THE ALL-WEATHER GUIDE TO HIKING APPAREL
Seasons come and go, but the proper gear will keep you trail-ready all year long.
By Devin Pangaro - October 7, 2022
You can't hold a good hiker back. That's a fact. And if you take an all-seasons approach to all your outdoor ramblin', then you know just how rewarding it is to conquer the elements and lay some tracks on any given day.
This year, make it your primary objective to spend less time worrying about the weather report, and more time trekking across the American wilderness as a master of the open trail.
SPRING
Renew your spirit of adventure and get a fresh start.
Come this time of year, you already know the drill. One day it’s pleasantly sunny, the next you’re dodging rain drops. To prepare to the best of your abilities, you must account for anything and everything. Here’s a selection of gear to help get you situated for the first quarter and beyond.
ABLY APPAREL - RAINIER MEN’S HIKING SOCKS
Inspired by the glacier-capped, active volcano of the Pacific Northwest, socks this solid are undeniably built to serve a purpose in wet or dry weather. Composed of 80% cotton, Ably Apparel’s standout foot protectors come odor, stain, and water-resistant. So, you can feel free to stomp through puddles, rack up the miles, and scale slippery rocks without leaving them any worse for the wear. Light enough to pack comfortably into your outdoor loadout, these come available in two distinct color patterns.
FREESOLDIER – LIGHTWEIGHT NON-SLIPPING BOOTS
You won’t find Mountaineering on any listing of casual activities, that much is sure. It’s an extreme physical challenge in and of itself, where the summit is your arena and being unprepared isn’t a viable option. As such, you need footwear that’ll hold up to the rigors of the most rugged terrains around. That’s where FreeSoldier comes in. These anti-skid, waterproof triumphs provide insane traction and prevent the elements from sidetracking all the action. With added ankle support and protection, they come ready for your most demanding hikes and off-trail adventures.
THE NORTH FACE – MEN’S WANDER SHORTS
New for 2022, The North Face drops in with the ultimate shorts upgrade for exploring by daylight. Free the calf and gear up to go the distance in durable durable FlashDry-XD technology designed to keep you moving cool and dry when you’re headed deep into mountain territory. Containing more than meets the eye, each pair comes with an adjustable drawcord, drop-in hand pockets, and a cleverly concealed back pocket for everything you don’t dare go without.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH – MEN'S FEROSSI PANTS
Heralded for its lightweight construction and a certified favorite amongst the rucking community, the flexible Ferossi Pants have steadily become a must-have for GovX members with a major appreciation for the great outdoors and even greater heights. A blocker of fierce winds when you’re belaying up the side of a cliff, these altitude loggers also offer water-resistance when the rain starts to fall and quick-drying capabilities so you can continue your journey to the top.
GOVX GEAR - MEN’S OVERLANDER OUTDOOR SHIRT
Out there, collared shirts carry their own kind of charm. Take for instance The Overlander, an undisputed standout from our very own spring 2022 line. Designed to be your new go-to for a variety of warm-weather outdoor activities, the moisture-wicking, UPF protective fabric makes it a no-brainer for dedicated daytime excursions and long hours in the sun. Need to breathe? The ventilated back panel provides ample air flow and the cool comfort your body craves.
PRANA – JOURNEYMAN TRUCKER’S HAT
Not just limited to baseball players or big game hunters, enlisting a hat to keep your head dry and the glare out of your eyes is one of the easier calls you can make. In this case, PrAna comes strong with a breathable, airy lineup of damn good-looking lids. Featuring a flat bill, adjustable snapback, mesh backing, and a variety of wilderness-honoring graphics, you literally can’t go wrong.
SUMMER
Surviving the heat is only half the battle.
Acclimating to rising temperatures and intense conditions is the next order of business. Going from warm-weather to hot-weather hiking calls for more than just a few adjustments to your outdoor arsenal. As it happens, we’ve got just the right gear loaded up and ready to go.
