How to stay dry, cool and comfortable on warm-weather hikes
Reviews by: Fergus Collins (FC), Danny Graham (DG), Maria Hodson (MH), Laura Phillips (LP), Joe Pontin (JP)
Men’s Hiker Sock ¼ Cushion
Darn Tough, £19, trekitt.co.uk
Wise hikers take their socks seriously. With a low cut ideal for summer walking, in shoes rather than boots, these close-fitting and well-cushioned socks are supremely comfortable even after miles on hard, hot trails. The 61% merino wool naturally keeps feet feeling dry and odours at a minimum. JP
Dart T-Shirt
Montane, £28, montane.com
A close-fitting T-shirt made from a soft and stretchy polyester fabric treated with Polygiene to keep it smelling fresh, even after repeated wearing, the Dart is great for hiking holidays. It feels dry to the touch even when damp with perspiration. On hot days, some might find it a smidge too warm. JP
Men’s OutDry Extreme Mesh Waterproof Shell Jacket,
Columbia, £225, columbiasportswear.co.uk
This technically excellent jacket is extremely light (225g), highly waterproof and pleasantly breathable. Unlike the vast majority of waterproof jackets, you’ll never need to re-proof it. The hood is much improved from similar Columbia jackets in recent years. Without a ‘face fabric’, the jacket has a slightly shiny, plastic appearance that may divide opinion, but from a functional point of view, this is a great jacket for summer hiking and backpacking. JP
Trail 2650 Campo GTX walking shoe
Danner, £190, global.danner.com
These handsome shoes are super-light and super-comfortable yet feel sturdy. The hard-wearing outsole performs exceptionally well on wet and slippery surfaces. The Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane is waterproof but breathable and the leather and textile upper has a high-quality finish. My only gripe was the tight access – it’s a real wriggle to get them on. FC
Jura Mountain Smock
Alpkit, £134.99, alpkit.com
On chilly summer days and nights this windproof, insulated layer will keep you warm and comfortable. Based on the classic, pull-over smocks traditionally worn by mountaineers, it can be worn over a base layer. The fitted shape is flattering, a breathable fleece lining keeps you cosy, while the hardwearing outer repels light rain. Long side zips allow for adjustable ventilation, and there’s a central ‘kangaroo’ pocket in which to tuck chilly hands. The detachable hood is cosy and fleece-lined, too. MH
Pac Plus XT Waterproof Pants
Montane, £160, montane.com
Keep your legs dry with these lightweight over-trousers, made from Gore-Tex’s new and highly breathable Paclite Plus fabric. Thigh-high zip vents keep you cool and when worn over short
