Long summer days spent jumping into alpine lakes can still have toes feeling chilly in the tent at night. Wardrobe changes of puffy jackets, shorts, long sleeves or short sleeves, mountain days can have it all. Setting up camp, food storage and when to hike are all extra factors to sort out during the full sunny days of a mountain summer.
Here are some of our favorite tips for backpacking in hot days and cool nights in the mountains.
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The Temperature Swing
A 50+ degree difference can happen in the mountains on a regular basis. Trying to pack light and be prepared for all the possible weather just takes practice.
How Hot?
Record heat in the local mountain range, the Tetons, is in the high 90 degrees F. Add hiking into the mix and dehydration and heat exhaustion can definitely become possibilities. Heat tolerance will be different for everybody so regardless of how hot it is important to know the symptoms of heat induced illness and to know your kids.
How Cold?
In June of 2024 there was snow and a low of 24 degrees F in the Tetons, usually the lows aren’t dipping too much below 40°F in the summer months in the mountains. Once the sun sets the temperature quickly drops and unless you plan on immediately crawling into your sleeping bag, it is time to apply some layers.
Wild Weather
As mentioned above, snow isn’t out of the question, neither is hail, rain, extreme heat and wild. The mountains can truly have it all and change rapidly. NOAA is good forecast tool to use. Checking the forecast before you go is key but it is always good to be prepared for the unexpected thunderstorm, a weather band radio can help with this.
Layers for Hiking
Once you hone into the weather for the area where you’re hiking it is time to assemble all the layers of the outfit.
The Base Layer
For summer hiking the base of your outfit can vary. Some find quality wool, to be best, while others opt for shorts and a shirt. Comfort, quick drying and even the color all matter. The options of base hiking layers are vast, but there is something that will be perfect for you and your hikers. It may take some trial and error but the right combo is out there.
Sun Protective Clothing
A sun shirt can be extremely useful for many reasons. Ideally it can protect from sun burns, not so ideal is that if sunburn did occur it can then protect the already burnt skin. Hats and sunglasses are also key pieces of a hiking outfit.
Layers for Weather
A rain jacket is that key piece of gear that might be rarely used but that is such a life saver. When backpacking a puffy jacket and even gloves are sometimes need. Depending night time temperatures, down booties are fabulous for at camp.
Backpacking Sleepwear
For some, a good nights sleep in a tent is very challenging, it helps to dress for success.
Head and Toes
Clean, dry socks are important for warm toes, make sure those sweaty feet dry off before hopping into the sleeping bag. Buffs are an easy, packable way to keep ears warm for those that may wander out of the top of the sleeping bag at night. Beanies are another option that work well.
Base Layers
The temperature may fluctuate by 20-40 degrees F while sleeping so having clothes that wick and dry quickly is helpful. Wool, once again, is a favorite material for this. Side sleepers are known to shove a puffy jacket under their bottom hip to add comfort. In some scenarios pjs can be used during the day as extra layers for extreme conditions.
For the Littles
A personal favorite pajama style for my kids is a footed pant and sweatshirt. The reason, those middle of the night or early morning times when nature calls. The full body zips were hard to work with but these are a breeze and keep their toes toasty.
Hiking During the Day
Once all the clothing details are sorted out, it’s time to hit the trails. While the heat cannot be avoided there are certainly things to do to make it manageable.
When to Start
During the blazing summer heat an early start can be well worth setting the alarm clock. This can mean making it to the lake during the heat of the day. If the mileage is low starting later in the day can take full advantage of all the daylight and skips out on the heat.
Water
Water is key for a successful hike. On the go water filters insure that a cool drink can always be had. Water is one of the heaviest things to carry, carrying a filter is a lightweight option. This way rationing water never needs to happen.
Stop and Play
In water or the shade, taking frequent breaks to hydrate and regroup is important. Kids can even pack lightweight water shoes in their packs to be able to cool off in creeks and lakes. Pushing through to make it to camp or the car can lead to tired, dehydrated hikers. Always take time to enjoy all the mountains have to offer.
Family “Rules” for Staying Cool
Taking time to educate on hiking in heat is quick and easy and can make a difference. Helping kids be aware of feeling too hot can keep feelings and emotions cool.
Feeling Hot? Cool Off
If a hiker is feeling too hot, the take a dip policy is fabulous. Take the buff, shirt or hat and give it a dip in the creek or lake for an instant and wonderful cool down. The cool hand on the neck is always sweet relief from the sweats.
Shade Seekers
Kids routinely will stop and ask for a break or a drink. Discussing beforehand that the hike will be hot and stopping in the shade is going to be best helps everyone out. The kids can hike along the trail seeking shade and knowing that snack time will happen there.
Bathroom Breaks
This may seem obvious but for some kids that prefer to use the toilet at home, it can be an issue on the trail. Needing to eliminate can cause discomfort and a hot feeling, which can all be made worse in the heat. As parents is it a good idea to keep tabs on how the kids are eliminating and encouraging frequent stops throughout the day to allow time for this.
Snacks For The Heat
Water isn’t enough to keep everyone fueled for backpacking or hiking. Snacks can be very motivating for little legs to keep moving down the trail.
