testing hiking apparel for the buyer's guide in the north cascades

Apparel Buyer’s Guides

Our apparel buyer’s guides shortcut readers directly to the most effective clothing for hiking, backpacking, adventure travel, and outdoor sports. From sun shirts and rain jackets to fleece and ultralight puffy jackets, we’ve got you covered with recommendations for the best lightweight backcountry apparel. This page shows only apparel guides. Jump up a level to view all buyer’s guides, or find hardgoods in our gear buyer’s guides.

a man in hiking pants climbs through desert sandstone

Best Hiking Pants 2023

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This buyer's guide to backpacking and hiking pants highlights models optimized for functionality, comfort, and protectiveness.
testing windbreaker pants in patagonia

Windbreaker Pants – Best of 2023

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This guide will help you find the best windbreaker pants for hiking, backpacking, trail running, and travel. Comfy. Lightweight. Stretchy.
testing windbreaker jackets at mount rainier national park

Best Windbreaker Jacket 2023 | Lightweight & Ultralight

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This guide will help you find the best lightweight windbreaker jacket for your hiking, climbing, & running. All ultralight under 5 oz.
testing waterproof hiking gloves for rain

Best Hiking Gloves 2023 | Liner, Sun, Rain, Cold, Snow

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We'll help you find the best hiking gloves for any condition or use-case: cold, sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, we've got your hands covered.
testing the best hiking fleece in patagonia

Best Lightweight Fleece Jacket Hiking & Backpacking 2023

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This guide will identify the best lightweight fleece jacket for you. The average fleece on this list is warm and weighs just 7 oz.
testing the best rain pants for hiking in the sub alpine forest

Best Rain Pants For Hiking 2023 Ultralight

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The best rain pants for hiking are ultralight, waterproof, breathable, and hold up on the trail. Stay dry, save weight, and upgrade today!
testing the best sun shirts to use as hiking shirts in a national park

Best Sun Shirt for Hiking 2023

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The best hiking shirts are all sun shirts! This guide reviews & recommends the best sun hoody, t-shirt, button up, and merino base layer.
testing lightweight down jackets and pants in patagonia

Best Lightweight Down Jacket & Pants for Backpacking 2023

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The very best ultralight and lightweight down jackets significantly outperform a standard issue puffy sweater, and upgrading will save weight in your pack and keep you warmer in the backcountry.
testing hiking shoes in the mountains of Alaska

Best Hiking Shoes 2023 | Trail Runners

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Looking for the best hiking shoes ? Read our no BS, unbiased guide for the best hiking shoes & backpacking shoes for men and women. Your feet are arguably your most important asset on the trail. Blisters, Achilles tightness, and foot pain can all quickly derail a hiking or backpacking trip. So, finding the right hiking shoes is imperative. We can help!
testing lightweight rain jackets for hiking and backpacking in creek spray

Best Lightweight Rain Jacket 2023

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Find the best lightweight jacket & pants for your needs, your travel, and your budget. No BS! All these lightweight rain jackets have all earned their spot on this list by performing far better than the competition.
mens hiking pants

Best Men’s Hiking Pants 2021

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Find the best backpacking hiking pants for your needs, your travel, and your budget. No BS! All these men's hiking pants have all earned their spot on this list by performing far better than the competition.
Women's Hiking Pants

Best Women’s Hiking Pants 2021

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Find the best backpacking hiking pants for your needs, your travel, and your budget. No BS! All these women's hiking pants have all earned their spot on this list by performing far better than the competition.

Apparel Buyer’s Guides Conclusion

The apparel in these buyer’s guides have performed marvelously for us, and we’re confident that it will for you too. We hope you have found what you’re looking for. But if not, drop us a line on social media to request a new gear buyer’s guide.