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Search Results for: reviews

Meindl Men’s Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots Review

Check out the Meindl Vakuum GTX Boots at Amazon

I recently purchased the Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots from Meindl and I was excited to try them out. They’re a sturdy 3 season (But they will work well for 4 seasons for many) boot and after checking them out, I realized I had a serious contender for my favorite hiking boots on my hands!

What can I say except that I am seriously impressed with these hiking boots. German engineering for your feet is always going to be hard to beat. These are seriously impressive hiking boots.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Sturdy Nubuck leather / Goretex construction means most hikers will get year round use out of these boots
  • Excellent Vibram soles provide good grip over all types of terrain
  • Great for all types of hiking and backpacking
  • Classic style and look works well

Cons:

  • Some comments that they could breathe better
  • May not be an ideal choice for lighter hiking in hotter weather

Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boot’s For Men Features Summary

  • Gore-Tex performance membrane
  • Nubuck Leather upper
  • GORE-TEX® Lining
  • Air-active Sole
  • VIBRAM® Outsole

Best uses: Nearly all types of year round hiking and backpacking

Overview

So, where to begin. I’ve often heard the name Meindl and I have seen plenty of their hiking boots around while out on the trail. The basic assumption I always had, or the underlying message I got from people when we spoke about Meindl, was quite simply ‘Quality’.

With that in mind I was looking forward to getting my hands on a pair of Meindl boots. I needed hiking boots that would do me all year round, with a leaning towards something sturdy and tough for the harder times of year in Winter. After reviewing the many excellent options on offer from Meindl, I settled on the Vakuum GTX.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Why these? Well, I was initially looking into a different pair of Meindl boots, the Burma’s, but when I actually saw the Vakuum’s, I was impressed. They really caught my eye as they just looked tough, stable and secure so I quickly changed my mind to run with them.

They come in the classic hiking boot look and in only one color, dark brown. I am a fan of the classic leather hiking boot look and style so this was immediately a positive for me. You can see them fresh out of the box in the image below.

Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots for Men Out of the Box

The Meindl logo is on the side of the boots and on the tongue at the top but it is quite tastefully done and the gold on dark brown is actually really nice to the eye.

My primary aim with these boots was to get a tough year round hiking boot that could take on any terrain and be versatile enough to be used in whatever weather, excluding extreme weather of course, the seasons could through at them while out on the trail.​

Update July 2017 – after 10 months of use: I thought I’d add a short update after using these hiking boots for about 10 months. Overall I am really, really happy with them and give them the coveted title of the best pair of hiking boots I have ever owned.

They really are excellent. I am happy with them across the board, the only one criticism I would give them is that they could breathe a bit better.

It’s not a big issue for me as I just wear a lighter pair of hiking boots in warmer temperatures, so it is a small thing. As said, overall, they are a truly awesome pair of hiking boots!

Check Out The Best Men’s Hiking Boots Here!

Comfort

Starting with the insoles, they were very comfortable when I first put the boots on. Not too soft and not too hard so a good start! The insoles are removable and breathable using an ‘air-active sole’.

It’s worth noting that specific insoles for these boots are available separately. How about that for a vote of confidence in the construction, they know you’re going to want new insoles long before the boots wear out.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-inside-view

The boots have a padded collar, as shown in the picture above, which rests comfortably against the ankle when the boots are on. The tongue of the boots is also well padded to provide protection for the tops of your feet.

The tongue is also gusseted and feels sturdy when you lace the boots up so you have confidence that unwanted debris will be kept out of your boots.

In terms of a secure fit, I can safely say that the Meindl Vakuum hiking boots not only look very secure and sturdy from the outside, but feel that way too as soon as you put them on.

I was seriously impressed with the construction and how the boots felt on my feet. Really sturdy and secure without sacrificing anything in comfort.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-front-view

Moving on to the lacing system, the Meindl Vakuum boots are fitted with laces that can easily take three knots in them, my standard way of tying my boots.

So many other pairs of boots I feel fall short when it comes to lace size and you are lucky if you can get two knots in. Not a big thing but it’s nice that this wasn’t an issue.

The lace eyelets are tough metal and the lace hooks, as with everything else in these boots, feel very secure and tough when you tie them up.

The Meindl Vakuum boots are waterproof and breathable via a combination of Nubuck leather and Gore-tex lining.

Having taken these out on some serious test runs, two of which were in a very wet bog in Connemara in the West of Ireland, I have to say that I am really pleased with the waterproof capabilities.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-in-the-field-1

In terms of breathability, I’ve also found the Meindl Vakuum hiking boots to be excellent. However, I’ve only used them in Autumn so far. The boots are thick and a bit heavy so I would need to see how they would perform in hotter weather in summer.

It is possible they could be too heavy for that type of climate. No issue for me though as I tend to wear a lighter pair of hiking boots like the Lowa Renegade GTX at hotter times of year.​

When it comes to weight, these are sturdy and tough boots so they do weigh a bit heavier than other similar types of hiking boots. I weighed the pair in at about 2.3 kg (Pair of size 10 US / 9 UK / 43 EU).

I haven’t found their weight to be an issue for anything I need to do on the trail but mention it here just for reference in case it is an important factor for you. ​

The boots are chunky by design but I have found this to be really comforting, especially when hiking over scree or in rocky terrain. I just feel like I have more protection on my feet!​

Next up, let’s take a look at sizing. I had no issues and they fit true to size. One thing that is worth noting though is that I had a significant break-in period with these boots. I had to go through a few blisters as they molded to my feet but I could tell it would be worthwhile.​

Of course these blisters could have been avoided but what can I say, I got lazy 🙂 With that in mind, I do recommend you take the time and break these boots in properly​, it will likely save you some pain!

Of course they may fit you perfectly right out of the box too of course. My experience has always been that really good long term leather hiking boots take me a while to break in. Somehow, that seems to be a sign that I am going to get serious longevity out of them.

Support, Stability and Grip

We started the last section with insoles so lets start this one with outsoles! The outsoles on the Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots are Vibram. I am a fan of Vibram soles, have been for a long time now.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-vibram-sole

I have taken these boots out over rocky terrain, muddy ground, bog and in heavy rain and to date, all good on the grip front. I am not surprised by this given that I have such faith in Vibram. I’ve never had any issues with Vibram soles, so I have confidence in them.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-in-the-field-2

Support on these boots is frankly just awesome. They are seriously tough and durable. the outer wrapping from outsole runs about an inch up onto the boots. This is really secure and snug and you know it adds a lot to the waterproof capabilities of the boots.

meindl-vakum-gtx-hiking-boots-for-men-in-the-field-4

I could waffle on about the stability and durability of the boots but I don’t really see how valuable that would be. They are just really stable and provide excellent support across all types of terrain and in all conditions. Enough said!

Price

The Meindl Vakuum Hiking Boots are definitely at the higher end of the scale when it comes to price. If you hunt around, you might get a discount. They are truly worth it, a seriously good investment in my opinion!

It’s worth noting here as well, as I alluded to above, that I feel these boots are for the long haul. If you look after them, the uppers and so on, you can ship them back to Meindl and they will resole them.

Having hiked in them 10+ times now, I really can see how these boots can last the pace if you play your part and clean them after every use, and give them some good TLC in terms of reproofing and so on.

It’s worth noting that Meindl have a seriously good customer service reputation. Kind of like, any problems at all with the performance of the boots and they will take them off your hands and replace them with minimal questions asked.

I don’t know about you, but that’s the type of customer service I expect from quality brands so I wanted to give that a nod here as I think it’s important to mention.

Best Uses

So far I have used them on all types of hiking and a few short backpacking trips and they have performed exceptionally well.

With that in mind, the Meindl Vakuum Hiking Boots are excellent for all types of hiking, backpacking across the whole year … Within reason of course … if you are hiking in heavy snow in Winter you probably need something much tougher 🙂 .

They are great all rounders and I love them however, it is worth noting that they could be too much boot for light hiking in fine weather. ​

Customer Reviews

Interestingly enough, I get the impression that Meindl aren’t a huge name in the States, I could be wrong though. They are well known and respected in Europe though.

With that in mind I could only find a few user reviews for these boots in the US. That doesn’t mean anything negative I hasten to add as my first hand experience with them is that they are truly excellent boots. I did of course find some user reviews though.

Our Rating 5 (Out of 5)

​I started this review with a picture of the boots fresh out of the box, so I thought I’d add a picture of them after 10 or so tough hikes as I draw the review to a close. They have lightened in color pretty quickly but that’s cool 🙂

my-meindl-vakuum-gtx-hiking-boots-after-some-good-use

Conclusion

What can I say except that I think I may have found a new favorite pair of hiking boots! Yes indeed, I think the Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots are a tough act to follow and so far, I’m very pleased with them.

They are exceptionally well designed and constructed, and to date I have found them very comfortable in all sorts of conditions and over all types of terrains.

I’ve been pleased with the waterproof capabilities so far, usually a bug bear of mine, and in terms of comfort, they are starting to really work nicely for me after a bit of a break in period.

Their breathability may be one thing that I would like to check more on but I’ll have to hike in some hotter conditions to really test them, as my hiking in Autumn has been in relatively mild temperatures.​ One final thing to mention is longevity.

I really feel that these boots are for the long haul but I guess I won’t really know that until some months and years down the line 🙂 I’ll add an update on how things progress in that regard.

If you’re on the lookout for a pair of new hiking boots, you could do a lot worse that purchasing the Meindl Vakuum GTX Hiking Boots, they really are excellent and I expect many miles of good and comfortable use from them!

If you’re still unsure what type of hiking boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and my top hiking boot recommendations. I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did.

Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Mattress Review

The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus mattress is an excellent mattress for camping and backpacking. In this review I explain my experience with the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus mattress and what I think is good about it.

I’ve been upping my camping activity over the last few months, it being summer it’s been good to get out. As a camper (I mean more like a backpacker carrying all your gear) I generally go out for 1 to 2 nights camping, adding in some nice hiking too of course.

There are of course numerous aspects you need to get right to have a comfortable nights camping. From getting your cooking equipment and food right, to having a good tent to keep the elements at bay and protect you during the night.

Another one of those key things is of course, your sleep system. In brief summary, what you take with you to ensure you have a good nights sleep. So your sleeping bag to keep you warm, your sleeping bag liner, etc. Another key component of your sleep system is what you sleep on.

Thermarest ProLite Plus Mattress with Pillow

Traditionally, I have went with the trusty camping roll mat. It’s basic, but it does the job. However, as I have camped more and more I have come to accept the fact that a foam roll mat, while certainly cheap, is not always cheerful 🙂

The last time I went out camping, I specifically went out hiking at night to practice night navigation. Although it was summer, the weather was not good in terms of ‘good weather’. It was wet and misty which although not good for lazing around in, it was perfect to add to a night navigation session.

Finally!

Anyway, after trudging about in the dark for 3 hours, I finished up at 1:30am. It’s summer of course so I had to stay out late to get the full night in.

When I got back to my tent I was tired and very wet. I got into my sleeping bag and thought I’d be out like a light. I was, for about 5 hours but I woke up early enough and every part of my body ached lol 🙂

It was not only the contortions of the previous nights activity, I also realized that I just had not had a comfortable nights sleep, as I have noted before, due to the foam roll mat. It’s basic and does a job, but I would not call it comfortable.

So, with that in mind, I decided it was time to look into the wonderful world of Thermarest sleeping pads / mattresses. These are a different beast to the basic foam mat. They usually inflate with air and can be mixed with a combination of internal foam which expands.

After looking around, I came across the Thermarest Pro Lite Plus and I liked the look of it. Let’s run through the features to give you a better idea.

