mens hiking products

The Quandary Shorts from Patagonia are a lightweight, quick-drying option built for versatile summer use, from day hikes to longer backpacking trips and travel. They balance comfort, stretch, and style with a belt-less waist option and multiple pockets, though the shallow front pockets and some zippers are minor drawbacks.

The Beta SL is Arc'teryx's lightweight, high-end rain jacket offering top-tier weatherproofing with a minimal weight and compact packability. It excels in wet conditions and can double as a ski shell, but it comes at a premium price and has a fit that may require careful size selection; maintenance to preserve the DWR is also a consideration.

The Arc'teryx Beta SL is a high-end 3-layer Gore-Tex hardshell rain jacket designed for backcountry use in wet conditions. It delivers superb weather protection and durability with a relatively light weight and packable profile, but it's stiff and pricey, making it best suited for serious backcountry hikers rather than casual day hikers.

Premium, waterproof three-layer Gore-Tex rain shell that prioritizes weather protection and mobility for demanding wet-weather adventures. Helmet-compatible hood, sealed zippers, and a tailored fit deliver full range of motion, but breathability is limited and price is high.

The Gamma Pant offers strong weather protection and durable stretch for cold, wet hikes. Its stretchy 88/12 fabric, gusseted crotch, and articulated knees deliver solid mobility, while wind and water resistance are standout features aided by a DWR finish. It’s a premium, highly versatile pant with thoughtful details like an integrated belt and ankle cinch, but it’s expensive, lacks rear pockets, and breathability isn’t best in hot conditions.

A premium midweight softshell pant that delivers exceptional mobility, durability, and a refined fit for hikers, climbers, and backcountry travelers. It shines in cooler shoulder-season conditions and alpine environments, but its price limits its appeal for warm-weather use.

The Gamma Pant for Women is a durable softshell hiking pant that delivers strong wind and water resistance, plus stretch for excellent mobility under a harness. It excels for year‑round, technical hiking and backcountry use, offering comfort and durability, but has a rigid waistband and a belt buckle that can be a weak point; breathability is not as high as lighter options.

Premium 3-layer rain jacket designed for frontcountry and light backcountry use, featuring a PFAS-free Gore-Tex ePE membrane and a durable 80-denier nylon shell. It excels in weather protection and durability with a lightweight, articulating fit, but lacks pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood, and its price is hard to justify for a simple rain shell.

The Beta Jacket from Arc'teryx is a function-focused rain shell that balances storm protection, mobility, and everyday versatility. It excels in wet conditions with a top-tier hood design and a durable DWR finish, making it a strong choice for backpacking, climbing, and ski touring, though it carries a premium price and lacks ventilation options.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L delivers solid waterproof protection at a value price, using the 3-layer H2No fabric and handy features like a two-way adjustable hood and Velcro cuffs. It’s a reliable rain shell for hiking, climbing, and skiing in wet weather, though it’s a bit stiff and less breathable than some rivals. With stowable packability and PFAS-free construction, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly option for wet conditions.

The Torrentshell 3L is a standout women's rain jacket, delivering top-tier water resistance at a very good value. It performs well in heavy rain and wet conditions, with good breathability and durable construction, though the fabric is stiff and the zippers aren't watertight. It is a bit heavier and less packable than some rivals, but its waterproof performance and build quality make it a reliable long-haul rain jacket for hikers, runners, snowboarders, and cyclists.

A durable, affordable rain shell built with Patagonia’s 3-layer H2No system. It delivers strong waterproof protection and long-lasting construction for daily wear and light day hikes, but its stiff, crinkly fabric and limited pockets reduce comfort and versatility for high-output or backcountry use.

The Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody is a long-standing, versatile midlayer fleece that balances warmth, comfort, and durability for a broad range of mountain activities. After more than a decade of field use, the reviewer still regards it as a top all-around fleece, especially for cold-weather mountain travel, with excellent weight-to-warmth and strong layering capability; drawbacks include being too warm for high-output movement in milder temps and a style more suited to technical use than everyday wear.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a versatile lightweight fleece that blends stretch comfort with midweight warmth and strong breathability. It excels as a mid-layer for travel, camping, and active pursuits, with a soft interior and fitted hood that traps warmth during movement. Drawbacks include a slim fit that may not work for all body types, limited wind resistance, and a lack of thumbholes.

The R1 Pullover is Patagonia's highly versatile, breathable, and compressible lightweight fleece jacket, a go-to layer for alpinists and backcountry skiers. It excels in high-output activities and fluctuating temperatures, packing down small, but is not very wind resistant and isn’t as warm or durable as heavier fleeces, making it less ideal for casual wear around town.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable fleece designed for high-exertion cool-weather activities. It excels in comfort, breathability, and layering, making it a versatile layer for hiking, bouldering, ice climbing, and backcountry skiing, though the chest pocket is tight and the hood can be fiddly to use when fully zipped; some may notice odor.

