Rab's Guide to Summer Hiking
mountaingroupThere's something quite special about summer hiking.
Perhaps it's the trees in full foliage, providing welcoming shade and a tempting spot from which to gaze at the endless blue skies. Or maybe it’s the promise of cooling off in rivers, lakes, and streams, only accessible by foot, rewarding your efforts as the sun reflects on their rippling surface.
Late sunsets and early sunrises extend the available daylight hours, whilst warmer weather is perfect for finding places to camp to enjoy with friends, or maybe just yourself.
Walking in the summer is fleeting and before we know it, we’ve reached the equinox, and the days slowly get shorter, but the ebb and flow of time make it all the sweeter.
This summer hiking guide aims to help you make the most of the small window of high temperatures and longer days that summer provides.
Where to Start
If you’re new to hiking then welcome to the hiking fold that forms our community of mountaineers here at Rab. You’re in safe hands, and we aim to guide you through the basics of getting out and into the hills this summer.
Our guide seeks to answer questions and provide advice geared towards day hikers, rather than multi-day hikers or thru-hikers. The barrier to entry is lower, and with the right kit, you can enjoy stunning days out in the hills and mountains, and see the landscape from a whole new perspective.
What to Wear for Summer Hiking
If you're planning to head outdoors for a short walk of up to an hour or two, you don't need anything more than shorts, a T-shirt, some water, and a good pair of walking or trail running shoes. You’ll also need a pack to carry your map, a small first aid kit, and some snacks. The gear you wear for the gym is perfect.
But for serious day hikes with a good amount of elevation gained over several hours, you need to consider what clothing to wear and pack for your summer hike. Remember, even in summer, conditions in the mountains are changeable and unpredictable.
This section will give you an overview of what we recommend wearing and packing for your summer hike.
Technical T-shirt
Cotton T-shirts are best avoided as they are heavy when wet and do not dry quickly unlike wicking synthetic T-shirts. Whilst wearing a wet T-shirt on a warm day might feel nice initially, it will increase chafing and if you get caught out after dark, leave you with a cold first layer. Lightweight synthetic layers are soft, non-irritating, will keep you cool in hot conditions, and are warmer than cotton in cold conditions.
Lightweight mid-layer
It is unlikely that you will need a down jacket or a winter fleece for summer hikes. However, we recommend that you bring a lightweight fleece as an emergency layer. Even in summer, you should consider the wind chill and prepare for the unexpected, so having a warm layer is essential.
Lightweight shorts or trousers
Some hikers prefer to wear trousers all year round and opt for lightweight, packable trousers in the summer months. These protect your legs from the sun, but also help with insect bites and when walking through brush and nettles.
However, if you prefer to tan your legs in the summer, you will need to wear a pair of lightweight, breathable shorts that offer a comfortable fit around the waist.
Lightweight walking boots or trail running shoes
The footwear you choose comes down to personal preference. Some hikers prefer a sturdy walking boot that offers ankle support. Meanwhile, other hikers prefer to travel lighter, wearing a lightweight walking shoe or even a trail runner.
Try both to see which you prefer, as each has its pros and cons. Both the waterproof protection of a walking boot and the low weight and bulk of a trainer can be useful depending on your choice of hike.
There are several accessories you won't want to leave home without on a summer hike. These include:
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A well-stocked first aid kit and knowledge of how to use it
- Map and compass
- Power bank, if you plan to use your phone for navigation (still pack a paper map)
- Enough snacks to last the day
- Enough water for the day (3-4 litres on a hot mountain day)
- Stuff sacks for gear and to carry trash off the hill
-
Breathable socks
Planning your hike
Choosing a route for summer hiking can be a challenge. Not for lack of options, but because there are so many options. Bookstores are filled with guidebooks packed with excellent routes. And if books aren't your thing, new apps are released every year, all with user-generated routes and short guides.
Apps like Wikiloc are a great place to start and have thousands of routes, all with different challenge levels, all over the world.
If you're a beginner hiker, keep it simple and explore close to home. Start by visiting your local country park, or the nearest National Park or nature reserve.
There are a few reasons why this is a good idea. Firstly, it's closer to home if you have any problems while on the trail. Secondly, you'll be surprised at what you find in your local countryside when you get away from the streets and roads you probably know well.