Summary

The Thermarest Pro Lite Plus is a self inflating sleeping pad. It’s a well put together piece of kit and so far I have been impressed with it, certainly a world away from a roll mat!

It features a non-slip surface to help keep you in position on it during your slumber. It is a neat bit of kit that fits in my backpack and so is a welcome addition to my gear.

Size and Weight

As mentioned, there are several sizes available, from small to xtra-large. Depending on the size, you will of course have more or less weight and a larger or smaller size when in use and when packed into it’s carry case.

My one is the large and it comes in at 183 x 51 x 3.8 (cm’s). It’s a good size for me, I’m 6 feet tall and to give you an idea of size when rolled out, you can see me lying on it below.

Lying on Thermarest ProLite

In terms of carrying it, it’s fits down into a nice little 10 x 28 cm / 2.2 L package as pictured below.

Thermarest ProLite Plus Size

This is definitely one of the main attractions for me. My foam Roll Mat, is bulky. Using this, I would estimate it takes up 40 to 50% less area / space.

As it’s so compact when packed away, I can just pop it into a dry bag and store inside my backpack, or attach it to the outside of my pack. It’s much easier to move about, not as bulky and clunky as my foam mat … Happy days!

In terms of weight, it comes in at 670 grams. I think this is a good weight. Now, I did find options that are even lighter and more compact than this, but for my budget, this one fitted the bill well.

Comfort, Warmth and Durability

The outer of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Mattress is made from 70D nylon with an inner constructed using polyester which is a tough construction and by all accounts this pad is durable and so you should get good use out of it for the longer term.

The filling within the pad, the secret behind it’s self inflation, is urethane foam. As best as I understand the science behind how this works, the combination of air with the urethane foam enables a cushion of air to form between your body and the ground.

Not only is this very comfortable to lie and sleep on, but very practical in terms of heat retention i.e. keeping the cold of the ground away from your body. Thermarest pads are exceptionally effective at this and the Prolite Plus no different and is an excellent insulator from the ground.

Ease of Use

The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus is self inflating. This is very easy to utilize. Basically, you just take the pad out of it’s carry bag …

Unpacking the Mattress

And then roll it out.

Setting the Mattress Up 2

As you open the mattress up and roll it out flat, the foam within the mattress expands as air gets into it.

Setting the Mattress Up 3

So, basically, you roll the mat out, open the screw valve at the top of the pad and leave it for a bit!

Valve

It inflates itself, more or less, and you can top it up with a couple of puffs of air should you need to before closing the valve shut.

Blowing Air Into the Mattress

Easy peasy and I have to say very effective. It really is comfortable to lie on!

Packing Down and Carrying

To pack it down, you just open the valve at the top of the pad and roll the mat up squeezing the air out of it. you can use your body weight to help with this. I recommend doing this a couple of times to get all the air out of it.

Rolling the Mattress Up 1

When you have that done, simply roll it up snug …

Rolling the Mattress Up 2

and when you get it into a circular size and shape as in the picture below …

Rolling the Mattress Up 3

… put it back it it’s carry case which comes with the pad.

Thermarest ProLite Plus Carry Bag

Again, I have found the dismantling process pretty easy. Be sure to get all the air out of the mattress or it could be a bit of a squeeze to stow it into it’s carry bag.

Stowing the Mattress In the Carry Bag

It’s compact when you do though and you can seal it nice and tight with the closure fitting at the top of the bag.

Tightening the Carry Bag

Storage

It’s worth adding a quick note on storage. This is clearly listed with the instructions that accompany the ProLite Plus but just for completeness I’ll mention it here.

To store the Thermarest ProLite Plus Mattress, you leave the mattress fully folded out leaving the valve open. You then store it in an upright position as shown in the photo below.

Storing-Your-Thermarest-Mattress

If you leave it in your carry case for extended periods of time, the urethane foam can get damaged and the mattress may not then inflate correctly. So, with that in mind, it is important to store it correctly.

Also, when you first get it, you need to inflate it fully and leave it overnight with the valve shut. I think this is like the initiation of the matress before use as such. Again, just check the instructions when you get the ProLite Plus or any other Thermarest mattress and follow them accordingly.

Customer Reviews

From about 40+ customer reviews from various retailers, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus scored a very decent 4.5 stars out of 5. Of those reviews 92% gave 4 stars or more. Overall, a pretty  good score by anyone’s standards.

From the qualitative experience and comments perspective, the general sentiment from users was positive so this did sway me to lean towards picking it and I am glad I did! I am pleased with the ProLite Plus and the positive comments I read about it before I got my hands on it has borne out.

Our Rating: 4.5

Price

It comes in at a reasonable price, depending on size. I was pretty happy with the price for the quality I was getting so no complaints on that front from me.

Mine also came with a 2 year warranty which is nice to have. You may need to check on that if you choose to purchase one just to confirm as it may vary it different parts of the world.

Check out any of the product links on this page for an up to date price on Amazon for the Thermarest Pro Lite Plus as well as some other good Thermarest mattress options.

Conclusion

If, like I was not too long ago, you’re still using a roll mat for your backpacking trips and hikes, I highly recommend the switch over to a sleeping pad like the Thermarest Prolite Plus.

They are significantly more comfortable in my opinion and much easier to carry than a basic foam mat. Granted, it is probably 10 times plus more expensive but I think it is a worthwhile investment in comfort that you are unlikely to regret.

I do have a hiking friend who just loves his old foam roll mat. He’s a hardened backpacker though so I am pretty sure he could sleep on the ground and still be pretty comfortable lol 🙂 Me on the other hand, I definitely lean towards that bit more comfort that the sleeping pad provides.

I think the Thermarest Prolite Plus Mattress is a good a year round sleeping pad that will perform well in Winter and in cooler locations in the world year round.

It is probably best suited for short camping trips (1 to 3 nights) as opposed to long backpacking trips. For that, I think you probably want something that packs even smaller and probably even that bit lighter in terms of weight.

I am a big fan of the Thermarest Prolite Plus but there are many other sleeping pad options available. Be sure to get clear on where you plan to use your pad before buying. That is, if you’re planning to camp in Winter you probably need something that provides that bit more insulation.

I hope you found this review useful, please share and leave a comment if you did 🙂

How To Buy A Headlamp For The Trail

As a regular hiker, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll end up out hiking at night. While hiking at night is another really beautiful way to enjoy the mountains, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Believe it or not, you can get some spectacular views when all the stars align, as they say.

However, more often that not, your visibility is of course not going to be that great and so the views not always that spectacular. It is night after all 🙂

Hiking at Night

However, aside from intentionally going out night hiking, there is a strong possibility that a time will come when you’re out in the mountains at night but not by choice. On a summit for example on a hike in Winter where things may not go according to plan.

Picture this …

How Easy could this Happen?

You’re on a Winter day hike, setting out at 10am and you reach your destination around 1pm. It’s lunch time so you stop to have a bite to eat before making your way back to base.

Night falls at 5pm so you’ve got plenty of time, 3 hours there, 3 hours back with 1 hour, minus the time you stop for lunch, to spare. All good!

However, as you enjoy your lunch and take a hot drink in, the clouds start to close in quickly and the weather takes a turn for the worst. You know you’ve 4 hours maximum to get back before it gets dark so you decide to cut your lunch short and set out on your return journey.

Visibility is getting worse by the second, it starts to pour with rain and the wind starts to go up a few gears. You check your route plan and start to follow a bearing you took when you planned your hike last night.

Unbeknownst to you though, your compass has taken a knock in your pack and is now broken and pointing you in the wrong direction by 10 degrees. Unaware of this you push on.

That seemingly small margin or error means you’re now going further into the mountains in the wrong direction as opposed to back to your car.

The visibility is getting worse, so it’s a while before you figure out that something is up. You notice the land under your feet should be sloping steeply down by now for the route you should be travelling, but it is in fact going upwards.

At this point, an hour has passed before you’ve realized your error. With no visibility and not knowing your exact location, you have no choice but to spend another hour trying to get back to where you were to first confirm your position.

Your compass isn’t working and unfortunately no one else in your hiking party brought a compass along and you didn’t pack a spare.

The Long Journey Back

You manage to get back to the place you first made your error, that means you’ve just added at least 2 hours to the journey to get back to your car. You are now faced with the problem of getting back to your car from there, again with a damaged compass in zero visibility.

It will be slow going and it will take a lot of your mental resources to get out of that one. Let’s say that adds at least another 2 more hours to your trip back to your car.

So, now your initial 3 hour trip back to your car will now take at least another 5 hours, 2 hours for the mistake and 5 hours back to your car. You’re now looking at 7 hours return journey in total, assuming you go the right way too of course. The earliest you can hope to get back at is 8pm!

The Importance of Having a Headlamp

In terms of hiking, the story above may seem like a very drawn out way to state what may seem obvious to some, however it may not be so obvious to others.

In the scenario above, which could happen to anyone, whether you wanted to or not you’re going to be hiking at night. A lot of the time, especially in Late Autumn, Winter and early Spring, carrying a headlamp is a very smart thing to do, even when you only plan to go out for a day hike.

Should you get stuck in the mountains late in the evening, you will at least have some artificial light to help you see your way safely back.

Another great advantage to having a headlamp is that you can use it hands free so while you’re trying to figure a route out on your map or sort out whatever problem you may be confronted with, you don’t have to hold a torch in one of your hands.

Also, should be unable to walk, it can really help a rescue team find you at night. An emergency whistle is another critical piece of kit but if the wind is drowning the sound of that out, a flashing headlamp in the distance, assuming visibility is reasonable, is a really easy way to pin point your position.

Aide from these advantages in terms of hiking, if you enjoy any outdoor activity at night, a headlamp will come in handy. For example, if you like camping, a headlamp is a lot more handy to use than a handheld torch.

While you’re rummaging about looking for your stuff, it’s a really easy way to have good light to see what you’re doing.

In summary, a good headlamp is a really important piece of your hiking kit. It’s not only practical and functional, but it can play a significant role in helping to keep you safe on the trail, and can potentially even be a life saver.

What is a Headlamp?

OK, so let’s start from the start. For those who don’t know what a headlamp is, it’s pretty much a lamp that attaches to your head. It usually comes in a strap that can be adjusted to fit your head size. The lamp itself pivots at the front as shown in the picture below.

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Product Picture

All headlamps are operated by a button or two on the lamp itself, see the black button on the center of the lamp in the picture above.

The lamp above is my current headlamp, the Black Diamond Storm. You can check out our best hiking headlamp recommendations to see some excellent options availble on the market today.

Headlamps are designed with all manner of outdoor activities in mind. From cycling, to hiking, to camping, they can be utilized for lot’s of different outdoor activities. The one above is a typical one you would use on the trail for hiking purposes.

What Should you look for?

Headlamps are broadly rated using three key measurements / indicators.

How To Buy A Headlamp For The Trail Infographic Picture


These items are usually listed on the side of the box on any good headlamp like in the picture below.

Headlamp Box Ratings

While these measurement ratings are important and fundamental things that you need your headlamp to have decent capability in, don’t take them too seriously. There are so many factors at play, it can be hard to say how useful the indicated ratings really are.

For example, Light capability and Burn Time will simply fade with use but some lamps do of course fade quicker than others. However, these 3 key performance indicators do provide a general performance expectation guide.

On top of that though, there are other essential components and things you should consider when thinking about buying a headlamp so let’s look at those next.

Durability and Construction

You will most likely be carrying your headlamp in your pack and so it will be getting shaken about and possibly even banged into things every now and then, if your pack bumps a tree or some rocks for example.

This is where a tough and good design is critical. If your headlamp is built in a flimsy way, it won’t be able to take a knock or two.

