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If you want to have a great day on the trail, you need to start with great layers. That was the theme of Backpacker‘s monthly gear picks for May: After four weeks of trail running, mountain biking, dayhiking, and—of course—backpacking, we all showed up with piece of clothing that took our experience to the next level. From a lightweight summer tee to a photo-worthy pair of socks to a technical button-up that’s ready to party, this was our favorite gear of May 2025.
Fjallraven Abisko Lite SS T-Shirt
I habitually wear technical tees even when I’m out running errands—what if someone happens to invite me on a hike while I’m grocery shopping and I have to say no, sorry, I’m not dressed for it? When it comes to picking them, I have a few simple rules: They have to be breathable, they need to dry quickly, and, perhaps most importantly, they can’t make me look like some dork who came straight from the gym. The Abisko Lite tee fulfills all those asks: The recycled polyester tee is well-ventilated enough that it barely steamed up during a long run on my local trails under a pack, and what sweat it did absorb evaporated quickly. At just 3.4 ounces for a men’s medium—by way of comparison, Patagonia’s standby Capilene Cool Daily Shirt weighs 4.5—it’s featherweight, but hasn’t shown any abrasion yet. Best of all? It looks like a normal t-shirt. Nice touch: Fjallraven moved the seams back off the shoulder so they don’t rub under pack straps. —Adam Roy, Editor-in-Chief
Stance Light Performance Crew Socks
The “look good, feel good, play good” mantra isn’t just a placebo. It’s called “enclothed cognition,” and I feel it when I’m hitting the trail in my Stance socks. The style alone (mine, inspired by Jimi Hendrix, have groovy, lava lamp-esque florals) could carry me quite a while on a hike, but the function gets me even farther. They’re super comfy, with light foot padding and compression up to the mid-calf. Plus, they keep my feet dry: I’ve never gotten a blister in them. I put their quick-drying properties to the test this month on a Yosemite hike up the Mist Trail to Nevada Falls where some sections had more downpours than mists. No blisters, hotspots, or tender toes. Plus, thanks to their Freshtek odor and moisture control, I could take my trail runners off for the drive home after a 23-mile day without stinking up the car. My Jimi Hendrix sock is no longer in production, but with a full line of patterns you’re sure to find one that best fits your taste. — Emma Veidt, Associate Editor
Wild Rye Lil’ Party Shirt
May is for reveling in warming temps, soaking in the bright colors of blooming wildflowers, and basking in the sunshine with friends. Wild Rye’s Lil’ Party Shirt is the perfect garment for springtime revelry. With a cropped fit, breathable performance polyester, and brightly colored patterns, this shirt is my new go-to for evening mountain bike rides with the girls, hot-weather hikes, and lounging around camp after a day exploring the trails. Wild Rye has a cult following amongst women adventurers for their brightly-colored apparel that fits and performs just as great as it looks. With dozens of patterns to choose from across their summer lineup, opportunities for self-expression are endless. The Lil’ Party Shirt maximizes comfort and fun—that’s what it’s all about, right? —Zoe Gates, Senior Editor
Burgeon Alpha Direct 90 Hoodie
It’s easy to get tunnel vision with a hot, trendy brand. For example, Senchi Designs’ Alpha Direct hoodie. And while we love Senchi’s use of the ultralight-breathable fabric, the small company is perpetually sold out. This is your friendly thru-hiker reminder: There are many other cottage brands making variations. And, with the exception of the sewing pattern, all Alpha hoodies are essentially identical. We recently tested a 90 gsm version from New Hampshire-based Burgeon Outdoors and loved the fit, which is true to size (unisex, but close to men’s sizing), trim but not confining, and includes a generous hood for more voluminous hairstyles. The “Pine Shadow” color is a crowd-pleaser, too. —Benjamin Tepler, Senior Gear Editor
From 2025