The Patagonia R1 Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable fleece that excels as a versatile mid-layer for active use. It offers an athletic fit that moves well and layers easily for climbing, running, hiking, or skiing, but it isn't very warm when stationary and offers limited weather protection.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a standout technical fleece that blends breathability with warmth and stretch for versatile backcountry use. Its hollow-core zigzag fabric delivers excellent heat retention during rests and remains breathable during activity, making it a strong choice for ski touring, climbing, and cool-weather hiking. Note that the updated fit can feel a bit baggy and the fabric can lose softness with repeated washing, but it remains a top all-around fleece.

The R1 Full Zip Hoody is a versatile technical fleece that delivers exceptional breathability and thermoregulation for alpine and backcountry use, serving well as a mid-layer under a shell or as a standalone layer in milder conditions. It’s lightweight, durable, and packable with a helmet-compatible hood and clever pocket design, but it’s not weather-resistant on its own and can be pricey; Patagonia has discontinued this style as of 2022.

The Patagonia R1 Hoody is a high-performing technical fleece layer designed for active cold-weather pursuits. Breathable and lightweight, it excels as a mid-layer for rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and cardio-heavy hikes, with a fitted balaclava-style hood and thumb loops. However, it's not very warm and offers limited wind and water protection, so pair it with a shell in harsher conditions.

These pants deliver top-tier weather protection and a superb, close-to-the-skin fit, with a comfortable fleece-brushed liner. They ventilate well for uphill travel and pair nicely with layering for backcountry or resort skiing, though they come at a premium price and have a lean feature set.

The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a high-end Gore-Tex shell ski pant, uninsulated with a light flannel backer, designed for resort and backcountry use. It offers fortress-like waterproofing, good breathability, and a durable, minimalist build, though fit can be polarizing and the price is high.

The Sabria Pant from Arc’teryx is a durable, versatile hiking pant with four-way stretch and a discreet waistband adjuster that sits well under a harness. It’s breathable and comfortable in warm weather, pairs with a base layer in cooler conditions, and features a DWR finish for light moisture; however, pockets are small, the fit is snug, and it has been discontinued by the brand.

The Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody blends 40g FullRange insulation at the front with breathable R1 Air fleece on the back and sides for exceptional mobility and breathability during high-output activities. It isn’t especially warm on its own and offers limited weather protection, so it shines as a breathable midlayer for cool, dry conditions rather than a standalone warmth piece.

The Nano-Air Light Hybrid Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable insulated layer intended for high-output activities like running and uphill skinning. It excels in breathability and mobility as a layering piece, but isn’t very warm or weather-resistant as a standalone outer layer.

An ultra-light, highly breathable insulated jacket designed for active use. It excels in breathability, comfort, and packability, making it ideal as a layering piece for hiking and climbing. It offers limited warmth and modest durability, so it’s not a stand-alone winter layer.

The Stormshadow Parka is Patagonia’s premium Gore-Tex, 700-fill down insulated parka designed for very cold, stormy winters. It delivers top-tier warmth and weather protection with refined details and a luxurious feel, but it’s bulky and expensive, best suited for severe conditions rather than high-movement activity. In everyday wear, it remains extremely comfortable and durable.

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody for women is a soft, lightweight insulated jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. It excels in comfort and breathability and serves well as a versatile midlayer or standalone piece in milder cold, though it’s thin for very cold days and not the strongest wind shield.

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a versatile synthetic midlayer that balances warmth, breathability, and mobility for backcountry and everyday wear. It excels in comfort and fit with stretchy side panels and soft fabric, but its warmth and weather protection aren’t top-tier, so it’s best as an active, all-rounder layer under a shell or for shoulder-season use.

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a lightweight, breathable insulated mid-layer designed for high-output winter activities. It uses Coreloft Compact insulation with stretch fleece side panels for mobility and breathability, though it's not the warmest option and lacks a stash pocket; best as an active mid-layer rather than a standalone outer layer.

The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody for women is an exceptionally warm insulated jacket built for cold conditions, with heavy Coreloft insulation and a wind- and weather-resistant shell. It excels in warmth and comfort but is bulky and less breathable, with small hand pockets; best suited for long cold expeditions, alpine missions, and resort winter activities rather than high-output use.

The Atom AR Hoody is one of the warmest insulated jackets tested, built with dense Coreloft insulation to trap heat while still fitting well for layering. It excels as a warmth layer for cold days, skiing, or belay duties due to its comfortable fit and weather-sealing, but it's heavy and not highly breathable, and the price is steep for a non-waterproof shell.