You need something that is designed and constructed with tough outdoor use in mind. We are of course primarily interested in hiking, so most of these are small 3*1*1 inch devices that sit on your head.

Black Diamond Spot Light Pivot

It’s worth noting, that you can get much bigger and more powerful headlamps for other specific outdoor activities. I happened to use a cycling headlamp, at least that’s what I was told it was for, one night for a night navigation exercise I was doing once.

I didn’t have my normal headlamp for some reason and the outdoor center lent this to me for the night. Anyway, this thing was HUGE! It was big and chunky and sat heavy on my forehead.

Not good in terms of size, weight or packability for hiking, but man could this bad boy light up the place lol 🙂 you could have landed a plane with it, it was that powerful!

As mentioned, I think it was a headlamp specifically used for cyclists who are moving fast and need good visibility from much further away. Excellent light but not really practical for hiking.

Waterproof

If you’re wearing your headlamp on the mountains, at some point it will take a battering from the elements. So as well as being durable it needs to be able to withstand the elements and be able to continue to work fine in very wet conditions.

Again, the physical make-up and design will have a lot to do with this. Keep this in mind when you’re shopping around for one.

Ease of Use

I think this is really important. Most headlamps will come with some form of pivot on them, as in the picture above. that is the lamp itself can be pivoted to point in several different directions. For example, straight ahead or pointing down.

Useful depending on what you want to do. For example, you can aim a flood light function straight ahead to survey a broader area in closer proximity or target a specific feature further in the distance with a spot light.

As well as that, ideally you want something that is easy to operate with gloves on. If the headlamp is too fiddly, you may need to take gloves off to work with it which isn’t ideal in cold and wet conditions.

Most headlamps will have several settings options in them e.g. to make the beam stronger, to use a strobe feature, etc.

Ideally these functions can be easily accessed and utilized without having to do anything too complicated in terms of fiddling with buttons and so on.

Functions

There are a lot of functions that can be available in a headlamp. Normally, in terms of hiking, there will be a:

Floodlight:

This is the main beam that is most employed on the trail at night, certainly the one I use the most anyway. It’s effectively the main beam and will light up a broad area in a closer proximity.

Excellent for a campsite or taking a look in your immediate area for some land features, that type of thing.

Spotlight:

Some headlamps will have a spot feature. this enables the user to focus all the power into one much smaller but more targeted beam. Say you want to focus on something off in the distance for example.

This can be very useful for night navigation as if you’re looking for a specific feature in the distance, you can focus in on it. Very useful when trying to confirm your position using specific land features.

Red Night Light:

Most headlamps will have a red (or green) night light setting. The main purpose for this is that it can be a little less heavy on juice and apparently, red light can be seen easier at a distance than white light. So, if you’re in a rescue situation, it will preserve battery life and help identify your location easier.

I also read somewhere that the red light setting doesn’t spook animals and so will not draw their attention to your position. Possibly useful for hunters but also if you don’t want to freak a herd of animals out as you walk by them.

This function isn’t something I have ever used to be honest. Thankfully I haven’t been in a rescue situation before and hopefully I never will.

Price

Price is a lot of the time directly correlated to quality when it comes to hiking gear, and I have definitely found that to be the case with headlamps.

I have in the past bought a cheap headlamp but the performance was rubbish and rather than saving a few bucks, I felt I wasted the purchase price. Frankly, it was dangerous trying to hike in the dark with it.

I only did this once though. From that point I decided I’d get a good quality headlamp and spend a bit more on it to ensure I had good quality. The price range of a headlamp for the trail will be anywhere from $15.00 at the cheaper end of the scale to $200.00 at the higher end.

I think you can get a good headlamp for in and around $40.00 to $60.00 so you don’t have to break the bank.

As a warning though, headlamps are one of those hiking gadget areas where you can get really expensive lamps that are terrible performers and very reasonably priced ones that are a top performers. Go figure!

It’s worth doing your research well and as it’s an electronic product, it’s good to shop for one online as you will get better deals with sales, coupons and so on.

What I Recommend

I think for the trail you need to of course take all the factors listed above into consideration. However, I specifically recommend the items below

  1. As mentioned above, starting with the 3 key standard rating indicators, as a guide, when it comes to:
    • Light: aim for a range of  between 100 to 200 lumens and a light lock feature is a good idea so it isn ‘t turned on accidentally in your pack
    • Burntime: aim for an upper limit of 50+ hours and ideally a meter gauge to display the power left
    • Distance: aim for an upwards range of 70+ meters
  2. Ensure the headlamp is on a movable / inclining pivot that is practical and functional. This gives you a range of areas in which to fix point the headlamp e.g. you can incline the light to point it down towards the ground or out in front of you and so on.
  3. Look for an adjustable head strap that works well so you can find a comfortable fit. This means other folks can use it too should they need to, just need to adjust it to their head size.
  4. A variety of a beams is a good idea. I like to have a:
    • Good main flood beam
    • Functional spot light
    • Night light option (red or green usually)
    • Some flashing or strobe capability (can be very useful in an emergency)
  5. You don’t have to break the bank but I think you should be willing to spend at least $40.00+
  6. While it gives no guarantee, choosing an established brand name with lots of good user reviews is sensible and a good brand will stand over their kit should something not work or fail.

What I am Currently Using

I am currently using the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp and I have been very happy with it. It’s got a tough and sturdy build with a nice design, and it’s a cinch to operate all the light settings on it from one main button on the top of the headlamp. It’s also easy to operate with gloves on which is awesome.

It also has a simple to use lock feature and a power gauge to indicate how much juice is left in it which works well, but if I have one criticism of it, it is that it is hard enough on batteries and can burn through them quite quickly.

Black-Diamond-Storm-Headlamp-Strap

Conclusion

Choosing a headlamp for the trail is surprisingly detailed. There are a fair few things to consider for sure. There are also so many different headlamp options available, it can be hard to know where to start.

I hope this buying guide has went some way in helping to make the whole process that bit simpler and helps you in the process of buying a headlamp for the trail.

Always establish your needs before you buy and even if you’ve no interest in night hiking, think of it in terms of emergency use if a situation, as I started out this guide with, should arise.

In that scenario, an emergency when you need it most, you will really want it to be functional and working well. You  will be grateful you spent a bit of time, taking the time to choose a good headlamp and parted with those few extra bucks to get a good one.

Remember to check out our top hiking headlamp recommendations if you’re in the market for one.

As a final note, always carry spare batteries with you and should you be heading into the wilds for a longer trek, it can be a really good idea to bring a spare headlamp with you. Yes, I mean a complete replacement should the other one fail. Better to be safe and all that.

If you liked this guide and found it useful, please like and share it 🙂

The Marmot Minimalist Jacket For Men Review

I recently purchased the Marmot Minimalist Jacket for Men. After using it for many months, I figured it was time to put a review up on the site regarding my experience with it.

A really nice rain jacket for the trail from the rain shell category. Functional and versatile, it is an excellent choice that will meet most needs of most hikers.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Waterproof utilizing Gore-tex construction – Gore-tex is a mainstay in rain protection
  • Breathable with pit zips to provide an extra ventilation options if required – they work well
  • Very comfortable fit with lots of room for layering underneath
  • Functional hood that can comfortably fit a helmet / hiking hat
  • Adjustable Velcro cuffs, hem-cinch cord, waterproof zips and storm flap enable a cocoon around the upper body to protect you from the nastiest of weather
  • Nice roomy zippered hand pockets which are accessible with a pack on – Napoleon chest pocket is roomy too – ideal for a compass and map
  • Very functional jacket overall and I think good value for the price

Cons:

  • A little bulkier / heavier than other rain jackets in the class – that’s the price of the better Gore-tex construction though I feel
  • At the higher end of price in the rain jacket category but worth it in my opinion

The Marmot Men’s Minimalist Rain Jacket Features Summary

  • Polyester shell, fully taped seams and Gore-Tex Paclite membrane
  • Adjustable hood, hem, and hook-and-loop cuffs
  • Zippered underarm air vents (pit zips)
  • Roomy hand pockets that are easily accessible while wearing a pack or harness
  • Water-resistant zippers and front storm flap
  • DriClime-lined chin guard
  • Angel-Wing movement ensures coverage no matter how you stretch and contort your body
  • Available colors: 10+ (plenty of choice!)

Overview

The Marmot Minimalist jacket caught my eye late last year. It was a little different from many other jackets in the same rain shell category in that it was made from Gore-tex. That is not to say that there aren’t many rain jackets made with Gore-tex, there are of course many of them. However, in the light rain shell jacket, $60 to $200 category, Gore-tex isn’t as prevalent there as in the higher priced hard shell jacket category.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Walking View 1

After looking into it, the signs were good. Decent user reviews were common and overall it seemed to be a hit on the market. Marmot, have scored some home runs in the rain shell jacket category over the last few years. From the Aegis to the Precip, they seem adept at creating a decent rain shell that is a hit with many folks.

In brief summary, while the Minimalist is a rain shell jacket, I think it definitely sits at the higher end of that category. This is mainly due, from what I can see, to the tougher Gore-tex construction.

While it is pricier than some other jackets in the same family, e.g. the Marmot Precip, it does still fall into the rain shell category, which I feel is the most suitable for hiking jackets. In saying that, the Minimalist is still affordable and very functional. While it may cost some extra bucks, it comes with a lot of very nice features that I would look for in a good rain jacket.

Update After a Lot of Use

Overall, I have been really pleased with the Minimalist. I have only used it for hiking purposes and so it gets a day or two of use most weeks, although I do alternate use between other jackets I have as well. All in all, I would estimate that I’ve used it about 50 to 60 times over the last year and I have been very pleased with how it has performed.

I have taken good care of it throughout. The only criticism I have is that the breathability could be better. I have found moisture building up inside the jacket at times. The pit zips help with this but the breathability could definitely perform better I feel. Overall though, I am happy with the performance of the jacket for the price I paid and it is still going strong.

Waterproof Capability

The Minimalist is of course waterproof but I couldn’t find a specific rating … not that, that means a great deal in my opinion. Interestingly though, some promotional material I saw read ‘guaranteed waterproof’. Now, when looking at waterproof fabric for hiking rain gear, I don’t really think anything is guaranteed 100% waterproof. Given enough of a watery battering, it will eventually wet out.

However, in saying that, the Minimalist is constructed using a polyester shell and a Gore-tex pac-lite membrane. Gore-tex is of course an industry standard when it comes to waterproof and breathable material for making waterproof gear. Now, I’ve had pretty good experiences with Gore-tex, in various forms, to date, which goes back a fair while at this stage 🙂 Specifcally Gore-tex Paclite is also a well known and trusted technology. So all in all, that tried and trusted vibe did provide a comfort factor for me.

The jacket is fully tape seamed, so between that and the Paclite membrane, moisture is kept out. I have tested the waterproof capabilities of the Minimalist in the best way I know how, by taking it out on three separate and very wet day hikes. So far, it has come up trumps and kept me dry and comfortable.

In the photo’s below you can see the water beading in pretty crappy conditions. Beading is where the water forms little beads on the surface of the jacket and rolls off. This is the membrane at work. It’s a bit of a hazy shot of my arm in a heavy shower but it gives you the idea 🙂

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Beading On The Sleeve

The Minimalist jacket features waterproof zippers covered with a storm flap on the front which secures with Velcro patches and a button at the bottom of the flap.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Button

Hood

The hood, which I’ll talk about in more detail below, is fully adjustable and fit’s very well. It is peaked with a stiff brim. Again, it adds another nice water protection element to the jacket.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Peaked Hood

In summary, to date, I have been very, very happy with the rain protection provided by the Minimalist. It definitely performs well in tough conditions providing good protection from external moisture. In fact, on a recent hike, the one from the selfie above and the shot below, I was exposed to rain, hail, sleet and snow as I made my way higher up to the summit of a mountain! Pretty much excellent testing grounds and I have to say, I was very pleased with the performance of the Marmot Minimalist Jacket.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket In The Field

My final comment on this performance element is that the real test will come over a longer time period. After I’ve put this jacket through it’s paces in the wind and rain over 6 months, i’d be interested to see how well it performs. Hopefully it will do good but I’ll have to wait and see. I’ll check back here with an update.