DARN TOUGH – COOLMAX CUSHION BOOT SOCKS
Ever had the misfortune of hiking with a big ol’ blister on your foot? It’s hell on Earth. And combined with the summer temps pushing a hundred, you’d be forgiven if you peeled off the trail to rest or called it a day. Darn Tough doesn’t believe in blisters. Or slipping. Or bunching, for that matter. The COOLMAX Cushion Boot Socks live up to the name as respected leader on the trail, providing hikers with the cool all-weather performance needed to pull moisture away from the skin, avoid blisters, and dry fast even when the heat rages on.
ROCK ROOSTER FOOTWEAR – 4 INCH WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES KS252
Sporting a solid rubber outsole based on the legendary Goodyear tire tread, Rock Rooster makes a strong argument out the box to be your new favorite trail shoes. Designed to be heat resistant, they literally pair well with Darn Tough socks by utilizing the same COOLMAX technology to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable in hot conditions. Combined this with an impressive traction and nonslip construction, and you’re entirely good to carry on the journey.
ROARK – MEN'S LAYOVER TRAIL 3.0 SHORTS
Every decent trip deserves a layover. Roark’s fresh entry onto our list comes by way of the new and improved edition of their hybrid adventure shorts. Durable 4-way stretch construction makes it a lock to outlast the summer months as the chosen pick when the weather calls for moving light. The oversized front pocket carries all your travel essentials while the stealthy back counterpart keeps what you need safely stored where it can’t be seen.
FREESOLDIER – MEN’S OUTDOOR CONVERTIBLE HIKING PANTS WITH BELT
It doesn’t get any more practical than this. Making your way through treacherous terrain? Trust these pants to protect your legs against whatever may pop up on the path. Temperature starting to rise? Secure some breathing room for your lower half by detaching the pant leg and converting them to shorts on the fly. It’s entirely your call on how you want to wear ‘em, but the COOLMAX mesh lined pockets come standard in either format, allowing for unbelievable comfort on or off the trail. If that ain’t enough customization for you, we’d be remiss not to mention the removable belt.
HYLETE – MEN’S NEXUS CREW T-SHIRT
Some of the most casual looks are also the most comfortable. Case in point, the Men’s Nexus Crew T-Shirt. Found in the collections of outdoor athletes across the nation, Hylete brings performance to a whole new level with this sweat-wicking and quick-drying dynamo of open trail runs, extended hikes, and all-day expeditions under the sun.
GATORZ – DELTA SUNGLASSES
The title “weekend warrior” is to be earned, not given. With that said, these USA-made, military-grade aluminum shades come second-to-none for summer eyewear, and they’re ready to take up a permanent residence on your face. Boasting a square-shaped frame and impact-resistant lenses, they’re tough enough to survive multiple seasons in the sun without surrendering. 100% UV protection topples rays and eliminates glare, while each pair also comes equipped with a water-repellent coating. So, it isn’t the end of the world if you have to fish ‘em out of a lake.
FALL
Conditions are cooling. Scatter the leaves and keep the momentum going.
Change is good. And when that change involves a seasonal escape from summer’s scorching heat, well, you’ve got even more reasons to get more hikes. Prep for fall by building out your essential kit before winter hits.
DARN TOUGH – MEN'S PAUL BUNYON OTC CUSHION SOCKS
Looking for the stuff of legends? You found ‘em. Although neither ox nor axe will be joining these socks on the trails, their fast-wicking action and extreme comfort prove them worthy of filling the big shoes. Your feet’s greatest ally when things start to get a little frigid during the late fall months, the full cushioning gives these tall boys more comfort and warmth than anything else out there.
UNDER ARMOUR – MEN’S CHARGED RAIDER MID WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS
Under Armour does hiking? Under Armour does hiking. Applying the same tenacious approach to their outerwear lineup as they do their activewear, the Charged Raider Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots sets the pace as a rugged force to be reckoned with in any weather. Decked out with UA StormProof tech, you can stomp through the wettest conditions while staying dry as the Arizona desert. Extremely durable and crazy lightweight, you’ve got all the traction needed to hit the trails hard.
