Help me dress my husband for Dolomites at end of June

I am absolutely not one to have any expertise on this subject. What I had was the same problem. We are from So Cal and I was trying to pack for spring for France, the Netherlands and Belgium; some days were freezing cold and some were warm and hot. I agonized on how to pack because I don't know much about layering and what kind of jackets to bring. At the last minute, I purchased a Columbia fleece vest which is hardly a fashion staple in women's wardrobes. But, I absolutely loved having it, and was glad I didn't have to manage bulky sleeves under my coat. It kept me nice and warm when I needed it. I know you are thinking for your husband, but thought I'd mention my experience.

Follow the layering guidelines of base layer, middle layer and outer layer. For a base layer anything from a t-shirt to a polo shirt either short or long sleeved. Middle layer 1/4 zip pullover or other type of insulating layer. It does not have to be a heavy layer. Outer layer some type of rain coat that breaks the wind. Stay away from cotton for the base layer especially, as cotton holds moisture. If you have an REI or similar type of store near by go there and take a look and ask questions. You can also look at Eddie Bauer, Patagonia and LL Bean. I have found that when you combine light layers you can stay warm. Let us know if you have more questions.

We were there in mid-June and spent the whole time in shorts and T shirts. Maybe bring a fleece jacket, but unless you’re wandering around very early, you probably won’t need it.

We went to Venice after, and it was hot and humid. Same at Lake Maggiore.

End of June? We will be there ourselves around that time, returning for our 6th hiking trip in the Dolomites. It is more likely to be warm and sunny than cold and rainy, but you need to be prepared for both. It might be cool in the evening and early morning if you are up on the Alpe at those times.

Assuming that 32 degrees shirt is merino and has long sleeves, he should be ready for any cold and wet the weather gods might throw at you, if he layers that with the Bean zip jacket and his rain jacket.

What I would suggest adding to his wardrobe is a good sun shirt with long sleeves. It can be knit or woven, but the long sleeves are a must. . My husband has both types and takes them both on our hiking trips. The woven one does double duty as a collared button-down shirt if he feels more appropriately dressed for dinner in a shirt like that.

Cargo shorts
Polo shirt
Underwear
Socks (DarnTough)
Shoes (Giesswein)

I wear this outfit year ‘round.
Age 76.

All the summer (June to early September) on the Alps, you can have temperatures ranging from 3 °C (snow possible at high elevation) to 30 °C in low deep valleys like Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, so you should be ready for anything. Lately summers are hotter, but intensive rain is always possible; trust a fellow (me) that has been involved in the Cortina flooding in 1966 (3 years old) and still holidaying each year in the larger area. Do not assume shorts will do for everything - this because rain and cold weather is always possible, and also for protection when hiking (IMHO shorts are appropriate on hard hikes on sunny days). Layering is the best bet, bring t-shirts or undershirts (1st layer), polo (2nd layer), sweater (3°rd layer), rain jacket (4th layer). Shorts and jeans for hiking usually enough - on long stays I include light wool trousers (but I am traveling by car and I have no luggage limits).

So the consensus seems to be that he can get by with his current jacket and raincoat if he layers underneath. What about the gloves and head band I was thinking of buying? Is that overkill too? Trying to be prepared but not overpack

KD-I actually bought my husband a fleece vest for his birthday. He hated it. But I might look for myself.

Ed-We do have an REI store but about an hour away. But may make it there at some point. Thanks for the tip about no cotton.

travel4fun-I hope we get similar weather. We are used to hot and humid!

Lola-the 32 degree shirt is long sleeved but not merino wool. Is is polyester, acrylic and spandex. Does that change your advice? I am not sure my husband would wear merino wool. He does wear sun shirts here but current ones are only yard worthy so a good idea.

davebarnes-you are more cold blooded than we are!

iachera-I am not assuming shorts will be enough and both of us have hiking pants. The weather has gotten crazier in recent years so hard to know. We are trying to be prepared for anything!

I'd at least test out some Merino. Sure, some people can never tolerate it no matter the type, but I have very sensitive skin and I do (after Switzerland, I became a convert). It not only keeps you warm without having bulk, it also dries quickly and wicks away moisture--and best of all does not smell like synthetics do.

not mentioned in the thread is footwear. While everyone hopes for warm weather it is possible it might even snow and you'll need appropriate footwear to walk on snow/ice the following days. Waterproof shoes may be a good idea and also I'd suggest bringing strap-on ice cleats similar to https://www.amazon.com/WBCBEC-Gripper-Traction-Cleats-Crampons/dp/B0CN8SV1G7/ We were in the Dolomites this past fall and without them or proper boots it was quite difficult to walk on parts of the trails where ice was present.

Incidentally since you'll be in Ortesei take a look at the guided hikes and other activities thru Val Gardena Active. Most hotels belong and so it's free for their guests.

Beth, I am not at all familiar with 32 Degrees brand, but I personally do not care for acrylic, and my husband gave up on polyester because of the stink factor (except for his sunshirts, which he washes in the shower after each wearing). Mostly all he wears now is Merino, or cotton, with or without poly blend. What do you think is your husband’s uncertainty about merino? Style or function? If he fears the itch, read my post about that factor at the end of this thread about merino socks:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/best-travel-shoes/merino-wool-socks#top

He actually has some smart wool hiking socks.

