Yes, we have summer even in the UK – admittedly much of the time your normal all-year kit will work just fine, but what happens when temperatures soar and the sun comes out to play? Here are some pointers to help you optimise your kit and clothing for the heat.
Clothing
What should you be wearing in the sun? Because of the heat you'll be churning out more sweat, but it'll also evaporate faster so a thin, fast wicking base-layer fabric will often work well – synthetics like polyester are effective when it comes to wicking performance and dry fast.
Thin-grade merino is also comfortable in the heat, but bear in mind, that it tends to hold moisture away from the skin and dries more slowly than synthetics, so if you're sweaty it may not be such a great idea.
The other alternative is a traditional shirt, usually either in synthetic microfibre or possibly a poly-cotton blend. Pure cotton may be comfortable when it's dry, but tends to hold moisture rather than wicking it away.
In general, choose light colours which absorb heat less and consider clothing with a high SPF factor if you're off somewhere hot for a few weeks, though it won't do any harm in the UK either.
Tops
As far as sun protection goes, whether you're a baselayer type or prefer a more traditional shirt, we'd suggest something with long sleeves – rolll them up for cooling, down for sun protection and some sort of collar which you can turn up to protect the back of your neck. Some travel-style shirts have a double collar for extra protection.
Bottoms
Shorts are the obvious summer solution, but don't ignore zip-offs or convertible trousers which can be a good solution. Try carefully before buying though, the zip area can be problematic – watch out for rubbing in both modes and try not to lose the bits you zip off...
If you want to go really technical, Haglofs actually produces soft shell shorts, unfortunately only in black so far, but the fabric is excellent and they work well.
Other Layers
We like a lightweight microfleece for stops. Team with lightweight windproof and waterproof shells depending on the forecast as you'll mostly be carrying them in your pack rather than wearing them. Or that's the idea anyway.
Extremities
Last but not least, thinner, high-wicking socks are best for summer use particularly if you also go over to closer-fitting, lighter weight footwear. The best options – Bridgedale do them well – have strategic padding in crucial areas like the heel and ball of the foot, but are thinner elsewhere for better cooling and wicking.
The other area to consider is your head. Don't under-estimate the usefulness of a wide-brimmed sun-hat on hot days – light colours and fast-wicking fabrics are a good call. Caps work too and there are a few out there with Foreign Legion-style neck protection that are great when the sun is really beating down from behind.
Finally, a Buff or similar is great for preventing thinly thatched tops from burning. When it's really warm, soak in a stream and use for cooling too. There's a UV-resistant summer Buff in the range for really hot places too.
