The Best Men’s Hiking Bottoms of 2023
14 testers zipped, cinched, and buckled 18 pants and shorts. These five are the very best.
Apparel
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.
Latest in Apparel
The Best Men’s Hiking Tops of 2023
14 testers donned 22 Shirts. These 6 proved exceptional.
The Best Women’s Hiking Tops of 2023
Twelve testers donned 36 tops to find this summer’s best new shirts, midlayers, and baselayers.
The Best Women’s Hiking Bottoms of 2023
Twelve testers ran, trekked, and squatted in 45 products to find this summer’s best new hiking pants and shorts.
The Best Men’s Shells of 2023
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
The Latest Synthetic Base Layers Have Surpassed the Performance of Merino Wool
Just as cozy with remarkable technology? Consider me a convert.
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How to Stay Warm—and Stay Out Longer—This Winter
Get ready for your best winter ever with tips from these cold-weather experts
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3 Ways to Guarantee a Better Winter
Stay warm, stay hydrated, and explore the season’s top national parks
The Best Women’s Baselayers of 2023
We spent two months testing 46 products. These are the best.
The Best Men’s Baselayers of 2023
Ten testers checked out 50-plus baselayers before landing on this list.
The Best Midlayers of 2023
We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.
The Best Touring Jackets of 2023
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
The Best Touring Pants of 2023
We had 28 testers check out 30+ pairs of bottoms for winter backcountry adventures. These ones rose above.
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If You Can Layer for the Arctic, You Can Layer for Anywhere
Dial in your setup for cold-weather adventures with advice from polar explorers
The 8 Best Softshells of Fall 2022
Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.
The Best Gear for Taking a Kid Backpacking
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.
The Best Men’s Travel Apparel of 2022
Upgrade to these versatile trip staples
The Best Shells of 2022
Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets
Editor’s Choice: Lume Six Alta Bra
This featherlight racerback doesn’t sacrifice support
Editor’s Choice: Indura Athletic Stay-Put Shorts
There’s a lot more to these bottoms than meets the eye
The Best Women’s Running Apparel of 2022
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
The Best Men’s Mountain Bike Apparel of 2022
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
The Best Women’s Mountain Bike Apparel of 2022
Rigorous testing was no match for these pieces
The Best Women’s Travel Apparel of 2022
We adore these easy breezy on-the-road pieces
The Best Men’s Road and Gravel Apparel of 2022
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
The Best Women’s Road and Gravel Apparel of 2022
A cycling outfit that everyone will love
The Best Sports Bras of 2022
The best comfort and performance for all levels of activity
The Best Men’s Workout Apparel of 2022
Focus on your session—not your clothes
The Best Men’s Hiking Apparel of 2022
Technical layers for any occasion
Editor’s Choice: Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks
Blisters are history with this snug, no-slip pair
The Best Kids’ Gear of 2022
A cool kit for eager little adventurers
The Best Men’s Running Apparel of 2022
Don’t be afraid to sweat it out in these running pieces
The Best Women’s Workout Apparel of 2022
Focus on your session—not your clothes
The Best Women’s Hiking Apparel of 2022
Technical layers for any occasion
What We’re Testing Now: These Hardshells are Made for Winter Protection
These jackets will keep you dry and focused on your winter adventures.
The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking in Any Kind of Weather
These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.
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The Definitive Guide to Layering for Cold-Weather Adventures
Because it’s dumb to be cold
Weekly Obsession: These Insulated Pants Are as Tough as They Are Warm
The Kuiu Kenai Pant isn’t your typical featherweight puffy.
Weekly Obsession: The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie Is Warm and Breathable, Even in Soggy Conditions
It’s made of 100 percent recycled material, too.
Outside Gear Spotlight: Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights
Check out BACKPACKER Editors and Contributors's author page.
Weekly Obsession: This Kids’ Hiking Shoe Will Survive The Playground and the Mountain
The Keen Newport Shoe is durable and versatile.