Breathability

Looking at breathability, again I couldn’t find any exact numbers, with the Gore-tex membrane I expected the breathability to be reasonably better than a standard rain shell. However, before getting too far into detail, I should state that I think breathability of fabric can be a bit misleading.

Of course, a rain jacket like the Minimalist will have better breathability than some kind of PVC jacket, that’s a given. However, I find that broadly speaking, I prefer cooling down using the direct ventilation features such as opening the main front zipper or utilizing pit zips.

In case you’re reading this and aren’t sure what I’m referring to, breathability just means how much air can get out from the internal environment while still keeping the rain out. So, condensation in the form of sweat vapor versus water in the form of rain and so on. Think of temperature regulation as well.

Pit Zips

I don’t mean to totally dispel the functional use of breathability in rain shell jacket materials, I think it does play it’s part to some degree. However, it’s hard to beat pit zips for a quick let out of air. Pit zips are zips underneath your arm pits and they offer a quick and efficient way to let hot air out from the internal environment around your body. I’m happy to say the Minimalist has these, see below, and they’re very easy to use and I also found them effective.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Pit Zips

So far, I have found the Minimalist to be very comfortable in terms of breathability. However, I’ve only really tested it out in cooler conditions. I’d be interested to see how it would feel on a hot summers day in a muggy downpour. The jacket does feel sturdy so it would be interesting to put it through it’s paces in those conditions to see how it would fair.

Comfort

I have to simply say that the Minimalist jacket from Marmot is an all round comfortable jacket. This is borne out in most of the user reviews I read as well as my own experience.

I referenced the hood above and it fits very well on the Minimalist. The hood has a stiff peaked brim which both fits and works very well.

There is room to wear for a helmet or a hat in the hood and it fits very snugly. It can be easily adjusted using the little adjustment tabs on the side of the hood. As with all hoods on hiking jackets, these are a bit fiddly and so you would need to take your gloves off in colder weather to work with them. Nothing new there. While they are a bit fiddly, they do work well and they’re definitely one of the better set of adjusters I’ve worked with over the years.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Hood Adjustment 1

Also as mentioned above, the jacket is roomy enough to take several layers underneath should you need to layer up at a colder time of year, while at the same time not feeling odd and uncomfortable if you’ve only a layer or two on. Overall, a good mix for a year round rain jacket for the trail. The usual size ranges are catered for and from my experience as well as the multiple reviews I read, the Marmot Minimalist jacket does fit true to size for most.

The jacket also features a DriClime-lined chin guard to ‘provide comfort and a little insulation for your face during mountain storms’, as the promotional material suggests. However, I have to say that I have found this to be the case and the chin guard is very comfortable and does the business in bad conditions.

Movement

Finally, in terms of comfort, it’s worth noting that the Minimalist jacket allows Angel Wing Movement so you can spin your arms in circles and the jacket will stay relatively stationary and not ride up your back. This feature does work really well and I have been very comfortable at times when I had to overly stretch upwards or downwards e.g. scrambling over steep rocky terrain. The jacket didn’t ride up my back I am happy to say.

Overall, the Marmot Minimalist rain jacket is a very comfortable fit while hiking. Thumbs up!

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Walking View

Weight, Durability and Packability

The claimed weight of the Minimalist is in and around 15 oz, give or take for the size considerations i.e. a small size will be lighter than an xtra Large size. For a hiking rain shell jacket, weight is always something to consider. Too bulky and heavy and it can be a pain to carry, never mind wear, for longer periods of time.

While there are definitely other rain jackets in the same class that are lighter in terms of weight, I think you get more in terms of functional performance which the extra weight of the material make-up allows. In the broad scheme of things, for average day hiking and backpacking, it is not a heavy jacket and I’m really talking about splitting hairs, but it is an important factor for some more than others.

In terms of packability, the jacket doesn’t pack into it’s own pocket. Not a big deal for me as I just roll in up into the hood.

Features

In terms of features, the Minimalist has pretty much everything I personally look for a hiking rain shell. The hood, which we’ve already touched on, is fully adjustable and closes tight in a stuff brim to protect you from the worst weather.

The Driclime chin guard lining, also touched on above, is a nice feature which again I have found works very well. When I’ve had the hood secured and the jacket zipped up fully primed with storm flaps etc. it feels very comfortable. No edgy or sticky out annoying bits on the skin which is of course what we’re after.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Sleeve Adjustment

The cuffs, pictured above, are adjustable via a Velcro strap which works pretty well. As with any rain shell jacket, the aim is to create a protective layer and keep you as comfortable as possible inside it. All these straps and adjusters enable you to do that around your particular body shape.

In terms of pockets, I really like what the Minimalist has to offer. There are the 2 standard zippered hand pockets but man are they sweet. Big and roomy, you can get a lot in them and they can be secured with a zip-up closure as well as a Velcro seal. They are also easily accessible while wearing a pack which is a really good thing to have which many rain jackets either don’t have of if they do, they don’t work that well.

Marmot Minimalist Jacket Chest Pocket

There is also a Napoleon Chest pocket which I am a big fan of. Handy to store your compass and map. Functional and easy to access without having to go into your pack or your hand pockets. All in all, I am really happy with the pockets on the Marmot Minimalist, very functional and convenient for hiking purposes.

Price

As referenced at the start of this review, the Marmot Minimalist Rain Shell Jacket does sit at the pricier end of the scale of rain shell jackets but I think, as in a lot of things, you get what you pay for. As always though, if you shop around, you will likely probably get a deal and knock a chunk off the list price. Click on the link above and you will be taken through to Amazon where you can check for a live price. 

I think for functional capability and features, the Marmot Minimalist is a really top level jacket that can be used all year round. However, in saying that it might be a bit bulky for some for a hot humid day, I need to test that out myself though. I’ve been very pleased with it’s performance to date and all the features work very well, So I think it is fairly priced.

Best Uses

The Minimalist is a tougher option in the rain shell jacket category. It performs well in tough conditions and fits comfortably protecting you from the wind, rain, etc. and should accommodate most hikers needs

I think combined with good layering, you’ll get 4 season use on the trail, barring extreme conditions of course. Whether day hiking, trekking or backpacking the minimalist should meet the challenges presented by inclement weather. It is definitely a bit bulkier and heavier than other rain shell jackets but that’s due to the Gore-tex construction which I think works great.

In summary, I think the Marmot Minimalist Jacket will work for practically all hiking needs and most outdoor activities. It will also be great for day-to-day use too should you need a sturdy jacket for the normal day-to-day run of things.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 190+ reviews I totaled across five retailers, 71% of people gave the Minimalist Jacket 5 stars and 86% 4 stars or more! They’re excellent scores and I would wholeheartedly agree with that from my own personal experience.

Our Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5)

The Marmot Minimalist Jacket for men is one of the purchases I have been more pleased with in the recent past. To be honest, I was in an REI store in Santa Barbara when I first saw it, tried it on and liked it. After checking into it some more, I decided I wanted to try it out and so got myself one while staying in REI Henderson near Las Vegas on my recent trip to the West Coast of the US.

Conclusion

I was pleased with the purchase and having tried and tested it out in the field now on several occasions in pretty tough conditions, so far I am a happy camper. It’s a good buy for sure.

As alluded to in the review above, I am curious to see how it holds out over a longer time, say in 6 months. Will I still be getting an optimal performance from it? I’ll have to wait and see but I’ll be sure to add a note here on how it gets on.

Aside from my own experience with the Minimalist, it has lot’s of good customer ratings over a decent period of time so that seems to hold true to my experience as well. In conclusion, if you’re a hiker in the market for a new rain shell jacket, you could do a lot worse than purchasing the Marmot Minimalist.

Finally, if you are just starting on the road to buying a good rain jacket, check out the rain jacket buying guide, that will walk you through all the things you need to think about before buying a rain jacket to meet your needs. Also, you can check out some of the best hiking rain jacket recommendations here.

Have you used the Marmot Minimalist Jacket? What’s your experience with it? I’ve love to hear about it in the comments below.

I hope you found this review useful, please share it round your networks if you did 🙂

Hiking In The Grand Canyon, A Beautiful Way To End The Trip!

So, as we drew closer to the end of our trip, we had one more major national park on our list to visit. We had to go hiking in the Grand Canyon! How could we travel all the way over there and not pay a visit to that amazing wonder. For sure, it had to be on the to do list.

Grand Canyon 3

With our base being Las Vegas, it was about a four hour drive each way to get from there to the Grand Canyon National park. With the trips to Sequoia, Death Valley and Zion National Park, I had already put in a lot of miles driving over a few days so I wasn’t keen on spending another 8 hours driving to and from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

As Las Vegas is so close, luckily, there are plenty of tour bus options you can take to get to see the Grand Canyon. Just do a Google search and you’ll get a load of options. From helicopter rides to day trips and longer excursions staying in Grand Canyon Village.

I did a Google search and found a company called Grand Adventures … they had a lot of good reviews. One of their options was the South Rim Express Tour, $125 per person at time of writing, which left at 6am and took in a hike of the the South Rim of the Canyon.

As the tour purposely beelined for the Canyon at that early hour, they were able to spend that little bit longer at the Canyon that most of the other tours on offer and still get you back to Vegas early enough. I liked the sound of that as it would give us more time at the Canyon itself.

An Early Start

We booked the tickets and the day after our Zion trip got up at 5am to get ready to make our way to Bally’s casino in Vegas to the pick-up point. An early start indeed after our hiking trip the previous day in Zion National Park!

As it turned out, there was only four of us on the day trip which was great from our perspective. The two of us and two other ladies who were on the trip got to have the whole mini bus to ourselves for the journey there and back. That meant we had a long seat each. Nice to have for sure having gotten up at 5am! Could stretch out a bit and have a snooze on the journey.

Our guide for the day was a Guy called Kevin. Very nice Guy who knew a lot about the Canyon itself and places on the way. He had lot’s of interesting and funny stories for us and kept us entertained and informed throughout the trip. From all the movie and music stars living in and around Lake Mead to interesting stories on sheep crossing bridges on the highway that he’s never actually seen sheep on. It was all very interesting.

He also really knew his stuff in terms of history about the Canyon and so on. Any question I asked he knew the answer to. Kevin knew some excellent spots to get good photo shots, see below. Of course, it’s the Grand Canyon, so there are numerous opportunities for getting some good photos in.

At The South Rim of the Grand Canyon

Hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon

When we got to Grand Canyon park, thankfully the traffic queues weren’t too bad, another benefit of the early start. After a rest break in the visitors center we made our way to start our hike.

We hiked for about 3 hours around the South Rim of the Canyon. We were totally blessed with the weather and we had a perfect day for it. Clear blue skies as far as the eye could see. It really lent itself to seeing the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Notice the mountains in the distance in the shot below, we really could see for miles!

Grand Canyon 6

The Colorado, Spanish for red, River flows through the Grand Canyon and has been shaping it, cutting through the stone over time, for years. We could only see it in the distance, you can just about see it in the center of the photo below, as we were staying at the rim of the canyon but you can hike down to it. With the sheer size of the Grand Canyon, you could easily spend weeks, months and possibly years exploring it.

