For hiking in the winter, and on overnights the rest of the year, keeping your head and hands warm is essential. These are my favorite hats, gloves and neck gaiters.
REI offers a wide variety of their own brand of outdoor apparel. These are the high-quality REI layers that I regularly use and recommend for hiking, backpacking and camping.
As an outdoor gear reviewer, I test new items year-round. These are my top outdoor apparel & footwear picks from 2025 — favorites I’ve personally used and recommend.
A surprisingly capable budget trail running shoe with a wide toe box, breathable mesh uppers, and good traction at a price that’s hard to beat.
The Nebula is a versatile ultralight layer that adds wind protection while remaining breathable enough to help prevent overheating while hiking.
BRANWYN’s seamless merino wool underwear and bras offer soft comfort with effective moisture management and odor resistance, making them a strong choice for outdoor activities.
The Pedroc 2 Max blends the agility and comfort of a trail runner with the stability, grip, and durability of a more supportive hiking shoe.
A micro-grid fleece with excellent breathability, the Staindrop Hike Jacket adds light warmth for active hiking without trapping excess heat on trail.
Built for movement, the Berghaus Rain-Motion combines 3-layer Pertex Shield protection with impressive breathability, creating a lightweight rain shell for active days on trail.
The Himali Monsoon Hardshell Jacket is designed as a true four-season shell — built to handle everything from steady rain to snow and variable mountain weather.
An ultralight down jacket with excellent warmth for its weight, the Zulu uses a seamless baffle design and high-loft Muscovy duck down for efficient, reliable insulation.
Paka’s Thermal Baselayers combine alpaca fiber with merino wool and Tencel, creating lightweight, warm, and breathable layers. Natural stretch and odor resistance make them a reliable choice for cold-weather adventures.