Heading out on a hiking adventure? The right gear can make all the difference in your comfort, safety, and performance. Here’s a guide to the best hiking pants, jackets, and gloves that will keep you ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way. These top-rated items are built to handle the toughest trails and weather, ensuring you stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout your journey.
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Brand Introduction: Arc’teryx is a Canadian outdoor brand known for its excellent technology and high-quality products, specializing in gear for extreme environments.
Waterproofing: Made with N80p-X Gore-Tex Pro fabric, this jacket offers outstanding waterproofing, perfect for severe storms and harsh weather. The jacket also has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish to enhance its waterproof capabilities.
Breathability: Gore-Tex Pro fabric is not only waterproof but also highly breathable, quickly wicking away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable, even during intense activities.
Warmth: As a high-performance shell, the Alpha SV Jacket is designed to be worn with an insulating layer like a down or fleece jacket, adapting to different temperature conditions.
Weight and Packability: Weighing about 490 grams, this jacket is compact and easy to pack, making it ideal for mountaineering trips where lightweight gear is essential.
Durability: The N80p-X fabric, combined with robust stitching, ensures exceptional durability, resisting wear and tear from rugged outdoor activities.
Versatility: The jacket features an adjustable hood, underarm vents, and multiple pockets. The helmet-compatible StormHood™ and WaterTight™ zippers ensure you stay dry in extreme weather.
Fit and Comfort: Ergonomically designed for excellent mobility and comfort, with adjustable cuffs and hem for a perfect fit.
Brand Reputation: Arc’teryx is renowned globally for its high-quality and innovative designs, with the Alpha SV Jacket being a top choice among professional mountaineers and extreme athletes.
Eco-Friendliness: Arc’teryx is committed to reducing its environmental impact, with some products made from eco-friendly materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Features:
Durability and Stretch: Made with 86% nylon and 14% spandex, these pants are highly durable and incredibly stretchy. They can withstand rugged terrains and intense activities, making them perfect for hiking through forests or climbing rocks.
Breathability and Comfort: The lightweight, breathable fabric wicks away moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable during long hikes. Even in hot summer conditions, these pants won’t make you feel overheated.
Versatility: Suitable for various outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, and camping. Designed to perform well in different situations, ensuring you stay comfortable and protected.
Lightweight: Weighing only 10.7 ounces, these pants are ideal for long treks where reducing pack weight is crucial. You can move freely without feeling weighed down.
Outdoor Research – Alti Mitts
Key Features:
- Exceptional Warmth: Designed for extreme cold conditions, these mitts are insulated with PrimaLoft Gold, providing warmth even in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).
- Waterproof and Windproof: The Gore-Tex insert makes these gloves completely waterproof and windproof, ensuring your hands stay dry and protected in the harshest weather.
- Durable Construction: Made with a combination of 100% nylon shell and AlpenGrip palm, these gloves are built to withstand rugged use while offering excellent grip and dexterity.
- Versatile Design: The removable liner allows you to adjust for varying conditions, making them versatile for different levels of activity and temperatures.
Why They Stand Out: Outdoor Research Alti Mitts are renowned for their ability to provide maximum warmth and protection in extreme cold. They are a favorite among mountaineers and hikers who venture into the harshest environments. The combination of durability, waterproofing, and exceptional insulation makes them an essential piece of gear for serious adventurers.
The North Face Apex Flex GTX 2.0 Jacket
Brand Introduction: The North Face is a globally recognized outdoor brand, known for its reliable and high-performance gear for activities like climbing and hiking.
Waterproofing: Using Gore-Tex fabric, this jacket provides excellent waterproof protection, ideal for various harsh weather conditions.
Breathability: The Gore-Tex fabric is both waterproof and breathable, keeping you dry and comfortable during high-intensity outdoor activities.
Warmth: Designed as a waterproof shell, it can be paired with The North Face’s ThermoBall or other insulating layers for different temperatures and weather conditions.
Weight and Packability: With a moderate weight and compact design, this jacket is easy to pack and carry, making it great for mountaineering and other light-travel activities.
Durability: High-quality fabric and robust stitching ensure great durability, capable of withstanding harsh outdoor environments.
Versatility: Features an adjustable hood, ventilation zippers, and multiple pockets, making it practical for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Fit and Comfort: Tailored for a comfortable fit and good mobility, with adjustable hood and cuffs for a customized fit.