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody is a heavyweight softshell jacket with a fleece backing designed for cold, lower-intensity activities. It offers strong weather protection with a helmet-friendly hood and durable build, but breathability suffers under prolonged or vigorous activity due to the fleece lining. It's best suited for cold climates and wind protection; not as versatile for high-output use.

The Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody is a burly, wind-shedding softshell that excels in cold, blustery winter conditions and transitions between backcountry and everyday wear. It offers excellent weather protection and mobility, but trades off with higher weight and limited breathability, and it is a premium option with a small hood and non-adjustable cuffs.

The Cerium Hoody is a versatile mid-weight down jacket that blends warmth, mobility, and packability for cold mountain days and everyday wear. It uses high-loft 850-fill down with synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas, a DWR-treated shell, and a helmet-compatible hood, delivering strong warmth-to-weight and adjustable features, though it carries a premium price and a relatively thin exterior.

The Cerium LT Hoody from Arc'teryx delivers exceptional warmth for its weight, using 850-fill down and a lightweight shell to create a compact, highly packable jacket. It functions well as both an outer layer and a mid-layer under a shell, with a comfortable fit and excellent compressibility, but its high price and uneven performance in wet conditions limit its practicality.

The Arc'teryx Cerium Hoody is a lightweight, warm down jacket that delivers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio thanks to 850-fill down and a streamlined fit, making it versatile as a midlayer or standalone piece for shoulder-season and backcountry use. Its thin 15D shell and trim silhouette keep weight down, but durability and weather protection are modest, so it shines when layered under a shell and kept out of heavy rain. While pricey and with a trim fit that limits bulky layering, it remains a top choice for weight-conscious backcountry travelers seeking warmth without bulk.

Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts are a casual, versatile hiking short built with a lightweight, quick-drying liner and deep pockets. They excel for warm-weather hiking and mixed land/sea uses, but their stiff exterior fabric and very basic feature set may not appeal to everyone.

The Gamma Lightweight Hoody for Women is an ultralight, athletic-fitting softshell that breathes exceptionally well and blocks wind, making it a versatile all-conditions layer for climbing and hiking. It offers UPF 40+ sun protection and a DWR-treated outer that sheds light rain, with a StormHood and No Slip Zip for practical protection and secure fit. It’s lightweight and compressible, but not designed for heavy rain or high warmth.

The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is a versatile midweight softshell designed for climbers, hikers, and skiers who want a breathable, durable layer for four-season use. It features a helmet-compatible hood, two exterior chest pockets, and a streamlined fit, delivering solid mobility and all-around functionality. It is water-resistant but not waterproof, with PFAS-free DWR, and while it's versatile, its water protection lags behind heavier shells, making it best for dry-to-mild wet conditions and steady effort rather than heavy rain or alpine storms.

The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is a feature-rich technical softshell with excellent mobility, wind resistance, and breathability, making it ideal for alpine climbing, mountaineering, and windy hikes. It balances weather resistance with mobility and is durable, though it is relatively heavy and pricey compared with lighter softshells.

The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is a supremely comfortable, stretchy midweight fleece ideal for four-season use, delivering exceptional mobility and versatile warmth for activities like hiking, backpacking, and resort skiing. It emphasizes comfort and stretch over rugged durability, with some wear concerns to the face fabric and limited hood adjustments.

The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is a warm, midweight fleece that blends sweatshirt comfort with technical performance. Its Power Stretch Pro fabric offers exceptional mobility and a plush interior, making it versatile for travel, crag, hiking, and camp, though the zipper is not wind-resistant and it commands a premium price.

The Kyanite Lightweight Hoody is a lightweight, highly stretchy fleece mid-layer with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, designed for long-distance hikes, backpacking, and travel. It offers surprising warmth, a snug, wind-blocking hood, and versatile layering potential, though its short cut, lack of interior pockets, and price point are notable drawbacks.

The Kyanite AR Hoody is a warm, incredibly comfortable midweight fleece built for movement, thanks to Polartec Power Stretch Pro and a brushed interior. It excels for cold-weather climbing and skiing with a snug fit and a low-profile hood, but can feel too warm in milder conditions and lacks thumb loops, while breathability isn't ideal for high-output activities.

The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is a versatile midweight fleece that works around town and on the mountain, with a brushed interior for comfort, a Nylon face shell for weather resistance, and 4-way stretch that keeps you mobile for activities like rock climbing, skiing, and winter hiking. It offers excellent warmth and breathability for a fleece, though it pills over time, is relatively heavy, and lacks a chest pocket, with a baggy fit that may not suit everyone.

Patagonia Quandary Pants are lightweight, slim-fitting hiking pants that blend nylon and spandex for mobility and wind/light rain resistance. They are versatile for day hikes and casual wear, offering UPF sun protection, a simple pocket setup, and a breathable, quick-drying fabric. The slim cut provides excellent mobility but may not be ideal for larger builds, and pockets are limited.

