Hikes are clearly our jam right here at REI Co-op: We love all the pieces from brief jaunts on native trails to epic summit pushes that start predawn and finish after nightfall. We additionally love post-hike breakfasts, brunches, coffees, beers, snacks and dinners. But that less-than-graceful shimmy out of useful mountain climbing duds into extra modern apparel within the backseat of the automobile earlier than heading for a nosh on the town? Not precisely the perfect a part of the day.
The identical goes for these before- or afterwork hikes: It’s harder to decide to the skin day without work the clock when it’s important to pack an additional outfit (and alter within the workplace toilet).
Thankfully, extra manufacturers are creating attire that people need to put on out simply as a lot as exterior. From button-downs with wicking properties to snugly fleeces with funky, retro patterns, it’s a lot simpler to search out items that transition seamlessly from path to city (or vice versa).
We go over the properties you’ll need to search for as you construct your go-anywhere outfit, and supply a few of our high picks in every class. Choose accurately and also you’ll by no means must endure via one other backseat shimmy once more.
Technical Top
We love Saturday mornings that begin with a gaggle hike. Everyone meets on the native espresso store, units out to the close by trailhead (ideally by foot), chats their means via the miles and returns to the start line for some post-adventure grub and one other shot of caffeine. When your hike turns into an all-day hangout, you need to each really feel comfy and look the half in each setting. Moisture-wicking, sun-protective material is a should for heat, sunny or difficult hikes. You’ll additionally need to select items that breathe, stretch and simply pull double-duty as enterprise informal apparel (which is far simpler now than ever earlier than).
The crisp workwear look, wicking qualities and UPF 50 rankings of each the short-sleeve REI Co-op Trailmade shirt ($49.95) and Mountain Hardwear Stryder long-sleeve shirt ($89) make them good for extra informal day hikes with earlier than or after plans. One member-reviewer from Kansas loves the subtly heathered print on her UPF-50-rated REI Co-op Sahara Shade hoodie ($49.95) and says, “It’s so soft and comfy that I started wearing it to work.” Looking for somewhat sudden hit of pizzazz on a hotter-weather hike? We just like the strappy again and built-in bra of the quick-drying Talus tank high ($75) from Black Diamond. Read extra about layering in Layering Basics.
Fleece Mid Layers
With its can’t-beat hand really feel and insulating properties, fleece mid layers are a shoo-in for any mountain climbing package, and lighter-weight variations are typically simply stuffable right into a daypack if the climate warms up. For trail-to-town versatility, you would possibly think about a jacket or pullover that has a relaxed match and pockets, together with a zippered or snapped pocket for these can’t-lose objects.
We love the brilliant colours and safe storage (zippered hand pockets and inside drop-in pockets) of the Trailmade fleece jacket (males’s and ladies’s, $59.95) and Trailmade fleece vest ($49.95) from REI Co-op. The Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T fleece pullover (ladies’s and males’s, $129) from Patagonia is one other easy-fitting choice that falls a bit decrease on the hip for additional protection outdoor. Look for recycled polyester fleece when attainable. (The objects listed right here characteristic it.) Read our different high picks in The Best Fleece Jackets of 2023: Staff Picks.
Windbreakers and Rain Jackets
Performance is pivotal for outerwear, however that doesn’t must imply your high layer must be cumbersome and frumpy. Look for choices that successfully block the wind, supply free vary of motion and embrace a hood. Because jackets typically get shed if you heat up and stashed when you step inside, you would possibly think about one which stuffs all the way down to a packable measurement.
The Trailmade Soft-Shell Anorak (ladies’s and males’s, $99.95) from REI Co-op, for instance, incorporates a breathable stretch-nylon double weave shell in a hip silhouette with inventive color-blocking. The Cielo rain anorak ($155) and Cielo rain trench jacket ($200) from Cotopaxi supply totally taped seams and PFC-free sturdy water repellent—particularly nice if a downpour is within the forecast. To be taught extra about mountain climbing in wet circumstances, learn How to Go Hiking within the Rain.
Hiking Pants
There’s nothing inherently mistaken with conventional, over-pocketed khaki pants. Sure, they do carry a sure je ne sais quoi—as in, je ne sais if he’s going fishing, safari exploring or on a company retreat. But at present, your choices for mountain climbing pants are virtually limitless. You’ll need to select pants that suit your mountain climbing model: Leggings and joggers are light-weight and stretchy choices for informal treks or hotter days, whereas a chino-like model might supply a extra tailor-made match with sturdy or strengthened materials for technical outings.
For a less-strenuous hike, the ruggedly handsome Rydr pants ($99) from KUHL characteristic trail-approved articulated knees and strengthened rear cuffs—although their cotton twill building will not be splendid for reasonable to laborious trails. The cropped minimize and flattering match of the light-weight, stretchy Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 ankle pants ($85) are a flexible workhorse too: They work simply as effectively with mountain climbing boots as they do with a pair of wedges.
Hiking Shoes, Sandals and Socks
Reliable traction, strong arch and/or ankle assist and a sturdy exterior are nonnegotiable with regards to selecting trail-worthy footwear. After all, you need to stroll again to the start line, not hobble there. For choices which are town-ready too, hunt down kicks with smooth traces, suede or leather-based particulars and enjoyable color-blocking.
