The Complete Summer Hiking Gear Guide
As with any trip into the great outdoors, always start with the summer hiking gear essentials.
As always, this is a direct copy of the summer hiking gear list that I have tacked into the inside door of my gear blog (albeit a lot easier to read given my handwriting) and although not every trip requires every single item - for example when I am not hiking in a bear area I will not carry bear spray, I will choose between the clothing options (I am not bringing a pair of shorts, a pair of tights AND a pear of trekking pants on the same hike), however with only one exception I do own and use every one of these items for my summer days spent in the mountains!
So if you’re struggling with what to wear hiking in summer, this is some of the best women's hiking gear (and men's too!) to help you pack and prepare your summer outdoor gear for this season.
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*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made - at no additional cost to you. As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Thank you for your support!
My Ultimate Summer Hiking Gear List
1. Backpack
Top of my hiking gear recommendations is always a good backpack.
My go-to daypack is the Patagonia Nine Trails. It is out of stock, but their current Refugio is a similar size. I find the 26L version is big enough to carry everything I need including a few extra layers. If I am looking to mix things up I will pull out the Osprey Sirrus 24L (although there is only a 2L difference between the two the Nine Trails uses their space a lot more efficiently and it feels a lot larger).
Patagonia Refugio 26L Pack
Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack
2. Hiking top
This is all personal preference. I don’t like hiking in t-shirts generally and will opt for either long sleeve base layers (like the Lululemon swiftly tech long sleeve) or a tank top like the ones below. A lightweight layer and quick drying, moisture-wicking base layer or hiking shirt is a must for any hiking outfit.
Vuori Lux Performance Tank Top
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Tank Top
3. Mid (insulating) layer
I own this Patagonia Down Sweater in a handful of colours and will probably stick by them for life. Recently I picked up the Cerium because I did want a hooded option (size up in it like most Arc’teryx products) and it’s one of my favorite hiking gear pieces! I can’t wait to take it out.
Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket
Arc'teryx Cerium Down Hoodie
4. Wind and Rain Jacket
I haven’t gone to the mountains in over a year without this Arc’teryx waterproof jacket - it is expensive but also really lightweight and breathable with functional pockets and incredibly waterproof.
Before this jacket I brought one of either the Venture (which is a little bit more durable) or the Houdini (which is super breathable and packs down to fit in the palm of your hand). They are both wind jackets but serve different purposes.
Arc'teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
The North Face Alta Vista Jacket
5. Hiking Shorts
I like a short short when I am hiking and these both fit the bill for hiking gear for hot weather. Sometimes I will wear running shorts but with built in panties they are less ideal for longer hikes or multi-day hike trips.
The hiking shorts I typically wear are made by Eddie Bauer but they are discontinued and I haven’t found (or tried because I don’t need them and it feels wasteful to buy shorts I don’t need) any to replace them.
Vuori Clementine Shorts
Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
6. Tights
I get asked this a lot - honestly any tight will do for me but I prefer a sky high waist if possible. If they won’t fall down while I am hiking and the price tag does not make me cry when I inevitably fall in some rocks or catch them on a tree branch and they get their first hole - they are good by me.
The North Face Dune Sky Tight
Patagonia Centered Tights
7. Hiking Pants
I recently picked up these Fjallraven pants and love them - they’re some of my best hiking gear, they fit like a dream and they’re a great option for warmer weather.
Fjallraven Nikka Pant
REI Co-op Taereen Pants
8. Rain Pants
For the sake of full disclosure, I have never needed to put mine on (knock on wood) but also know that the first time I forget them at home I will need them.
Arc'teryx Zeta SL Rain Pants
9. Hiking Shoes
For shorter hikes and trail runs I will opt for trail shoes instead of boots. These are the best hiking shoes I own.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoe
Danner Trail 2650 GTX Hiking Shoes
10. Hiking Boots
I have been using the Inquire’s for just over a year now and love them. Their waterproofing is great and they are lightweight and durable with great ankle support for rough terrain.
