The Best Summer Hiking Gear for 2023
Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to get outside and go on an adventure! Before you embark on your next summer hike, make sure you’re properly equipped and outfitted.
Here’s our roundup of 13 of the best new gear items for summer hikes:
Cinched Hem Hiking T-Shirt
This comfortable, breathable t-shirt is perfect for summer adventures. The grid-textured mesh fabric keeps you dry even as you work up a sweat on a hot, sunny hike. It features a small pocket for keys or cards and a drawcord to cinch the bottom in. Although it’s slightly cropped, it’s not exactly a crop top—it hits right at the waist, which makes it ideal to pair with high-waisted tights or shorts. It is sweat-wicking, quick-drying and made from recycled polyester and nylon.
Buy it here: lululemon.com
Take a Hike Shorts 3.0
When I first put these extremely comfortable shorts on, I let out an audible sigh. Stretchy, soft, durable and water-resistant, these are my new favourite hiking shorts for summer. (As someone who religiously hikes in tights, this means a lot.) These shorts are the perfect length to avoid uncomfortable friction and rubbing. From thoughtful details like the small inscription on the fabric behind the crotch zipper to an impressive seven secure pockets, these sustainable shorts with an elasticized waist and adjustable belt will be my new go-to for hot summer hikes.
Buy it here: alderapparel.com
WELL.DER.NESS™ Go Women’s Tank Top
Kathmanduoutdoor.ca
Kathmandu is an outdoor brand based in Australasia that has finally become available at MEC in Canada. This tank top is enhanced with plant-based peppermint oil antimicrobial treatment from Life Natural™ to keep you feeling fresh and cool on gruelling summer hikes. The thoughtful design features a relaxed fit that encourages movement and layers easily. While it is a little bit see-through, I love where it hits (right above my belly button) and that it still offers coverage despite being a V-neck (falling about one inch below my collarbone). The elongated arm holes leave room to work up a sweat.
Buy it here: kathmanduoutdoor.ca
Men’s Hike to Swim Ripstop Shorts
Lululemon.com
Your adventure doesn’t have to stop at the shore—go ahead, jump in and cool off with these hybrid hike to swim shorts. Comfortable, textured and a tad on the short side with an eight-inch inseam, these trunks feature two-way stretch and water-repellent, breathable, quick-dry material with a snug-fitting mesh lining so you can go from the trail to the river, lake or ocean without changing. Our gear tester noted that a bungee waistband with a locking mechanism might be a more secure fit than the lace-up drawcord. Available in sizes XS to 5XL.
Buy it here: lululemon.com
Vardag Hydratic Anorak W
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Just because it is summertime doesn’t mean rain stops falling—or waterfalls stop pouring. Outlast the mist in this stylish, comfortable and practical anorak. Coated with PFC-free DWR, this 2.5-layer waterproof shell won’t add unnecessary insulation on warm summer adventures, but it will protect from the elements when you need it most. Made of recycled polyester, it features side zippers for easy ventilation, zippered hand pockets (including a small, hidden pocket) and elastic cuffs to keep waterfall spray out. The pullover style also has an adjustable hood. The whole jacket fits into its own pocket.
Buy it here: fjallraven.com
WND-Chaser Windbreaker Jacket
Shopneon.com
When the wind picks up and you want your adventure to keep going, block out the elements with this thin windbreaker jacket. It’s slick, packable, weather-resistant (wind- and water-repellent) and lightweight. This single-layer jacket is made with recycled polyester. The inner storm flap, chin guard and stand-up collar keep breezy summits from ruining your experience. It features elastic cuffs, two front zip pockets and reliable YKK zippers. Airy and thin, it can pack down into its own pocket, so stash it in your backpack for windy days.
Buy it here: shopneon.com
Oxeye Tech Shoes
Thenorthface.com
These technical shoes from The North Face blend style, comfort and performance. The trail-capable 2.5-millilimetre lugs on the outsoles provide sturdy traction across a range of terrain and the breathable uppers on both help keep your feet cool and comfortable on warm-weather hikes. With elevated webbing details and custom speed laces, modern bootie construction and a ripstop outer shell, these versatile kicks will take you up dusty trails and over rocky outcrops in no time.
Multifunction Towel Sport HD Poncho
The Chawel Multifunction Towel Sport HD Poncho functions as a changing room, poncho, blanket, neck pillow and quick-dry towel all in one. I recently used this hybrid gear item on a hike to a hot spring river in Iceland. While everyone else tried to hide behind wooden partitions and tiny quick-dry towels, I changed into my swimsuit and out of my sweaty hiking clothes with ease, avoiding the relentless bugs by dipping my head under the Chawel’s hood. If you love lake life or spontaneous river swims—and not having to hike back in a wet bathing suit—this is the perfect gear item for you.
Buy it here: explore-mag.com
CLIF® Builders® Protein + Caffeine
With the sun rising earlier, hiking adventures can start earlier, too. Beat the crowds by fuelling up with these nutritious and caffeinated protein bars by CLIF®. This bar has 20 grams of plant-based protein to help build strong muscles and repair body tissues for your next hike. Grab this bar to eat three hours before exercise along with water to supply energy to working muscles. For prolonged, lower-intensity exercise like a long, flat trek, you can munch while you walk to maintain your energy.
Buy it here: clifbar.com
Zeal Optics CUMULUS Sunglasses
Keep your eyes protected on summer adventures with a pair of stylish, sustainable, polarized sunglasses. For outdoorsy lifestyles, Zeal’s new sporty style expands the brand’s See Grass Collection. These sunglasses are made of 70 per cent recycled plastic and 30 per cent grass fibers. I chose the teal Leaf colour with copper frames to test out. They’ve quickly become my go-to for every sunny summer adventure. The lens clarity is impressive, the frames don’t get too hot to touch and the glasses don’t slip down my nose while I’m hiking.
Buy it here: zealoptics.com
MEC SERRATUS Pace UL 40L Backpack – Unisex
This is the coolest—and comfiest—new pack for speedy summer ascents. I’d like to compare it to a mullet: business in the front (trail running vest) and party in the back (storage compartment). All joking aside, the designers at MEC seriously knew what they were doing when they created this comfortable yet practical hybrid pack. Day hikers looking for a technical backpack will appreciate the lightweight back panel with mesh shoulder strap pockets for all-day comfort, the large front stuff-pocket for quick stashing and the shoulder harness pockets for quick-grab items.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Helly Hansen Resistor 45L Backpack
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Built for longer hiking trips, this comfortable backpack has 45 litres to fit everything you need for an overnight hike or multiday backcountry trip (if you pack light), but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for day hikes. The 3D internal wire frame with a fully adjustable harness system provides a comfortable, supported, custom fit that optimizes how you carry your load. Well-thought-out details like a capacity-expandable spindrift collar, easy-to-access zippered pockets, loops to hang your gear and a RECCO transponder for safety combine to make this a stand-out hiking backpack.
Buy it here: hellyhansen.com
RUPUMPACK® Insulated Hydration Backpack Hiking 18L
Outdoorslabs.com
As thankful as we are for our insulated water bottles, having to pause our day hikes for water breaks can become a little inconvenient. Keep yourself well hydrated on your hot summer hikes by picking up a good hydration pack. RUPUMPACK®’s insulated hydration pack lets you carry all the water you need on your shoulders. The plastic tube connects to the base of the water bag and loops onto the backpack’s strap so you can access your water without having to stop your hike.
Buy it here: outdoorslabs.com
Check out more on gear:
Do Hiking Socks Really Make a Difference?
How to Clean Your Hiking and Camping Clothes and Gear
