What to Wear Camping in the Summer
Posted by Kevin Green on Apr 8th 2026
Key Takeaways
- Wear pants or shorts that allow for freedom of movement during hikes and climbs.
- Pack lightweight short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts for protection against bugs, plants, and UV rays.
- Pack layers for evenings or unexpected rain, such as ponchos and thermal tops.
Most of us have a general idea of what to bring on a camping trip. But when it comes to what to wear camping in the summer? Not so much.
Don’t overlook this key aspect of camping! For a truly enjoyable experience, you need the right summer camping gear. Keep comfortable and protected in the summer heat – and its unexpected rain showers – with this Army Surplus World guide.
Wear Lightweight Shirts
High summer temperatures can easily cause you to overheat. Make sure you’re ready to combat sizzling temps with short- and long-sleeve outdoor shirts made from lightweight, breathable materials like poly and nylon blends.
While long-sleeve shirts may seem like a fast track to overheating, those sleeves provide indispensable protection against the sun’s UV rays, bugs, irritating plants, and trail scratches.
Pack Quick-Drying Pants That Move With You
When planning what to wear camping in the summer, aim for fatigue pants or military shorts that provide a dimensional fit for maximum comfort and freedom of movement during activities like hiking and climbing. You should also try to find those with quick-drying capabilities to stay dry, cool, and comfortable during hikes and other activities.
Key features to look for include:
- Mobility features like 4-way stretch and a gusseted crotch
- Adjustable waist tabs for a custom fit
- Pockets to store your phone and smaller camping equipment
- Ripstop fabrics for high durability
- Reinforced knees to reduce the impact on your knees when kneeling or crawling during camp set-up
Bring Layers For Chilly Evenings
Evenings can get chilly, even in the summer. Layer up with insulating pieces like flannels or with lightweight jackets that won’t take up much room in your military bag. Here’s what to wear camping in the summer:
- Thermal clothes – tops and bottoms
- Military poncho and poncho liner (for unexpected summer rain!)
- Army hoodie or sweatshirt
- A military jacket, such as a soft-shell tactical jacket
Other Summer Camping Gear to Consider
- Sun Protection: Bring accessories like ball caps and sunglasses to shield your eyes during long hikes and other outdoor adventures.
- Gloves: You can use lightweight gloves to protect your hands while collecting firewood or to keep them warm on chilly mornings.
- Footwear: Wear hiking boots or footwear with a durable, rugged outsole for exploring.
Remember What to Wear Camping in the Summer
Whether you’re exploring the trails or kayaking under the summer sun, the right clothing helps you make the most of every moment. Stay cool and protected, no matter the weather, with our military clothing and camping gear at Army Surplus World!