Danner expertly walks this line with its snazzy, light-weight Trail 2650 mesh mountain climbing footwear (ladies’s, $169.95), that includes Vibram® 460 outsoles with Megagrip expertise, and the sturdy, breathable and trendy Trail 2650 GTX mountain climbing footwear (males’s, $189.95), which has waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX® lining underneath its leather-based and textile uppers. Merrell’s MQM 3 mountain climbing footwear (ladies’s and males’s, $120) are one other nice selection: One member-reviewer from Texas stated her first 8-mile hike in them gained practically 900 toes of elevation. “The treads gripped the limestone rocks without issue and I never felt like my foot could lose traction,” she says. See our different favorites in The Best Hiking Boots of 2023: Tested.
Your footwear are solely as comfy because the socks beneath them: Wool and artificial supplies supply insulation, wick moisture and dry quicker than cotton. In heat circumstances, go for light-weight socks with little to no cushioning. For cooler days, longer and rockier hikes or scrambles, extra cushion may be higher. We like ending the outfit with a pair of colourful socks just like the Hike Light Cushion Great Excursion Print crew socks ($24) from Smartwool or the Sunset Ledge Micro Crew light-weight mountain climbing socks ($24) from Darn Tough for a remaining contact of peekaboo model. Learn extra in How to Choose Hiking Socks.
If you’re a sandal-lover and plan to cowl miles over filth and rocks earlier than hitting the pavement, make sure that your footwear is as much as the duty. Flip-flops and different slip-ons are a particular no-no: You desire a pair that matches snugly, presents some assist and received’t get dangerously slick when moist. Look for sandals with a thicker sole, safe webbing and a few arch assist, however should you’re headed out in town afterward you would possibly need to keep away from burly toe bumpers and overly aggressive lug patterns. And since we wish to splash in mud puddles as a substitute of dodge them, we search for choices in darker colours which are much less more likely to stain.
We love the timeless look, custom-fitting double straps and podiatrist-approved footbeds of the Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandals (males’s and ladies’s, $100), which are available in quite a lot of elegant and sassy colours. Browse our different favorites in The Best Hiking Sandals of 2023: Tested.
Headwear
Keep the rays (and unhealthy hair days) at bay by selecting a hat that transitions out of your sunny hike to afterward libations. Look for brimmed toppers constituted of wicking materials like nylon and polyester (not cotton or linen), in addition to people who characteristic mesh or free crochet stitching for breathability. We’re additionally followers of enormous, floppy brims, which provide solar protection and add a just-right contact of trendy whimsy. For chillier climate, a wool or artificial beanie might help your head—and consequently the remainder of your physique—retain warmth. Crushability is vital if you wish to stuff your hat right into a daypack.
Two hats to strive: The look-at-me coloration scheme of the unisex Cotopaxi Altitude Tech 5-panel hat ($35) works for staying seen within the woods and catching eyes on the pub. We additionally just like the refined look and all-over solar protection of the Levanzo Raffia large brim solar hat ($69) from Scala.
Sunglasses
Yes, you’re sporting a hat. No, that doesn’t imply your eyes are totally protected against the solar. Given overexposure to UV rays can result in cataracts, corneal injury and finally decreased imaginative and prescient, don’t fiddle with unprotected peepers. The Centers for Disease Control recommends choosing shades that, at a minimal, block each UVA and UVB rays. (UVA rays can injury retinas, whereas UVBs pose a risk to corneas and lenses.) Our favourite shades supply extra advantages too, like glare-reducing polarization and grippy nostril pads that cut back body bouncing. Gone are the times when intense, sporty wraparounds have been the one sun shades choices for outdoorsy of us: Now there are many polarized choices in a variety of kinds and worth factors.
The Lowdown 2 sun shades from Smith (beginning at $189) mix a recent, rectangular tortoise shell body with polarized lenses that characteristic a vacuum-applied antireflective coating to additional cut back glare. (They’re obtainable in Slim and XL sizes too.) On a funds? Go for the funky, sturdy Circle Gs polarized sun shades ($25) from Goodr. Our editor’s pair will get compliments on the common. Learn extra with How to Choose Sunglasses.
Watch
Why simply inform time when you’ll be able to monitor your blood oxygen ranges, create an interval exercise that syncs along with your smartphone and tracks your place utilizing GPS? Today’s good watches are sufficient to make a Nineteen Sixties-era James Bond envious. And in contrast to earlier sport watches that have been so clunky and button-loaded they appeared like one errant button-press would possibly launch you into area, there are many smooth, understated choices you’ll be able to put on from hike to hangout. Look for a watch that’s waterproof or, higher but, waterproof, with an easy-to-use interface. Longer battery life or rechargeable batteries are at all times a bonus: No one needs their timepiece to conk out on a trek after they’ve acquired a date to satisfy up with afterward.
The 9 Peak Pro ($549) and 5 Peak ($300) from Suunto each characteristic a streamlined silhouette, low-profile face and easy watchband that belie functionally (together with route suggestions and GPS monitoring) worthy of the subsequent 007.
For extra info, learn What to Wear Hiking.