Being prepared for a backpacking trip is incredibly important, and a major part of that is the clothing you pack for the trip. The right base layer and outer shell can be the difference in a long night spent cursing the chilling wind and one spent admiring the millions of stars overhead. Finding dependable and durable pieces for my backpacking wardrobe definitely took some time, but now I can't image hitting the trail without them! Best of all, many of these items are either budget friendly or frequently on sale; Making them affordable while still offering high quality and performance. Some of the clothing reviewed here has both a men's and women's version. For ones that don't, I'll suggest a comparable men's item if possible. Here are five staple items in my backpacking wardrobe...
Quick Disclaimer: Everything shared here is my own opinion based on my personal experience wearing these products. Nothing is sponsored! I'm just providing general info and anecdotes about what I wear on my backpacking trips in the hopes that it will help someone else determine if it's a good fit for them.
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1. Columbia Switchback III
Overview: The Columbia Switchback III is a versatile softshell women's jacket. Made from 100% Hydroplus nylon, it offers great protection from the elements be it wind or rain. This jacket has many convenient features including, but not limited to, the stow-away hood, adjustable cuffs, and deep zippered pockets. The slightly tapered design fits just right; not too baggy while still leaving room for additional layers underneath. The Switchback III is perfect for female backpackers looking for a comfortable do-it-all layer. An equivalent men's product in this brand would be the Glennaker Lake jacket. Made from 100% Hydroplus nylon as well, it offers the same features as the Switchback III at a similar price point: packable hood, adjustable cuffs, zippered side pockets, draw cord hem, and packability.
Experience: This jacket goes everywhere with me! It's more than just a rain jacket. It is without a doubt the most useful and versatile layer I own. I use it to stay dry, block wind, and even stay warm. I've found that I can pack fewer layers on trips while still maintaining comfort thanks to the Switchback III. In my opinion, it really shines when used as a windbreaker and outer insulating shell. I don't know what I would have done without it on my trip to Grayson Highlands, last year. Despite the ongoing 30 mph winds, this jacket provided me with great protection while hiking and at camp all three days. Paired with a wool base layer and down jacket, it kept me toasty warm on a Winter trip in the Uwharries where the low was 25°.
I own the Switchback III in two colors: New Moon and Mango. Both of which are a size medium and I bought for just $45 during a sale. Columbia's website frequently has this jacket, as well as the Glennaker Lake, on sale for 30 - 40% off. Colors from previous seasons receive the highest discount. Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, and Bass Pro Shops also carry the Switchback III at an even higher discount.
Over time, the fabric does lose some of its water repellency. Which is why I wash it with Nikwax Tech Wash every 3 or 4 trips and treat it with GEAR AIR Revivex DWR spray every 6 months to a year. Doing so has replenished the older jacket (purple) and prevented deterioration on the newer one (yellow). The only thing I would change about the Switchback III is adding underarm vents / pit zips. That extra feature would take this jacket's versatility to a whole new level!
Specs & Features
Model: | Switchback III |
Variations: | Standard and plus sizes. Various colors. |
Size Range: | Standard: XS - XXL Plus: 1X - 3X |
Weight: | Varies by size. Women's medium is 8 oz. |
Special Features: | Waterproof fabric, stow-away hood, zippered side pockets, packable into pocket, Velcro adjustable cuffs, draw-cord adjustable hood and hem. |
Price Range: | $45 - 60 |
2. Meriwool Button Up Henley
Overview: Meriwool's Button Up Henley is a Lightweight (190g) knit base layer. Made from 100% superfine merino wool, it offers anti-bacterial, odor-resistant, and moisture wicking properties. This long sleeve top can be worn while hiking or at camp and on its own or paired with other layers. This item was previously available in charcoal gray only. However, Meriwool recently released it in a variety of other colors. The Button Up Henley is available in both a men's and women's version. Color selection varies by gender.
Experience: This is another item that goes everywhere with me. It’s my go-to base layer. I have it in the original charcoal color and two of the new colors: light gray and black. All of which are a size medium. What I love the most about this top is how versatile it is. I’m probably going to use that word a dozen more times when talking about my staple items, but that’s one of the most important qualities backpacking clothes can have in my opinion. I also love how soft it is. Not a hint of itchiness! On top of that, Meriwool is so affordable compared to competitor wool brands. Their button up Henley is just $55!
