I hope you all are taking advantage of the summer months to commute outside if you live in the Northern hemisphere. I know it’s hot, but it’s a perfect time to use the commute to get some consistent moderate exercise. Post the COVID “work from home every day” era (for many), workplace dress codes are more likely to accept business casual wear everyday and not just on summer Fridays. This opens up a lot of opportunities to engage in moderate exercise even if workplace showers are not available. Furthermore, many cities now have way more bike lanes than even a year ago. Check out the cycling infrastructure in Boston now! Even crowded marathon alley Boylston street got a bike lane over a two week period!

One aspect of summer active commuting that can be challenging is balancing moderate exercise with looking professional upon arrival. My summer month commutes have been short (typically less than 2 miles) and I alternate between walking (about 35-40 minutes), cycling (15-20 minutes depending on traffic), e-scooter riding (same as cycling with traffic), and, if I travel longer distances, an e-bike. Each of these modes requires some adjustment to my clothes, bags or backpacks and shoes. Here’s what I’ve learned from summer active commuting (note: some links may earn the site a small commission if you click and end up purchasing):

If it’s really hot, consider Electric to avoid sweating too much while still getting some pedaling or walking in (with a moderately sized e-scooter you can do both).

There are so many e-scooters to choose from now but here’s what we use at home:

• A Micro Merlin (not sold in the US) with puncture proof tires (only 28 pounds!)
• A Segway ninebot F-40 for my husband with pneumatic tires which he rides every day to work (even in the winter!)
• A Segway ninebot F2 for my father (his own research and purchase)
• For a more thorough look at e-scooters and e-bikes check out Ridereview

Wear an undershirt: if you commute actively for at least a portion of your route, an undershirt with good moisture absorption that you can take off in the bathroom when you arrive will prevent work shirt sweat marks. Any cotton shirts will do. From a higher quality sweat-wicking and anti-odor material, check out merino wool. I just found one for under $50 at REI Outlet. Otherwise, Ibex, and Woolly have nice short sleeved merino wool shirts.

Find comfortable walking shoes for your walking commutes. Store your professional work shoes at work and commute by sneaker. I’ve been constantly re-ordering these New Balance sneakers because they look nice and are super comfortable to walk in for miles. Or, find a pair of comfortable AND professional looking shoes. These are hard to come by but I’ve found many Mephisto shoes fitting these criteria. I’ve also just started wearing a pair of VIVAIA Mary Janes (see picture) and can confirm these are great for a comfortable scooter or bike commute and a bit of walking.

Keep your carry light. If you are cycling, definitely take advantage of panniers to carry your load. For e-scooters, consider a storage container to at least carry your lock, phone and keys. I’m using one from Wild Man that attaches to the scooter stem and not the handle bars (I wanted to keep the handlebars open for extra lights).

If you have to wear a backpack, keep it comfortable or opt for the sling. You may still need a backpack if you have to haul around a laptop. The most comfortable laptop backpack I’ve owned so far is a Timbuk2. The company makes a plethora of laptop backpacks as well as simple sling or crossbody bags for airier wear.

Here’s a close up photo of my commuting outfit last Friday.

Oh, and don’t forget a small hand towel to wipe off any sweat. As any traveler knows (especially fans of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams), towels are “just about the most massively useful thing” to carry around.

What About You?

Are you commuting more actively during the spring, summer and fall? What gear do you find essential for summertime commuting? Share your thoughts through this short survey (for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card), or in the comments.