Long pants or shorts in hot weather?? - Backpacking Light (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to wear long pants or shorts in hot weather? ›

While it is important to look your stylish best in the heat – protection from the sun's harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays should be a priority. Clothing is the most basic form of protection against the sun. The more skin covered – the better. Long pants cover better than shorts.

Shorts give you ultimate freedom and are also cooler than pants, so if you're going on a low-altitude summer hike, you'll most likely be in good shape.

Look for shirts, shorts and pants in white, tan or khaki. Wear loose, breathable clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that breathes well will help your body regulate temperature. Nylon and polyester are good choices. Cotton can be OK: You've heard it before: cotton kills.

When you are in direct sunlight, wearing clothing shields your skin from the sun and keeps you cooler. So pants aren't going to be any warmer than shorts. You will see most desert hikers wearing long sleeves and pants. If you are hiking under shade all day, shorts and short sleeves will be cooler.

Jeans can totally work in hot weather. Just follow the Golden Rule of denim in the summer: keep cool with looser tops and sandals.

In the summer heat, wear loose or cropped bottoms to stay cool. If you prefer longer pants, check out our No Sweat line with professional pants you can wear in the heat yet feel as comfortable as your favorite sweats. You can also pair a flowy skirt or pair of shorts with a staple item like a crisp white t-shirt.

Hiking Pants Wick Sweat

If you're hiking you're likely going to be sweating, even if you're in cold weather. Hiking takes exertion, and your body's response to that is sweat. So, you're going to want something that can handle that sweat by not absorbing it, and by letting your skin breathe.

For hiking, long pants are the safest option in any location, but shorts are generally more comfortable during hot weather. In our survey for hikers, most females choose to wear leggings and most males choose to wear long pants. Many hikers agree that what you wear depends on weather and trail conditions.

Most people, especially campers, tend to hike in long pants. Hiking pants offer better coverage and protection against various risks: bug bites, poisonous plants and animals, rough terrain, chafing and temperature changes. Some come with light insulation, meaning you can wear it throughout the year.

How should people dress for backpacking? ›

In general, bring one to two T-shirts, one long-sleeve shirt and one pair of lightweight yet durable synthetic pants. A pair of ultralight running shorts with a built-in brief can be a boon for hot weather: You can also swim in them and wear them while you wash and dry your pants.

Cotton Shorts

The ubiquitous material reigns supreme during the warmest months of the year—for a good reason. It's soft, light, and airy, gently grazing against the skin instead of constricting your comfort while you're going about your day.

The less clothing you wear in hot weather, the better—after all, it's humid out there! If you are trying to stay modest, opt for long dresses, skirts, or shirts with longer sleeves. Just keep in mind that the more clothing you wear, the hotter you'll be.

The fact is that when the sun is shining and temperatures rise, UV protected long sleeves keep you safe from sunburn and keep you cooler.

“Children of all ages should wear pants when the weather is under 40 degrees,” he said. “If the temperature or wind chill dips to 32 degrees or below, they should not only wear pants, but also a coat, gloves, scarf and hat.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to wearing shorts versus long pants in hot weather. On the one hand, shorts are much cooler and more comfortable to wear in hot weather, and they also allow your skin to breathe more.

In 80 degree weather, loose fabrics are definitely the way to go, allowing the breeze to touch your skin and avoiding that trapped feeling. This look features a matching set, with a lightweight cotton short-sleeved button-down and loose-fitting shorts that have a yellow and white striped pattern.

Yes, I can wear jeans in 80 degree weather. I think that jeans are a great option for warm weather because they are comfortable and stylish. I would pair my jeans with a cute top and some sandals or sneakers.

Choose light colors: Wearing light colors that reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them (as dark colors can) helps keep you cool. Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki.

Wear light colors. Dark colors absorb heat, and make you feel hotter. Two of my favorite summer staples are white cotton pants and a white cotton embroidered shirt. Looser cuts keep you cooler by letting more air circulate.

Why not hike in leggings? ›

Make sure to pick a pair that is hard-wearing. The typical yoga leggings are not made for the outdoors and will quickly get snagged and ripped when they come in contact with rocks or branches. Hiking pants and shorts will typically have more pockets than leggings though, so that is something to consider as well.

Crew-length socks are traditionally worn when hiking, as they keep higher boots from rubbing against your ankle. However, if you're wearing low-top shoes, consider socks that stop just above the cuff, as these will help keep your feet cooler.