Worn separately, this top is perfect for hikes in the 50 - 60° range. Above 60° it’s way too warm and below 50° a second layer is needed. In cooler weather, I keep it in the front pocket of my pack to put on and take off throughout the day. I'll also pair it with a midweight (250g) layer at camp. I can get the benefits of doubling up my base layers without having to pack another midweight one. Best of all, the fabric is not so thick or tight that the two layers bunch up or restrict my arm movement. In warmer weather, I wear this top by itself at camp.
I’ve had this top for years and it’s just now showing signs of wear. A few places along the shoulders and lower torso have started to pill. Pretty much where the shoulder straps and hipbelt on my pack sit. One of wool’s most admirable qualities is odor resistance, and that’s no exception here. While I have noticed a faint smell in high sweat areas after 3+ days of use, it’s nothing compared to the way smells build up on some of my synthetic layers. I try to wash this top with wool specific detergent in a load of other wool items, but that doesn’t always happen. It typically ends up in the wash with my regular clothes using free & clear detergent. Meriwool makes 190g t-shirts too, boasting all the same qualities.
Specs & Features
Model: | 190 Base Layer Long Sleeve Henley |
Variations: | Men's and women's version. Various colors. |
Size Range: | Men's: S - XL Women's: XS - L |
Weight: | Varies by size. Women's medium is 6.7 oz. |
Special Features: | 100% merino wool, anti-bacterial & odor-resistant properties, versatile for layering. |
Price Range: | $55 |
3. Eddie Bauer CirrusLite
Overview: The Eddie Bauer CirrusLite is a 650 fill power down jacket. The high collar and horizontal baffle design helps trap heat, making it a must have for cold weather adventures. Incredibly light and compressible, this jacket keeps you warm without adding extra weight and bulk. A StormRepel DWR finish on the polyester shell provides the down insulation with extra protection against moisture. Spacious zippered side pockets allow you to securely store items like gloves, a headlamp, or a phone. The CirrusLite comes in a men's and women's version.
Experience: CirrusLite is definitely an appropriate name for this jacket. It's lightweight. It's lofty. It's like wearing a cloud. I have this jacket in the Light Gray color, size medium. I paid just $65 for it during a holiday sale. At such a low price, I figured this would be a "get what you paid for" item I would probably need to upgrade or replace in the near future. Boy, was I wrong. I've taken it on numerous trips with lows in the 20s - 30s and been thoroughly impressed with the quality of insulation. If winds are low, I typically wear just a midweight wool base layer or fleece under this jacket. If winds are higher, I toss the Switchback III on top to seal in the warmth. Together, they make a great cold weather combo. I'm sure the CirrusLite delivers in even lower temperatures. As someone who mostly backpacks in the shoulder seasons though, the likelihood of me testing that theory isn't high.
The CirrusLite is not only warm, but durable too. I haven't had any rips, tears, or baffles coming unstitched. I haven't had problems with the down matting up or migrating either. I've only needed to wash this jacket a couple of times. When I do, I use Nikwax Down Wash and allow in to air dry before lofting it up in the dryer (NO HEAT) with some wool dryer balls. GEAR AID Down Cleaner works well too. I do not recommend using Graingers though. Their product left behind stains and stripped the dye out of one of my sleeping bags. In between trips, I keep the CirrusLite on a hanger in my gear closet.
At full price, $130 - 150 is pretty steep for backpackers on a budget. The good news is, Eddie Bauer is constantly running promotions on their website. So, be patient and you can pay a fraction of the price for this incredible item. I'd like to share a quick anecdote before moving on: A friend complemented this jacket on a Winter trip last year and wanted to know where it was from. When I told her Eddie Bauer she was surprised. She said "I never thought of them as a backpacking brand before. They seem more like an outdoor fashion brand.” I knew what she meant. Their clothing may have been revolutionary to the outdoors back in the day, but it's probably all about looks now and can't actually perform in the backcountry. At least not the affordable stuff. Right? I'll admit, some items don't perform as well as others. But after giving the CirrusLite a try, I decided to give a few more budget friendly pieces from Eddie Bauer a try. Many of which I was equally impressed with.