Protein Shake
Vanilla protein is a life saver lunch for our kids. With the ability to get cold water on the trail the protein drink makes for a great nourishing lunch that is quick and easy. It’s also a lunch that kids can make themselves which is always a huge plus.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes aren’t only for adults. A little bit of “flavor water” can go a long way, too much electrolytes can lead to diarrhea and vomiting so it is important to keep an eye on how much kids are drinking. Our kids like picking out what flavor they’ll be drinking on the trail that day.
Trail Oatmeal
Perhaps not a favorite of every child, but a big hit to many. Oats and powdered milk as the base in a ziplock bag, add in honey, berries and any other extras at home. On the trail add cold water, mash around and you have a great cold snack on the trail.
Setting Up Camp
The next step is setting up camp. The heat changes things as far as creating a camp home. Being mindful of a few things can make a big difference.
The Tent Site
Being awakened by sweat dripping down your back with a tent in full sun isn’t ideal. Look for shade and take into consideration evening and morning sun. Especially with any little ones that might be napping in there.
Food Storage
Choosing a “kitchen” site is also an important decision. Either bag or canister should be kept in the shade, even if there are no perishable items, things can get funky in high heat. Having shade to enjoy your food is nice, by dinner or breakfast temperatures can be warm.
Water Filter Station
Many people use gravity filters on backpacking trips. When hanging your filter, once again do not hang it in the sun. Drinking warm water is not ideal. Sometimes shade is hard to find and that may mean dumping the filter more often and getting a fresh cold refill.
After the Sun Goes Down
There are times when it seems like the sun will never set and then within minutes of disappearing behind the ridge line, we are looking for our jackets. Once the sun goes down so do the temperatures.
Quick Temperature Drops
As mentioned earlier the temperature swings in the mountains can be extreme and quick. No matter how hot the days it is good to be prepared for those cooler temps. 40-50 degrees F can seem even cooler in the summer.
Fire
Always be aware of fire bans, rules and regulations. Even in summer a fire can be just the thing to keep everyone happy while waiting for the stars to come out. Gathering firewood and building the fire can be a fun teaching opportunity for kids.
Extra Warm Layers
Depending on how lightweight the packs need to be, puffy jackets, beanies and gloves can be great to have. The puffy jackets are compact and perfect not just at night but on windy peaks and saddles. Chilly evenings can make for fumbly fingers and gloves can come in handy with the kids.
Cool Mornings
After spending the previous day trying to hide from the sun, the morning can have you in search of it or it may already be scorching.
Where is the Tent?
Depending on the temperature, the tent may feel cozy or too hot. If kids are late sleepers and the tent is in the sun it may be worth unzipping their bags and trying to keep them from overheating. The shade may have everyone feeling chilly emerging from their cocoons and wanting to eat their breakfast in the sun.
Fire
Fire isn’t just for starry skies. Sometimes a morning fire is just the thing for a warm breakfast even if in an hour it’s to hot for a fire. Summer backpacking is really an exercise in tuning into the moment and being present.
Layer Up and Down as Needed
Staying patient as the kids are asking for jackets on and off, are too hot and then too cool, is a challenge. It ends up with happier kids, who then understand that layering is something they can do to regulate temperature. So tedious as it is, it’s worth while in the long run.
Must Have Items
These key items, that can really increase the comfort and overall success of a trip.
Sun Hat
The sun hat. A small item that makes a huge difference. Sunday Afternoons has a great discount program for the dilemma of fast growing kids. Personally the wide brim hats that cover face, ears and neck are a must have.
Sunscreen
The sun at altitude is a force to be reckoned with. One application of sunscreen isn’t enough for a full day out hiking so be prepared and reapply. Hiking in the heat while being sunburnt isn’t fun.
Hooded Sun Shirt
The hooded sun shirt is amazing, especially for those kids that aren’t into hats. A tip would be to steer clear of the dark colored sun shirts. If a sunburn does happen hopefully the sun shirt will be able to be worn and hiking can still carry on.
To Summarize
This is a lot of information from how to dress, eat and set up camp. Breaking the information down, here is what is important for our family when we head out on hot days and cool nights.
Why Are We Doing This
On backpacking trips where temperatures can lead to tempers, we go back to the reason we are even on the trail. That reason is to have a great time living outside for a few days. That can help with all the wardrobe changes, water breaks and hard moments.
Gear That Comes Every Single Time
Regardless of the forecast these are always in our packs. Rain gear, puffy jackets, extra socks, hats, water shoes, bug and bear spray, and sun shirts. We have never been sad about being too prepared.
Hydrating
When you’re playing or hiking hard it isn’t easy to get all the water you need. As the adults we try to get in 32 ounces before leaving camp, drink a bottle on the trail and another at camp. For our kids it is the same with a 16 ounce water bottle, with their protein and electrolyte mixes not counting in their water total.
No Bad Weather
Hot hiking by day and cold nights are a part of getting out in the summer for many families. It comes with its own set of challenges and also great opportunities. Crisp mornings and baking afternoons are both able to be enjoyed. With a little extra care; backpacking in wildly swinging temps can be a breeze.
Related Links and Articles
- Backpacking with Kids in Western North Carolina
- Family Backpacking: The Gear You Need
- Backpacking for Beginners
- Best Freeze Dried Backpacking Meals for Kids
- Solo Backpacking with Kids
Backpacking in Hot Days and Cool Nights
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