Grand Canyon 8

The Grand Canyon is definitely a tourist mecca and so it has a lot of facilities within it, including a shuttle bus to help get you trail heads and so on through out the park.

There are numerous places to stay, lodging, camping and so on. It is busy all year round and of course much busier at peak times in Summer. I think, from chatting with Kevin, it can be pricey enough to stay within the park itself though and you need to book well in advance.

Taking In The View At The Grand Canyon

I was considering writing more about the short trip to the Grand Canyon but I think the photo’s really speak for themselves so why bother 🙂

Grand Canyon 4

This was the last hiking trip of our trip to the West Coast. Two more days and we’d be heading back to LA to get our flight out. It was quite a way to end it with such spectacular views and scenery. The sheer size of the Grand Canyon is amazing, let alone the endless opportunities to hike and experience the natural beauty of the area.

Conclusion

As with all the other parks I visited on this trip, I can’t really do the Grand Canyon justice with a short fly in day trip. Like Sequoia, Death Valley and Zion, you could easily spend a couple of weeks / months in the area enjoying the many hiking opportunities that are available.

In terms of preparation, as with Death Valley and Zion, bring plenty of water and snacks as well as sun protection in the form of sun screen, hat, sun glasses, appropriate hiking gear etc. check out the complete day hiking checklist in pictures for a reminder of stuff you may need to bring.

There are lot’s of easy trails to hike on so if you’re new to hiking you can enjoy lot’s of hiking in basic trail shoes or running shoes. I prefer hiking boots for all my hiking though and they would likely come in more useful if you went further afield into the less frequented areas within the Grand Canyon National Park. However, if it’s a hotter time of year, lighter trail shoes might be a better option for sure.

So, that was it. The last hike on our trip. We got back in the van and headed back for Las Vegas. It was a great day out and it was a marvelous way to finish things up, in terms of hiking, after the rest of our trip! I highly recommend a visit to go Hiking in the Grand Canyon, and ideally spend a few days if you can to get a chance to really explore the place a bit. I know I certainly will the next time I visit 🙂

I hope you enjoyed this short post, please like and share.

The Best Hiking Rain Jackets For Women In 2023

When you’re out hiking, it is inevitable that the weather will turn on you at some point. To help keep you dry and protected, your pack should always have your rain gear in it.

How To Waterproof A Backpack

As mentioned, the downpour and / or rain shower will catch up with you, so it’s important to be prepared. With that in mind, you want to find the absolute best rain jackets for the trail.

Here in this article, I want to lay out the best hiking rain jackets for women in 2023 that are currently available on the market today. They all, more or less, have all the functionality and features that you, as a day hiker or shorter term backpacker, should be looking for in a rain shell jacket.

They all also score well across multiple review sites and multiple user reviews, so if you’re in the market for a new waterproof jacket, this list will give you plenty of ideas and options to consider.

Please note that any prices referred to here are the retail guide prices and so, they are subject to change. Prices for gear change all the time, so any reference is only meant to give you a ballpark idea of the actual cost.

If you can’t wait and just want to know how to get our top rain jacket recommendation, then check out the Outdoor Research Aspire, it’s our number one choice for the best women’s rain jacket.

So, now that the introductory blurb bit is done and out of the way, let’s crack on and take a closer look at some of the best hiking rain jackets for women in 2023!

1. Outdoor Research Aspire

Check out the Aspire Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • A Gore-Tex 2.5 layer jacket that offers excellent protection
  • Another lightweight jacket, both to wear and to carry
  • Perfect for all types of hiking year round
  • Very waterproof construction (50D plain weave) and breathable

Cons:

  • At the higher end of the price scale but it is more bang for your buck

Outdoor Research Aspire Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • GORE-TEX® with Paclite® product technology 2L
  • 100% polyester 50D plain weave
  • Waterproof, windproof and breathable
  • Fully seam-taped and laminated construction
  • Fully adjustable hood
  • YKK® AquaGuard® zippers
  • Internal Front Stormflap and Hem-To-Bicep TorsoFlo™ Venting
  • Zip Hand Pockets, with pocket placement above harness, and zip arm pocket
  • Left-hand pocket doubles as stuff sack
  • Carabiner Loop and hook/loop cuff closures
  • Elastic cuffs and an elastic drawcord hem
  • Weight: 388g / 13.7 oz – average weight for size M

Best Uses: Hiking, camping, general outdoor and day-to-day use

The Aspire rain jacket from Outdoor Research is a Gore-Tex 2.5 layer rain jacket that offers outstanding protection from the elements.

Gore-Tex is an industry standard in the rain protection business, so we’re off to a good start with the Aspire.

Aside from its water resistance, Gore-Tex is also very breathable, so the Aspire offers good performance in that regard. There’s also an interesting feature with the Aspire that I don’t think I’ve seen in a jacket before.

It features two-way zippers that run from the biceps to the arms. This enables the jacket to be worn as a poncho! An interesting concept I can honestly say I have not come across before.

There are two zippered hand pockets on the Aspire jacket as well as one pocket on the arm. The jacket weighs in at 388 g / 13.7 oz (medium), and so it ranks pretty well in terms of weight.

This packable rain jacket fits nicely into its own pocket so it can be snugly wrapped up and put into your day pack.

As mentioned at the start, this rain jacket for women is at the higher end of the scale in terms of price, but I think you get a lot of functionality for your money.

2. Arc’teryx Zeta SL

Check out the Arc'teryx Zeta SL at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Jacket design and construction fits well
  • Very lightweight
  • Excellent waterproof capabilities
  • Breathes well using Gore-tex technology
  • Packable
  • Designed with the hiker in mind

Cons:

  • No extra additional venting options e.g. pit zips
  • Hood is not helmet compatible
  • Pricier compared to some of its peers

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Rain Jacket for Women Features Summary:

  • Waterproof and breathable
  • Ultralight compact construction
  • Taped seams for added weatherproofness
  • Laminated high-strength hanger loop
  • 2L GORE-TEX with NEW PACLITE Plus product technology
  • Articulated patterning and gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort
  • Storm Hood with laminated brim and halo adjuster
  • Not helmet compatible
  • Chin guard collar with brushed microsuede facing for added comfort
  • Watertight full length front zippers and fly
  • Die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters
  • Adjustable hem draw-cord with slight drop hem
  • Two hand pockets with watertight zippers and RS zipper sliders
  • Weight: 310 g / 10.9 oz

Best Uses: Very versatile jacket suitable for all types of hiking, backpacking and general outdoor use

Arc’teryx produce some of the best performing outdoor gear available today and the Zeta SL Jacket is another top of the line offering from them.

This jacket is developed and designed specifically with the hiker in mind. The Zeta SL is a great jacket for day hiking and longer trekking adventures too, basically a really great all round hiking rain jacket.

The jacket hugs the body comfortably and it’s sleek contours are all in the right places providing a great fit, with or without multiple layers. The jacket utilizes very functional materials and an efficient design so it doesn’t leave anything out in terms of functionality.

The waterproof and breathable capabilities in the Zeta SL are provided via Gore-tex with PACLITE® Plus product technology, and it performs admirably in tough wet conditions.

The zips are highly water resistant and the jacket seams are taped, all of which enables a protective and breathable cocoon around the torso. However, the Zeta SL has no additional venting features e.g. pit zips.

The jacket packs away easily and it is very lightweight, so easy to carry in your daypack when not in use.

The Zeta SL comes with a very functional storm hood, however, the hood is not helmet compatible. This is a bit of a disadvantage in terms of versatility to use the jacket for other outdoor activities e.g. rock climbing.

The jacket features two hand warmer pockets with a fully adjustable hem and cuffs. So, it’s easy to adjust the jacket to fit your unique body shape as needed.

Overall, the Zeta SL is designed as a functional rain jacket, and it comes up trumps! An excellent rain jacket option for any lady hiker!

3. Outdoor Research Helium II

Check out the Helium II Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • A super lightweight jacket, they’re not kidding when they say helium
  • Stuffs into its own pocket for easy packability
  • Construction offers good mobility and range of motion
  • The 30D ripstop fabric enables good protection from the elements

Cons:

  • As a result of the ultralight construction, there are no hand pockets
  • Wrist cuffs are elasticated as opposed to Velcro so can’t be opened

Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Pertex® Shield+, 100% nylon
  • 2.5 layer laminated construction
  • 30D ripstop, fully seam-taped
  • Waterproof, breathable, windproof and lightweight
  • YKK® AquaGuard® zippers
  • Zip chest pocket
  • Internal pocket doubles as stuff sack
  • Reflective logos
  • Carabiner loop
  • Elastic cuffs and an elastic drawcord hem

Best Uses: Running, hiking, climbing, emergency rain protection on the trail

This super lightweight Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket is a packable rain jacket and will fit easily into your day pack or travel bag. It’s a no frills and no nonsense rain jacket.

The obvious starting point with this jacket from Outdoor Research is its weight. With a name like Helium II, this jacket zeroes in on being lightweight and easy to carry while not sacrificing protection from the elements.

The Outdoor Research Helium II features standard 2.5 layer construction and utilizes its Pertex Shield+ technology to offer breathability and rain protection.

From many of the reviews I checked on the Helium II in this area, it performs very well. There are no other venting features on the jacket though except for the cuffs.

Protection from the rain comes in the form of a DWR coating on the outside of the jacket which as alluded to above, performs well. The Helium II comes with a stiffened hood that was noted by many users to perform well, and it is also easy to adjust.

The Helium features only two pockets – one inside stuff pocket and one on the chest – with the internal pocket being where the jacket can be packed away, so no standard hand warmer pockets.

Overall, I feel the Helium II is probably better suited for a runner rather than a hiker, but if weight is a big issue for your hikes, it could be a great option for emergency rain protection in a heavy pack.

Read the full review.

4. Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic

Check out the Stretch Ozonic Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • The jacket offers good ventilation and breathability
  • Lightweight design provides a comfortable wearing experience
  • Suitable for all types of hiking, most of the year round
  • 40D construction offers excellent waterproof protection

Cons:

  • A stiff brimmed hood would be nice to have

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Fabric Body: Dry.Q™ Active Stretch 40D 2.5L (100% Nylon)
  • Breathable waterproof technology
  • Weight: 313 g / 11.1 oz
  • 4-way all-over stretch fabric
  • Abrasion-resistant 40D face fabric
  • Large underarm vents
  • Hood cinch system
  • Exposed matte vislon Aquaguard zipper
  • Packable zip chest pocket

Best Uses: Hiking, backpacking, camping, general use

The Stretch Ozonic rain jacket from Mountain Hardwear is a very functional rain jacket. Sleek and very stylish, it’s a great all-rounder for every season. It is also tough and durable for even the harshest of conditions.

The Mountain Hardwear Ozonic jacket is a super light rain shell jacket. As with the Venture and PreCip, it performs very well in terms of ventilation while utilizing its patented Dry Q membrane in its 2.5 layer construction.

This allows your torso to breathe while keeping the nastier elements out. This is further supported by the underarm pit zips which can be opened for venting purposes at your convenience.

The hood and cuffs are fully adjustable so you can create a decent protective shell in the worst of conditions. The Stretch Ozonic also features two standard hand warmer pockets.

The jacket also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, which is always nice to have.

