In the last year and a half many have discovered or rediscovered the beauty of nature, and many are choosing a mountain destination for their summer holidays , in spite of the most obvious seaside places. A perfect choice for those who want to reduce the stress of the city, giving the opportunity to relax in the cool and enjoy the landscape. Have you decided to opt for a stay in the mountains during the summer? Then you can't help but follow our advice on the summer trekking clothing you need !!
The mountains, regardless of the season, require specific garments .
In fact, let us remember that the high altitude can reserve some surprises even in the height of summer.
It is therefore not recommended to go there without being adequately prepared .
Certainly, when you think about a week on the beach, the choices on the clothing front are much simpler ( for this you can look at our assortment of swimwear ). In the mountains, however, the situation is very different and, based on the days of stay, the backpack you bring with you will reach a specific weight that should not be underestimated.
So what are we waiting for? Here is a guide that we hope will help you.
Summer trekking underwear
Let's start from the main assumption:
When it comes to summer trekking clothing, the garment to think about immediately is the technical underwear : the first layer in direct contact with the skin.
It will be necessary to opt for a fabric that is able, not only to be comfortable, but to disperse both heat and humidity . Following this logic, therefore, the best choice is linked to a breathable technical fabric that has all these characteristics.
AVOID CLASSIC COTTON! Cotton is a hydrophilic material. The explanation, therefore, is very simple: it tends to absorb water and retain it.
Underwear also includes socks , a fundamental element for hikers and non-hikers. Always underestimated, today considered an integral and fundamental part for achieving comfort.
In summer, given the temperature, we recommend a model capable of allowing the dispersion of heat, avoiding the formation of very painful blisters.
The jacket
To go to the mountains, having it with you becomes an added value when you venture out on a day of trekking.
Don't be fooled by the sun, when you are in the mountains, the temperature changes drastically .
To avoid being completely drenched during a sudden seasonal storm, having a waterproof jacket in your backpack could be a real salvation .
Some jackets can be "folded" with extreme simplicity, taking up little space and ensuring high practicality. Even better are the jackets or shells with heat-sealed seams, so as not to let water in in case of rain.
Trekking technical t-shirt
When it comes to t-shirts, many don't notice the difference between technical and regular designs . The best technical trekking shirts are made to last longer, while supporting you on your hikes. Starting with the fabric, hiking shirts have features that go beyond normal clothing, keeping the body insulated and away from sweat for hours on end. Objective: to stay dry and avoid blows of air and muscle tears.
You should always have both short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts in your backpack, especially if you are heading out for a multi-day trek in uncertain weather conditions.
The Ideal Pants
Ok, let's talk about summer trekking clothing, but we certainly can't opt for just any pair of shorts to go to the mountains.
When going to the mountains, some factors must be taken into consideration:
First of all, since we are talking about trekking and excursions, it would be a good habit to choose long and breathable trousers , since it is assumed that the paths are dense with vegetation. Which is why, to avoid getting hurt, it is better to start with awareness.
On the other hand, know that there are some models of trousers that can be transformed such as our ZIP-OFF by CMP , equipped with zippers at the knees that give the wearer the possibility to shorten them as shorts according to the need of the case.
The shoes
It must be taken into account that you have to walk when you leave for the mountain adventure: for this reason the choice of shoes must not be superficial.
Although the summer season seduces us by orienting us towards bad choices, like a pair of light sneakers (a big mistake), the mountain remains a mountain even during the sunniest season.
Opting for a pair of breathable hiking boots , even if the idea makes you sweat at the very thought, is of fundamental importance in order to stumble, run into annoying ankle sprains and even slip while hurting yourself.
So let's forget the heavy boot for winter trekking. Special mountain shoes have been created just for the summer season, able to protect the foot without making it sweat.
We've rounded up some of the best hiking shoes right here .
The backpack
The last, but not least, requirement is a perfectly equipped backpack for mountain tours .
So leave the backpack in the closet at home for the gym and other activities.
The specific backpacks for trekking are designed precisely to accommodate the movements of the wearer and, above all, in such a way as to avoid an excessive load that weighs on the hiker's back.
( here an article on how to prepare a trekking backpack )
Obviously, the size of the backpack will be directly proportional to the stay and the type of excursion that will be done.
The Trekking Poles
Indispensable, useful, indispensable.
When it comes to trekking poles , to go to the mountains for an excursion, opinions are wasted and divided, between skeptics and enthusiasts. In the end, there is no real rule, and those who prefer to do without it can safely continue to do so. The choice is yours, then.
- Better walking balance. There is no question that four points of support are better than two.
- Discharge of part of the weight on the arms.
- Improve your breathing.
- Your arms will be strengthened.
- Smoother walking.
What do you think, then, do you think they are useful? ; P
Water bottle, bottle or camelbak?
A reflection should also be made on the container used for transporting water.
The average consumption of a hiker is around 1lt every two hours.
Let's say immediately that plastic water bottles are not the best, first of all because of the pollution they produce and then they are not able to keep the water fresh for long.
The water bottles are certainly the most valid alternative to plastic bottles but the camelbak is an even more practical solution.
It is a soft pouch that fits in your backpack with a straw to be fixed to the shoulder strap and from which you can suck water (perhaps with the addition of mineral salts) at any time without having to stop.
So, once you've made these assessments, you'll be ready to go on an adventure! ;)
And remember: dress well, go wherever you want !