12 warm-weather hiking upgrades you didn't know you needed, as recommended by T3's outdoor expert

Peak Performance Light Hike Collection — (Image credit: Peak Performance)

With another heatwave settling over the UK and the school holidays just around the corner, plenty of people will be swapping the sofa for the footpaths. Warm-weather walking has its own set of challenges, which is why staying cool, carrying enough water and protecting yourself from the sun is just as important as choosing the right route.

The good news is that you don't need to completely overhaul your hiking kit to enjoy summer adventures in comfort. A handful of well-chosen upgrades can make a noticeable difference, from breathable clothing and lightweight footwear to better hydration, sun protection and navigation.

I've rounded up some of the products I'd most like to have with me on a hot-weather hike. Some are brand-new launches, while others are tried-and-tested staples that make perfect sense once summer arrives.

NOCS Zero Tube 8x25 Waterproof Monocular

$179.95 | NOCS

I try to keep my pack light when I hike (or travel), which is why full-size binoculars are a no-no for me. I'm a big fan of NOCS, though, and its Zero Tube 8x25 immediately stands out because it can live in a pocket or clip onto the outside of a backpack.

The 8x magnification is easier to keep steady than a higher-powered optic, making it ideal for quickly spotting birds, scanning ridgelines or taking a closer look at the landscape without fighting shaky hands.

Despite its compact size, it's fully waterproof, so I'd have no concerns about throwing it into my pack or taking it out on a kayak or paddleboard.

Injinji Artist Designed Series Socks | Pacific Northwest

Prices from $17 | Injini

If there's one upgrade that can make a long summer hike more enjoyable, it's a good pair of socks. Injinji's five-toe design has built a loyal following because it reduces skin-on-skin friction between the toes, lowering the risk of blisters when temperatures rise.

The new Pacific Northwest Artist Designed Series adds a splash of personality to that tried-and-tested formula. Created with Oregon artist Kelley Wills, the collection draws inspiration from temperate rainforests, rugged mountains, wildflower meadows and coastal wildlife, giving these performance socks a distinctive outdoor feel.

Available in No-Show, Mini-Crew and Crew lengths, there's an option to suit everything from trail runners to hiking boots.

Shackleton Arica Technical Shirt

£175 | Shackleton

When temperatures climb, I'd rather cover up than rely entirely on sunscreen. Sun hoodies are having a moment, but if you're looking for something a bit more stylish, Shackleton's Arica Technical Shirt is your best option.

It combines a UPF 50+ finish with a protective sun collar, roll-tab sleeves and laser-cut ventilation to help balance protection and breathability throughout the day.

Rear yoke vents encourage airflow, while the lightweight construction looks well suited to everything from exposed ridge walks to travelling in warmer climates.

Available in Luna and Olive, it also avoids the overly technical aesthetic that some hiking shirts lean towards, making it just as wearable away from the trail.

HOKA Infini Hike TC Sandals

£115 | HOKA

Hot-weather hiking doesn't always call for fully enclosed shoes, especially if the route includes river crossings or easy-going trails. The HOKA Infini Hike TC looks like a great option for anyone who wants the comfort the brand is known for in a more breathable package.

The cushioned platform should make long walks easier on tired feet while allowing plenty of airflow on hot days. Of course, hiking sandals aren't your best bet if you're moving through thick vegetation, but anywhere in hot weather, they are my go-to choice.

If maximum cushioning isn't your priority, I'd recommend the Xero Shoes Z-Trek (£65 | Zero Shoes). Its minimalist construction delivers a much more barefoot-like experience, encouraging natural foot movement and giving a closer connection to the trail.

Maui Jim HO'OKIPA Ultra Sunglasses

£254 | Maui Jim

A decent pair of sunglasses is one of the easiest upgrades one can make before heading out on a sunny hike. The Maui Jim HO'OKIPA Ultra offers more than just glare reduction, with lenses designed to provide full UV protection while enhancing colour and contrast on the trail.

Maui Jim is also the only eyewear brand recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for providing effective UV protection for the eyes and surrounding skin, adding another reason to wear them whenever I'm spending long hours outdoors.

The lightweight wraparound design should stay comfortably in place while climbing, scrambling or picking up the pace, making them well suited to active use.

66ºNorth Hengill Shorts

£75 | 66ºNorth

Summer hiking shorts need to strike a careful balance between breathability, durability and freedom of movement, and the Hengill Shorts appear to tick all three boxes.

Built for active days outdoors, they feature a lightweight construction that should stay comfortable as temperatures rise while still offering enough durability to handle rough trails and rocky terrain.

They can also be worn away from the mountains thanks to 66ºNorth's understated Scandinavian styling, which avoids an overly technical look.