Brand Reputation: The North Face is highly regarded for its reliable and high-performance products, with the Apex Flex GTX 2.0 Jacket being praised as an all-around waterproof jacket.
Eco-Friendliness: The North Face is committed to environmental sustainability, using recycled materials in some products and adhering to eco-friendly standards.
prAna Stretch Zion Pants
Features:
- Durability and Comfort: Made with 97% nylon and 3% spandex, these pants offer excellent durability and comfort, suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether hiking or climbing, they meet all your needs.
- Multi-Functional Design: Featuring zippered pockets, roll-up leg snaps, and a low-profile waistband adjustment system, these pants transition seamlessly from outdoor adventures to everyday wear. You can easily go from the trail to the town.
- Breathability: Although the fabric is a bit thicker, these pants excel in cold and changing weather, providing extra warmth and protection.
Black Diamond – Soloist Gloves
Key Features:
- High Durability: These gloves feature a waterproof BD.dry insert and a durable goat leather palm, ensuring longevity and excellent grip.
- Superior Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold insulation provides superior warmth, making them suitable for cold weather hiking and mountaineering.
- Removable Liner: The removable liner adds versatility, allowing for easy adjustment to different temperatures and activities.
Why They Stand Out: Black Diamond Soloist Gloves are known for their durability and warmth, making them perfect for rugged and cold conditions. They are favored by those who need a reliable and robust glove for intensive use.
Mammut Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket
Brand Introduction: Mammut is a Swiss outdoor brand known for its high-quality climbing and mountaineering gear, favored by professional climbers.
Waterproofing: Made with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, this jacket offers exceptional waterproofing, suitable for extreme weather conditions.
Breathability: The Gore-Tex Pro fabric ensures excellent breathability, keeping you dry and comfortable during high-intensity activities.
Warmth: As a high-performance shell, it can be paired with Mammut’s Eigerjoch or other insulating layers to suit various temperatures and weather conditions.
Weight and Packability: Weighing around 500 grams, this lightweight jacket is easy to pack and carry, ideal for long hikes and climbing trips.
Durability: The high-strength fabric and meticulous craftsmanship provide exceptional durability, suitable for frequent use in tough environments.
Versatility: Features an adjustable hood, multiple pockets, and ventilation zippers, making it versatile for various outdoor activities.
Fit and Comfort: Ergonomically designed for comfort and freedom of movement, with adjustable features for a snug fit.
Brand Reputation: Mammut is highly regarded in the professional climbing community, with the Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket being praised as one of the best choices.
Eco-Friendliness: Mammut is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials in some products to reduce environmental impact.
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants
Features:
- Durability and Protection: Made with Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric, these pants are incredibly durable and protective, ideal for harsh environments. You can confidently tackle various challenges with these robust pants.
- Ventilation and Comfort: The back of the legs features four-way mechanical stretch fabric, enhancing breathability and mobility. This design ensures you stay comfortable during extended activities.
- Practicality: Multiple large-capacity pockets are perfect for storing essentials like maps, phones, and tools. These practical pants are excellent for long-term outdoor activities.
Sealskinz – Waterproof All Weather Gloves
Key Features:
- 100% Waterproof: These gloves offer full waterproof protection, ensuring your hands stay dry in wet and rainy conditions.
- Breathable and Windproof: The gloves are also windproof and breathable, providing comfort in a variety of weather conditions.
- Enhanced Grip: The merino wool lining and anti-slip lining enhance grip and control, making them practical for various outdoor activities.
Why They Stand Out: Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Gloves are highly regarded for their versatility and reliable protection against the elements. They are ideal for hikers who frequently encounter wet and windy conditions.
Columbia OutDry Ex Reign Jacket
Brand Introduction: Columbia is a well-established American outdoor brand, known for its affordable and high-performance products, loved by outdoor enthusiasts.
Waterproofing: Using OutDry Extreme fabric, this jacket provides excellent waterproof protection, keeping you dry in heavy rain.
Breathability: The OutDry Extreme fabric is both waterproof and breathable, suitable for various outdoor activities, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Warmth: Designed as a waterproof shell, it can be paired with Columbia’s TurboDown or other insulating layers for different temperatures and weather conditions.
