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By David Webster on

Hiking in the heat: How to stay cool in the summer

British summers are no joke, especially with the sudden heatwaves that are becoming increasingly frequent. With temperatures peaking higher than ever, we fear the worst is still to come. With weather like this, the thought of going for a hike seems unbearable - however even in the extreme heat hiking doesn’t have to come to halt. 

With the correct gear, clothing and preparation you can enjoy a hike with the sun beaming down on you. 

Here are our tips and tricks on how to handle the heat. 

1. Check the weather

Keeping an eye on the temperature is what everyone thinks of. But humidity, wind and UV levels often get overlooked. All of these make a drastic difference to how comfortable and enjoyable your hike will be, as well as changing the conditions of your journey. High humidity can cause fatigue and dizziness, and high UV levels are hazardous for your skin. Be sure to sure to monitor these and prepare for them.

British weather is also known to unpredictable, even the hottest day can welcome a sudden spell of rain. So, plan for all weather conditions including rain, thunderstorms and wind.

Image of two hikers in summer

2. Timing

Planning the timing of your hike is crucial. Try to avoid the hottest part of the day. In the UK this is between 11am and 3pm. During these hours you want to find shelter under a shaded area, have lunch somewhere indoors or try to start your hike outside of these hours. 

Leaving early in the morning is the best option for multiple reasons. Firstly, this is when temperatures are cooler and comfortable to walk in. Secondly, summertime in the UK means it gets light as early as 3:30am, giving you a good window to hike before it gets too hot. Thirdly, a lot of the popular trails are less likely to be busy or crowded. 
 Image of a hiker with sun rise in the background

3. Picking the correct trail

When deciding on which trail to go for, it’s vital to go for a route where natural elements work in your favour. The best type are ones which are heavily shaded by woodland, or a coastal hike where you have a nice breeze. These types of trails prove to be very advantageous when hiking in hot weather.

Opt for routes that have lakes or streams along the way. This is so you can use the water to cool down, splash your face and feel refreshed.

Image of a hiker walking in woodland area

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water before, during and after your hike is very important. Whilst walking, it’s natural to sweat which means your body loses water. Try to drink a litre of water before setting off and keep drinking regularly throughout the day too. Carrying a big bottle of water may weigh you down, but you’ll thank yourself for doing it.

Electrolytes are also a good addition for staying hydrated. They help to the replace the salts lost through walking. 

Ensure you eat well too. The hot weather can often cause a loss of appetite, thus opting for lighter food is the better choice. A mixture of cold fruit, energy bars and snacks such as nuts and pretzels are ideal choices for replenishing your salt and sugar levels. Frozen berries and grapes are also a refreshing treat in the heat. 

5. Dress appropriately

Here’s a few things to consider with how to dress for the heat:

  • Light and loose: With the heat, it’s important to dress lightly and wear loose garments. Avoid thick materials and go for moisture-wicking fabrics instead.
  • Wear lighter colours: Light-coloured clothing reflects more sunlight than darker colours such as black or navy, helping to keep your body cooler. 
  • Cover-up: As important as it is to wear lightweight clothing, it’s just as important to cover-up and prevent sunburn. Choosing loose trousers over shorts and a thin long-sleeve top over a t-shirt, will protect your skin from the harsh UV levels. 
    Check out our summer hiking collection for the best pieces.
  • Accessorise: A hat and sunglasses are essential! Pick up a Trekmates hat to keep your head and ears protected from sunburn. We recommend the Ordos Hat or Borneo Hat. A good pair of sunglasses is also vital, choose ones that fully cover your eye area to prevent light getting in, glare and UV exposure.
  • SPF: Be sure to carry sunscreen and SPF lip balm with you and apply it frequently throughout the day.
  • Carry a small towel: Packing a small face towel is great for wiping off any sweat. It also doubles up as a cooler when soaked, so you can pat yourself off with cold water. 

So, there you have it, with the correct gear and prep a hot hike is possible.
Be sure to shop our edit of summer hiking clothing and tag us on Instagram when you’re next outdoors.

Happy hiking!

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