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What do you wear to the mountains in the summer? Dress right for hiking, biking, and running

Updated: 1 July 2022, 11:46

The mountains are the perfect place to spend your leisure time, all year round. Whether you’re looking for inner peace or an adrenaline rush – or both – going to the mountains is the whole deal. Peace and quiet, breathtaking views, and extraordinary challenges. Before you head out, though, take a minute to figure out what you should wear to stay dry and comfortable on your hike, bike ride, or run. It doesn’t have to be that complicated.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR ON A MOUNTAIN TRIP IN THE SUMMER?

What you should wear to the mountains in the summer depends on the weather and what you’re planning to do. The general rule, however, is to wear layers that you can peel off or pile on depending on the weather and your body temperature. Staying dry and at a comfortable temperature is what’s most important, all year round.

Always keep in mind that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Check the weather report to be safe and be prepared for anything: wind, rain, and snow.

TEES FOR WARM WEATHER

If you’re going hiking, biking, or running in warm summer weather, you’re probably going to be ok in a t-shirt with short or long sleeves. Pro tip: If you’re hiking, make sure that your t-shirt is long enough in the back to prevent chafing from your backpack.

If you prefer a tighter fit and synthetic materials you could go for the Logo Tech SS 2 Tee / W Logo Tech SS 2 Tee, a four-way stretch, breathable, fast-drying technical t-shirt with brushed inside. Its long-sleeved twin, the Logo Tech LS 2 Tee / W Logo Tech LS 2 Tee has the same advantages but provides a bit more protection from the elements. And if you’re biking, the long sleeves also protect you from cuts and scrapes if you’re hit by branches or if you fall.

A polyester polo shirt like Tech Polo is also a great option. The collar looks stylish and gives the sensitive neck area some extra protection from the sun. It’s a perfect blend of sporty and dressy and can be worn anywhere really. We say it’s where lifestyle meets tech.

If you’re a cotton kind of guy or gal, why not go 100% organic? Huski Wear’s Flock Print TeeStriped Logo Tee, and Logo Tee are all made with 100% organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, uses far less water, and produces 46% less CO2e compared to conventional cotton.

Sweaters, jackets, vests, and shirts for protection

If the temperature drops, if it gets windy, or starts to rain or snow, you’ll need a protective layer of clothing like a sweater and/or a jacket. Fleece is always a great option. It keeps you warm and it’s super-cozy. We love it so much that we’ve put to get a whole range of unisex active gear. For protection against wind, rain, and snow, however, you'll need a wind- and water-proof jacket. The protective layer can also be used when you’re taking a break and in the evenings/nights if you’re staying out longer.

The Pile Crew is a 100% recycled polyester pile fleece crewneck sweater guaranteed to keep you warm. Since it doesn’t have a hood, you won’t have to worry about chafing against your jacket if you need to add another layer, or against your backpack if you’re hiking. If you prefer a sweater that you don’t have to pull over your head or want a sleeveless option, there’s also the full-zip Pile Jacket and the sleeveless Pile Vest. For the ladies, there’s even a longer, hooded version of the Pile Jacket called the Pile Hood Jacket that fully covers your lower back and bum.

For a cooler cotton/spandex-blend alternative, you could go for the Sweat Crew or the Sweat Hoody instead. The hoody has a front half-zip that lets you regulate the temperature even more. 

A shirt can also work well, especially if you’re hiking. If you want protection from the sun and not necessarily extra warmth, you can wear it open. The Huski Wear Flannel Shirt is a unisex classic lumberjack shirt made of 100% organic cotton to protect the environment.

The Huski Wear 2.5L Parka / W 2.5L Parka is a great option for colder and harsher weather conditions. The 2.5-layer fabric is waterproof and the seams are sealed to keep wind and rain/snow out. It has an adjustable storm hood, water-resistant 2-way front zip, zipped hand pockets, a napoleon pocket for extra storage, and side slits for extra movement. It's so versatile that you can use it all year round, for any outdoor activity.

Shorts and pants

In warm summer weather, a pair of shorts or short tights is probably enough whether you’re hiking, biking, or running in the mountains. Make sure that they fit your waist well so you don’t have to keep hiking them up, though.

Huski Wear Active Shorts / W Active Shorts are made for high-paced activities. A polyester/spandex blend makes them lightweight, stretchy, and quick-drying. If you want a more dressy style, you could go for the Cotton Shorts instead. They’re stretchy and great for everyday mountain life.

Tights are a better option if you want a tight fit. The Huski Wear Active Tights Shorts / W Active Tights Shorts are super-stretchy and comfortable. Plus there’s a phone pocket on one leg.

Pants protect your legs nicely, although they might be too much in really warm weather. The Pile Pants belong to the warm and cozy Huski Wear pile fleece family and the Sweatpants are cool, versatile, and comfy enough for any occasion.

Synthetic materials or cotton: pros and cons

Should you use clothing made of synthetic materials or cotton for mountain activities, you might ask? Well, there are pros and cons to both and in the end, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Synthetic materials like polyester are non-absorbant, which means that the moisture from your skin evaporates instead of being absorbed by the material. It keeps both you and the clothing dry. And if you stay dry, you stay warm. The “stay warm” part is of course extra important if you’re out and about in lower temperatures. Synthetic materials are, however, known for getting quite funky-smelling after a while.

Cotton, on the other hand, is breathable and somewhat absorbent, which means it won’t make you sweat more and will absorb some of the moisture from your body. Cotton does take a while to dry though, so if you’re exercising in lower temperatures wearing cotton closest to your body might not be the best move.

Some other things you’ll need on your mountain adventure

Even if you’re only going for a short hike, bike ride, or run, it’s important to bring what you need to stay healthy and safe. Depending on how much you need to bring, a Daypack or a Bum Bag will probably come in handy. 

Remember to bring:

  • Fluids and energy in the form of, for example, bars, sandwiches, or fruit
  • Extra clothes if the weather changes or if you get wet
  • Your phone for emergencies
  • A first aid kit in case anyone gets hurt (blisters can be a real pain in the a**)
  • A hat to protect you from the sun (Huski Wear has some great hats) and, if you’re biking, a pair of gloves to protect your hands from scratches
  • Sunglasses to protect your eyes

Comfortable footwear is, of course, a must. And if you’re biking, wearing a helmet is great for safety. You might also want to learn how to fix a tire and some common break-downs so you don’t get stuck.

Don’t forget to tell people where you’re going and follow the rules up there.

Now go enjoy the mountains!