Clothing Reviews

The REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Jacket provides an excellent balance between warmth, features, cost, and durability. Insulated with highly compressible premium goose down, it’s an ideal insulation layer for cold-weather camping and hiking when you need a warm jacket to enjoy …

prAna Stretch Zion II hiking pants are abrasion-resistant recycled nylon hiking pants that are great to wear on rugged or brushy trails when you want more leg protection. They have an integrated waist tightener that lets you wear them without a belt, …

The REI Flash Jacket is a thin nylon jacket that traps your body heat and prevents the wind from stripping it away. Also called a windbreaker or wind shirt, it’s much more breathable than a raincoat or a hardshell jacket; it only …

I’m a big fan of REI Sahara Convertible Hiking Pants. They’re reasonably priced, and having zip-off legs is very convenient because many of my hikes and backpacking trips occur on well-maintained trails, less popular trails, and bushwhacks. When I hike through dense …

The REI Rainier Rain Jacket is an inexpensive but well-featured waterproof/breathable rain jacket that can be used year-round for hiking and backpacking. Priced at $99.95 dollars, but often discounted, the Rainier is virtually identical to the Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket and …

Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Spectrum Gloves are lightweight fingerless gloves that protect your hands from the sun’s harmful rays. They’re great for hiking, backpacking, paddling, running, or fishing because they eliminate the need to carry suntan lotion while protecting your hands from …

The REI 650 Down Vest is a great layering piece for fall and spring hiking with a price tag ($99.95) that won’t break the bank. Worn by itself or under a shell, this packable vest is great for hanging out in the …

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hiking Pants are full-length soft-shell hiking pants with a lot more stretch (14% spandex) than most hiking pants. I like to wear them in warm to hot weather on and off the trail because they are comfortable and look …

Tilley Airflo Hats have an iconic status in hiking and backpacking circles. Handmade in Canada, these durable hats have a wide brim to shield you from sun and rain, they come with a special wind strap developed by sailors to keep it on …

The Marmot Precip ECO is a lightweight waterproof/breathable rain jacket made with recycled nylon ripstop with a PFC-free DWR coating. Weighing 10 oz, the Precip is inexpensive but fully featured and suitable for year-round hiking and backpacking. It has a fully adjustable …

REI Swiftland Gaiters are low softshell gaiters designed for use with trail runners and low hiking shoes, including: trail runners with a rear gaiter trap (like Altra trail runners) trail runners or hiking shoes that have a flat sole trail runners or …

The REI Flash Stretch Rain Jacket is a reasonably priced (on sale for 50% off) 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable raincoat loaded with features that hikers will appreciate, particularly for autumn and winter hiking. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front bill, …

The Frogg Toggs Xtreme Lite Rain Jacket is an inexpensive and durable rain jacket with a fully adjustable hood, zippered side pockets, velcro wrist closures, and a cord-adjustable waist. This well-fitting jacket is a great waterproof and windproof layer with fully-taped seams …

The Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie is a lightweight windbreaker that’s good for hiking or trail running when all you need is a thin jacket to keep the wind from chilling you. It’s made with a stretchy breathable fabric that’s 90% nylon …