The sun, the warmth, the scent of the flowers colouring the mountainsides. Summer is, without a shadow of a doubt, the walking season — even for those who, discouraged by low temperatures and winter snow, "hung up their boots" and put off physical activity and high-altitude walks. The return of the warm season breathes new life into every mountain lover, but it also brings its share of pitfalls. That's why, to go trekking in summer, it pays to be well equipped and take the right precautions. In this article we give you some fundamental tips for getting back on the trails in complete safety!
1. Choose a route that matches your abilities
The first rule of summer trekking is being aware of your own level of preparation, both physical and mental. If you've spent the winter indoors without any real activity, start again with short, low-altitude routes without major difficulties or significant elevation gain. The mountains can spring unpleasant surprises on the unprepared: it's advisable to choose trails that let you reach your destination in a few hours, without excessive effort — perhaps close to home. These precautions serve first of all to avoid injuries and potentially dangerous situations, but above all they allow a gradual approach that lets you appreciate the mountains in every season.
2. Choose the right clothing for summer trekking
Another factor to keep in mind is equipment. Don't be fooled by the summer heat — after all, people often head to altitude precisely to escape the mugginess of the city. Mountain air is often crisp, and to tackle hikes in this season you must be ready for anything, especially sudden thunderstorms (very frequent), to guarantee safety and comfort. Don't leave without:
- A windproof waterproof jacket (rain shell): light but indispensable. It protects from wind and from any passing storm.
- A mid-weight fleece: layering remains the best solution. It may be hot in the sun, but in the shade it can turn cold — especially as you climb to higher altitudes.
- Technical base layers: essential in every season. They keep you warm while wicking sweat away. A smart move is to carry a spare for when you reach the summit.
- Trousers — shorts, but long ones too: woods and peaks can turn out colder than expected. If you set off in the heat, remember that temperatures at the top can be very different.
- Breathable socks: the heavy wool socks can go back in the wardrobe, but you should still choose technical socks that let the foot breathe while keeping it warm if temperatures drop.
3. Trekking footwear in summer
Footwear deserves a paragraph of its own. One of the most frequent mistakes — made above all by those less accustomed to the mountains — is wearing trainers or leisure shoes. In this season especially, it's fundamental to choose suitable footwear: at high altitude, even in the summer months, it's not unusual to come across icy patches where the risk of slipping is just around the corner. That's why proper mountain boots, with soles suited to different types of terrain, are a must. And, as we've said, sudden storms can catch you out — so it's wise to wear waterproof trekking footwear.
4. Check the weather forecast
A rule for every season, but even more so for summer trekking. If you set off early in the morning, mountain temperatures can still be low; as the day progresses, conditions may become decidedly warmer, so be ready to shed layers to avoid excessive sweating and thermal shock. At the same time — it may sound obvious, but too often we hear of hikers caught out by rain or snowfall — it's extremely important to check the likelihood of thunderstorms and downpours and, if you're heading for high peaks, even of snow.
5. Pack your backpack the right way for summer trekking
This too is always valid advice, but fundamental for anyone choosing to trek in summer. Your backpack (which for a day hike should hold what you need for the day) must be packed properly. As mentioned, the temperature swing can be significant, so it's essential to include both warm and light clothing, ready for any eventuality. And don't forget:
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream — in the mountains it can matter even more than at the beach
- A torch
- A basic first-aid kit
- A water bottle and some energy snacks
- A spare change of base layers