5. Outdoor Research Interstellar

Check out the Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Love the material used in the jacket construction, somewhat stretchy and feels good
  • A lightweight jacket that provides a comfortable fit
  • Waterproof, windproof and breathable
  • Helmet compatible hood

Cons:

  • Pocket location could be better, hard to access while wearing a pack

Outdoor Research Interstellar Rain Jacket for Women Features Summary:

  • Fabric: Ascentshell™ 3L, 100% nylon, 20D mechanical stretch ripstop face with 100% polyester 12D backer
  • Waterproof, windproof and breathable
  • Lightweight and air permeable
  • Fully seam-taped electrospun membrane
  • Movement-mirroring stretch
  • Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood; Wire-brimmed halo-hood with Hood Lock™
  • YKK® AquaGuard® Zippers; YKK® AquaGuard® Vislon Center front zipper
  • Internal front stormflap
  • Zip chest pocket; Zip hand pockets; jacket stuffs into left hand pocket
  • Carabiner loop and key clip
  • Dynamic Reach™ underarm panels
  • Elastic cuffs with hook/loop cuff closures
  • Elastic Drawcord Hem
  • Weight: 285 g / 10.1 oz

Best Uses: Day hiking, backpacking, climbing, general day-to-day outdoor use

Outdoor Research have come up trumps with the Interstellar jacket. It’s a top rain jacket option which has the versatility to be used for a broad range of outdoor activities, not just hiking.

The jacket fabric is ‘Ascentshell™ 3L, 100% nylon, 20D mechanical stretch ripstop face with 100% polyester 12D backer’. This tough layer provides strong protection from the elements, and works well throughout its sturdy design and construction.

The same material is also very breathable and reports are that this feature performs particularly well in the Interstellar jacket. Good breathability in the fabric can be a hard thing to achieve in a rain jacket, so they have done well with that here.

The movement-mirroring stretch fabric means the jacket has excellent mobility, providing a great range of motion. This is really practical and useful for someone hiking over tougher terrain, where the use of your hands may be required e.g. scrambling.

The hood is very functional providing excellent protection in tough windy conditions. It is fully adjustable and helmet compatible. It also features a wire-brimmed halo-hood with a Hood Lock™ to keep your line of sight good in a windy downpour.

The jacket comes with two zipper hand pockets and one chest pocket. they have YKK® AquaGuard® zippers so good rain protection at the zips too. The chest pocket is perfect ideal for quick access for a key item, say a compass or a mobile phone.

The Interstellar jacket offers excellent functional capability, so overall it’s a good value for money hiking rain jacket in terms of price.

In summary, the Outdoor Research Interstellar is a great rain jacket option for the trail. It will perform well giving you the protection you need under a wide range of tough conditions.

6. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Check Availability at REI.

Pros:

  • Waterproof capability performs very well in the Torrentshell
  • Good breathability with very effective pit zips for extra ventilation
  • A great hood that is very adjustable to suit and performs well
  • Overall very durable and quality construction

Cons:

  • Zipper pulls and cord locks can be a bit fiddly

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Material: Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign® approved) and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing
  • 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard waterproof/breathable polyester
  • DWR treatment bolsters defense against moisture
  • Zippered underarm vents release excess heat quickly
  • 2 hand pockets keep necessities close
  • 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor rolls down and stows with a simplified cord-and-hook design
  • Hem and cuffs are adjustable to personalized preference
  • Jacket stuffs into hand pocket when not in use

Best Uses: Day hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, general outdoor use, day-to-day use

The Torrentshell 3L is a very functional and popular option from Patagonia with many great reviews all over the web.

It features a 3 layer construction that is probably one of the toughest on this list. It also uses recycled nylon ripstop for even more durability.

This women’s rain jacket performs very well in tougher conditions making it an excellent option for the trail. It is very water resistant performing well in the elements.

Most user reviews I have read for both the men and women’s version of this rain jacket fully support the effectiveness of this capability.

The waterproofness of the jacket is further enhanced with DWR treated zippers, a storm flap, and waterproof pockets.

Again, user accounts indicate that the Torrentshell is very breathable and the pit zips it features provides an extra quick venting option which works well.

One of my favorite features of the Torrentshell is the 2-way adjustable hood which features a laminated visor. It looks strong, and all reports indicate that it holds up very well under tough conditions.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket for women has two hand warmer pockets, and overall, the fit of the jacket generally comes in as true to size. In terms of weight, the Torrentshell is about average in relation to its peers.

It is packable in its own pocket with a handy clip-in loop to attach to a pack. Its overall construction can be classed as tough and durable. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a very fitting option for all kinds of hiking!

Read the full review.

7. Marmot PreCip Eco

Check out the Marmot Precip Jacket at Amazon.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Functional adjustable hood works well
  • Waterproof, breathable and packable rain jacket
  • Underarm pit zips provide easy and quick ventilation
  • Good price and value for money

Cons:

  • Not as tough as other jackets
  • Breathability not as good as with other jackets in its class

Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Waterproof/breathable, PFC-free Marmot NanoPro™ recycled nylon face fabric lasts longer than ever, thanks to the advanced technology of the microporous coating
  • 100% seam taped
  • Adjustable hood rolls into the collar when not needed
  • DriClime®-lined chin guard is soft on skin
  • PitZips allow cooling airflow when the temperature rises
  • Pack pockets are strategically placed to be out of the way of pack straps and your hipbelt
  • Angel-Wing Movement™ sleeves allow full range of arm motion and prevent jacket from rising up when arms are raised
  • Adjustable hook-and-loop cuffs

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, day-to-day use

Our top budget rain jacket, the Marmot Precip Eco rain jacket for women, is a really popular rain jacket. It is a new iteration to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Marmot Precip line, which features a focus on environmentally friendly recycled materials used in its construction.

It’s a top seller on Amazon and with good reason. It’s a nice all around rain jacket that will keep you dry on the trail. It is also great for casual use as well.

You don’t have to look too hard to find a slew of excellent user reviews for the Precip Eco. It’s a top performer and generally scores consistently well in terms of functionality and performance.

As with the men’s rain jacket option, its sleek look works well in the women’s version of this rain jacket too. It provides a comfortable fit that allows angel wing movement, i.e. it doesn’t ride up your back when you swing your arms.

The PreCip Eco is waterproof and breathable, and from the many tests and reviews I have seen in these areas, it performs well. It also has pit zips for extra ventilation should you need them after a tough push on the trail.

The Precip Eco is also lightweight and durable, so ideal for carrying in a day pack or backpack. It packs away in its own pocket so it can be easily stowed away.

The hood is fully adjustable, and while it is functional, it is one area in the jacket that could perform better in tougher conditions. Some other nice features of the PreCip are the DriClime® chin guard, the adjustable Velcro cuffs and the elastic drawcord hem to secure a cocoon around your torso.

If you secure all of those, you should be able to keep some of the most uninviting weather at bay! In terms of pockets, the PreCip features two zippered hand pockets.

Read the full review.

8. Columbia Arcadia II

Check out the Columbia Arcadia II Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Very accessible in terms of price, good value for money
  • Very functional design for a rain shell jacket
  • Performs well for light trail hiking on wet days and for casual use

Cons:

  • Definitely heavier than some its peers in the same category

Columbia Arcadia II Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • 100% nylon 2 layer jacket with full dull, plain weave
  • Omni-Tech™ waterproof/breathable fully seam sealed
  • Adjustable storm hood attached to the jacket
  • Drawcord adjustable hem
  • Zippered hand pockets
  • Packable into hand pocket

Best Uses: Light day hiking, general day-to-day use

This is listed as one of our best budget choice rain jackets for women. The Columbia Arcadia II is another top seller, and it comes in at the very affordable mid to low range in terms of price. Stylish and functional.

A basic rain shell jacket retailing in at about $59.95 (depending on size etc.), it is very accessible. It is made with 2 layer construction featuring Columbia’s waterproof Omni-Tech technology and a mesh lining.

The breathability is limited because of its two-layer construction and there are no pit zips featured, so this rain jacket offers no quick ventilation option. The two hand pockets are mesh, so when left open, they do offer some level of ventilation.

Overall, the user reviews indicate that the Arcadia II is a comfortable fit. Although not brimmed, the hood can be cinched down for a snug fit for tougher conditions.

In terms of weight, the Arcadia is probably in the middle to top end of the range when compared to its peers listed on this page. The Arcadia II has two hand pockets, and the jacket does stuff into one of them by design.

Overall, I feel the Arcadia II is perfect for someone who wants to give hiking a go. If they don’t take to it, it will work great as a day-to-day rain jacket.

In summary, it’s a basic but functional enough 3 season entry level rain shell hiking jacket but not much more than that.

9. Marmot Minimalist

Check out the Marmot Minimalist Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • 3 layer Gore-tex Active laminate provides strong protection from the elements
  • Mesh-lined pockets are accessible while wearing a pack
  • Minimalist design means the jacket is lightweight
  • Sleek design looks and feels great
  • Constructed with Bluesign® approved fabric

Cons:

  • No extra ventilation options
  • More expensive than some of its peers

Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket for Women Features Summary:

  • GORE-TEX® Paclite® fabric is lightweight and packable, yet durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable; 100% seam-taped to keep water out
  • PitZips provide ventilation to regulate body temperature
  • Articulated elbows for increased mobility
  • Bonded-flap center front zipper
  • Zippered hand pockets
  • Adjustable drawcord hem; Adjustable VELCRO® cuffs
  • Attached hood with peripheral cord adjustment
  • Weight: 390 g / 13.7 oz

Best Uses: Day hiking, backpacking, various outdoor activities and general day-to-day use

The Minimalist is an excellent offering from the well known and loved brand Marmot. They are outdoor people so you know this jacket has been created by and for people who love the outdoors!

The Marmot Minimalist offers excellent protection from the elements in inclement conditions by utilizing a lightweight GORE-TEX® Paclite® fabric. This performs well under tough conditions.

This material also enables excellent breathability in the fabric itself, which is always a must for when you exert yourself on the hills and it gets stuffy inside. The jacket also comes with functional pit zips. I am a fan of pit zips so its good to see them in this jacket.

The jacket features two zippered hand warmer pockets, which are functional and practical. The hood is attached to the jacket and comes with a peripheral cord adjustment.

The jacket also comes with an adjustable drawcord hem and adjustable Velcro cuffs, to enable you to get a snug fit.

Given the fact that environmental impact is a growing concern by the day, it is worth noting that the material used for the Minimaist is GORE-TEX® with Paclite® Technology which utilizes 100% Recycled Polyester 3.2 oz/yd.

This jacket is definitely pricier in comparison to some of it’s peers in the same class, but you get a really great jacket for the extra bucks. So I feel that overall it is an investment in quality as opposed to needless extra expense.

10. Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid

Check out the Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket at Amazon.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Lightweight, breathable and water-resistant; Gore-Tex performs very well
  • Very comfortable design with good mobility
  • Perfect for all types of hiking year round

Cons:

  • May not fit true to size so take that into account when buying
  • More expensive than other options listed but much more resilient – you get what you pay for!

Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Compact, lightweight, 2-layer GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Plus is reinforced with 3-layer GORE-TEX in high-wear areas
  • Breathable and waterproof protection
  • Adjustable, helmet-compatible StormHood™ provides coverage and full visibility
  • WaterTight™ VISLON center front zipper; 2 hand pockets with WaterTight zippers and RS™ zipper sliders
  • Adjustable hem drawcord seals out wet and cold
  • DryCuff™ laminated adjustable cuffs provide weather protection and a fine-tunable fit
  • Weight: 300 g / 10.6 oz (approximate, may vary per sizing)

Best Uses: All types of hiking, climbing, backpacking, trail running, skiing

The Beta SL Hybrid is a highly functional rain jacket from Arc’teryx. If you like to be out on the trail in tougher conditions, then this is a great choice.

The first thing to highlight about the Arc’teryx Beta SL jacket is its weight. It comes in at around 300 g / 10.6 oz (approximate, will vary as per sizing) so definitely in the lightweight department.

However, don’t let that fool you into thinking that less weight equates to not being as tough as you’d like, that is certainly not the case.