Olight ArkPro Ultra Topo

$130 | Olight

Even on long summer days, I never like setting off without a torch. Delays happen, weather changes, and it's surprisingly easy to finish a hike later than planned.

The Olight ArkPro Ultra is compact enough to slip into a pocket without adding noticeable weight, making it an easy addition to any day pack.

The Topo colourway also feels particularly appropriate for hiking, with a map-inspired finish that stands out from the usual black or grey options.

More importantly, it looks like the sort of torch that's built to cope with life outdoors. It's one of those small pieces of kit I'd hope not to need, but I'd always be glad I'd packed it.

Arc'teryx Kopec GTX

£160 | Arc'teryx

If I'm spending all day on the trail in the heat (and don't want my toes exposed), I want walking shoes that feel light enough to keep me moving yet offer enough protection as conditions change.

I recently tried the Arc'teryx Kopec GTX, and was surprised by how nice it felt on my feet. Historically, Arc'teryx shoes felt quite narrow and heavy, but the Kopec is light, spacious and looks excellent, too.

Better still, it combines a lightweight design with GORE-TEX waterproof protection. The streamlined profile should appeal to anyone who prefers a more athletic hiking shoe over a traditional heavy boot, while still delivering the grip and stability needed for uneven terrain.

Camelbak Rim Runner X30 Terra Hiking Backpack

£130 | Camelbak

For most day hikes, I find around 30 litres is the sweet spot (especially if you're heading out with friends/family), giving me enough space for spare layers, food, water and a few extras without encouraging me to overpack.

CamelBak's Rim Runner X30 Terra is hydration-compatible, making it easy to carry plenty of water on hot days, while the ventilated back panel should help reduce sweat buildup during long climbs.

Multiple storage compartments also mean you don't have to empty the entire bag just to grab a snack or a waterproof jacket. It looks like a dependable all-rounder that's well suited to everything from local walks to full-day adventures.

Columbia Coolhead III Cap

£30 | Columbia

Keeping the sun off my head can make a huge difference during long summer hikes, which is why I'd never overlook a good cap (plus, I love caps in all weather).

The Columbia Coolhead III is designed specifically for hot conditions, combining UPF protection with moisture-wicking fabric and cooling technology that activates as the material becomes damp.

That should make it noticeably more comfortable than a standard baseball cap during long hours on exposed trails. It's lightweight enough to wear all day and packs down easily when the weather changes, making it a simple addition to any hiking kit.

Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 50mm

£299.99 | Cotswold Outdoor

If I'm heading somewhere unfamiliar, I want my outdoor watch to do much more than just count my steps. The Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED combines outdoor navigation tools with a bright display that's much easier to read than older monochrome screens, particularly in direct sunlight.

Mapping, altitude data, route guidance and Garmin's excellent fitness tracking make it a useful companion whether I'm tackling a mountain hike or exploring somewhere new on holiday.

The rugged construction also inspires confidence, while the large 50mm case delivers excellent battery life for multi-day adventures. It's one of those gadgets that earns its place on my wrist long before I leave the trailhead.

Runners and hikers using Silva's SS26 poles

Silva Trekking Poles Carbon Z Adjustable

£135 | Silva

Trekking poles aren't just for serious mountain expeditions or old people, something I only realised a few years ago. On longer summer hikes, they can help reduce fatigue, improve balance and take some of the strain off my knees during steep descents.

The Silva Carbon Z Adjustable poles are designed with that versatility in mind, pairing lightweight carbon construction with adjustable lengths that adapt to different terrain.

When they're no longer needed, the folding design means they pack down neatly into a backpack or onto it without getting in the way.

If I'm planning a full day on mixed terrain, they're exactly the sort of upgrade I'd consider bringing along, even if I only end up using them for part of the route.

Peak Performance Discover HIPE 3L Shell

£215 | Peak Performance

Summer hiking doesn't guarantee sunshine, especially in the UK, which is why I'd always leave room in my pack for a lightweight waterproof shell.

The Peak Performance Discover HIPE 3L Shell looks like an ideal insurance policy against sudden downpours, combining the brand's three-layer HIPE waterproof and windproof construction with a lightweight design that's easy to stash when the skies are clear.

Adjustable features help seal out the weather when conditions turn, while the breathable fabric should stop things from getting clammy once the rain passes and the climb begins again.

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator for T3.com and T3 Magazine, where he works as Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, action cameras, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019.

His work has also appeared on TechRadar and Fit&Well, and he has collaborated with creators such as Garage Gym Reviews. Matt has served as a judge for multiple industry awards, including the ESSNAwards. When he isn’t running, cycling or testing new kit, he’s usually roaming the countryside with a camera or experimenting with new audio and video gear.