What Should I Wear Trail Running in the Summer?
Written by Lauren Haislip
Morning dew sparkles on forest leaves as birds trade gossip overhead, and the trail ahead dares you to chase the sunrise. But summer isn’t all picture-perfect. You’ll dodge sun-baked roots, welcome surprise downpours, and feel the heat climb like an oven around you. Dialing in your running trail gear, no matter the forecast, is the secret to turning sweaty struggles into smooth, sun-soaked miles. Read on for the PR Run & Walk kit that’ll keep you breezing through summer singletrack.
Apparel: Light, Breathable, Performance-Driven
When summer trails heat up, your clothing choice is as important as your running shoes. The goal is to regulate body temperature, stay dry, and prevent chafing. We’ve organized apparel into key subcategories so you can zero in on exactly what you need.
Shirts & Singlets for Maximum Ventilation
Your upper layer should be made of moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat off your skin and dry quickly.
Vuori Elevation Racerback Tank
Feels almost weightless but eats sweat faster than you can blink. The snug racerback cut keeps straps out of your way, so your arms can swing freely up every incline without a second thought.
Nike Stride Short Sleeve
Think of this as your trusty go-to on blistering days. It uses Nike Dri-FIT to whisk away sweat and vents in all the right spots so you stay dry. The athletic cut follows your body’s moves perfectly, with no extra fabric flipping when you pick up the pace downhill.
Men's =PR= Originals Luxdry Singlet
The perfect tank to sport on the trail or anywhere else for that matter. All =PR= Originals feel soft, are moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and super comfy.
Pro tip: Pick pale shades to bounce the sun away. Wearing dark is basically strapping a personal heater on your back.
Shorts & Tights That Move With You
Proper bottoms combine airflow with secure support to keep you comfortable on technical terrain.
Nike Fast 3" Short
These men’s shorts combine lightweight fabric with Dri-FIT moisture control and a secure waistband to keep everything in place, even on technical terrain.
On 3" Performance 2/1 Short
Featuring a built-in liner and side split design, these women’s shorts balance support and ventilation for hot-weather runs.
Women's =PR= Originals 25" Tights
Made from quick-dry, moisture-wicking fabric, these tights will keep your legs comfortable and safe from insects.
Underlayers for Comfort & Support
Sweating buckets? These base layers feel light and supportive no matter how hot your run gets.
Saxx Kinetic Compression Boxer Brief
Designed with mesh ventilation zones and a supportive pouch, these boxer briefs eliminate friction and hotspots so you can run blister-free.
Nike Indy Light Support Sports Bra
When you’re scrambling over rocks or whipping around switchbacks, the adjustable straps and mesh panels of this bra pull sweat away and lock you in place, giving just the right support without ever digging in.
Trail Running Shoes: Grip, Protection, and Breathability
Ever had your heart skip a beat because your foot slid on a loose rock? I have. That’s why you need shoes that dig in like they’re superglued, dump creek water before you realize you’re soaked, and mold to your foot so every step feels like home.
HOKA Speedgoat 6
If cloud-level cushioning is your jam, the Speedgoat 6 has got you covered with its plush midsole and sticky Vibram® Megagrip lugs that grab hold whether the trail is drenched or dry. The engineered mesh upper keeps fresh air flowing without ever feeling floppy or flimsy.
Altra Lone Peak 9
These feel-like-foot skin shoes offer a zero-drop sole and an open toe box so you can really dig in. The lugged MaxTrac outsole grabs gravel and mud alike, and the mesh panels let water flow out the moment you splash through a stream. No soggy socks, guaranteed.
Brooks Cascadia 18
Slip into these and you’ll tackle any terrain with swagger. The hidden rock shield sends sharp debris packing, while the quick-dry mesh and side vents blast away mud and heat. No root, rock, or bog can slow you down.
Shop Women’s Trail Shoes | Shop Men’s Trail Shoes
Socks: Small Investment, Big Comfort
Think socks are just an afterthought? Think again. In muggy, sweat-forcing conditions, they’re your unsung heroes: wiping moisture away, supporting your arches, and giving your toes room to breathe even when the trail heats up.
Feetures Elite Ultra Light Socks
These socks wrap your arch in gentle compression and lay flat at the toes to prevent rubbing, while mesh vents whisk sweat away before hot spots form.
Balega Ultralight Socks
Think plush terry loops meet sweat-wicking magic. These no-show socks lock around your heel and forefoot so nothing slips or bunches, even on triple-digit mile days.
Tip: Opt for ultra-light styles with padding exactly under your heel and toes. That sweet spot cushioning stops hot spots before they ever start.