The Beta SL Hybrid is constructed using superlight N40r GORE-TEX fabric, so we are talking tough here but without having additional unnecessary weight from the construction.

Featuring their new Paclite® Plus product technology, the Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid jacket is both water resistant and breathable. The jacket also features pit zips for extra ventilation as required

The cuffs are laminated, and the hem drawcord means you can get a snug and secure fit. There are two front hand warmer pockets that have watertight zippers so you can securely close them. They are well positioned to enable access while wearing a pack.

The Beta SL Hyrid offers a sleek fit. It is a very functional choice and also looks the part as well. If there is a downside, it is the price, as the jacket is at the top end of the scale in that regard. However, with Arc’teryx, you know you are an getting excellent quality product for your investment.

11. The North Face Venture 2

Check out the Venture 2 Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • The Venture 2 is a functional and lightweight rain jacket
  • Breathable with extra ventilation available via pit zips
  • Available at a good price with a long history of satisfied customers

Cons:

  • The Hood is basic with not as many functional adjustment options as some of its peers

The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • 2.5-layer DryVent fabric is waterproof and windproof
  • Fully sealed seams help keep you dry in torrential downpours
  • Breathable material with underarm zip venting
  • Hem cinch-cord and fully adjustable hood
  • 2 Zippered hand pockets to stash small essentials
  • Jacket stows in hand pocket for easy packing
  • Relaxed fit with revised lines allows easy layering

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor use, day-to-day use

The North Face Venture 2 is the next generation of the older Venture jacket, which was a tried and trusted favorite for many. You get all you need in the Venture in terms of function, as well as a long history of happy customers.

So, the North Face Venture jacket for women has been around for a long time, and the Venture 2 is the latest iteration of it. It’s been a bestselling rain jacket from North Face for a long time and has even won an award from Backpacker magazine in the past.

Made from 100% nylon 40D ripstop, the Venture 2 ticks most of the boxes you would want in terms of a rain shell jacket.

It is waterproof and breathable and has the extra feature of pit zips to help ensure good ventilation in and around the chest and torso area. The hood is fully adjustable, and while it is not peaked or stiff-brimmed, it does close up well.

The Venture is lightweight and stows away in its own pocket. There are two hand pockets. The Venture scores well in terms of price too.

Read the full review.

12. Columbia Switchback III

Check out the Columbia Switchback III Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • A lightweight jacket that is easy to wear and pack
  • Sports a nice design that fits and wears comfortably
  • Good for all light to medium trail hiking most of the year round

Cons:

  • Be careful with the sizing; some users reported it not fitting true to size
  • Not the best option for heavier rain showers

Columbia Switchback III Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Material: OMNI-SHIELD 100% nylon Hydroplus
  • 100% seam taped
  • Stowaway hood
  • Back venting system
  • Packs into hand pocket
  • Modern Classic fit
  • Adjustable cuff tabs
  • Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency
  • Average weight: 176 g / 6.2 oz

Best Uses: Light to medium trail hiking, traveling, day-to-day use

This is the second featured rain jacket from Columbia. The Switchback III is another top seller on Amazon, so it is definitely worth a second look if you’re in the market for a new rain jacket.

Columbia is a well-known and respected brand in the rain jacket industry, and the Columbia Switchback III jacket is another very functional offering from them. It is also a very affordable and accessible option in terms of price.

The jacket features are constructed using OMNI-SHIELD 100% nylon Hydroplus, which features Columbia’s Omni-Shield™ advanced water repellency technology, which offers a decent level of protection from the wind and the rain.

The seams are fully taped which adds to the water repellent capability of the jacket.

The hood can be stowed away, and the cuffs are fully adjustable to allow for a more personalized fit so you can be both snug and comfortable.

The jacket can be packed away into its own pocket, which is handy to have if you need to pack it away for travel purposes, or just to stow it safely away in your day pack while you are out on the trail.

There are two hand warmer pockets that come with zippers so they can be closed up.

13. The North Face Resolve 2

Check out the Resolve II Jacket at Amazon

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Very accessible in terms of price, offering good value
  • Comfortable design and construction for a basic rain shell
  • Durable and practical so perfect for casual urban and suburban use

Cons:

  • Minimal breathability around the torso
  • Elasticated cuffs can’t be opened for circulation of air

The North Face Resolve 2 Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • DryVent™ 2 layer jacket
  • Nylon & polyester mesh drop liner construction
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Breathable and seam-sealed
  • Center front storm flap with Velcro® closure
  • Adjustable hood stows in collar
  • 100% windproof fabric
  • Covered secure-zip hand pockets
  • Elastic-bound cuffs
  • Back panel kicker
  • Adjustable Hem cinch-cord

Best Uses: Day hiking, general outdoor and day-to-day use

Similar to the men’s top hiking rain jackets list, the Resolve is the second of two jackets from the North Face to feature on the list.

It sits at the lower end of the price range for a rain shell and offers a two-layered construction as opposed to 2.5, and is an excellent jacket for casual use.

The Resolve offers pretty good waterproof protection but not as much as some of its peers. This jacket is at the lower end of the price range though so you can naturally expect a bit less.

In terms of breathability, the Resolve’s 2 layer construction with mesh drop liner utilizes The North Face Dry-vent technology. This offers a basic enough solution and isn’t as functional as some of its peers.

There are no extra venting options like pit zips. The jacket is one of the heavier options listed here and isn’t stowable or packable in its pocket by design. The hood is adjustable and performs well, and the handcuffs are elastic. Now, this may sound a bit so-so, but it really isn’t the case.

The Resolve 2 jacket is very accessible in terms of price, and it will offer a sturdy enough option for day hiking and general day-to-day use.

For someone just testing the waters with hiking or who just enjoys a good hike in the hills with their dog at the weekend, the Resolve should suit them just fine without breaking the bank!

14. Diamond Candy

Check out the Diamond Candy Jacket at Amazon.

Check Availability at Amazon.

Pros:

  • Very accessible price point
  • Performs well in wet conditions
  • Jacket provides good warmth with room for layers
  • Comfortable soft lining inside

Cons:

  • Watch the sizing for larger / curvier shaped bodies

Diamond Candy Rain Jacket Features Summary:

  • Super soft and warm fuzzy lining provides great heat retention
  • Cotton padding will keep all your body warm and prevent heat loss
  • YKK zippers
  • Soft and lightweight, windproof and adjustable hood can be adjusted to get the right fit and protection in inclement weather
  • Water-repellent technology is suitable for rainy or misty weather.
  • Removable hood
  • Soft shell is highly wind resistant and heavy-duty
  • 2 zippered waterproof hand pockets, 1 zippered chest pocket, 1 internal pocket
  • Adjustable cuffs help seal in warmth
  • High collar provides neck protection

Best Uses: Day hiking, fishing, traveling, running, camping, walking your dog, general outdoor and day-to-day use

The Diamond Candy rain jacket for women is not as well known, in terms of brand, as others listed here. However, it is a very affordable and functional jacket that covers all the basics in terms of performance from a rain jacket for the trail.

As mentioned, the first thing of note is the jackets affordability. It comes in at a very wallet friendly price tag, while still providing good quality and functional capability. It’s worth noting the amount of satisfied customers on Amazon to back that up, the jacket scores very well.

The Diamond Candy jacket offers pretty good rain protection, the rain repellent coating performs well by most user accounts. The polyester fabric used in the jackets construction also allows a good level of breathability.

A very functional feature in this jacket is the soft inner lining which provides extra warmth for colder days on the move. While that is a good thing for cooler climes, it isn’t ideal for wearing in hotter and more humid conditions.

The jacket does not come with pit zips and it doesn’t pack away into it’s own pocket. Given the extra bulk needed to enable the extra capability to provide warmth though, that is understandable.

The hood is adjustable and detachable, and is closed using a Velcro closure. The hood also comes with a functional chin guard which performs well. The handcuffs are also adjustable and can also be sealed using Velcro straps

For a hiker who enjoys sticking to well worn trails and needs a bit more warmth in a rain jacket, the Diamond Candy is a good option to consider. It comes in at a very affordable price and offers most of what any hiker will need for a day out on the hills.

Where to Start When Choosing a Rain Jacket

It can get confusing when you start looking at all the available rain jacket options there are, because there are just so many. To narrow down your choices, you need to think about the style you want and what kind of hiking you will be doing.

Best Hiking Pants For Women

Overall, a basic but functional and durable rain shell jacket should meet most people’s hiking needs. I’m talking about average hiking here so not trekking off into remote arctic regions or anything like that.

I do think that this is good news in terms of hiking gear. As you have probably noticed, it can cost a fair bit of money to get brand made hiking kit.

However, for most average hikers, a rain shell jacket made using 2 or 2.5 Layer construction in line with sensible layering, should easily meet your needs for decent protection from the rain and wind while on your next hiking trip.

Getting a more expensive and tougher hard shell jacket is certainly an option, but I honestly think that unless you’re spending a serious amount of time outdoors, it won’t be necessary for most.

In terms of basic waterproof protection, the good news is that rain shells are the most accessible in terms of cost, and you can get a pretty decent one from anywhere between $50.00 at the lower end to $300.00 at the higher end.

I always say this when talking about hiking gear, but to say it again, be sure you’re clear on what you need your rain jacket for.

As I alluded to above, if you spend a lot of time outdoors in tough conditions (3 to 5 hours a day more than twice a week), then investing in a more expensive hard shell jacket could be a better option.

To learn more about what to be thinking about when buying a rain jacket, check out the post on how to buy a waterproof hiking jacket.

Waterproof versus Water Resistant

This is a pretty important topic to bring up when we start to dive into what the best hiking rain jackets for women are.

When a rain jacket proves that it is good at keeping water out, then it is usually referred to as waterproof. However, it actually really is just water-resistant because no rain jacket can be 100% waterproof.

A waterproof and breathable rain jacket keeps the rain from reaching your skin but it also breathable enough that your sweat doesn’t stick around and linger inside the jacket. This kind of jacket is ideal for when you know there will be both precipitation and perspiration e.g. when hiking.

Water-resistant rain jackets, on the other hand, can really only handle a small amount of light rain and only for a short time. These jackets are often referred to as windbreakers or featherweight jackets.

If the rain lasts for a longer duration or it starts to hit you at an angle, you will find that this type of rain jacket really isn’t going to offer you much in the way of protection while you are out hiking on your favorite trails. So, a weather check before you go is definitely in order if this is all you have in your pack.

Waterproof but non-breathable rain jackets can keep the water out if you are just standing or sitting around and not really doing a whole lot.

However, since you are planning on hiking, then this is probably not the kind of rain protection you are looking for. This is often compared to an emergency poncho or rain slicker and won’t guard you against rain and wind.

So, when you spend your time on the trails and a rain shower threatens to ruin your fun, you should think back to the different types of rain protection you can get and decide which will work the best for what you need it for.

Many times, you will find that a rain jacket that is both breathable and water-resistant may be all you need to protect you until the rain passes so you can hit the trail again.

Types of Weather Shells

We should also take a quick second to provide you with a brief rundown of what a hard shell is compared to a soft shell because you will hear these terms a lot when looking for a rain jacket.

Hard shell is a term used often for gear that is also waterproof and breathable. The fabric used will often be stiffer than in a rain jacket and you may find no insulation with hard shells. This is when layering is needed.

Soft shells, on the other hand, have an insulating layer and a water-resistant shell. This allows for improved breathability but doesn’t offer as much protection from the rain as hard shells do.

However, if you find that you will be doing a lot of activity and possibly overexerting yourself, then you are going to want something lightweight and breathable – especially when perspiration is a concern as well.

Overall, for most hikers, a rain jacket like any of the ones listed here, combined with layering, should be more than adequate for your needs.

