Summer hiking differs considerably from winter hiking, not only in the condition of the ground (snow or ice on the route) but also in the weather conditions.
In summer, apart from particular thunderstorms, on days of intense sun and scorching heat, when the city becomes unbearable, in the Apennines you can find places where it is pleasant to find milder temperatures.
However, bear in mind that the temperature range in the mountains can also be very wide. You can go from the coolness of the morning to the fiercest aridity of the high-altitude scree slopes.
As far as summer clothing is concerned, the advice is not to dramatise the weather conditions without, however, ever underestimating the cold of high altitudes. The weather in the mountains can be extremely changeable, and as evening comes on the damp and the cold can be bitter even in summer.
One peculiarity you can observe in the Apennines is that while the sun shines on the Italian coasts, during the afternoon we can often see heavy clouds of moisture building up over the whole Apennine chain, due to the condensation of the air on the mountains themselves.
The main rule to keep in mind is to be ready for the most varied weather situations without, however, weighing down the rucksack too much.
Rain cape
Carrying a rain cape with you should not be considered useless weight; in case of rain a simple plastic cape can make walking in the wet... almost pleasant, if not actually evocative. The only drawback is that the cape, in some cases, can be a somewhat awkward garment to wear and makes movement difficult.
When the route calls for the use of hands and feet, or when you have to push through thick woodland, a cape can be very awkward.
Another point not to overlook is that the cape, being made of water-repellent materials, can be an extremely hot covering, as well as preventing sweat from evaporating.
Windproof jacket
The windproof jacket is the item of clothing you really cannot do without and, in some cases, if made with suitable, technologically advanced materials, it can fully replace the rain cape. In this case the windproof jacket ends up having a dual use: protecting from the wind and from the rain.
Buying a windproof jacket does not call for any particular precautions or advice.
On the market you can find excellent products at entirely affordable prices; the important thing is to choose a windproof jacket that is not too padded: in fact, it does not need to be warm, but above all it must be able to protect us from any gusts of wind, which at high altitude can be very cold even in summer.
T-shirts and tops for hiking
A T-shirt in synthetic material lets sweat evaporate much more quickly than any other fabric (such as cotton or wool). A good synthetic T-shirt protects from the sun, and even in summer sunshine we can consider taking a long-sleeved one with us. A long-sleeved T-shirt can also protect us from ultraviolet rays, saving the skin from needless sunburn.
Trekking socks
For day hikes a single pair of thick socks is enough. Although in summer it may seem paradoxical to choose thick socks, there are very specific reasons for it:
first of all they help the foot fit snugly in the shoe, and so, as in winter, give us stability when walking;
secondly they protect the foot from the constant rubbing inside the shoe.
Caps and head coverings...
Finally, a peaked cap is perfect for protecting the forehead, the eyes and part of the face from the sun's rays, which at high altitude, as we know, are more harmful to the skin.
If you want to lighten your rucksack, perhaps in favour of an extra half litre of water, you can replace the cap with a very light bandana, bearing in mind, though, that a bandana has no peak or brim to protect from direct sun.
You can buy hiking caps with a semi-rigid brim that can protect not only the forehead but also the back of the neck, often more exposed than the face itself.
Practical tips
On clothing and dressing we want to point out a bad habit that is rife among hikers: while walking, people often don't stop to take off excess layers. As a result they often end up overheated and needlessly sweaty. Putting all laziness aside, you can stop to take off the layers you don't need, considerably improving the quality of your walk.
Frequently asked questions
How should you dress for a mountain hike in summer?
You need to be ready for different situations without weighing down your rucksack: a synthetic T-shirt, long-sleeved too against the sun, a light windproof jacket that is not too padded, a rain cape, thick socks and a peaked cap for the high-altitude sun.
Do you need a windproof jacket in the mountains even in summer?
Yes, it is the item you cannot do without: at high altitude the wind can be cold even in summer, and in the evening come the damp and the cold. A model that is not too padded is enough; if it is made of technical material it also protects from the rain.