Apparel Guide Tops

testing for Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket review

Apparel Guides: Tops

From jackets and shirts, to hoodies and mid-layers, this is your one-stop-shop for recommended ultralight backpacking tops.

Best Sun Hoodies For Hiking & Backpacking 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

To help you choose the best sun hoodie for hiking, we tested 27 models for breathability, dry time, coolness, and overall performance.

testing windbreaker jackets at mount rainier national park

Best Ultralight Windbreaker Jacket 2026

Jackets, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

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

testing the best lightweight rain jacket for ultralight hiking clothes layering and backpacking

Best Ultralight Rain Jackets For Hiking 2026

Rainwear, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

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.

Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodies 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

We empirically tested 17 merino wool sun hoodies to determine the coolest, quickest drying, best featured, and most breathable.

Best Alpaca Sweater 2026 Versatile & Cozy Wool

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

This buyer's guide will help you choose the best alpaca sweater based on desired warmth and intended use case.

Best Alpaca Hoodie For Hiking, Sun, Travel 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

Each alpaca hoodie in this guide is adventure-proven. We cover sun hoodies and fleece alternatives with pros, cons, fabric blends, and more.

Best Lightweight Down Parka For Winter Backpacking 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Winter Gear, Tops

Enjoy maximum warmth-to-weight ratio when you choose a lightweight down parka for backpacking in winter. These parkas are ultralight and packable!

Best Alpha Direct Hoodie 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

A Polartec Alpha Direct hoodie is the best way for ultralight backpackers to save weight on insulation without sacrificing warmth.

red and blue Ultralight Down Vests For Backpacking lying flat in the mountains

Best Ultralight Down Vests For Backpacking 2026

Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

These ultralight down vests are optimized for warmth-to-weight ratio to meet your hiking and backpacking needs.

Testing the best ultralight puffy jacket in the desert

Best Ultralight Puffy Jacket 2026 Packable & Lightweight

Jackets, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

This round-up of ultralight puffy jackets is the lightest on the internet, averaging just 10.2 oz per garment, and conservatively 30% less than competing buyer's guides. Perfect for hiking and backpacking.

Best Lightweight Fleece Hoodie for Ultralight Backpacking 2026

Jackets, Clothing, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

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 lightweight down jackets and pants in patagonia

Best Ultralight Down Jackets for Backpacking 2026

Jackets, Buyer's Guides, Apparel Guides, Tops

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.