After months of layering up for unpredictable weather, the first few hot weather runs are a welcomed relief. The simplicity of heading outside in the simple summer running outfit of just shorts and a t-shirt makes running feel like a breeze.

Until you realize how bright it is. And how hot the sun feels on your exposed skin. Not to mention the fact that you’re dying of thirst after less than a mile.

Ah, summer running season is here.

Related: 8 Tips to Make Running in the Heat Easier

While summer certainly creates a sense of ease, hot weather running can bring a few challenges. But nothing that can’t be conquered with the right summer running essentials.

This comprehensive list of summer running gear will help you prepare for the months of hot weather running ahead, conquer the challenges, and make the most out of this beautiful season.

With everything from water bottles to sun protection and epic summer running clothes, this gear guide will help you prepare for anything that may come your way.

Check out these summer running essentials to stay safe throughout the hot weather season!

The Best Summer Running Gear for Hot Weather

**Note: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, ALL opinions are my own.

Hydration Gear

Stay hydrated during this hot weather running season is key to success. The extra sunshine combined with high temperatures and humidity are a recipe for thirst. After running in the cooler weather, you might even be surprised to find that you’re already feeling thirsty just a few steps into your run!

And on a hot summer run, nothing is more satisfying that a drink of cold water. Luckily, taking water with you on those summer runs is easy if you have the right gear. If you want to invest in once piece of summer running gear this season, taking the time to find a comfortable, convenient way to carry water will pay off greatly.

Here are two great pieces of hot weather running gear to stay hydrated with ease this season!

• Nathan Handheld Water Bottle

This handheld water bottle is my absolute favorite for summer running. It holds 18 ounces of water but doesn’t feel heavy or bulky while you’re holding it. The strap wraps around your hand to stay in place even when you’re not gripping the water bottle.

An added bonus of this water bottle is the fact that it has a decent sized pocket that can store your keys, fuel or anything else you might need to take with you on the run.

There is nothing quite like the convenience of having water at your fingertips, whenever you need it on the run. This handheld water bottle makes it easy to take a drink at any time without having to undo a belt or stop to get situated.

• Hydration Belt

If you’re looking for more of a hands-free way to stay hydrated on the run, this hydration belt will do the trick. It fits multiple water bottles, so although they may look small, you’re still able to take quite a bit of water with you on the run.

The small water bottles help prevent that annoying bounce while you run. This hydration belt stays right in place, snuggly on your hips, so you don’t even feel it as you go.

You’ll never have to think about carrying water or stopping at a fountain since everything you need is right in your belt. You’ll also be able to store plenty of fuel and all your running necessities for every hot summer run!

Sun Protection

As if battling thirst and dehydration isn’t challenging enough, you’ll also want to play it safe this season when it comes to the sun. While it might be tempting to just head outdoors without any protection, that time spent in the sun can really add up.

Finding comfortable ways to protect your body from the sun will not only help you stay safe, but it will make those summer runs feel much more bearable. These three simple pieces of summer running gear are essential if you’ll be running through the sun this summer!

Protect your skin, eyes and body on each run so you can safely log those miles each and every day.

• Goodr Sunglasses

These Goodr sunglasses are an amazing investment – not just because they are lightweight, stylish and comfortable, but because they are affordable as well! With so many styles and colors to choose from, you can’t go wrong with these polarized sunglasses.

Each pair is designed specifically for activities like running, so they stay in place without bouncing on the go. These glasses are so lightweight that they’ll help you avoid sweating up a storm while running, even with something on your face.

• Under Armour Visor

This visor is a great way to protect your face from the sun throughout your run, even without sunblock. This visor helps keep your face shaded to not only protect from sun damage, but to help you stay cooler in hot weather.

This visor is lightweight and still allows a breeze to get through so your head won’t heat up. It stays in place even as you bounce around on the run, and allows you to style your hair just about any way you could want with an open top.

• Coppertone Sweat Proof Sunblock

We all understand the importance of sunblock, especially when out in the sun for long periods of time, but it doesn’t always sound appealing when heading out for a run. There’s nothing worse than feeling greasy and gross before you even get started.

This sunblock is sweat proof, easy to apply and won’t leave you feeling grease free. It protects from the sun for hours on end to keep your skin safe and help your entire body stay cool. Sunblock is an essential piece of summer running gear for every runner!

Running Tops

The key to success throughout the summer running season is staying cool. Heating up is not only uncomfortable, but it can be incredibly dangerous.

Luckily, these summer running tops are designed specifically to keep you as cool as possible for maximum success and fun this season. Each shirt is lightweight, free flowing, light colored and provides plenty of air flow.

Stock up on some of these essential hot weather running shirts for comfort and ease this season.

• Brooks Women’s Array Tank Top

• Nike Mens Legend Dri Fit Sleeveless

• Under Armour Women’s Swing Tank Top

Running Bottoms

Similar to finding the perfect summer running top, another key to success in hot weather is finding comfortable running bottoms.

The right running shorts or tights will help you stay cool and fresh in hot weather, rather than trapping the heat to leave you sticky with sweat.

Check out these summer running shorts and tights to stay stylish and cool throughout the season.

• ASICS Performance Ombre Capri

• Brooks Women’s Go-to Shorts

• Nike Women’s Dry Tempo Running Short

Running Socks

If there’s one area that heats up the fastest on the run, it’s definitely your feet. Stuffing your feet in air tight shoes and socks is hard to avoid when running, but luckily, there are a few ways to keep your feet as cool as possible.

No matter how much we’d like to air our feet out in some lightweight sandals, running in well-supported shoes is a must year-round. Which means that finding the best summer running socks is essential!

These running socks help keep your feet fresh and cool, even as they pound out the miles. Each sock is lightweight, helping avoid unnecessary sweating and allowing air to make its way to your feet with each step.

• Balega No Show Socks

• Saucony Performance Athletic Socks

Chafing Remedies

Summer running season is a recipe for chafing. There is hardly anything more uncomfortable than sweaty skin rubbing continuously against other skin or clothes. This constant rub burns and stings, especially when you get cleaned up.

Finding the right chafing remedies will not only help you heal the pain, but it will help prevent it all together. Chafing sticks and lubricants are an essential part of every runner’s summer running gear!

• Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

While summer running season certainly creates a great deal of (well-deserved) excitement, it definitely brings its fair share of challenges as well. Luckily, many of the discomforts that arise this time of year can be successfully reduced or avoided with the right hot weather running gear.

Taking the time to research and invest in a few pieces of high-quality summer running gear will help you feel comfortable, even in hot weather.

This season is a time to get outside, make progress towards your goals, and enjoy the endorphins – and what better way to do so than on the run?!

More running gear ideas:

• How to Find the Right Running Gear and Accessories
• Essential Gear and Gadgets for All Runners
• The Best Spring Running Gear and Essentials
• Must Have Fall Running Gear and Accessories