What We’re Testing Now: Patagonia’s 2022 Trail Lineup Makes Our Runs Feel Comfier Than Ever
Upgrade your trail running wardrobe next spring.
Weekly Obsession: Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchy Puffy is Finally Packable
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.
This Hardshell Will Keep You Dry No Matter How Nasty the Weather
The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.
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11 Times Polartec Revolutionized How We Dress
The positive impact of Polartec’s textile and fabric innovations—from the invention of fleece to technologies for all conditions—cannot be overstated
What We’re Testing Now: These Chafe- and Wedgie-Proof Shorts Are a Hiker’s Dream
Finally, skin-tight shorts that are actually breathable, don't chafe, and have legit storage options.
Weekly Obsession: This Heat-Beating Hat is Ideal For Sun-Drenched Adventures
The Headsweats TruckAir offers breezy protection in a comfortable package.
What We’re Testing Now: This Lightweight Wool Shirt is a Summer Superstar.
The Ibex Journey offers impressive thermoregulation, even on hot days.
No Rainshell Can Do Everything—But This One Comes Close
There are always tradeoffs when you're picking a hardshell—but the Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket masters more conditions than most.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Jacket
Get ready for cooler hikes with a deal on one of our favorite puffies.
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The New Knee Brace You Didn’t See Coming
Stoko’s K1 is a revolutionary way to support your knees without the bulk of a traditional knee brace
These Durable, Stretchy, and Breathable Trail Tights Do it All
This pair from Fjällräven won't fall apart even under harsh trail conditions.
The Best Women’s Hiking Apparel of 2021
Stay comfier and feel better with these trail-ready pieces.
Deal of the Week: Smartwool IntraKnit Merino 200 Crew Top
This breathable baselayer is designed for performance in every season.
Mountain Hardwear Shade Lite Hoody
The best UV-busting hoody of 2021.
Orvis PRO Stretch Long-Sleeved Shirt
The best town-to-trail shirt of 2021.
Rhone Mako Short
Check out Amelia Arvesen's author page.
Fjällräven Abisko Midsummer Zip Off Trousers
The most versatile pants of 2021.
prAna Alameda Pants
The best heat-busting trouser of 2021.
The North Face Summit L2 VRT FUTUREFLEECE Crew
The best ultralight long sleeve of 2021.
Mountain Equipment Lumiko Hooded Jacket
The most versatile fleece of 2021.
Mons Royale Yotei Powder Hood LS
The best toasty midlayer of 2021.
Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants
The best alpine-ready pants of 2021.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt
The best quick-dry top of 2021.
Matek Serval Squared Sports Bra 2.0
The best fiddle-free bra of 2021.
Smartwool Merino Sport 8-Inch Shorts
The best mile-crushing shorts of 2021.
Blyss Trail Skirt
The best natural-striding skort of 2021.
Helly Hansen W LIFA Merino Lightweight Crew
The best sweat-moving shirt of 2021.
Mammut Aconcagua Light ML Hooded Jacket
The best heat-trapping midlayer of 2021.
Unightie
The best unconventional sleepwear of 2021.
Rab Ascendor Light Pants
The best do-it-all bottoms of 2021.
Outdoor Research Equinox Cape Cap
The best ray-beating hat of 2021.
Beyond Clothing Women’s Veil Midweight K2 Pullover
The best budget-friendly hoody of 2021.
Patagonia Baby Torrentshell 3L Bib
The best impenetrable rainshell of 2021.
Sunday Afternoon Kids’ Ultra Adventure Storm Hat
The best weather-beating hat of 2021.
Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier
The best savvy child-hauler of 2021.
This Goldilocks Softshell Squashes Shoulder-Season Chill
The Marmot WarmCube Novus Hoody will keep you warm—but not too warm—on early spring hikes.
Black Diamond TreeLine
The best value shell of 2021.
The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT
The lightest shell of 2021.