The Patagonia Quandary women’s hiking pants are lightweight and breathable with a convenient roll-up-to-crop design, but are held back by uncomfortable double inseams and a weak DWR finish that doesn’t hold up in wet weather. They’re best for shorter hikes near home and for rock climbing, with a neutral look that can work for travel, though they aren’t ideal for backpacking due to limited weather resistance.

The Quandary Pant from Patagonia is a lightweight, breathable pant that handles hot-weather hiking and casual backpacking with surprising durability. It delivers comfort for long days but its limited stretch can hinder scrambling or technical terrain, making it a versatile all-around option rather than a peak-climbing pant.

The Atom SL Hood is an ultralight insulated jacket designed for continuous movement in cool, alpine conditions. It offers exceptional lightness and breathability with great mobility, making it well-suited for running, scrambling, and hiking, but it’s not very warm and provides limited weather protection, so it’s best as a wind-layer rather than a stand-alone cold-weather piece.

The Storm Racer is Patagonia's ultralight rain shell geared toward trail running and ultramarathons, with versatility extending to day hiking and light climbing. It’s the lightest jacket in GearLab’s test, with exceptional packability and breathability for its weight, though its durability and high price are drawbacks.

Storm Racer is a lightweight, fully waterproof shell designed for mountain and trail running in wet weather. It packs into its chest pocket for easy carry and offers reliable rain protection, but it runs hot and has limited visibility features.

The Storm Racer is a race-day rain shell designed to be worn over a running pack, delivering bombproof weather protection for race conditions. It sacrifices breathability and comfort for water-tight protection, lacks pockets and reflectivity, and comes at a premium price. Best for runners who frequently endure heavy rain during races, but not an everyday training jacket.

The Beta AR is a burly, all-around hardshell built for wet, windy mountain conditions, delivering excellent weather protection and solid mobility. It features Gore-Tex Pro fabric, a helmet-compatible hood, and harness-accessible pockets, making it a versatile workhorse for climbing and mountaineering, though it comes with a boxy fit and lacks a two-way front zipper.

The Arc'teryx Beta AR is a durable Gore-Tex Pro hardshell offering excellent weather protection and a standout collar, but its bulky, baggy fit and high price limit its appeal for some users. It's best suited for backcountry use and daily wear for larger frames, while less ideal for technical climbing or aggressive skiing due to mobility and breathability.

The Falketind Gore-Tex is a lightweight, breathable hardshell designed for three-season mountaineering and alpine use. It provides sturdy waterproof protection with a helmet-compatible hood and long cuffs, but has a slim fit and limited pockets that restrict layering and storage in serious alpine conditions.

The Patagonia R2 Jacket is a lightweight, non-hooded fleece that excels as a breathable, soft mid-layer and versatile outer layer. It layers well under shells and performs across trail running, hiking, climbing, and snowy backcountry conditions, but it isn’t as warm or weatherproof as some hooded counterparts, and it lacks thumb loops and has a few fit quirks.

The Nano Puff Hoody for Women is a lightweight insulated jacket that provides decent warmth and weather resistance for everyday use. It isn’t a technical layer and lacks mobility-oriented features or portability that would justify the high price, and it can feel heavy for very lightweight missions while being challenging to compress into its own pocket. The hood is well-fitted and versatile for everyday wear.

The Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody delivers reliable synthetic warmth with 60-gram PrimaLoft insulation and stays fairly warm even when damp. It's lightweight and versatile for a range of activities—from casual wear to extended backpacking and winter climbs—though it's not the most packable and the outer fabric isn't highly weatherproof in prolonged rain unless you pair it with a shell.

Versatile lightweight synthetic insulated jacket suitable as a midlayer or casual outer layer for town-to-trail use. It offers improved shoulder mobility and a polished look, but warmth is moderate for the weight and it isn't highly breathable or compact for high-output backcountry.

This unisex glove excels in warmth, breathability, and dexterity with top-notch construction, making it a strong choice for resort or backcountry skiing and other winter tasks. If you can get a good fit, it’s a high-performance, long-lasting ski glove, though the fit runs very large for women and there’s no wrist cinch, and it’s pricey, so try before you buy.

The Arc’teryx Fission SV is a top-tier ski glove that excels in warmth, water resistance, and durability while offering great dexterity for cold-weather skiing. It’s versatile for resort and backcountry use, but its high price, fewer features, and tricky sizing—especially for smaller hands—keep it from being perfect for everyone.

The Fission SV is a niche, weatherproof insulated shell designed for wet, cool climates. It features a Gore-Tex shell, a brilliant hood, and top-tier insulated handwarmer pockets, but its synthetic insulation loses warmth over time and the stiff shell can feel loud and restrictive. It's excellent for wet winters on the coast but not the warmest or best value overall.