Weight and Packability: Weighing around 400 grams, this lightweight jacket is easy to pack and carry, ideal for long hikes and climbing trips.
Durability: The durable materials and stitching ensure great durability, suitable for frequent use in tough environments.
Versatility: Features an adjustable hood, ventilation zippers, and multiple pockets, making it practical for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Fit and Comfort: Tailored for a comfortable fit and good mobility, with adjustable hood and cuffs for a customized fit.
Brand Reputation: Columbia is widely praised for its affordable and high-performance products, with the OutDry Ex Reign Jacket being highly rated for its value.
Eco-Friendliness: Columbia is committed to environmental sustainability, using recycled materials in some products to meet eco-friendly standards.
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants
Features:
- Convertible Design: The pants’ legs can be zipped off, allowing you to easily switch between pants and shorts based on the weather and environment. This design is perfect for long outdoor activities where temperatures fluctuate.
- UV Protection: With UPF 50+ protection, these pants are ideal for activities under prolonged sun exposure, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Practicality and Versatility: Featuring multiple pockets, including zippered ones, these pants offer great convenience for storing small items. Whether for hiking or daily use, they provide exceptional utility and versatility.
Outdoor Research – Versaliner Gloves
Key Features:
- Dual-Layer Design: These gloves come with an insulating fleece liner and a waterproof shell, providing excellent versatility for different weather conditions.
- Lightweight: Weighing only 2.8 ounces, they are lightweight yet functional, perfect for multi-day hikes.
- Quick Drying: The gloves dry quickly, making them convenient for wet conditions and long hikes.
Why They Stand Out: Outdoor Research Versaliner Gloves are appreciated for their lightweight and dual-layer design, offering great flexibility and adaptability. They are perfect for hikers looking for a balance between warmth and functionality in various conditions.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
Brand Introduction: Patagonia is a US-based outdoor brand known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and high-performance products.
Waterproofing: Featuring H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric, this jacket keeps you dry in heavy rain. The outer layer has a DWR finish for extra waterproofing.
Breathability: The 3-layer design is not only waterproof but also effectively breathable, preventing overheating during strenuous activities.
Warmth: As a shell jacket, the Torrentshell 3L provides waterproof protection and can be paired with Patagonia’s Nano Puff or other insulating layers for various weather conditions.
Weight and Packability: Weighing around 394 grams, this lightweight jacket can be packed into a small pouch, perfect for long hikes and climbing.
Durability: The high-strength fabric and meticulous craftsmanship ensure excellent durability, suitable for frequent use in tough environments.
Versatility: Equipped with an adjustable hood, ventilation zippers, and multiple pockets, this jacket is practical and versatile for various outdoor activities.
Fit and Comfort: With a tailored design, the jacket offers comfort and freedom of movement. The hood and cuffs are adjustable for a snug fit.
Brand Reputation: Patagonia is widely praised for its eco-friendly ethos and high-quality products, with the Torrentshell 3L Jacket being a highly rated waterproof jacket.
Eco-Friendliness: Patagonia uses eco-friendly materials and production processes, with this jacket made from 100% recycled nylon, aligning with its sustainability goals.
Arc’teryx Gamma Pants
Features:
- Water and Wind Resistance: Constructed with 84% nylon and 16% spandex, the Arc’teryx Gamma Pants offer excellent water and wind resistance, making them perfect for cool, wet weather. They provide reliable protection against rain and wind.
- Comfort and Flexibility: These pants feature a simple yet functional design with plenty of stretch, allowing you to move without restriction. Whether hiking, climbing, or everyday wear, you’ll find them incredibly comfortable.
- Additional Features: The cuffs come with drawstrings to adjust the length, accommodating different weather conditions and temperatures. This practical design keeps you comfortable in various environments.
The North Face – Etip Gloves
Key Features:
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Featuring Etip functionality, these gloves allow you to use your smartphone or GPS device without taking them off.
- Comfort and Flexibility: Made with four-way stretch fleece, they offer a snug fit and excellent dexterity, perfect for moderate cold conditions.
- Gripper Palm: The silicone gripper palm ensures a secure hold on trekking poles or other gear, enhancing your overall grip and control.
Why They Stand Out: The North Face Etip Gloves are popular for their practicality and comfort. They are ideal for hikers who need to stay connected and require a glove that provides a good balance of warmth and flexibility.