How to Build Functional Spring/Summer Hiking Outfits

Few things are better than getting out and enjoying nature on a beautiful spring or summer day. Especially after a long winter, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty of our planet is amazing. Whether you are exploring a park in your community, taking a trip to a faraway destination or even exploring your own property, going for a hike is a great way to get out and take advantage of all the great outdoors has to offer. 

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Before you head out, though, donning the proper attire is vital. You need gear that is comfortable and will provide whatever type of protection you need for your adventure. While it needs to be functional, it does not need to be frumpy or bulky. There are plenty of stylish outfits that are appropriate for spring and summer hikes, and today’s materials are more comfortable than ever. From comfy wholesale t-shirts to lightweight thermals, keep reading to discover what it takes to put together functional spring and summer hiking outfits! 

Things to Consider

The components that make up a perfect hiking outfit vary based on numerous factors. Before you start putting together your attire for your next outing, there are several essential things to consider. 

Destination

Are you hiking up a mountain or traversing a flat trail? Will you be contending with mud, boulders, dust or pavement? Is your route of choice easy or difficult? Is there a potential for encounters with venomous snakes? All of these things are important to consider when selecting your gear for a hike. 

Weather

A day with moderately warm, sunny weather is great for hiking. Unfortunately, the weather does not always cooperate. Be sure to check the weather forecast before getting dressed. And be sure to prepare yourself for the worst possibility. Even if the forecast only shows a marginal chance of rain, make sure you have what you need just in case you get caught in a downpour. 

Length of Hike

An hour-long hike in a park with your family requires different gear than a days-long trek along the Appalachian Trail. When considering the length of your hike, be realistic. A trail that a pro can complete in a few hours will likely take much longer for a novice. Always plan for your trip to take longer than anticipated, too. It is always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario than to be stuck without something you need. 

With all of these considerations in mind, it is time to start putting together your outfit. 

Layered Tops

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Even when it is hot outside, dressing in layers is your best bet when hiking. Every functional hiking outfit starts with a good base layer. In cooler weather, this layer helps you retain warmth. And in warmer weather, it wicks sweat away from your skin and helps you stay cool and comfortable. 

T-shirts and tank tops are great base layers. In the spring and summer, cotton t-shirts are a good choice. If you enjoy frequent hikes, stocking up on wholesale t-shirts is a great idea! While there are plenty of shirts explicitly made for this purpose, your favorite cotton tie dye shirts will work perfectly fine. There is no reason to spend a fortune on a base layer when the basics work just fine. 

For your top layer, consider a long-sleeved t-shirt or button-down shirt. Even when it’s warm, it’s best to wear long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Long sleeves protect your arms from biting and stinging insects, too. 

If rain is forecasted or you are hiking on a chilly day, adding extra layers is your best bet. Vests, jackets and thermal base layers are all appropriate options. 

Appropriate Bottoms

When it comes to bottoms, hiking shorts and pants are both options. Being mindful of the considerations outlined above will help you choose which is suitable for your adventure. 

Shorts are certainly cooler and more comfortable during hot weather, but they are not appropriate for all destinations. If you are hiking in an area where you may encounter snakes, large insect populations or poison oak or ivy, though, they won’t provide much protection. 

Whichever option you choose, look for ones that have plenty of pocket space. Choose bottoms that fit well and are not too tight or too loose. They should fit well around your hips and waist and allow you to move freely. For longer hikes, pants are usually a better option for preventing chafing. 

Comfortable and Supportive Footwear

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Even if you are only going on a short hike, now is not the time to throw on the sneakers you’ve had since high school or a pair of flip-flops with no support. Suitable footwear is a must for hikes, so make sure your boots or shoes are comfortable and offer good support. They need to be appropriate for the trail you are trekking, too. 

Hiking boots are a solid option if you are going on a longer hike or traversing rough terrain. Choose a pair that is waterproof if you are heading out on a muddy or wet trail. You may want boots that protect against snake bites, too, when hiking in an area where venomous snakes are common. 

Hiking shoes and sneakers work well for easy to moderate hiking on dirt and paved trails. They do not provide ankle support, though, so they are not the best for rough terrain. There are waterproof and weather-resistant options to help you stay dry on rainy days and in muddy areas. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to building a functional hiking outfit for spring and summer, being mindful of what challenges you may face is critical. While there is no rule stating that you can’t look cute when hitting the trail, it is vital to put together an outfit that is just as functional as it is stylish. Fortunately, there are a lot of great options to help you do just that.