When planning our hike, we have some useful points to consider, especially if we want to hike in summer for the first time:
- Choose a route that you know you can comfortably complete. If the route is more challenging, consider an exit route. Ideally, this will be a halfway exit point where you know you can comfortably stop and walk back. Alternatively, it could be a stop where public transport or a ride home is possible.
- Choose a well-traveled and well-marked trail. This can include walking a section of a national trail or a short circular trail following a route. Or simply a well-traveled trail with good signage along the way. Walking a popular trail helps you navigate, which in turn will lead to a more enjoyable overall experience.
- If you decide to follow a map on your phone, make sure you have a backup map in your backpack and a power bank. Sometimes phones fail for various reasons, and having a spare will give you the confidence you need to continue navigating if necessary.
Staying safe on the trail
Before setting foot on the trail, it's important to consider your safety. Of course, it's safer than winter hiking, where the chances of getting caught in adverse weather or slipping are significantly higher.
However, you still need to consider some important factors. These include:
- Staying cool and hydrated
- Warm-weather first aid
- Being on exposed ridges or scrambles when the weather changes
Staying Hydrated
Knowing how much water to bring on a hot day can be a challenge. Simply put, it's better to bring more than you need. If you're concerned about the extra weight of too much water, you'll drink it soon enough. You'll thank yourself for having carried extra as the day progresses. There's nothing worse than running out of water on a scorching summer day.
Warm-weather First Aid
Sunscreen is an obvious addition to your gear list when hiking, as well as a sun hat and glasses. On high mountain or ridge routes, you'll be exposed to the sun most of the day, so it's important to use high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.
Warm weather also leads to sweaty feet. Consider bringing blister patches and wearing appropriate socks that help wick excess moisture away from your feet. This in turn will help prevent blisters that can ruin a good day on the trail.
Leave No Trace
If this is your first time hiking, it’s useful to familiarise yourself with the Leave No Trace principles. These principles are designed to help outdoor enthusiasts reduce their impact on the environments we love to use. The hope is that by following the guidelines we can continue to preserve our natural places for future generations to enjoy.
The seven Leave No Trace Principles are:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Research the areas you plan to visit, pack essentials, and abide by local regulations and guidelines. For example, some backcountry areas may be off-limits at times of the year due to bird nesting or rewilding.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
When you choose to hike, and even stop for the night, do so on surfaces that are designed for walking and camping or are not prone to heavy erosion.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Whether you’re on a day hike or a multi-day trek, it’s important to pack out all of your trash and properly dispose of human and pet waste.
4. Leave What You Find
Our natural places are best enjoyed with your eyes rather than your hands. This means not disturbing natural objects or creatures.
5. Minimise Campfire Impact
Spain's laws on making fire generally prohibit it, but in other countries, if you do make a campfire, use established fire rings and keep your fire small. Please put your fire out completely when you’re done.
6. Respect Wildlife
Animals are best viewed from a distance, and often don’t do well with human food despite their interest in your lunch.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Our wild and outdoor spaces are for everyone. Be courteous and respectful of all others who are enjoying the outdoors.
By adhering to these principles, you can help preserve the beauty of our outdoor spaces and ensure that they are still there for future generations to enjoy.
Where To Go Next?
It’s often easier to choose where to hike if the decision has been made for you. If the idea of hiking alone isn’t for you, and you’d prefer to share the buzz, and the snack, of a communal hike, then we recommend the following groups and organisations.
The Ramblers
The Ramblers is a national UK charity that works to protect the places we love to walk, whilst also promoting walking for our health and enjoyment. They also have a busy calendar of social walks, with local walking groups covering the whole of Great Britain.
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups provide a great space for sharing hiking tips, comparing route notes, and finding fellow walkers. Some groups also offer organised community walks. These are unlikely to be guided, so may not be a good place to start if you’re a beginner, but will allow you to meet like-minded outdoor lovers.
Mountaineering Clubs
There are a number of independent climbing and mountaineering clubs across the UK. Many have a rich heritage, with some also owning mountaineering huts in remote corners of the country which offer discounted rates to members. As well as climbing and mountaineering, many of these clubs also organise walking meets for members who no longer climb or don’t wish to.
Guided Walks
There are a number of small businesses that offer guided walks. These can be private or part of a small group, and are an opportunity to learn from an instructor and build your confidence in day hiking.
