What to wear to the mountains in summer: clothing, backpack, and checklist for hiking and non-technical high mountaineering

Altura Expeditions
Jul 21
5 min read

Are you planning a mountain hike this summer and aren't sure what to pack? Although it's warm in the valley, as you climb, temperatures drop, the wind picks up, and the sun beats down. This guide is designed for hiking and trekking in mid- and high mountains, lasting from one to several days, as long as they don't involve technical terrain, glaciers, or the use of crampons or ice axes .

We'll tell you what to wear, what to pack in your backpack, how to stay hydrated, what mistakes to avoid, and a checklist ready to print or save.

🧾 Want this guide in PDF format? Write to us and we'll send it to you personalized → info@alturaexpeditions.com

hiker loves dablam — Hiker with Ama Dablam in the background during the trek to Everest Base Camp.

🥾 Summer mountain clothing: layers, footwear, and protection

The trick is layering. Even in summer, you can get hot on the way up... and cold at the top or on the windy descent. Here's what to wear for each level:

✅ Layered system:

Base layer: Breathable technical t-shirt (never cotton).
Middle layer: Thin lining or microfleece.
Outer layer: Windbreaker or waterproof raincoat (min. 10,000 mm water column).
High Alpine: Add a thick, compressible down jacket (especially if you summit at dawn or spend the night at altitude).
Legs: Lightweight or detachable long pants. Shorts only if you know the terrain well and there's no dense vegetation.

🧢 Essential accessories:

Visor-type hat or cap + multifunction buff.
Sunglasses (category 3 minimum, 4 if you go above 2,800 m).
Thin or fleece gloves (yes, even in summer).

👣 Footwear:

Mid-mountain: trail or hiking shoes with good soles.
High mountain: mid- to high-cut boots with a stiff sole and good grip. Essential if you're facing rocks, snowfields, or scree.

🎒 Backpack and essential equipment

Your backpack should be comfortable, fit your back well, and have the right capacity for what you'll need. For day hikes, a 20- to 30-liter pack is usually sufficient. Don't forget to pack a raincoat, a fleece or down jacket, a headlamp, a mini first-aid kit, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And if you're going to high altitudes, add thin gloves and a hat: even in summer, the weather changes quickly.

🎒 What backpack should I take?

1-day route: 20–30 L
Traverse with shelters: 35–45 L
Bivouac crossing or unassisted crossing: 50 L or more

🧩 Backpack essentials:

Telescopic poles (preferably foldable).
Front (with spare batteries or charged battery).
Pocket knife or multi-tool.
Thermal blanket.
Bring a sheet or light towel if you sleep in shelters.
External battery.
Physical map of the area + GPS or app with offline maps.
Personal documentation and insurance if you are going abroad or to remote areas.

🚰 Hydration and nutrition in the mountains

Carry at least 1.5–2 L of water, more if it's hot or there are no reliable sources along the route. A hydration system like the CamelBak can be very practical. As for food, opt for light, high-calorie, and easy-to-digest items: nuts, bars, dried fruit, or simple sandwiches. It's better to have a snack every hour than a large meal mid-ride.

💧 Water:

Minimum 2 L per day per person (more if it is hot or there is a steep slope).
Hydration bag + soft bottle.
Filter or water purification tablets if there are no reliable sources.

🍫 Food:

Light and high-calorie snacks: nuts, bars, dried fruit.
Sandwiches, pita bread or Swedish bread + cured sausage.
Mineral salts or electrolyte tablets if you sweat a lot.

🧴 Sun protection and first aid kit

The sun at altitudes above 2,000 meters is much more aggressive. Chafing and blisters appear when you least expect them.

☀️ Sun protection:

SPF 30 or higher, sweat-resistant cream.
Lip balm with SPF.
Glasses with 100% UV protection.

🩹 Basic first aid kit:

Band-aids, gauze and dressings.
Compeed or similar for blisters.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Antiseptic and adhesive tape.
Your personal medications.

📋 Quick checklist: what to bring depending on the type of route?

Material	1 day	2–3 days (shelter)	Bivouac crossing
Suitable backpack	✅	✅	✅
Layered clothing	✅	✅	✅
Waterproof jacket	✅	✅	✅
Thick feathers	—	✅	✅
Technical footwear	✅	✅	✅
Hat, thin gloves, glasses	✅	✅	✅
Water and food	✅	✅	✅
Walking sticks	✅	✅	✅
Frontal	✅	✅	✅
Sheet bag	—	✅	—
Sleeping bag / bivouac	—	—	✅
Map + GPS / offline app	✅	✅	✅
External battery	✅	✅	✅
Mini first aid kit	✅	✅	✅

⚠️ Common mistakes you can avoid

Wear cotton : it absorbs sweat and cools you quickly. Always wear technical clothing.
Be careful because of the heat down below : up there it can be 5°C and strong winds.
Drink little water : Dehydration is more common than you think.
Backpack too big or empty : look for balance and stability.
Go out without checking the weather : Summer brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

🧗♂️ What if you go with a guide or in a group?

On organized tours, the guide often carries a GPS, an extended first-aid kit, and group gear. But you are responsible for your own personal equipment. Make sure you bring:

Appropriate clothing, water, food, sun protection.
Footwear adapted to the terrain.
Your personal medication.

👉 At Altura Expeditions , when you book a trek or climb with us, we send you a personalized checklist based on the route, your skill level, and the weather forecast.

🙋♂️ FAQ · Frequently Asked Questions

What clothes to wear for hiking in summer?

Use a layering system: a technical shirt, a light fleece, and a windbreaker. Also bring a hat, sunglasses, and light gloves if you're going to gain altitude.

Which backpack is suitable for a day hike?

A 20- to 30-liter backpack is sufficient if you're traveling light. It should have a hip belt, a ventilated back, and external pockets.

Do I need a map or GPS if I have a mobile phone?

Yes. Always carry a physical map and/or a downloaded map app. In the high mountains, it's easy to run out of battery or lose coverage.

Boots or sneakers in summer?

Shoes for well-marked mid-mountain trails. Boots for rocks, snowdrifts, or uneven terrain.