We live in Florida so merino wool is not exactly on our radar. Neither of us have ever tried it in clothes. But he is very picky about tops. He doesn’t like anything tight at all. I looked at smart wool website. The clothes are pretty fitted so not sure he would go for that. And merino wool is of course expensive and I wonder if it is worth the investment for one trip. Or maybe I am underestimating how useful it would be?

Edit: would a short sleeved merino wool shirt be useful on a trip like this? He would be more likely to wear that again.

And we do both have newer hiking shoes. I traipsed through snow once hiking and really hated it even with clampons. I think we will just not go where snow is.

Merino wool, or generally wool is more adequate for winter time - they weave splendid wool fabrics in Tirol and my loden coats and hats keep rain better than modern rain gear; but this is still summer, so lower temperatures and snow are more likely to be occasional or at high elevations than long term weather. Aim for 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) knowing that in case could be 5 to 30 °C (40 to 85 °F).
IMHO the basic layers should be in cotton or he will sweat all the time (even too much polyester makes you sweat). I always bring to Tirol a light wool sweater and it get used almost daily, maybe in the evening or early morning; so this would belong to the necessary clothing, but nothing too fancy is needed. Over it, keep handy a rain jacket as rain is definitely possible if not frequent. If it gets too cold, wear all the layers together (it happens but you need to have them separate).
You need rain shoes and hike shoes (maybe the same shoe). Again, aiming for snow is too much, aiming for rain is sensible, hiking with bad shoes borders on dangerous and on some terrain is plainly dangerous.

Merino wool.
Look at https://cimacoppi.cc/en/
I love my custom made jacket of 100% wool.

I'm agree with John: keep focus on good mountain boots, suitable for hike on high mountains. Something light and waterproof. It could be a very good Christmas present.
Don't pack too many things and remember that in Dolomite area is plenty of shops with technical clothing suitable for every season, so if suddenly the weather forecast turn bad you can purchase what is missing on the spot. In June gloves and warm hat are not necessary for an Italian, but during the night could be cold.

I was on the Alpe di Siusi around September 10 this year. The weather was threatening, but luckily it didn't rain. It was just cool and breezy enough that I wished I had worn my lightweight merino-wool long johns under my nylon hiking pants. I am cold-natured, and I wasn't walking fast enough to get really warm. With a light cotton top, fleece jacket and rain jacket, I was comfortable above the waist.

Thanks for all the input. It sounds like the weather could be like what we had in Portugal this past October 50-70s with some rain. The possibility of 40s is pretty cold to me so that does give me pause. I like the advice to shop in town if get unexpected cold weather. We would do fine with hotter than typical weather.

I think the idea of a wool sweater is a good one.

We both have new hiking shoes that we bought before our Portugal trip that served us well on wet and uneven cobblestones as well as hiking in the Algarve.

Shoes matter. You can buy a raincoat or sweater if you guess wrong. New shoes on a hike may be worse than the old ones. You’ve got to break them in.
We try to take less than we need. You’d be surprised what you can buy in Europe.

I agree on shoes matter. I have problem feet so quite an effort to find ones that work. Before we went to Portugal we both got new ones. We wore the shoes in Portugal for two weeks-basically every other day as rotated shoes.

Neither of us had any problems and loved the thick sole of hiking shoes with cobblestones.

I was thinking they would be broken in. But no?

It sounds like the weather could be like what we had in Portugal this past October 50-70s with some rain.

Well, nobody knows :-( It might be in the 90's, it might snow. And crazy as that sounds when we were there in Sept that's apparently what happened in a 10-day span. So it's probably good to we ready for anything, or at least have contingency plans.

You can see the historical weather the past few years at https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@6535976/historic?month=6&year=2024

I found a merino base shirt on sale and ordered it. Decided there was too much collective wisdom pointing the same way to not at least give it a try.

Lots of good advice here, but assuming you're from Florida, you may not have experience. Generally, in the mountains anywhere in the world. the daily highs and lows are less important than the rapid change in temperature that can occur from day to night. In which case, you have to be prepared to deal with changes while you are out and about. Hence the layering guidance.

I will add some comments, as you have been given excellent advice.

1. I experienced three seasons in a single day while in the Dolomites, esp. on higher altitudes. Be prepared for rain as well. It can come with or without notice. Forecasts are not to be relied on until 48 or 24 hours in advance.

2. I don't recommend 32 Degree stuff. They are economical, but not good enough for this type of trip. Try real hiking base layers at REI, per advice given above. It's REALLY worth your money.

3. Gloves, scarves, and hats are good ideas. You really never know what you will need.

4. Where do you live in FL? Is there a chain store called Daiso in your area? If so, then buy some under clothing warmers (just like hand warmers, but bigger with an adhesive back) for a great price. They are made in Japan and very good.

Thanks for the advice. It is hard for me to grasp the changes in temperature in a day I must admit.

I decided we to take knit gloves. Wore some I got at Old Navy for $3.99 this weekend in 43 degree weather in Atlanta. Liked having them when pushing a stroller which I decided would be like having hands out to use hiking poles.