Hats, Shades & Accessories: Sun and Sweat Solutions
When the sun refuses to take a break, a solid hat and reliable shades are your trail armor. They channel sweat away from your eyes, crush glare before it slows you down, and block rogue twigs or flying grit so you stay locked in on every footfall.
JUNK Big Bang Lite Delta Force
Wear this tube as a headband, neck gaiter, or sweatband; its moisture-wicking quick-dry fabric has you covered.
Goodr OG Sunglasses
These polarized lenses shred glare and keep UVA/UVB rays at bay, while the sticky temple grips lock in place so they never budge, even when you’re pouring sweat.
Nike Dri-FIT ADV Club Cap
Lightweight Dri-FIT fabric and an internal sweatband keep you dry, while the featherlight panels almost feel invisible.
Revive and Revel Sun Shield SPF Sun Screen
Arm yourself with the highest caliber of UV defense. This SPF 50 provides a broad-spectrum shield, ensuring UVA and UVB protection for your skin.
Hydration Gear: Carry Water, Run Farther
Skipping on hydration is a rookie move when the sun’s high. Pick a system that tucks into your flow; fast to sip, quicker to refill, and so seamless you’ll forget it’s even there.
Handheld Bottles
Nathan SpeedDraw 2 Insulated Flask 12 oz
An ergonomic 12 oz flask with an insulated pocket for your phone or keys, perfect for quick grabs on the go.
Belts
Nathan TrailMix Plus Insulated 3.0 Bottle Belt
Carry two 300 ml soft flasks at your hips and stash your essentials in zip pockets. The breathable, stretchy fabric hugs your waist so nothing jiggles.
Vests
CamelBak Circuit Vest
This vest puts a 2L bladder front and center for easy sipping, plus extra pockets for bottles or bars. Mesh back panels keep air flowing so you stay cool, even when you’re hammering up climbs.
Pro tip: Mix electrolyte tabs in one flask from our Hydration Gear Collection to replace sodium, potassium, and magnesium lost in sweat.
Nutritionals: Fuel Beyond Water
Water’s crucial, but summer runs demand more. Electrolyte powders and chews keep your balance in check and your energy steady.
Nuun Sport Tablets
A tasty & hydrating blend of electrolytes, minerals and caffeine provides complete hydration with an extra boost. 7 flavors available.
Skratch Labs Energy Chews
Energy chews are an easy and convenient source of carbohydrate to help maintain blood sugar and performance during hard and long workouts. 3 flavors available.
Shop Running Nutrition
Tech & Extras: Track and Tackle Tough Terrain
Gadgets and gear that do the heavy lifting can take your run from good to great. Here’s what earns its keep on challenging trails:
Garmin Forerunner 265
Think of this as both a coach and lifeline on your wrist; it buzzes when you’ve skipped a drink, records every stride and heartbeat, and can send an alert if you take a tumble.
Shokz OpenFit 2 Headphones
These bone-conduction headphones hug your cheekbones so you can jam to your playlist and still catch the crunch of gravel or your running buddy’s call.
Final Tips for Summer Trail Running
Acclimate Gradually
Treat your first summer runs like catching up over coffee: easy, fun, and totally pressure-free. Head out in the cool morning air for a quick lap, then only add extra miles when you’re still laughing at the trail’s quirks.
When in Doubt, Slow It Down
When the sun turns the trail into an oven, toss your stopwatch aside. Glide into a pace that feels good, break into power walks on the climbs, and let the wildflowers, whispering pines, or that epic view call the shots for your speed.
Keep Your Fuel Close
When temps soar, your body runs on more than air. Tuck a gel, chew, or bar into your vest and refuel every 30–45 minutes. Pair it with electrolyte tabs in your flask so you keep your energy and sweat salt in check.
Dress for Drama
A misty start can turn into a downpour fast. Throw a lightweight rain shell or quick-dry top from our Apparel Collection in your pack so you’re never caught off guard.
Be a Trail Buddy
Smile, say hello, and yield to uphill runners. Announce your passes with a friendly “on your left,” and carry out any trash you bring in. Reflective pieces from our Hats & Headwear and Safety & Visibility lines also help everyone stay safe.
Watch for Critters
Summer brings ticks, mosquitoes, and maybe a snake sighting. Spray on some bug repellent before you head out.
Ready to Gear Up?
Gear up for your best summer trail run yet. Swing by PR Run & Walk to explore our full trail collection, try on our top picks, and get custom fitting tips from our experts. From new trail shoes and hydration packs to sweat-busting apparel, we’ve got what you need to stay cool and crush every mile.