Clothing Reviews

The vast majority of hiking clothes, including rain jackets, used by hikers and backpackers aren’t actually made for hiking or by people familiar with hikers’ needs, but for skiers, climbers, runners, and suburban dads and moms. So it’s no wonder that most …

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Hiking Pants are lightweight quick-drying hiking pants with a lot more stretch (14% spandex) than most hiking pants. They’ve quickly become my go-to pants on and off the trail because they are comfortable and look so good. Available …

Bug season can be unpleasant, but it’s no reason to give up hiking and backpacking. You just need to cover up with insect-proof clothing and wear bug dope. If you never hike when insects are active, you’re not going to get much …

Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is a sun hat with a wide brim and a neck cape to protect your neck from the sun and a UPF rating of 50+. It has many great features to recommend including a unique sunglasses holder, …

The Warbonnet Stash Jacket is available as a rain jacket or a non-waterproof windbreaker, depending on the fabric you order. This is a review of the windbreaker made with the 20 Denier high-thread count nylon which Warbonnet uses to make their backpacking …

The Sitka Fanatic Hoody is a versatile hooded grid fleece mid-layer that’s great for on-trail hiking and off. It has an integrated face mask which is good for wind and sun protection, mittens sewn onto the end of its sleeves, a kangaroo …

The Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket with a hood, chest pocket, and hand warmer pockets. It has body-mapped insulation: more on the torso and less along the sides for better thermo-regulation when active. I’ve been using …

Fjallraven High Coast Hike Trousers are lightweight hiking pants that are cool enough for use in warm weather. They’re ripstop nylon pants with some stretch to them, which makes them quite comfortable, and they have five pockets, including three with zippers for …

The REI Active Pursuits Long-Sleeve T-Shirt is a high-performance synthetic baselayer shirt that is surprisingly affordable, even when it’s not on sale. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes for men, even big men. I prefer wearing sheer synthetic shirts …

The Outdoor Research Superstrand LT Hoodie Jacket is a lightweight jacket insulated with a new type of polyester insulation that OR claims is as soft, light, and lofty as 700-800 fill power down.” Called VerticalX Superstrand, it consists of lofted polyester strands …

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a moderately priced, 3-layer waterproof/breathable rain jacket that’s surprisingly affordable with premium features important to hikers and backpackers. It has a two-way adjustable hood with a front brim, pit-zips, zippered handwarmer pockets, rip-and-stick velcro-style cuffs, and is …

The Enlightened Equipment Torrid Jacket (Stock Model) is a very warm and lightweight synthetic insulated jacket that’s optimized for use by hikers and backpackers. It is not much to look at style-wise (if you get the “stock model”) so it’s not going …

Artilect’s Boulder 125 Crew Long Sleeve Jersey and Leggings are made with Nuyarn, an engineered blend of merino wool and nylon fiber that is more durable than straight merino wool, dries faster, and is more elastic without requiring the use of stretch …

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie is a warm mid-layer fleece that’s ideal for use in very cold weather when worn by itself over a baselayer or under a hardshell jacket. It’s made with recycled polyester fleece and has a unique textured …