpack friction and passages on rocks.
Lightweight pants for optimal protection
When temperatures rise but you want to keep your legs protected from brambles, insects and UV rays, lightweight pants are naturally required. Unlike shorts, they accompany you on all terrains without fear of scratches.
Look for ultra-thin fabric that allows air circulation while blocking external elements: stretch polyamide, recycled polyester, or modern technical blends. Picture develops models with water-repellent treatments that repel morning moisture and light showers while maintaining maximum breathability.
Straight or slightly fitted cut avoids excessive friction while allowing natural ventilation. Check for reinforcements at knees and seat: these areas undergo the most strain during rocky passages or long ground rests.
Modular pants: versatility in one garment
Transforming your pants into shorts thanks to zippers at the knees: here is the genius of modular pants. This versatility revolutionizes long outings where conditions change radically between cool morning departure and hot afternoon hours.
A single garment replaces two pieces in your bag, saving precious weight and volume. Detachable legs store easily in a side pocket or at the bottom of your backpack.
Picture designs its modular models with resistant stretch fabrics and robust zippers that withstand repeated handling. Switching from one format to another takes a few seconds, without even removing your hiking shoes. Perfect to adapt to altitude variations and unpredictable mountain weather changes.
Shoes and socks for hiking in summer
Low vs high shoes according to terrain
The choice between low and high shoes depends on your playground and personal experience.
On well-marked trails with a light backpack, low-cut models offer remarkable ventilation and naturally accompany your stride. Your foot breathes better, dries faster after wet passages.
As soon as the terrain becomes rocky or unstable, high-cut shoes make perfect sense: they protect your ankles from rolling stones and reduce the risk of twisting on rough terrain. Picture equips its high models with ventilation systems to compensate for the extra heat.
Your morphology matters as much as the route: fragile ankles or a backpack over 15 kg guide you toward high shoes as a precaution.
Breathability and support: essential criteria
Two characteristics determine your comfort over several hours of walking: the moisture evacuation capacity of your shoes and their foot support.
Mesh materials and ventilated inserts allow air to circulate around your foot, effectively evacuating sweat even in strong heat. This natural ventilation reduces the risk of overheating and maintains a healthy environment inside the shoe.
Support is provided in several strategic areas: heel counter to stabilize your foot during descents, arch support to distribute pressure, adjustable laces to adapt tightness according to effort. Good support prevents internal slipping that causes blisters and pressure points.
Always test your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen: you will reproduce real hiking conditions.
Technical anti-blister socks
Neglected by many hikers, technical socks are nevertheless your best shield against blisters during long summer walks. Their role goes far beyond simple comfort: they regulate moisture, reduce friction, and keep your feet dry even in strong heat.
Favour models in synthetic fibres or merino wool that effectively evacuate sweat. Double-layer socks revolutionize protection: friction occurs between the two textile layers rather than directly on your skin. Picture integrates these technologies into its accessories, with strategic reinforcements at heel and toe.
Height matters according to your shoes: mid-calf for high shoes, invisible for low models. Always take a spare pair in your bag: putting on dry socks after several hours of walking instantly transforms your comfort sensation.
Essential accessories for head and hands
Cap, hat or headband: protecting your head
Your head remains exposed to UV rays for hours of walking, particularly at altitude where their intensity increases drastically. The choice between cap, hat, or headband depends on your route and your protection priorities.
The cap with a visor effectively protects the face and eyes, while remaining light and compact in your bag. Models with removable neck flap add appreciable neck protection on very exposed terrains.
The wide-brimmed hat offers maximum coverage: face, neck, and ears benefit from constant shade. Favour foldable versions that store without deformation.
For intense efforts, the headband evacuates frontal sweat while keeping your hair in place. Minimalist solution that combines perfectly with high-protection sunglasses.
Sunglasses and eye protection
Hiking without suitable eye protection can quickly turn your outing into a nightmare: visual fatigue, headaches, even cornea burns at altitude.
Category 3 lenses are perfectly suited for classic summer hikes, filtering 85 to 92% of visible light. For snowfields or high mountain outings, switch to category 4 which blocks up to 97% of rays.
Polarized lenses: drastically reduce reflections on water and light rocks, improving terrain reading.
Wrap-around frame: protects from side rays and wind, optimal support during effort.
100% anti-UV treatment: filters UVA and UVB rays, even in cloudy weather.
Picture offers light models with non-slip temples and integrated ventilation to avoid fogging during sustained climbs. Investing in a quality pair will accompany you through years of adventures.
Light gloves for altitude and exposure
Even in midsummer, your hands can quickly suffer from morning cold, altitude wind, or prolonged UV exposure in high mountains. Light gloves represent this versatile protection that weighs only a few grams in your bag but transforms your comfort during technical passages or summit breaks.
Picture develops breathable and compact models that slip easily into a pocket. Their reinforced palm improves grip on hiking poles while their UV-treated back effectively protects from sun reflected by light rocks.
The ideal? Put them on as soon as you feel your fingers cooling, before numbness sets in and complicates handling your equipment.
Mistakes to avoid in summer hiking outfit
Wearing cotton on summer hikes remains the number one mistake of beginners. This material absorbs moisture without evacuating it, leaving you with an unpleasant feeling from the first efforts. Wet cotton loses its insulating properties and dries very slowly.
Going too light represents another classic trap. You leave the parking lot in a T-shirt at 25°C, but at 2000 meters altitude with wind, the perceived temperature drops drastically. Always slip an intermediate layer into your bag, even for a day outing.
Neglecting sun protection at altitude is costly: guaranteed sunburn on exposed ridges. UV intensity increases by 10% every 1000 meters. Picture integrates anti-UV treatments in its technical clothing to protect you naturally.
Overloading your backpack as a precaution turns your hike into a nightmare. Every extra kilogram is felt over several hours of walking.
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