What to Wear Hiking: Tested Men’s Gear
Over the years, I’ve refined what I wear on the trail, especially as my hikes have become longer, more frequent, and taken me through a variety of rugged landscapes in different climates. When it comes to men’s three season hiking clothes, I’ve learned that sun protection, durability, and comfort make a huge difference. Whether I’m hiking in Arizona’s heat or making my way through overgrown brush, the right gear matters. Proper hiking gear needs to help you regulate your body temperature, withstand abrasion from overgrown trails and pack rub, move with you, and help manage odor.
In this post, I’m sharing my go-to men’s hiking clothes that I wear Spring, Summer, Fall, and an Arizona desert winter, from breathable shorts and pants to sun shirts to hiking boots and essential layers. Every item here is something I’ve personally purchased, tested, and put through heavy use (and lots of washes). Some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
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Hiking Shirts
My absolute favorite hiking shirt. I own this in several colors and keep checking for new ones—it’s that good. It’s lightweight, breathable, and offers UPF sun protection, which makes it perfect for summer hikes. It’s also held up well against pack rub and overgrown trails, and the built-in odor control is a nice bonus.
Merino wool products have been slowly creeping their way into my heart, for good reason. I’ve really come to appreciate the thermal regulation characteristic of the wool, its ability to naturally combat odors, and that merino wool naturally drys quickly. I was extremely impressed by how well Smartwool’s Merino short sleeve tee performed hiking in the Arizona forests over the summer and through the Italian Dolomites. I was able to wear the same shirt for multiple days without washing because it would dry quickly and had minimal odor.
My new favorite sun hoody. The KÜHL ENGINEERED™ Hoody has quickly replaced my old favorite—it’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for long days in the sun. I especially like the strategically placed open-knit panels that help with airflow, along with the odor resistance and moisture-wicking fabric that keeps me feeling fresh. It also offers solid UV protection, making it ideal for summer hikes or paddle days. And when it’s a little chilly in the winter, this is a great alternative to using a layering piece and adding bulk to your hiking weight.
Hiking Shorts and Pants
These are my go-to hiking shorts. I’ve tested a lot of options for men’s summer hiking clothes, and these stand out for a few key reasons. The fit is great and still allows full range of motion—especially important when hiking uphill or scrambling. I also really like the dedicated phone pocket; it’s separate from the hip pockets and makes it easy to grab my phone quickly. The fabric is tough enough to handle brush and rocks, and while I prefer the 8″ inseam, Kuhl offers longer lengths if that’s more your style.
This is the latest version of the Renegade Convertible pants and after years of using the previous version, I was skeptical of change at first. However, I love the updated version. They feel lighter, just as strong, and move better with me hiking. I didn’t love the cargo pocket and phone holding of the previous version, but this new version has a dedicated phone pocket and a more modern design. After buying one pair and testing them in Flagstaff, I was impressed and bought another pair, taking both to hike in the Italian Dolomites.
The Silencer Pant from Kuhl is a great pant for cool or light rain hiking conditions. They’re light weight, they have great water repellency, but aren’t very thick, allowing for breathability as it warms up. I have them in black and green. And maybe one of the best underrated perks, the pants are stylish enough to be worn off trail, in town or to dinner.
A lightweight belt that’s built for the trail (and travel). I didn’t think a hiking belt would make much of a difference until I tried this one. The Kuhl Resistor Belt is lightweight, stretches just enough for comfort, and doesn’t dig in under a pack. The metal-free design is also perfect for airport travel, and the low-profile buckle slides through belt loops easily and stays secure without bulk.
Men's Hiking Shoes
My go-to hiking boots for rugged terrain. I’ve been a fan of Salomon boots for years because they fit my foot well, are surprisingly lightweight, and handle Arizona’s tough, extremely rocky trails without a problem. One of my favorite features is the quick-lace system. It’s way more convenient than traditional laces, and I never have to worry about them coming untied or catching on rocks. I have both the Gore-Tex version for wetter hikes and more protection overgrown condition, and the regular version which are fantastic in warmer climates.
Men's Hiking Pack
The day pack I reach for every time. This pack has just the right amount of space for my hiking essentials, plus room for a layer or two, and it even fits our JetBoil on longer day hikes. It offers solid support, easy adjustability, and a separate sleeve for a hydration reservoir, which makes refilling quick and hassle-free. It’s held up really well over time and comfortably fits a 3L reservoir which is perfect for hot summer hikes.
Men's Hiking Sandals
My favorite sandals for water hikes and post-trail comfort. These are super comfortable and surprisingly durable. I like using them for water activities or short hikes near streams and lakes. They’re also perfect for slipping on after a long hike—great for letting my feet breathe once the boots come off.
Men's Hiking Sunglasses
High-quality sunglasses that actually make a difference. Oakley’s Prizm Polarized lenses really impressed me—the clarity is sharp, and my eyes feel well-protected, even on bright, exposed trails. I wear the Mainlink frames for their simple look and the rubber grip that keeps them secure, even when I’m sweating. We invest in good sunglasses for the UV protection and long-term clarity, and we make them last by cleaning them regularly and storing them away from direct sun.
A hiking essential I never leave behind. It’s hard to believe there was a time I hiked without a hat. This one has become a staple for me. The wide brim provides great shade for both my face and eyes, and it also has built-in UPF protection for extra sun defense. I also love that it’s low-maintenance: it packs down easily into my hiking bag and can be hand-washed in the sink. I also have the REI bucket hat and love it too!
One of the most underrated pieces of hiking gear. Socks are critical to staying comfortable on the trail—they can truly make or break a hike. I’m a big fan of these ankle-cut socks for summer hikes and low-cut boots. They offer the right amount of cushioning and support, and they do a great job resisting odor, even after long, hot days.
A solid upgrade from traditional water shoes. These are my go-to water shoes when I want better traction and more protection than typical slip-ons provide. They’re sturdy enough for rocky riverbeds or short trail sections, and I really like the adjustable fit—it makes a big difference in comfort and performance.
Final Thoughts on Summer Hiking Clothes
Whether you’re hiking desert trails, wading through rivers, or tackling steep climbs, the right men’s summer hiking clothes can make all the difference. These are the items I trust and use often—they’ve been tested on real trails in real conditions. If you’re building your own kit, I hope this guide helps you find pieces that keep you cool, protected, and comfortable all summer long.
Got a favorite summer hiking item I should try? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram!
