I spend many days hiking in the mountains in the summer and whether it’s Scotland, or Europe, I usually pack the same kit in my rucksack. I might take one less layer or only one pair of gloves if it’s forecast to be a hot day, but the weather in the mountains can change for the worse so quickly, which means I always like to be prepared with my hiking gear.
Clothing for summer hiking
I usually wear a Flanci skort, as well as a sports vest or t-shirt, followed by a long-sleeved baselayer. If it’s a chilly start to the day I will add a trail running waterproof jacket, a windproof jacket or a lightweight but insulated jacket.
I wear a buff on my head to keep my hair away from my face and also to protect my ears if the wind picks up.
My choice of socks will depend on what I think the terrain will be like. If it’s likely to be wet and boggy underfoot I wear lightweight waterpoof socks but if it is dry I will wear trail running socks, usually with some merino content.
Footwear for summer hiking
I prefer to wear trail shoes rather than boots in the summer months. If it’s very rough terrain I may wear lightweight summer hiking boots, but I much prefer the weight and freedom of movement in trail shoes.
My current favourite shoes for hiking summer mountains are Dynafit Traverse GTX shoes. These shoes give good traction on a wide range of ground including rock and they also have the right amount of cushioning for me (not to much but not too little). Plus they have a Gore-Tex liner for some waterproofing protection.
Spare clothes a kit in my rucksack
I will use a hiking pack of 15l to 30l, depending on the weather and whether I will be hiking only, or running and hiking. Just now I am using a Lowe Alpine summer pack. I also like the Ultimate Direction Adventure Vesta 5.0 pack.
I’ll take waterproof trousers, a waterproof jacket (if I am not already wearing it), a medium weight insulated jacket, gloves (a lightweight and a medium weight pair) and a pair of tights if I am worried about the cold at higher altitude.
If you’re hiking in the higher mountains of Europe, it’s also worth considering the risk of altitude sickness. While it’s more common at elevations above 2500m, some people may start experiencing mild symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea at lower altitudes. Staying hydrated, ascending gradually, and knowing the signs can help prevent complications. In some cases, taking preventative medication for altitude sickness before your trip can help reduce the risk of symptoms, especially if you’re prone to it or planning a rapid ascent.
I also add an emergency bivvy bag, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), map and compass, food and plenty of water.
My mobile phone is used for mapping a route on an app whether OS Maps or AllTrails, and for taking photos. I also wear a GPS watch with the chosen walking route uploaded.
I like to take hiking poles as well, such as the lightweight Komperdell poles.
Added extras include sunglasses, sun cream, painkillers and energy sweets or bars.