The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Hong Kong 2025

What to Expect From Different Seasons, and How to Prepare Your Clothing and Tent?

Tourists from the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere often perceive Hong Kong’s winter as “WARM”. Considering the average temperatures in many countries in the northern hemisphere, Hong Kong indeed feels “WARM”. However, for those who have recently moved to Hong Kong, the summer can feel like a “HELL”, especially when walking on streets flanked by tall buildings, which can create a sauna-like effect.

So, the question arises, what clothing and tent should you prepare for your trips?

SUMMER

Clothing: Prioritize quick-drying materials. Given the high temperatures, you’re likely to sweat a lot! Quick-drying clothing can be washed at night and will be dry by the next day. Sun protection is another key consideration. Opt for long sleeves if you prefer not to use sunscreen. A pro tip is to bring extra underwear for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Tent: Choose a tent with a separate rainfly. In case the heat becomes unbearable during the night, you can remove the rainfly to allow the wind to pass through. However, don’t forget to keep the rainfly handy as it provides a waterproof shelter during heavy rains. A tent with a mosquito net is a must! The mosquito net protects against mosquitos and other small and large crawling creatures. More about the wildlife in Hong Kong will be addressed in a later section.

WINTER

Clothing: Opt for waterproof and highly breathable clothing. You might wonder why? The reason is simple – the humidity is high most of the time, and when it gets cold, the humidity can make you feel even colder. For those of you who are not from the northern hemisphere, following the 3-layer clothing approach should help you endure the long cold nights.

Tent: Select a tent with high ventilation functionality. Again, this is due to the humidity. Moisture or condensation will start to form once you get inside the tent. As the temperature drops, the inside of the tent gets colder and colder. Another useful accessory for the tent is a footprint. It helps insulate from the ground and reduces the moisture formed underneath your tent, which can cause a wet floor inside the tent.