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Veterans know this very well: when it comes to mountain clothing, especially in the most treacherous and unpredictable seasons such as summer, one should never take anything for granted.
Between unpredictable weather, scorching sun and temperatures that can change in an instant, the key is never to be found unprepared!
Here are our 10 tips for summer trekking-proof clothing.
Dress in layers
The classic 'granny tip' that always works and will always work: the weather in the mountains is really unpredictable, and can change from one moment to the next without warning - it is always better to be over-covered and have to take off a few layers, than to be dressed light and need an extra sweatshirt!
Pro tip: take a large, semi-empty rucksack with you so that you have plenty of space to conveniently put on the layers you don't need.
Choose the right socks
Even if it's going to be very hot, don't make the mistake of wearing socks that are too light: always choose technical socks specifically for summer trekking, designed to keep your feet as dry as possible and cushion the rubbing of the foot against the boot, avoiding blisters and painful abrasions.
Use the right footwear
Just because it's summer doesn't mean that the best choice is the lightest shoes you have: especially in the case of difficult or particularly uneven terrain, as well as long hikes, opt for more structured boots that can support your foot and ankle properly and protect it from rain and soil in bad weather.
Pro tip: when you stop for lunch or a long break, take off your boots and remove the insoles, letting them air dry - heat and sweat create a lot of moisture inside the boot, increasing the risk of chafing and blisters.
Take a look at our trekking and light hiking boot lines →
Choose high-quality materials
Especially when it comes to layers in contact with the skin, prefer light, breathable technical clothing that dries quickly and avoids the risk of cold snaps and chafing.
Always bring a change
Put at least one pair of socks, a T-shirt and (possibly) a spare bra in your rucksack, to be replaced as soon as you stop: in the mountains, especially on the summits, there is always some cold air, even on bright sunny days, and keeping wet clothes with sweat on them risks causing unpleasant discomfort.
Choose a technical backpack
Mountain backpacks, even the simplest ones, are specially designed to let your skin breathe as much as possible and to minimise heat and perspiration, unlike school or leisure backpacks; moreover, they always have an ergonomic design, which allows you to make less fatigue (...and treat your back well!).
Protect your calves
As far as possible, try to wear long trousers, to protect your ankles and calves from ticks, stinging plants and possible cuts or wounds: there are many zip-off models on the market, with the part from the knee down removable, to keep your calves protected while walking and leave them free when you stop or along safer paths.
If you really don't want to do without short trousers, protect your leg with knee-high socks at least up to mid-calf calf.
Protect yourself from the sun
In the mountains, the sun is more intense than at the seaside or on the plains: to avoid sunstroke and sunburn, it is essential to carry everything you need to cover yourself - a hat or bandana to protect your head, sunglasses for your eyes, and a high sunscreen (mind you, it must be reapplied every 2 hours - it also comes in convenient spray or stick formats, so no excuses!).
Don't get too exposed
If you decide to walk around in a tank top or sports top, always keep a T-shirt or light sweatshirt handy to cover your belly and shoulders: you never know when a cool breeze might arrive!
Bring warm clothing
Even if it seems absurd to you, it is really important to put a fleece, a shell (a simple waterproof and windproof jacket is fine), and a cap, gloves and neck warmer in your rucksack: all it takes is for the sky to get slightly overcast for temperatures to plummet in an instant, exposing your body and especially your head, sweating from the heat and the sun, to low temperatures that risk your health.
A few but essential steps to enjoy your summer trekking days without the unexpected!
Looking for a pair of hiking boots for your summer? Check out all our models! →
