For many of us, choosing what to wear on a hike can be the most difficult part of preparing for a hike, especially when hiking during the summer months. However, opting for more casual hiking wear can not only help you to remain comfortable on your hike, but will also allow you showoff your style.
Below, we are going to review the best casual summer wear hiking clothes for men and women. These clothes are a great option for your next hike, and they are casual, easy to pack, stylish, and affordable. Moreover, these clothes will make your next hike even more enjoyable, being both comfortable and offering you breathability on your hike.
What is Casual Wear?
Casual clothing, particularly from a Western dress code perspective, is clothing that is more relaxed, occasional, comfortable, and spontaneous. As compared to more formal clothing, casual wear can be worn every day and is typically looser.
Casual clothing has grown in popularity, especially over the past few years. Once relegated to college and high school students, casual wear has emerged as a sensible alternative to everyday wear. While not suitable for the boardroom, casual wear is a great option for day-in, day-out living.
Why Wear Casual Clothing on a Hike?
There are a plethora of reasons why one may opt to wear casual clothing on a hike, particularly on a hike in the summer or warmer months. Firstly, casual wear is often more affordable than hiking gear and clothing. As casual wear is more prominent on store shelves, you are likely more able to find deals and sales on that clothing.
Secondly, opting to wear casual wear on a hiking trip requires little to no additional purchases. Many of us already have casual clothing in our closets and will simply need to pick-out the right outfit for the hike.
Lastly, casual wear is a. great alternative to hiking clothes. Loose, comfortable, and breathable, casual clothing can be used as an alternative to hiking wear in many situations.
Disclaimer
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Casual Hiking Outfits for a Day Hike
If you are looking for a casual hiking outfit for a day hike or one-night of camping in the summer, then you have a multitude of options to choose from. This can even include a pair of jeans, leggings, joggers, or sweatpants. Similarly, you may even opt for an outfit similar to one you would wear to the gym.
Whichever option you choose, just make sure that the pair of pants are stretchable and will not rip or tear while ascending over a particularly tough mountain or hill.
For women, we’re big fans of the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. These jeans are not only stretchable, but offer full coverage for your legs, ensuring that you are not exposing yourself to harmful UV rays or insects while on your hike.
Similarly, for men, we also highly recommend the Levi’s Men’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans. These jeans are a bit more relaxed, particularly at the cuff, and are stretchable, allowing you to traverse the hike with ease and without fear of ripping or tearing.
In addition, a pair of leggings or joggers are also a great option for a summer hike. Both leggings and joggers are extremely comfortable and will offer full protection against UV rays and insects. In addition, leggings can be very chic and can help you to show off your style and wardrobe.
For women, Lululemon Leggings are definitely the gold standard. And you can’t go wrong with the Lululemon Align Crop Yoga Pants. Not only insanely comfortable, but lightweight, you’ll be able to complete your hike with ease. And with nulu fabric, these leggings conform to your body and move with you. Lastly, these leggings contain sweat wicking material, allowing you to remain cool and. comfortable during a summer hike.
If you’re looking for a pair of Lululemon leggings with a bit more style, then we recommend the Lululemon Women’s Wunder Under High Rise Stretchy Fitness Pants. Coming in a variety of different colors and styles, these leggings are both soft and stretchable, making them great for hiking.
And just because Lululemon is associated with women’s clothing, doesn’t mean they don’t make a mean pair of pants for men. We personally wear a variety of Lululemon men’s pants and have never been disappointed. For a casual summer hiking outfit for men, we highly recommend the Lululemon Men’s City Sweat Joggers. Don’t let the name fool you, these pants are great for working out in and for hiking and are extremely comfortable.
For tops, the choices are even more vast and plenty. For women, a simple tank-top or relaxed t-shirt can be a perfect fit. You can also read more on the best women’s hiking shirts for hot weather, where we discuss, in-depth, the best hiking shirts for women during the summer months.
For men, the choices are even easier. A simple t-shirt, athletic shirt, or gym shirt will do the trick. Our only suggestion would be to go for shirts which have high UPF ratings, which will help protect you from harmful UV rays and to opt for shirts which are sweat and moisture wicking.
Don’t Forget to Layer
As great as casual clothing is many of them are ill suited for colder weather. That’s why it is important to layer your clothes and ensure that you have sufficient coverage for the cold. Although you will be hiking in the summer months, the weather can drop significantly overnight. And if you are looking to complete an overnight hike, then you will need to prepare accordingly.
Preparing for the cold weather means layering up. You can opt to wear a pair of leggings under your pants or jeans, which will help to provide you with additional warmth. In addition, bringing along a sweater or long-sleeve shirt will help protect you from a drop in temperature.
While it may not be necessary on a hiking trip in the summer, do your research and see what the temperature reaches during the night. If it gets cold, then you may want to bring along a pair of gloves or a scarf. It is always better to be overprepared than underprepared.
Shorts for Hotter Weather
Lastly, if you’re looking for a great casual outfit for hiking in the summer months, then shorts are a great option. Shorts will help to keep your feet and legs cool and are a casual, simple look. You don’t need to overthink this option. Shorts are extremely versatile and a pair you already own can be worn on your hike.
For men, we love the Amazon Essentials Men’s 8” Drawstring Walking Shorts. Simple in design and affordable, these. Shorts are a great addition to your wardrobe and are casual to wear. And with an attached drawstring, they are functional for hiking and can be fitted to your liking.
Similarly, for women, the Amazon Essentials Women’s 5-Inch Drawstring Linen Blend Shorts are a great option. With numerous color options, you can pick-and-choose which one would match your outfit. And at an affordable price-point, you can choose multiple for your next hiking trip.
Final Words
Hiking in the summer months can be an enjoyable experience. And choosing what to wear doesn’t have to be difficult. Casual clothing is a great option and will help to keep you looking chic and feeling comfortable.
However, be sure to check the weather before embarking on your hiking trip. If you plan on hiking, or camping, overnight, then plan accordingly and bring clothing which will help to keep you warm. Similarly, choose layers which can be easily removed and placed on.
Lastly, while shorts are a great option, we personally recommend leggings or joggers. Long pants will not only help to protect you from harmful UV rays, but they will also protect you from scratches and bug bites.