Clothing Reviews

The Zpacks Goose Down Jacket is an insanely warm 950-fill power goose-down jacket that is perfect to wear in camp on cold nights and as an adjunct to a sleeping bag or quilt. It’s sort of a cross between a parka and …

The Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody is a lightweight windshirt (wind shell or windbreaker) that can be used for multiple sports from hiking and mountaineering to climbing and trail running. It’s very barebones, with a one-way adjustable hood, stretch cuffs, a zippered chest pocket, …

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 …

The Rab Downpour Eco Rain Jacket is an affordable waterproof/breathable rain jacket with many features that will appeal to environmentally conscious hikers. It has an excellent human-sized (non-helmet compatible) hood, pit zips, hipbelt compatible pockets, and velcro wrist cuffs. The entire jacket …

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is a lightweight breathable hoodie with a UPF of 15 which provides a moderate level of sun protection. It’s intended for use in hot weather during high-exertion activities such as hiking and trail running. While it has …

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 …