While leggings generally perform well on shorter hikes in pleasant conditions and on well-groomed trails, hiking pants are ideal for multi-day backpacking trips and technical hikes, as durability and moisture-wicking properties become essential.

However, jeans and denim are made from cotton – which isn't good on the trails. While cotton is a great, natural material, it's not great for hiking. When cotton becomes wet, it gets heavy. It breeds bacteria, causes chafing, and it will smother you in the heat or pull heat away from you in the cold.

Hiking pants, or functional pants, have to be able to do everything: fit properly but also allow great freedom of movement; be close-fitting but not cut into anywhere; be worn over hiking boots but not flap around or drag in the dirt.

Hiking in Shorts. Staying cool is only one of the many benefits of hiking in shorts, but it is definitely an important one. Long, strenuous hikes or backpacking trips can be a lot more comfortable with the right pair of shorts. Generally, shorts are more breathable than pants and super easy to get on and off.

In general, we prefer white, tan, beige, or other light-colored garments for hiking in the heat. We prefer black or different dark colors for hiking in colder seasons or higher altitudes. The color of your pants not only affects how hot they feel in the sun but also, how quickly they will dry out.

In fact, you should always leave it at home. Why? Because deodorant does more than banish odors; it smells sweet and attracts bugs and other wildlife, including bears. After a few days without deodorant, you'll get accustomed to your new, “natural” odor.

Jeans are the first item most want to pack, since we all have a pair and are use to wearing them, but in over 25 degrees C they are not the best, plus being heavy to lug around and difficult to wash/dry. Chinos, cargo pants or simple cotton are some much of a better option.

Are sweatpants good for hiking? ›

Sweatpants are not a durable option. They cannot be considered for a long hiking trip. Cotton also absorbs moisture and cannot keep you dry at all times. Good sweatpants would have a moisture-wicking ability.

Hiking with a backpack involves a seemingly endless amount of stepping up and over things. This exercise builds strength and endurance in your glutes and quad muscles so you can handle whatever obstacles you'll encounter along the trail.

For a backpacking trip, you will need 3 outfits: a hiking outfit, an at-camp outfit, and a sleeping outfit. Your hiking outfit is what you wear while you are on the trail, so you want it to be comfortable and breathable!

Hiking when it's hot outside

We recommend you do not hike in the heat of the day when temperatures are predicted to raise above 85 degrees. In hot conditions, it's best to hike early morning or evening. Plus, summer is a perfect time to get up early and watch the sunrise or go for a sunset hike.

Quick-drying pants and shorts will be one of the best clothing options you can pack for a camping trip when you are planning on exploring the space around you.

The less clothing you wear in hot weather, the better—after all, it's humid out there! If you are trying to stay modest, opt for long dresses, skirts, or shirts with longer sleeves. Just keep in mind that the more clothing you wear, the hotter you'll be.

Long Sleeves Protect From the Sun

While they will provide much more protection than no sleeves at all, brighter colors such as red or darker colors such as black have a higher Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) than lighter colors such as white. The weave of the fabric and the material also play a factor.

When it comes to working out in leggings vs shorts, you will find both suitable. You can consider any that you find appropriate for your workouts. If you are new to the workout industry, you can use shorts for hot weather training and leggings for lifting and leg exercises.

(1) Stick with natural fibers (like linen, light cotton, and chambray)—they're lightweight, absorb moisture, and let your body breath. (2) Go for lighter tones—they reflect light and heat. (3) Opt for looser-fitting styles that maximize airflow and keep you cool.

What is the coolest thing to wear in hot weather? ›

A natural fibre, cotton is one of the best fabrics for hot weather. It's breathable, lightweight, and more cooling to wear than clothing made from synthetic materials. Having a few cotton pieces in your wardrobe is key – the best styles are staples such as short-sleeved shirts, loose summer tops, and floaty sundresses.

Shorts and short-sleeved (or sleeveless) shirts do allow for better airflow and release more internal body heat. However, your body can still absorb heat by being more exposed to the sun. Not only that, but it can leave you more vulnerable to harmful UV rays. Sunburn is not a fun way to keep cool.

The results were surprising, but not surprising. Long sleeves and more clothing kept the wearer cooler.

The amount of heat gained by a Bedouin exposed to desert heat is the same whether he or she wears a black robe or a white one. The additional heat absorbed by the black robe is lost before it reaches the skin and drives convection under the black robe, making it more comfortable than a white robe.