Specs & Features
Model: | Cirruslite (Horizontal Baffles) |
Variations: | Horizontal or tri-quilt baffle design. Various colors. Men's and women's versions. Men's regular or tall sizes. Women's petite, regular, tall, and plus sizes. |
Size Range: | Men's Regular: S - XXL Men's Tall: M - XXXL Women's Petite: XS - XL Women's Regular: XS - XXL Women's Tall: M - XXL Women's Plus: 1X - 3X |
Weight: | Varies by size. Women's medium is _ oz. |
Special Features: | 650 fill power, StormRepel® DWR finish, zippered side pockets, high collar, and lightweight. |
Price Range: | $130 - 150. On sale for $65 - 75 during holiday season. |
4. Stelle Women's Running Shorts
Overview: Stelle Women’s Running Shorts are made from a lightweight polyester fabric making them ideal for a variety of athletic activities. The inner mesh liner is both comfortable and breathable. The elastic waistband has plenty of stretch without feeling too tight. A draw cord inside the band offers even more adjustability. Small items such as a credit card or car keys can be securely stored in the side zip pocket. These shorts are available in a 3” 4” and 7” inseam length. Stelle makes a variety of athleticwear for women and girls. A comparable men's product would be the 5" inseam running shorts from G Gradual.
Experience: Stelle Running Shorts have taken the place of my beloved Mountain Hardwear skirt. For a while, I hiked exclusively in a skirt. There were a number of reasons, the biggest of which was comfort. I just couldn't find a pair of shorts comfortable enough to wear on multiday backpacking trips. If it wasn’t thigh chaffing it was irritation from the waistband. Ventilation was also a major problem. That is until I found these! I have two pairs of the 4” shorts in black and green. I could wear a size small, but I prefer the looser fit of the medium.
I initially purchased them to workout in. They fit so well that I decided to take them on the trail and I ended up wearing them on most of my trips throughout Summer and Fall. The fabric is light and flowy without being baggy. The mesh liner is very breathable, and the inner elastic is barely noticeable. They’re also fast drying and odor resistant. After three days of wear, they don’t stink or feel grimy. The 4” length shorts are perfect for hiking. Not too long that the fabric feels awkward or excessive, but not too short that it rides up and causes irritation.
I’ve had so many otherwise great shorts become unwearable because of an ill-fitting waistband. The band on this pair is wide and offers great stretch without being tight. It isn’t scratchy either. I’ve noticed on some athletic shorts, the way the fabric is gathered and sewn around the band can make sharp pointy edges. I know, that’s a very specific detail, but having those scratchy edges pressed up against your side for hours under a hipbelt is maddening! So, it stood out to me when I didn’t experience that at all with the Stelle shorts.
These shorts do have one imperfection: the pocket. The 4” shorts only have one side zip pocket. While it does have some depth to it, the opening is narrow limiting what you can carry in it. The zipper style is a concealed / invisible style which has a small pull and often gets snagged on the fabric. Adding a second pocket and widening the opening would seriously improve this feature's functionality.
Specs & Features
Model: | Women's Running Shorts 4" Inseam |
Variations: | 3" 4" and 7" inseam versions. Various colors and patterns. |
Size Range: | XS - XL |
Weight: | Varies by size. Women's medium is 4.2 oz. |
Special Features: | Breathable mesh liner, elastic waistband with internal drawstring, moisture wicking fabric, and zippered side pocket. |
Price Range: | $15 - 20 |
5. VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG
Overview: The VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG is a lightweight barefoot shoe, designed with the outdoors in mind. The textured soles provide excellent grip and traction over a variety terrain. Wet or dry! The wide toe box offers a more comfortable fit compared to the tapered style of most footwear. These shoes promote natural movement and bend with the foot thanks to the flexible materials. Primus Trail II shoes come with removable inserts and no-tie draw cord laces. Despite being minimalist footwear, these shoes still have a soft cushioned interior around the ankle and heel. They come in both a men's and women's version. The Primus Trail II FG is a great option for runners and hikers alike in need of reduced support.
Experience: I've been backpacking in barefoot shoes for a couple years now. Of the three different brands I have tried, VivoBarefoot is my absolute favorite. Vivo has several variations of their Primus shoe. These are the Trail II FG version NOT the Lite III, Knit, or Lite Knit. In my opinion, the Primus Knit and Knit Lite versions aren't as comfortable. The material around the heel and ankle is very rigid, and left me with terrible blisters after just a couple hours of use. The Primus Trail II on the other hand, has excellent padding and doesn't cause any irritation. At the same time, the amount of cushion these shoes have doesn't feel bulky or excessive. While these are the most expensive item on the list, their durability and performance on the trail make them well worth the price tag!