SAVAGE TACTICIANS – SL TRAIL PANTS
A regular on the range and on the tail, Savage Tacticians make their presence felt by offering up this aggressively practical set of pants that can hold up to harsh weather and hardcore hiking days. Placing an emphasis on lightweight mobility, they contain enough pockets for EDC loyalists to take all their necessary gear out on the trail, durable quick-drying fabric construction, and articulated knees that allow for unrestricted movement.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH – MEN’S BARITONE LONG SLEEVE HENLEY SHIRT
It’s on us to spread the good word about the outerwear of Outdoor Research, and products like this shirt make our jobs easy. Everybody loves a Henley, but this one is ingrained with thermo-regulating ActiveTemp™ Treatment that dynamically adjusts to your body’s temperature. Utilized as a base layer or worn on its own, the shirt works harder so you stay warmer when you’re not active and shed more heat and moisture when you’re making your way through the trails.
PRANA – MEN’S TRANSIT RANGE WINDBREAKER
Making a repeat appearance on our list, PrAna pulls up for the fall season with a high-performance windbreaker made to pack easy. Comfortably awaiting deployment by way of its very own hand pocket, one only needs to casually roll it out and put it on once the weather starts to turn. Ready to repel unruly winds, shield from the sun, and resist rain, this lightweight hiking essential has you covered no matter what the season has in store for you.
KUIU – RUBICON JACKET
Regardless of where you call home, it should be mandatory that every man owns at least one jacket that flaunts an impressive amount of fleece. KUIU, in all their technologically advanced hunting gear glory have come up with the premier cold weather throw-on for game hunters, hikers, and cabin dwellers. Armed with a bonded soft-shell fabric and streamlined design, the Rubicon fights the wind and rain to a standstill, allowing you to log more trail miles in inclement weather.
WINTER
It's a cold world. Be prepared.
Depending on where you are, this time of year can range from mildly chilly to below freezing on any given day. It ain’t gonna be easy out there, but we can guarantee it’ll be worth it. Layer up and get back on the trail in the gear made for an onslaught of single digit temperatures and icy winds.
DARN TOUGH – MEN'S HUNTER BOOT FULL CUSHION SOCKS
Because try as you might, you can’t wear your Paul Bunyon’s every single day. Gear up your feet with the fully cushioned, all-weather choice of big and small game hunters. As breathable as they are comfortable, these feet warmers come with a lifetime guarantee and effortless performance even in the dead of winter. Sitting mid-calf for increased protection, they own an undetectable seam fusion for an ultra-smooth, invisible feel underneath your boots.
ROTHCO – 8’’ EXTREME COLD WEATHER HIKING BOOTS
At times, it’s best to take a tactical approach to dropping temps. Make some room for Rothco’s extreme edition straight from their cold weather lineup. A crusher of icy conditions and frequenter of the frozen tundra, this boot clocks in with 600-gram Thermoblock insulation for extra warmth you can depend on. Featuring a waterproof suede design, these are meant to be rocked ruggedly by frost-bound adventurers.
THE NORTH FACE – MEN'S GORDON LYONS SHACKET
The North Face isn’t messing around this year. The Gordon Lyons Shacket is your go-to look for layering up and enjoying a winter campfire outside or becoming a new favorite trail companion. Zippered hand pockets keep your paws warm, and reinforced patching along the sides of each arm provide increased durability without losing a lick of rugged respectability.
FREESOLDIER – MEN’S WATERPROOF SOFTSHELL HIKING JACKET
If you have plans to make your way around a snow-capped mountain this winter, do yourself a favor and ensure that you do it in a jacket strong enough to halt the cold in its tracks. Freesoldier’s cold-weather inclusion features soft fleece lining for maximum comfort, waterproof and windproof fabric for when the storm starts to pick up, and a concealable 3D hood made to accommodate a collared shirt or hat. Ultimately, it’ll cover your needs when a cold front comes in.
FREESOLDIER – MEN’S WINDPROOF SOFTSHELL FLEECE LINED PANTS
Striking a balance between performance and style, these fleeced-out pants comfortably lock out the cold like a champ. Elastic waistband adjusts easily to your specific sizing, and the removable belt proves to be one outerwear trend that won’t be leaving anytime soon. Got gear to store? You’ll dig the waterproof zipper safety pockets with metal closures.
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