The Best Men’s Hiking Bottoms of 2023
14 testers zipped, cinched, and buckled 18 pants and shorts. These five are the very best.
Finding the perfect hiking apparel can be tricky. But with the help of Backpacker Magazine’s dedicated team of expert gear reviewers, you’ll easily find the perfect men’s and women’s outdoor apparel for every hiking and backpacking trip on your bucket list.
14 testers zipped, cinched, and buckled 18 pants and shorts. These five are the very best.
14 testers donned 22 Shirts. These 6 proved exceptional.
Twelve testers donned 36 tops to find this summer’s best new shirts, midlayers, and baselayers.
Twelve testers ran, trekked, and squatted in 45 products to find this summer’s best new hiking pants and shorts.
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
Just as cozy with remarkable technology? Consider me a convert.
Get ready for your best winter ever with tips from these cold-weather experts
Stay warm, stay hydrated, and explore the season’s top national parks
We spent two months testing 46 products. These are the best.
Ten testers checked out 50-plus baselayers before landing on this list.
We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
We had 28 testers check out 30+ pairs of bottoms for winter backcountry adventures. These ones rose above.
Dial in your setup for cold-weather adventures with advice from polar explorers
Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.
Heading into the wilderness with your hiker-in-training? This gear will make the trip as fun for you as it is for your little one.
Upgrade to these versatile trip staples
Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets
This featherlight racerback doesn’t sacrifice support
There’s a lot more to these bottoms than meets the eye
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
We adore these easy breezy on-the-road pieces
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
The best comfort and performance for all levels of activity
Focus on your session—not your clothes
Technical layers for any occasion
Blisters are history with this snug, no-slip pair
A cool kit for eager little adventurers
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
Focus on your session—not your clothes
Technical layers for any occasion
These jackets will keep you dry and focused on your winter adventures.
These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.
Because it’s dumb to be cold
The Kuiu Kenai Pant isn’t your typical featherweight puffy.
It’s made of 100 percent recycled material, too.
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
The Keen Newport Shoe is durable and versatile.
Upgrade your trail running wardrobe next spring.
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.
The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.
The positive impact of Polartec’s textile and fabric innovations—from the invention of fleece to technologies for all conditions—cannot be overstated
Finally, skin-tight shorts that are actually breathable, don't chafe, and have legit storage options.
The Headsweats TruckAir offers breezy protection in a comfortable package.
The Ibex Journey offers impressive thermoregulation, even on hot days.
There are always tradeoffs when you're picking a hardshell—but the Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket masters more conditions than most.
Get ready for cooler hikes with a deal on one of our favorite puffies.
Stoko’s K1 is a revolutionary way to support your knees without the bulk of a traditional knee brace
This pair from Fjällräven won't fall apart even under harsh trail conditions.
Stay comfier and feel better with these trail-ready pieces.
This breathable baselayer is designed for performance in every season.
The best UV-busting hoody of 2021.
The best town-to-trail shirt of 2021.
Check out Amelia Arvesen's author page.
The most versatile pants of 2021.
The best heat-busting trouser of 2021.
The best ultralight long sleeve of 2021.
The most versatile fleece of 2021.
The best toasty midlayer of 2021.
The best alpine-ready pants of 2021.
The best quick-dry top of 2021.
The best fiddle-free bra of 2021.
The best mile-crushing shorts of 2021.
The best natural-striding skort of 2021.
The best sweat-moving shirt of 2021.
The best heat-trapping midlayer of 2021.
The best unconventional sleepwear of 2021.
The best do-it-all bottoms of 2021.
The best ray-beating hat of 2021.
The best budget-friendly hoody of 2021.
The best impenetrable rainshell of 2021.
The best weather-beating hat of 2021.
The best savvy child-hauler of 2021.
The Marmot WarmCube Novus Hoody will keep you warm—but not too warm—on early spring hikes.
The best value shell of 2021.
The lightest shell of 2021.