Hiking apparel

What Clothes to Wear for Summer Hiking?

Summer brings specific weather conditions for hiking. The heat encourages to dress light, but when the sun is shining, it's better to opt for a long-sleeve T-shirt and hiking trousers rather than a short-sleeve T-shirt and hiking shorts. This way, you will be better protected from the sun and its effect on the skin, as well as from mosquitoes when passing near wet areas. Most summer models are lightweight, breathable, wick moisture effectively, and dry quickly.

Weather-Appropriate Clothing

To be prepared for any eventuality, it's better to have dry spare clothes and a light Softshell jacket in your backpack in case of a storm. Indeed, in the mountains, as you may already know, the weather can be unpredictable. From a warm and sunny start to the day, you can quickly face a sudden disturbance causing the temperature to drop. To be ready for these uncertainties, and if there is any doubt about the day's conditions, consider packing a rain cape or a waterproof jacket, as well as waterproof hiking trousers in your backpack.

What Clothing for Mountain Trekking?

Distances are longer when it comes to treks, and the effort extends over several days, often in complete autonomy and deep in nature. With the changing weather and depending on the season, it's best to be prepared and equipped! Numerous technical and versatile clothes can meet your needs for a successful escapade despite sometimes harsh conditions. Comfort is all the more essential as your morale will be high if you have the opportunity to walk dry, without being too hot or too cold, with good air circulation and UV protection.

Men's and Women's Thermal Base Layers

Thermal base layers are your ally for mountain treks. You have two options when choosing the product that will suit you best.

Merino Wool for Extreme Cold

Merino wool comes from the sheep of the same name, the merino. It is known for its ability to regulate perspiration very effectively and has exceptional thermal properties. It should be preferred for autumn treks. This wool also has the major advantage of counteracting odours, unlike synthetic clothing which will reveal the olfactory effects of exertion.

Synthetic Fibre

Synthetic fibre has the advantage of being very light and soft. It dries quickly, making it an excellent ally for sunny treks. These characteristics make it comfortable to wear and protect you from UV rays without trapping heat!

Selection of Hiking Clothing Brands

Millet and Lafuma, Hiking Made in France

Based in Annecy, Millet Mountain Group includes Millet and Lafuma, two pioneers of French and global outdoor activities. From family hikes to the most challenging adventures, find products from these two brands on Glisshop, and get ready to give your best!

Ethical and Responsible Brands

Aware of their impact on the environment, many brands like Vaude or Patagonia are moving towards eco-friendlier designs to take care of the nature we love to explore. These brands strive to offer ranges of clothing with stylish designs, high technical performance, and made of recycled materials or free from harmful substances.

Labels and certifications can help consumers identify certain key criteria: the organic origin of fibres, verification of good working conditions for workers throughout the production chain, assurance of animal welfare where feathers are collected. Check the characteristics of our products and look for labels like Oeko-Tex, Bluesign, Fair Wear, Fair Trade, GOTS, RDS, and Organic Cotton.

Three-Layer Rule

Hiking clothes benefit from increasingly advanced technologies, materials, and options over the years. To stay warm without suffocating under your clothes, it's essential to follow the three-layer rule.

Breathable Layer:

For the upper body, an absorbent and breathable layer like a technical hiking T-shirt will keep you dry. In this area, synthetic fibres have broken records in thermoregulation, moisture-wicking, UV protection, and softness to the touch. This type of clothing dries very quickly. It will play an important role in moisture-wicking.

Insulating Mid-Layer

This will ensure great thermal comfort. It can be a fleece or a down jacket. In very cold weather, it is advisable to prefer fleece and keep the down jacket in the backpack. At the end of the day or upon reaching the summit, it will provide a dry layer to prevent chills.

Waterproof Layer

The waterproof and windproof hiking jacket is the final layer to effectively protect you from the elements without taking up too much space in the backpack. With a waterproof membrane, it will keep you dry in wet conditions.