Are cotton clothes really a no-no for hiking in hot weather?
What clothing do you recommend for hiking in hot weather? From time to time I've heard that light cotton or hemp clothes are, in fact, the coolest choice for hiking in high temperatures. Ted Great Falls, Montana
Heres a thought: Pack a lightweight umbrella. GoLite (golite.com) makes a nice light one called the GoLite Dome, which sells for $25 and weighs just eight ounces. Its like carrying around your own shady patch!
Patagonia Capilene 1 T-shirt
Capilene 1 T-shirt
Otherwise, I think youre on the right track looking for loose cotton clothing. I dont think theres anything magic here; good-quality cotton tees such as L.L. Beans Carefree T-shirt ($12; llbean.com) would work fine. I know, I knowcotton doesnt belong in the outdoors. But its very cool and comfortable in hot weather. Just be sure you have a dry change in case you sweat through and the weather cools. I also like Patagonias Capilene 1 T-shirt ($36; patagonia.com) in hot weather. Its super-light, wicks and dries well, and works as a base layer for chilly weather.
A good source for hot-weather clothing is the Sunprecautions.com site. It carries lightweight, high-SPF items such as the Safari Shirt ($80) or Cargo Pants ($80). I also like Ex-Officios clothes in hot weather, such as its Reef Runner shirt ($60; exofficio.com).
I havent heard that hemp clothing offers any particular advantage, but it very well might. Try Hempest.com and take a look at the Hemp Button Down Shirt ($68).
Keep cool!
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