No matter your outdoor activity – whether that means climbing mountains, kayaking serene lakes or wandering nature trails – finding clothing tailored specifically for each adventure is crucial. Luckily, top brands combine functionality and style so you’ll always be well prepared!
These six brands provide gear specifically geared for climbers while offering clothing with both street style and performance elements – two areas in which these six brands excel.
Convertible Pants
No matter the terrain or distance of your hike, comfortable gear is key to having an enjoyable and successful experience. When selecting pants to wear during long treks with heavy loads, select ones with stretchy all-day comfort fabric which provides 40+ UPF sun protection for optimal performance.
Hikers who anticipate experiencing temperature variations due to elevation may find zip-off pants useful in providing protection from cold, wind and direct sunlight. Furthermore, these trousers are more convenient to carry compared to shorts.
These pants feature zippers with expertly engineered design to avoid rubbing against your knee when kneeling, and come in multiple colors and sizes so you can find an appropriate pair that complements your body type.
Moisture-Wicking T-Shirt
Moisture-wicking t-shirts help you remain cool and dry during outdoor exercise, thanks to synthetic fabrics that handle sweat much better than cotton. With microscopic pores that let moisture move through them quickly, moisture-wicking shirts effectively pull sweat away from the body to the outer surfaces where it quickly evaporates away.
These shirts feature antibacterial and odor-fighting properties to make them a smart choice for high intensity workouts such as cardio, boxing or interval training. Furthermore, they’re an ideal base layer beneath technical jackets.
This fitted Smartwool long sleeve shirt features 3D knitting for an almost custom fit and Intraknit Merino 200 fabric that offers cooling, moisture wicking and body temperature regulation as well as being antibacterial and odor resistant.
Water-Resistant Jacket
Montbell’s Gore-Tex line provides top-rated breathability and waterproofness at an exceptional value, yet this lightweight jacket from its Gore-Tex line withstands moderate rain thanks to a 7-denier shell with minimal seams plus seam taping technology.
Many 2-layer Gore-Tex jackets require a mesh liner to protect their membrane, making them heavier and less breathable than 3-layer options. But this REI Co-op model features an inner waterproof coating which eliminates this requirement, making this piece even lighter and breathable than its competitors.
The Foray is an ideal all-weather outdoor wear choice, making it suitable for spring skiing and hiking along well-kept trails. Crafted with recycled fabric, its PFC-free DWR coating helps minimize environmental pollution from per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (known as PFASs).
Hiking Boots
An essential piece of hiking gear is a sturdy pair of hiking boots. These must include waterproof liners that keep feet dry, and be constructed from tough materials that protect them against rocks, branches and other debris that could lead to blisters on hikes.
Heavy backpacking boots feature thick designs to provide additional foot protection and extra stability when carrying heavier loads, which may make them overkill for most day hikes and require an extensive break-in period on the trail.
Merrell Moab 3 WP hiking boots provide superior comfort out of the box and are ready to tackle any terrain. These stylish leather boots combine classic, clean construction with springy foam padding for cushioned support on any trail.