Summer day walkers
You love a weekend trail and want to keep enjoying it when the temperature climbs.
Your Hot Weather Hiking Essentials
Australian heat and UV can turn a lovely walk into a hard slog. Here is the gear we pack for hot days on the trail, and the simple habits that help you stay cool and well watered.
What should you pack for a hot hike?
Six ranges that help you handle heat, sun and glare.
HYDRATION
Bottles and insulated flasks that keep water within reach.
What to prioritise
Insulated options too
Water Bottles & Flasks
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SUN COVER
Sun hats and caps to keep sun off your face.
What to prioritise
Shade overhead
Sun Hats & Caps
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TOPS
Short and long sleeve hiking tops for warm trails.
What to prioritise
Sleeves your way
Hiking Shirts & T-Shirts
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EYE PROTECTION
Sports and everyday sunglasses to cut glare on bright days.
What to prioritise
Cut the glare
Sunglasses
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SHORTS
Hiking and trekking shorts for freer movement in the heat.
What to prioritise
Room to move
Men's Hiking Shorts
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FOOTWEAR
Open, airy sandals that let hot feet breathe.
What to prioritise
Airy footwear
Hiking Sandals & Water Shoes
Shop the RangeWhat to look for in hot weather gear
Shade that covers more
A brim that reaches around the sides and back does more than a cap alone. Look for a hat that stays put in the wind and still lets heat escape from the top.
Fabrics that dry fast
Synthetic and merino tops move sweat away from your skin and dry quickly, so you feel less clammy. Lighter colours tend to feel cooler in direct sun.
Enough water capacity
Hot days call for more water than you think. Choose bottles or flasks you can reach easily, and consider an insulated one so your water stays cool for longer.
Lenses for bright light
Category 3 lenses suit most bright, sunny conditions on the trail. A wraparound shape helps block light from the sides as well.
Who this guide is for
Families with kids
Little ones feel the heat quickly, so shade, water and regular breaks matter even more.
Travellers heading north
Planning a walk in the tropics or the outback? Start here before you pack.
Your hot day checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Water | You lose more fluid through sweat in the heat | Carry more than you expect to need and sip often |
| Sun hat | Shades your face, ears and neck | Pick a brim that covers the back of your neck |
| Sunglasses | Protect your eyes from glare and UV | Look for category 3 lenses for bright days |
| Sunscreen | Covers skin your clothes miss | Use SPF 30 or higher and reapply as directed |
| Breathable top | Helps sweat evaporate so you stay cooler | Long sleeves give extra sun cover |
| Shorts or light trousers | Let air move while you walk | Light trousers suit scrubby or exposed tracks |
| Salty snacks | Help replace what you lose through sweat | Pack easy food you can eat on the move |
| First aid kit | Handles blisters, scrapes and stings | Check it is stocked before each trip |
Look after your hot weather kit
- Rinse bottles and flasks after each hike and let them dry with the lids off.
- Hand wash sweaty hats and let them air dry so the brim keeps its shape.
- Wash technical tops on a gentle cycle and skip fabric softener.
- Store sunglasses in a case so the lenses stay clear and scratch free.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to hike in hot weather?
Early morning is usually the coolest and most comfortable part of the day, and late afternoon can work too. Try to avoid the middle of the day when heat and UV tend to peak. Check the local forecast and the daily UV index before you set out so you can plan around them.
How much water should I carry on a hot hike?
There is no single number, because it depends on the heat, the length of the walk and your own body. Carry more than you think you will need, sip regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty, and know where you can refill if anywhere. If water is running low, turn back early rather than pushing on.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Common signs include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps and feeling unusually tired or weak. If you or someone in your group shows these signs, stop, move into shade, loosen clothing, sip water and rest. Confusion, collapse or hot dry skin can mean heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, so call 000 straight away.
Should I wear long sleeves or short sleeves in the heat?
Both can work. A loose, light long-sleeved top gives your arms extra sun cover and can feel surprisingly comfortable, while a short-sleeved tee feels airier. If you go short, cover exposed skin with sunscreen and reapply as the day goes on.
Are there other safety checks for hot weather hikes?
Yes. Check the fire danger rating and any park closures before you go, as some areas close tracks on very hot or high-risk days. Tell someone your route and expected return time, and be ready to shorten or cancel the walk if conditions turn out hotter than expected.
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Beat the heat on your next hike
Pack smart, start early and take plenty of breaks in the shade. Explore our full hiking range to find the rest of your kit.
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