Southern California offers some breathtaking desert and mountain hikes, from the vast Anza-Borrego to the challenging peaks around Palm Springs. But let’s be honest, the SoCal sun, especially in our deserts and hotter mountain trails, doesn’t mess around! Over our many hikes, we’ve learned that having the right basic gear is crucial not just for comfort, but for safety too.
You don’t need to break the bank to stay protected and enjoy your trek. We’re all about finding gear that’s effective, affordable, and gets the job done. So, here’s a rundown of the basic clothing and a few extras we rely on when tackling the heat and sun on our Southern California adventures.
We’ve spent countless days exploring these trails, and through trial and error, we’ve landed on a collection of apparel and footwear that balances practicality, affordability, and genuine effectiveness. This isn’t about the flashiest, most expensive tech; it’s about real-world gear that works for us and can work for you too.
(Just a heads-up: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, we might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep sharing our trail tips!)
Sun Protection Up Top: The Right Hat
First things first: the Southern California sun is no joke. A good hat is your primary shield against intense UV rays and oppressive heat, protecting your face, ears, and neck.
- The specific hats we’ve used for years are no longer available (see old example 1 and old example 2), but the style is key. We swear by wide-brimmed “fishing hat” types that offer excellent coverage.
- What to look for: Prioritize UPF-rated material for UV protection, a mesh panel for crucial ventilation (your head will thank you!), and a wide brim.
- Our Pick: A bright-colored hat not only helps reflect some heat but also adds a layer of visibility on the trail. We recommend something like this UV protection fishing hat with mesh – it ticks all the boxes.
Shield Your Eyes: Essential Sunglasses
Just as crucial as a good hat are reliable sunglasses. The glare in SoCal, whether in the desert or up in the mountains, can be incredibly strong.
- Our Pick: We’ve had great success with these sunglasses. Make sure whatever pair you choose offers solid UV protection and good coverage to shield your eyes from sun, dust, and wind.
Covering Up: Shirts for Sun and Comfort
Protecting your skin from the sun is vital, and that extends to your arms and torso.
- Long-Sleeve Sun Shirts: It might seem counter-intuitive in the heat, but a lightweight, breathable long-sleeved shirt is invaluable. Cotton-linen blends are fantastic for SoCal conditions.
- One of us regularly wears this men’s cotton-linen long-sleeve shirt and it’s proven to be a comfortable, protective workhorse.
- For a women’s option, finding an exact equivalent we’ve personally vetted is tough, but this women’s cotton-linen shirt is made from similar breathable fabric and looks like a great choice.
- A Sturdy T-Shirt Option: For days when full long-sleeve coverage isn’t needed, or as a base layer, a good quality t-shirt is useful. We’ve found that “heavy cotton” t-shirts tend to be more durable for hiking and camping than standard thin cotton or some polyesters. While the quality might differ from European “heavy cotton,” a good option is something like the Gildan G500L Heavy Cotton Ladies’ T-Shirt.
Versatile Layers: Hoodies & Fleece for Changing Conditions
SoCal weather can change quickly, especially if you’re gaining elevation or hiking from morning into the cooler evening. Having versatile layers is key.
- Women’s Sherpa-Lined Hoodie: Despite any “frequently returned item” notes you might see online, we’ve personally found the Yeokou Women’s Casual Full Zip Up Sherpa Lined Hoodie to be very practical and warm. It’s a cozy layer when temperatures dip.
- Unisex Fleece Hoodie: For a reliable, lightweight layer that’s easy to pack, the Fruit of the Loom Unisex Adult EverSoft Fleece Full Zip Hoodie is a great, affordable pick.
- Men’s Polar Fleece Shirt Jacket: An all-around, all-occasion star is the Amazon Essentials Men’s Long-Sleeve Polar Fleece Shirt Jacket. It’s perfect as an outer layer on milder cool days or a substantial mid-layer when it’s colder.
Lower Body Essentials: Pants & Shorts for the Trail
Comfort and protection for your legs are just as important, with options for different conditions and preferences.
- Men’s Cargo Pants: For cooler days, trails with more brush, or if you just prefer more coverage, the OCHENTA Men’s Cotton Casual Cargo Work Pants are a great choice. I wear them a lot; the multiple pockets are super handy, and they’re comfortable for all sorts of casual and work outdoor activities.
- Women’s Linen Shorts: Linen is fantastic for desert heat due to its breathability.
- A really good option is the Neer 2 Pcs Women’s Linen Summer Shorts. These are officially called “Casual Bermuda Wide Leg Mid Length High Waisted Drawstring Short with Pocket” – quite a mouthful, but they are genuinely excellent for desert hiking.
- For a more budget-friendly but still effective linen choice, check out the Weintee Women’s Pull On Linen Shorts with Pockets; they are about half the price and still great for keeping cool.
- Men’s Linen Blend Shorts: For breathable comfort, the JMIERR Mens Shorts Linen Cotton 7″ Casual Shorts are a solid pick for desert and summer hikes, featuring an elastic waist and drawstring.
- Men’s Everyday Cotton Shorts: Another good, affordable option for hikes are the Champion Men’s 9″ Everyday Cotton Shorts with Pockets.
Happy Feet: Choosing the Right Socks & Sandals
Your feet carry you everywhere, so treat them right!
- Socks: Good socks are your first defense against blisters.
- For women, we like these hiking socks.
- For men, these hiking socks have worked well.
- Sandals for Hiking:
- Men’s: One of us has been wearing these men’s hiking sandals for about 2.5 years on almost every single hike. They are incredibly comfortable and have held up surprisingly well, offering great ventilation on warmer trails.
- Women’s: The CAMEL CROWN Comfortable Hiking Sandals for Women are a waterproof sport sandal option with arch support. We’ve used them a lot, and while they might not look brand new after a year of hard use, their comfort and performance for walking, beach, and water activities are notable.
Choosing the right apparel and footwear doesn’t have to be complicated or overly expensive. The key is to prioritize sun protection, breathability for hot conditions, and versatile layers for those unpredictable SoCal temperature swings. With these field-tested basics, you’ll be well on your way to many comfortable and safe adventures on our beautiful Southern California trails!
Happy hiking!