I personally need minimal support when it comes to footwear, and these deliver! I love the way the entire shoe bends with my foot when navigating over roots and rocks. I also love the textured soles. I can confidently maneuver along wet and smooth surfaces without slipping. My first pair of Primus Trail II shoes were the color Obsidian, and lasted just under 2 years and 300 miles. After retiring them, I purchased a replacement pair in Deep Sea Blue. I wear a women's size 7.5 in both trail runners and boots in this brand.
Specs & Features
Model: | Primus Trail II FG |
Variations: | Men's and women's versions. Various colors. |
Size Range: | Men's: whole sizes from 7 to 15 Women's: whole and half sizes from 5.5 to 11.5 |
Weight: | Varies by size. Women's 7.5 shoes are 7.4 oz each / 14.8 oz total. |
Special Features: | Wide toe box, durable, flexible, draw-cord laces, zero drop, removable inserts, textured grip on soles. |
Price Range: | $120 - 180 |
Honorable Mentions
Merino.Tech Base Layer Leggings
These Lightweight (165g) leggings can instantly improve comfort at camp. I typically wear them as an extra layer under midweight (250g) leggings. They offer a little extra warmth without being overkill. Perfect for nights in the mid 30s to lower 40s, when one layer just isn't cutting it. Similar to my Meriwool Henley, these leggings are thin enough that they don't bunch up or restrict movement when worn with additional layers. They're also great for chilly mornings on the trail. I'll wear them under my primary hiking layer (skirt, shorts, pants, etc.) and take them off once the temperature warms up. They're light enough to be breathable and thick enough to insulate. I have two size small pairs in light gray and charcoal gray. Merino.tech makes base layer leggings for both men and women in Light, Mid, and Heavyweight.
Jaxmonoy Cashmere Slouchy Beanie
I'm more of a headband person, but I really like this hat. Is it 100% genuine cashmere? At the $13 - 18 price point, probably not. But the material is so soft and gentle on my hair. It doesn't cause knots, mats, or breakage after all night wear. It's also super warm. The wide double layer cuff fits perfectly over my ears keeping them nice and toasty. I own a couple "cashmere" items from this Amazon brand, like socks and glove liners, but this hat is my favorite. Jaxmonoy only makes women's products to my understanding, but the style and color options are pretty gender neutral.
Darn Tough Midweight Micro Crew Socks
At first, I wasn't all that impressed with these socks. Everybody and their mother was telling me I had to try Darn Tough though! So, there had to be something to them. After a couple months I started to see what all the fuss was about. Some common problems I had with other wool sock brands were stretching, pilling, and holding onto dirt. To my surprise, these socks have maintained their shape and resisted pilling under friction. Unlike my Smartwool socks, they actually feel clean after being washed. No dirt and sweat encrusted patches left behind! The cushioning along the heel and toe is soft and supportive without adding extra bulk. I can still wear my barefoot trail runners with room to spare. The midweight micro crew socks I have (style 1903 and 1971 size medium) are a merino wool nylon blend, offering the best of both natural and synthetic fabrics. Darn Tough makes midweight micro crew socks for men and women. $25 - 30 for a single pair of socks is pretty outrageous, but you can't beat the Darn Tough guarantee: if the socks wear, tear, or develop holes, they will replace them. No strings. No conditions. For life.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Collection
Skirts, shorts, pants, and even capris the Mountain Hardwear's Dynama collection has outdoor attire for every occasion. All of which have a wide elastic waistband. The nylon material has excellent stretch while still maintaining elasticity. The material is also durable and fast drying. I know from experience wearing the Dynama skirt that it can withstand rain, dirt, and overgrown trails with ease. Most of all, I love the spacious pockets! All the bottoms in the Dynama collection have a flattering feminine fit, especially the pants. Not many people are a fan of the new Dynama/2 style, but I am! It improved a lot of the things I didn't like about the original fit. Unfortunately, most of the items in this collection are pretty pricy. But they can often be found on Backcountry or Steep & Cheap at a discount. I wear a size medium in Mountain Hardwear bottoms. A similar product for men in this brand is the Basin collection.
I hope you found my short review of these items helpful and informative. You can find them on the brand's website, Amazon, and a variety of outdoor retailer sites including but not limited to: Moosejaw, Backcountry, and REI. I am in no way sponsored by or affiliated with these brands. Just sharing my personal opinions and experience using their products on the trail.