Visit the PATC Store for Summer Essentials
By Jess LaPolla
If you’re anything like us, you’re planning on spending as much time outside as you can this summer. A day on the trail, a night under the stars, lounging on the banks of a cool river, or looking out over rocky summits. Whether you're heading out for a quick day hike, a weekend camping trip, or a longer backcountry adventure, preparation is the key to staying comfortable and safe in the heat.
Stay Cool on the Trail
Summer hiking offers incredible rewards — lush green forests, mountain sunsets, sparkling swimming holes, and flora in full bloom, but it also comes with challenges like heat, humidity, and sun exposure. A few lightweight essentials can make a huge difference in keeping you cool and comfortable.
One of the most useful warm-weather trail accessories is a cooling towel. After soaking it in water, these towels provide refreshing relief around your neck or head while slugging up steep switchbacks on a hot afternoon.
Bandanas are another classic hiking staple that never go out of style. Lightweight, versatile, and easy to pack, they can be used as:
- Sweatbands
- Neck/head protection from the sun
- Cooling wraps when soaked in water
- A cute accessory for your four-legged friends
PATC’s branded bandanas let hikers show their trail pride while carrying a practical piece of gear that earns its place in every pack.
PATC also has a fun selection of baseball hats to choose from to keep the sun out of your eyes and the hair out of your face on those long days outside. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, electrolytes, and food on all your outdoor adventures.
Finish off your preparation by knowing the area you’ll be hiking or camping in. Check out PATC’s wide variety of maps and guidebooks, including the new Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Whether you're staying at one of PATC’s cabins, backpacking to a shelter, or setting up camp in the mountains, the right gear helps you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the experience.
Gear That Gives Back
Every purchase from the PATC store supports the trails and places you love. Proceeds help fund trail maintenance, cabin preservation, volunteer programs, education initiatives, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region.
So, before your next summer adventure, grab a cooling towel, throw a bandana in your pack, grab a guidebook, and hit the trail. Explore the new store!