Dress to stay cool on hot, summer day hikes with children

During summer hikes, dress children in light,
loose-fitting clothing and sunglasses.

When temps get above 80 degrees, you’ll want to dress for a hike so you and your children don’t overheat. You should go:
g Synthetic – If you wear cotton, which absorbs moisture, you’ll soon be drenched in your own sweat. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, will wick away moisture much better. For socks, even wool is a better fabric than cotton, as wet socks increase the chances of a blister.
g Light – White and beige-colored clothes will better reflect sunlight, reducing the heat your body fight with sweat.
g Loose-fitting – Baggy clothes allows air to flow against your body, keeping you cool. They also prevent chafing.
g Covered – If the day is hot, it’s also probably sunny, so wear sunscreen over any exposed skin. Also, don a hat with a brim and sunglasses to protect the face when sweat wears off the sunscreen and to protect your eyes. A neck shield also can be nice to prevent sunburn.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.