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Hot to trot
I don’t know about you, but I find that the minute I get my winter walking wardrobe dialled for the year, it’s suddenly summer again.
Just as I’ve finally found the right combination of base, insulation and shell layers to cope with just about anything our rapidly shrinking colder seasons can throw at me, I find myself tramping across the Moelwyns or Carneddau in stifling 25°C heat,wishing I had some shorts and a lightweight base layer in my pack, instead of the obligatory crampons, ice axe and head torch. This usually signifies the beginning of a whole new struggle to get my clothing right for our ever-hotter, ever-longer summers.
At first glance, gearing up for summer should be easy: it’s warmer, it rains less, and you’re unlikely to encounter snow or ice, unless of course you head for foreign shores. But I actually find it more difficult. In winter, if it’s cold, I can just pull on more layers; as long as I’ve got my planning about right, I’m unlikely to suffer too much. Summer’s a completely different ball game though. There’s a limit to how many layers you take off (within the realms of common decency anyway), and whilst it’s supposed to be warm and dry, what about those flash thunderstorms that so often accompany hot weather in the UK? Or the freak cold spells that can catch you out on the hills at any time of year? And then there’s backpacking; you may be warm enough during the day, whilst you’re walking and creating your own heat, but what about the evenings at camp? The light nights can mean a lot of sitting around.
In essence, walking in the summer can produce just as many variables as walking in winter, perhaps more, yet the average walker may not appreciate the importance of this, and gear up accordingly.
Let’s take a look at what’s needed.
Pack
Yes, this can definitely be smaller, and lighter, but it’s still useful to have plenty of pockets – insect repellent, sun screen etc are easily lost in the main compartment.And I’d definitely recommend hydration system compatibility - when it’s really hot, it’s just about impossible to stay hydrated without drinking all the time.
Shells
You’ve got to be brave to leave home without them. Paclite, or even lighter, is ideal for this time of year, especially as you’re hoping your jacket (and trousers?) will spend its whole life at the bottom of that lighter, smaller pack, so longevity, isn’t as important as it is when you’re more likely to be wearing them.
Footwear
It makes sense to go lighter and cooler for summer walking, and fabric boots, which should also breathe a little better,will usually be better than full-leather (assuming the midsole etc is suitable for the kind of terrain they’ll be used on). Full-leather with no waterproof liner may also make a good alternative. There’s been a recent trend towards running shoes rather than boots, and these certainly feel light and cool, but they don’t offer the same amount of support and protection, so are best for those that feel confident about the strength of their ankles.
Windshirts
A lightweight, non-insulating windshirt is worth ten times its weight in gold in the hills in summer. If the breeze is cool, it will keep it off, whilst barely affecting breathability. Some will resist the odd shower too – a real bonus as it means that shell jacket stays in the pack even longer – and others can be proofed to do an even better job of this.As a general rule, most softshell jackets are too warm for UK hill use.
Shorts/Trousers
Despite a few shortcomings, zip-offs have got to be the best bet for most summer walking – shorts are so much more comfortable when it’s hot, yet long trousers are much better if you do have to resort to shell trousers over the top – and nobody wants to carry two pairs, let alone change half way round. The best zip-offs are cut so that the zips don’t rub uncomfortably above the knee when walking, and some even have their own stash pocket. Top Tip: remember to wash bottoms and tops together if you want them to remain the same colour.
Mid Layers
100gsm fleeces are lighter and more compact, so will fit easily into that smaller pack, they are also ideal for wearing beneath softshell in winter. Or perhaps a reasonably light softshell instead of fleece, but be aware that these can be too hot to rely on as a windshirt when climbing.Of course a 200gsm fleece will also work perfectly, it’s just hotter and bulkier.
Base Layers
Important in winter; critical in summer. In the undies department, both men and women need support (ok in different places), and both need the layer next to their skin to carry sweat away quickly and efficiently.Most synthetic fabrics do the job perfectly, as do the new breed of merino wools, although these tend to be dearer. Tops can be long or shortsleeved, but remember that long sleeves can be rolled up to cool down, short ones can’t be pulled down to prevent sunburn, and whilst they will always work better when tight, not everybody would want to wear them this way, so a little loose is ok. Crucial is colour: light colours are so much better than dark.
Socks
For most people, it’s not really necessary to wear different socks in the summer; after all, their biggest job is to protect the feet, and wick moisture away, even more necessary at this time of year. The exceptions are for those that go for shoes,where shorter, lighter socks might be better; or for those that really beef up their socks for the winter, as the insulation is obviously not needed. Those that suffer with more blisters in the summer than winter should look at their socks, as this is almost certainly caused by excess heat and too much moisture.
Others
A hat is crucial, to keep the sun off the face and neck, baseball caps do most of the job, but the fullrimmed type are better. Sunglasses are also critical, although the same pair will definitely do winter and summer. Sunscreen is also a must – hifactor and sweat resistant; and insect-repellent too – especially in the height of summer when the midges are at their worst. Other things to consider are lightweight sleeping bags, bivis instead of tents etc etc. In fact it’s possible to make short backpacking trips in summer, carrying no more weight than you would for day walks in winter.
