About the Author: Meet Christy, Marketing Director at San Diego Running Co. and a runner who’s been at it since her elementary school 1-mile club days. Back then, she’d never have guessed those short laps would eventually lead to two 50Ks, a 100K, and a 100-mile finish. These days, she’s still hitting the trails while she trains for the Mammoth Triple in September — and sharing her love for running (and gear opinions!) with the SDRC community along the way.
One of the perks of living in San Diego is that our summers are a lot friendlier to runners than what much of the country experiences. While other regions are battling extreme heat and humidity, we’re fortunate to have relatively mild conditions year-round.
That said, summer running in San Diego still comes with its challenges.
While the extra hours of daylight are certainly working in our favor, warmer temperatures and increased sun exposure can make it harder to get out the door and stay consistent with your training. Even when the thermometer doesn’t look intimidating, heat and sun can take a bigger toll on your body than you might expect.
The good news? A few smart gear choices can make a big difference. The right gear won’t magically make summer running easy, but it can help you stay cooler, more comfortable, and more consistent when the temperatures start to climb. I’m always testing new gear and changing things up, but these are the products I’m currently reaching for most often as summer training season heats up.
Disclaimer: Before we dive in, a quick note: these recommendations aren’t based on sponsorships or official SDRC partnerships. They’re simply products I’ve personally used, tested, and come back to again and again during my own training.
What to Wear
Gear Pick #1: Lightweight Technical Shirt or Sun Hoody
Summer is the time to ditch the cotton and reach for lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics. Look for lighter colors that reflect sunlight and fabrics designed to move sweat away from your skin.
🌟 Christy’s Current Favorite: LSKD AeroFLX+ Collection
If I’m heading out for a road run, workout, or shorter effort in warm weather, there’s a good chance I’m reaching for something from the AeroFLX+ collection. The strategically placed ventilation zones help improve airflow where your body generates the most heat, while the lightweight fabric dries quickly and stays comfortable even during high-sweat workouts.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider a Sun Hoody
It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes adding coverage is actually the cooler option.
A lightweight sun hoody provides valuable protection from UV exposure (more on that in our sunscreen section!) while also helping regulate temperature through moisture-wicking fabrics. Rather than having the sun directly baking your skin, the fabric creates a breathable barrier that can feel surprisingly comfortable on hot days.
☀️ For Long Sunny Days: Patagonia Capilene® Cool Daily Hoody
When I’m spending long hours on the trails, running at higher elevations, or heading out on an especially sunny day, I often reach for the Patagonia Capilene® Cool Daily Hoody. It’s lightweight, breathable, dries quickly, and has become one of my favorite pieces for long summer adventures.
Gear Pick #2: Lightweight Hat
A good running hat keeps sun off your face, helps manage sweat, and can even become a cooling tool on hot days.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: rabbit Ice Hat
The standout feature is the built-in ice pockets that allow you to add ice during long runs or races. Even without the ice, it’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable enough that I forget I’m wearing it.
Gear Pick #3: Polarized Sunglasses
Protecting your eyes from UV exposure and glare can make bright summer runs far more enjoyable.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: Goodr
Affordable, polarized, and completely bounce-free. One of my favorite party tricks is shaking my head vigorously while wearing them to prove they aren’t going anywhere. While the no-bounce design gets most of the attention, my favorite feature is the grip coating that helps keep them from sliding down a sweaty nose bridge. On hot summer runs, that’s a game changer.
Take Care of the Bod
Gear Pick #4: Sunscreen
Sunburn doesn’t just affect your skin—it can increase fatigue, elevate perceived effort, and make recovery harder. Protecting your skin helps protect your performance.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense
It goes on smoothly, dries clear, and doesn’t leave behind the white residue that many sunscreens do. Most importantly, it still feels comfortable after an hour of sweating.
The thing I love most about this sunscreen is that it passes the sweat test. Plenty of products go on clear, but once the sweat starts flowing, you’re suddenly covered in white streaks. I’ve worn this on some seriously hot runs and have yet to see even a trace of that chalky white residue.
Gear Pick #5: Anti-Chafe Protection
Hotter temperatures mean more sweat, and more sweat means more opportunities for chafing.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: Body Glide
Simple, effective, and incredibly easy to apply thanks to the deodorant-style stick. It may not be the most exciting item on this list, but it might save your long run
Hydration
Gear Pick #6: Electrolytes
If you’re sweating, you need electrolytes.
Different products offer different levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your body.
🌟 Christy’s Picks:
- LMNT: High sodium for heavy sweaters and hot conditions.
- Vitalyte: Balanced electrolyte profile with a lighter taste.
- SaltStick: Great when you want your electrolytes separate from your hydration.
Gear Pick #7: Handheld Bottle
*For a deeper dive into hydration gear, check out our previous hydration gear guide. For now, here are a few of my current favorites.
🌟 Christy’s Current Favorite: HydraPak SkyFlask Speed
The collapsible design eliminates sloshing as you drink, and the hand strap is comfortable enough that I rarely think about it while running. For shorter runs, it’s my go-to hydration solution.
Gear Pick #8: Hydration Vest
For longer runs where you need additional hydration, fuel, layers, or safety gear, a hydration vest is hard to beat. It allows you to comfortably carry everything you need while keeping your hands free and your essentials within easy reach.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: The North Face Summit Series Run Vest
The zippered flask pockets make loading full bottles significantly easier, and the secure front pocket is perfect for keys and other essentials. It’s comfortable, stable, and currently the vest I reach for most often.
I use the 10L version, which offers plenty of storage for everything from mountain long runs to all-day adventures. If you don’t need quite as much capacity, The North Face also offers a nearly identical 5L version that features a smaller rear storage compartment while maintaining the same overall fit and front pocket design.
Bonus Tools
Gear Pick #9: Ice Bandana
When temperatures really start climbing, cooling becomes just as important as hydration.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: Nomadix Ice Bandana
By holding ice against your neck, an ice bandana helps cool blood flowing through major arteries near the skin’s surface. It’s surprisingly effective on hot days and easy to refill at aid stations or water stops.
Gear Pick #10: Recovery Sandals
Recovery starts with hydration, nutrition, and sleep—but a good pair of recovery sandals certainly doesn’t hurt.
🌟 Christy’s Pick: OOFOS
After a long run, slipping into a pair of OOFOS feels like a reward. The cushioning is soft, supportive, and does a great job of helping tired feet feel a little less tired.
Final Thoughts
Summer training doesn’t have to feel miserable. While no piece of gear can replace smart pacing, hydration, and listening to your body, the right tools can help you stay cooler, more comfortable, and more consistent through the warmest months of the year.
Now grab your gear, find some shade where you can, and enjoy those extra hours of daylight.
