When temperatures rise, hitting the trail becomes more than a test of endurance, it’s a matter of preparation. Choosing the right summer hiking attire can make the difference between a rewarding trek and a long, overheated slog. The best hiking gear for men in the summer needs to be breathable, quick-drying, and rugged enough to handle uneven terrain, steep climbs, and sudden weather shifts.
Ten Thousand helps you make the right decision by showing you exactly what you need for the trail, offering high-performance training gear options that meet the demands of summer hiking head-on.
What to Look for in Men’s Summer Hiking Attire
When selecting summer hiking clothes, focus on pieces that balance performance and comfort. Lightweight gear should still offer protection and resilience. Key features to prioritize include:
-
Functional details like secure pockets, abrasion resistance, and ergonomic fits that enhance performance and keep your essentials protected.
-
Moisture-wicking performance that keeps you dry and helps regulate temperature during tough ascents or high-exertion segments.
-
Breathable fabrics that let air circulate so you stay cooler during long days under the sun.
-
Quick-dry materials that shed sweat and light rain, keeping your gear light and your movement unrestricted.
-
Stretch and mobility to move with your body through rocky climbs, switchbacks, and uneven trails.
Best Hiking Shorts for Summer Adventures
Finding the right shorts for summer hikes means looking beyond just breathability. You need a pair that can handle tough terrain, dry quickly, and move with you. Here are two trail-ready options designed to do just that:
Tactical Utility Short
Designed with insights from U.S. Special Operations Forces, the Tactical Utility Short was built for the kind of summer hikes that don’t stick to the trail. Ideal for backcountry routes, ruck training, and steep ascents, this short is all about durability without added weight. Reinforced paneling and abrasion-resistant fabric stand up to rock scrambles, thorny brush, and uneven ground, while quick-drying performance keeps you comfortable mile after mile.
With secure pocket systems that keep essentials in place and ergonomic seams that support long-range movement, the Tactical Utility Short is for hikers who treat every trail as a challenge, not a walk. When the heat’s high and the terrain gets technical, this short delivers the kind of performance that holds up under pressure.
Tactical Short
Built for mission-ready movement, the Tactical Short is ideal for summer hikes that demand more from your gear. Designed in collaboration with members of the Special Operations community, this short is made for rugged elevation gain, exposed ridgelines, and unpredictable weather. The water-repellent, abrasion-resistant shell performs in heat, humidity, and rocky terrain—keeping you dry, cool, and focused through high-output movement.
Its low-profile fit and lightweight build won’t slow you down, and the strategic stretch ensures full range of motion whether you’re powering through switchbacks or navigating scrambles. Built for mission-ready intensity, but dialed for the trail, the Tactical Short is a summer hiking essential for anyone who pushes their limits off the beaten path.
Shirts That Beat the Heat
A reliable summer hiking shirt should manage sweat, resist odors, and stay comfortable throughout your entire trek. These trail-ready options check all the boxes and then some:
Tactical Shirt
Minimalist in appearance, maximal in performance, the Tactical Shirt is designed to thrive in high-heat, high-output environments. Crafted from abrasion-resistant, quick-drying fabric with laser-cut ventilation zones, it keeps you cool through exposed switchbacks and midday ascents.
Its antimicrobial treatment helps fight odor on multi-day hikes, while the streamlined fit eliminates drag without restricting movement. Whether you're pushing toward a summit or rucking through canyon trails, the Tactical Shirt is a dependable layer built to perform in the toughest terrain.
Tactical Recon Shirt
New to the lineup, the Tactical Recon Shirt is built for high-tempo hikes and trail days that don’t quit. Crafted from an abrasion-resistant mesh micro-knit, it features Proplyo Stretch™ technology for full mobility and a performance mesh back panel that rapidly vents heat as your effort ramps up.
Designed to stay breathable during max-effort activity, it also offers moisture-wicking and thermoregulating function, plus Odorblock™ anti-odor treatment and UPF 45+ protection. Tested in the Rockies by elite hybrid athlete Eric Hinman, the Tactical Recon is the shirt to trust when the forecast is blazing and the trail won’t wait.
Final Tips for Summer Hiking Comfort
When planning your summer hike, remember: comfort fuels endurance. Opt for gear that’s engineered for movement, not just aesthetics. Look for temperature-regulating fabrics, pack smart accessories, and invest in versatile pieces that can handle the unexpected.
Ten Thousand's trail-tested workout apparel is designed to meet the heat head-on, because performance shouldn't stop where the pavement ends.