Danner Inquire Chukka Mid Hiking Boots
11. Socks
When I am hiking I prefer a shorter more lightweight feel for my socks (if I could live my life barefoot I would).
Smartwool Outdoor Light Ankle Socks
12. Water bottle or Bladder
Another essential for your summer hiking gear list - staying hydrated is always a good idea, especially on longer hikes in warm weather.
I prefer to use Nalgene bottles. They are made from surgical grade plastic and can do double duty as a hot water bottle (just fill with boiling water, screw on the cap reallllly tight and toss it in your sleeping bag). Bladders are great way for large volume easy access water. I would not recommend using these in the winter as the lines freeze easily, don’t ever put anything other than water in them.
Nalgene Ultralite Wide-Mouth Water Bottle - 32 fl. oz.
Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir - 2 Liters
13. Snacks
I am not a bar kind of person. Neither the establishments nor the energy snacks. I like that GoMacro taste less processed and tend to be less aggressively sweet (the Everlasting Joy, Sweet Awakening and Protein Decadence are my go-to’s).
I try to always have something sweet (like bars) something salty (olives or beef jerky) and then some cheese. And don’t forget hydration!
OLOVES Natural Green Pitted Olives
Moon Cheese
Lorissa's Kitchen Premium Steak Strips
GoMacro
NUUN Sport Mixed Hydration Tablets
14. Sunglasses
Perfect for sunny days, these Remmy glasses are my all time favourite and I can’t imagine myself ever needed another pair.
RAEN optics Remmy 49 Polarized Sunglasses
15. Sunscreen
Always, always, always wear sunscreen for sun protection, even if it’s not hot weather you can still get sunburnt.
Natural Sunscreen Vanilla Coconut SPF 31
Signature SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick
16. Lip Chap
Hopeful self explanatory but chapstick is a great piece of kit regardless of weather conditions.
17. Knife or Multi-tool
I do not believe in hiking with guns - point blank I think it is a terrible idea. When in bear country I will bring bear spray (learn how to use it if you are carrying it and also, if you discharge it even once, even a little to test it… you need to get a new one).
But I will always bring a knife or a multi-tool which I think is a great addition to any hiking gear list - typically I use it to open food packaging around me.
James Brand The Carter Knife
Swiss Army Super Tinker Swiss Army Knife
18. Navigation
Don’t rely on your phone, research your route and bring a physical map and compass with you.
19. Emergency response device
This is recent piece of hiking kit and primarily a tool to keep my mom happy and I really enjoy the security of knowing that I have it if I need it (it is also great for checking in on incoming weather). The majority of my time outdoors is spent far from cell phone service and other outdoor women may find this a useful piece of kit.
Garmin inReach Mini 2-Way Satellite Communicator
20. First aid kit
I hope that this is self explanatory - but always make sure that your first aid kit is made for what you are doing.
21. Bug repellent and Hat/net
I have knock on wood been really lucky when it comes to bugs over the years. But this Sawyer spray (it comes in wipes and smaller containers too) is what I find to work for me. I also will bring a bug hat and net just to be safe. You might also want a wide-brimmed hat which doubles as sun protection.
22. Gloves and a toque
Even in the summer the alpine is cold - having these items in your bag is never a bad idea for chilly hikes or unexpected colder weather.
23. Headlamp
My go-to is a rechargeable headlamp which is the best option for something that is very bright and lightweight - even mid-day hiking you don’t know when something could go wrong and you are out later than you think.
Petzl Tactikka Core Headlamp
24. Hiking Poles
I don’t typically use hiking poles. But I know a lot of people do… so I researched and these would be what I would go with if I were to start using poles and was looking for the right gear.
Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Trekking Poles
25. Bear Spray
For all things bear safety related you can check out my Bear 101 blog here. I used to never carry bear spray (I was, and maybe still am, convinced that I am more likely to discharge it on myself than use it properly) but recently feel more comfortable with it.
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray
26. Camera gear
You can check out everything in my camera pod here or click the images below for some of my photography related blog posts (including all of my gear).
I hope this ultimate guide helps you find and plan the best hiking gear and kit you need for summer hiking adventures!
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