FAQ

In this section, we wanted to list out some of the typical questions folks ask about hiking rain jackets, especially when they are new to buying one will be adding to this as we need to. We hope you find it useful and if your question isn’t covered, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you.

Q1. I see 2, 2.5 and 3 layer jackets, what is the difference and which should I get?

We did a full article on the difference between these, which is worth a look. However, the Reader’s Digest version is that for most average hikers, a 2 or 2.5 layer jacket should be adequate.

3 layer jackets are not ruled out, but they are usually more expensive and are much sturdier in their construction, and so they are heavier, bulkier, etc.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in inclement conditions, investing in a 3 layer might be a good idea. But as mentioned, they are a much bigger affair, so take that into consideration before purchasing.

Q2. I need a rain jacket that will keep me 100% dry in torrential downpours, what is the best option?

The simple fact of the matter is that no rain jacket is completely waterproof; it will allow the rain to get in eventually.

It’s always important to check the forecast before you head out on the trail, and if the weather is raining solidly for the next 8 hours while you are out on the trail, you are probably better off skipping the trails that day.

No rain jacket, even a 3 layer, can withstand that type of relentless rain for hours on end. Something made from PVC or the like might keep the rain out, but you will sweat like crazy from the inside and get wet from your sweat.

It’s the fine balance between some level of breathability and waterproof capability, that is an ongoing holy grail of sorts for manufacturers.

Q3. Do I need to care for my rain jacket in a special way, say when cleaning, etc.?

Yes, you do indeed. We did an article all about cleaning and caring for your rain jacket, but in a nutshell, follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to washing your rain jacket. Be sure to use the right kind of detergent and wash cycle, and reproof as you need to.

How often to reproof? It differs for different people, but our rule of thumb is to reproof after about 12 heavy uses. By heavy, I mean the jacket was out in some heavy rain for decent stretches while you were hiking.

Finally, drip dry is always the rule. Don’t tumble dry your rain jacket, or worse, dry clean it!

Q4. What features should I look for in a good functional hiking rain jacket?

This is usually down to personal preference, but broadly speaking, we like plenty of accessible and functional pockets, pit zips, and a brimmed storm hood. Angel wing movement is also a really nice thing to have, so you can have more mobility in your arms and torso.

Q5. I’m not sure what size I should pick, how do I know the right one for me?

Most manufacturers and sellers on Amazon provide sizing guides, which are helpful and usually easy to follow. Women’s sizes typically come in S (small), M (Medium), L (Large), XL (Xtra Large), etc. Each of these categories has a range of chest, torso, etc. size within them.

Sizing can be funny though, so it can be good to check user reviews to see if the jacket fits ‘true to size.’ Sometimes jackets can run large or small.

Another easy way to get a feel for the right size for you is if you can get to try one. Go to an outdoors store and try a few on. Most outdoor stores will be happy to help you find the right fit … and sell you a jacket too of course 🙂

Q6. Is the capability for the jacket to be stowed into its own pocket important?

The short answer is no. It can be a nice feature to have, but rolling your jacket into its hood works fine as a way to safely store a jacket in a day pack.

Q7. What should I look for in a good hood on a rain jacket?

This depends on what hiking you do. Overall, we like a stiff-brimmed hood that can be zipped up, like a snorkel as such, and secured by zipping and a button closure. Velcro is always good to have too – as long as you have the security of a zipper or button as well.

In tough conditions, like heavy wind and rain, a hood like this can really be a huge help when trying to see your way ahead, as it keeps all the nasty elements out of your eyes and gives you a clearer field of vision.

Q8. There are so many great jackets, how do I pick the one that’s right for me?

Well, being on this page is a very good start. You should also spend a little time reading up on user reviews on places like Amazon, REI, etc.

You will get a wealth of information in those reviews, and while nothing can ever be 100%, (that is just because most people love a jacket, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will) it is not a bad aid to help you with further information to help you filter your choices and make a better decision.

What can’t be stated enough as well though is, to be sure to know what you need your jacket for, so you are looking at the right type of jacket in the first place.

Conclusion

So that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this quick preview of the best hiking rain jackets for women in 2023. As you can see, there are a lot of great choices on offer for sure.

Whether you’re a weekend day hiker or a multi-day backpacker, there should be something here on the list to meet your needs. So, if you’re on the hunt for a new rain jacket for the trail, definitely check some of these options out.

As mentioned above, always remember to know your requirements before buying a new rain jacket. In the rain jacket area, it is easy to get more functionality than you may need, and the price difference can be significant.

I think for most average hikers, a basic rain shell jacket, like the ones listed here, combined with layering should more than meet requirements.

I really hope you found this post useful, if you did please like and share it around your networks!

The Best Hiking Gloves In 2023

Today I wanted to take a look at a gear item I haven’t touched on across the site too much as yet. That is hiking gloves and specifically, what are the best hiking gloves in 2023 to use on the trail.

Best Hiking Gloves

Gloves are of course a really important part of your complete day hiking kit . Your hands are one of your extremities that are usually exposed to the outer environment so they are on the front line, so to speak, in terms of dealing with the elements.

There are many different types of hiking gloves available and there is the usual mind boggling brand choice available. They run from everything from a light polyester type glove, to a full on ski glove.

Different gloves will have different functionality of course. You can get gloves that have specific features like waterproofing, or touchscreen friendly, (so you can still operate a smartphone screen with them on).

This article contains a lot of information, so a quick explanation on how it is laid out might help. Basically, there are three core sections.

The first lists out the best, what I will describe as, light or 3 season gloves. These are gloves you might use across chilly, but not very cold times of year while on the trail.

The second is dedicated to Winter hiking gloves, these are the gloves you need in tough winter conditions and Arctic expeditions. Finally, the last section is buying advice.

If you have no time for any of that, and just want to cut to the chase 🙂 For general hiking from mild to chilly conditions, we recommend the Black Diamond Crag climbing gloves. For serious winter protection, we recommend the Alti mitts from Outdoor Research.

Best Light Gloves For Hiking

So, on to the first section, let’s look at the best general hiking gloves, for mild to chilly conditions.

1. Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves

Check out the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Globes on Amazon

Get the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Designed for crag climbing, etc. so they offer great dexterity
  • Gloves are well reinforced in knuckles, palm, etc.
  • Secure and comfortable fit with breathable mesh

Cons:

  • Not touch screen compatible
  • Not designed for very cold or wet weather
  • Watch the sizing

Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves Features Summary:

  • Synthetic leather and breathable stretch mesh fabric
  • Knuckle padding
  • Synthetic leather palm
  • Fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb crotch for durability
  • Hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop
  • Weight Per Pair :  70 g (2.5 oz)
  • CE certified to EN 420 and EN 388 (2131)

Best Uses: Hiking, crag climbing, Mountaineering, belaying, rappelling.

The crag climbing gloves from Black Diamond are a very lightweight but very tough pair of gloves. Although designed for cragging, belaying, etc., their construction features transfer over very nicely to hiking.

They are constructed using synthetic leather and breathable mesh fabric. This enables your hands to breathe. This capability works well in these gloves, as when cragging, etc. you need your hands to be comfortable and dry inside.

The gloves provide further hand protection via the knuckle padding, nice to have if you intend to do a bit of scrambling while out on the trail.

The synthetic leather palm provides extra protection around the soft fleshy part of your hand, and the index finger is reinforced while the thumb has a crotch for durability. Specific features for cragging, but again nice to have.

The cuffs are closed using a hook-and-loop cuff closure. The gloved also have a pull-on / clip-in loop to aid you when putting them on.

On the downside, the gloves are not touch screen compatible and are not suitable for very cold or wet conditions.

Overall, very nice dexterity and a comfortable fit is provided on the material design and construction of these gloves. Our top choice!

2. Best Budget Hiking Gloves – FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves

Get the FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Very durable design and construction
  • Breathable and flexible fit
  • Provide excellent dexterity
  • Wallet friendly price

Cons:

  • Not touch screen compatible
  • Unsuitable for very cold weather
  • Not waterproof

FREETOO Airsoft Tactical Gloves Features Summary:

  • Tough gloves designed to protect your hands from abrasion and scratching in sports and activities
  • Gloves provide both protection and dexterity
  • Snug fit wrapping your palm and all fingers
  • Adjustable wrist Velcro
  • Flexible and not bulky to allow good movement and digit dexterity.
  • Made with odor-free breathable materials employing a functional vent design
  • Comfortable to use in hot weather as well as in mild winter seasons.
  • Dual-layer synthetic leather palm provides excellent grip
  • Reinforced palm, knuckle padding and double stitching
  • Designed for heavy use as tactical gloves but also great for work gloves, camping, hunting, shooting and other outdoor gloves
  • 3 months warranty

Best Uses: Hiking, hunting, camping, general outdoor use

The FREETOO tactical gloves are made with the military in mind, so you know that you are first and foremost getting functionality and durability as key requirements.

The first thing of note is the design and construction of the gloves. They are made to be very tough and abrasion resistant, while still enabling good movement and dexterity.

These are of course fundamental needs in terms of having to enable the capability to handle a wide variety of uses and tasks as a soldier.

These capabilities transfer nicely across to the world of hiking, where flexibility and being able to protect your hands from scapes and cuts, is a must.

The elastic and spandex material offers a very comfortable fit that lets your hands breathe so they can be used in cold and hot weather, however they are not winter gloves.

They are secured using velcro around the wrists and there are a whole bunch of extra advantages in the construction like knuckle padding, reinforced palm, double stitching and so on.

Overall a rugged and tough pair of gloves at a nice price, and our favorite budget pair!

3. Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Full Sun Gloves

Check out the Outdoor Research Activeice Therma gloves on Amazon

Get the Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Excellent sun protection
  • Very breathable and wicking works well
  • Quick drying
  • Cool and comfortable

Cons:

  • Not touch screen compatible


Outdoor Research Activeice Chroma Gloves Features Summary:

  • Fabric: ActiveIce™ – 91% polyester, 9% spandex stretch knit
  • Weight: 1.1oz / 30g Avg. Weight for size L
  • Active Cooling
  • UPF 50+
  • Breathable and lightweight
  • Excellent wicking and quick Drying
  • Reflective Logos
  • Perforated
  • Durable Palm Overlay
  • Tapered Wrist
  • Glove Clip

Best Uses: Hiking, climbing, camping, backpacking, paddling, general outdoor use in hot sun

The Activelce Chroma gloves are specifically made with the sun in mind, offering UPF 50+, so very high sun protection.

With that in mind, they are perfect for anyone who spends a lot of time enjoying outdoor activities in the sun, that requires their hands to be protected.

Think hikers, climbers, people paddling, trail runners, backpackers, etc. Anyone who will be out in the sun for long periods, and definitely does not want sunburn on their hands.

The gloves employ ActiveIce™ fabric technology which uses xylitol crystals which cools you as the fabric wicks away sweat. This of course works great for the aforementioned group of activities.

The gloves are perforated so very  breathable and lightweight, so comfortable to wear while out on the trail and easy to pack away. The gloves are not designed to be waterproof, but they will dry quickly should they get wet.

They feature reflective logos with a durable palm overlay with a tapered wrist. They also a glove clip so can be clipped together and on to something when not in use.

They are more pricey than other options, but Outdoor Research are a well known and quality brand, so you know you are getting performance and good protection.

4. Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves

Check out the Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves on Amazon

Get the Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Flexible material construction provides good flexibility and dexterity
  • Designed to retain warmth
  • Quick drying
  • Breathable and lightweight
  • Touch screen compatible

Cons:

  • Some concerns expressed by users re: issues with the zips
  • Not waterproof or suitable for very cold conditions
  • Watch the sizing


Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves Features Summary:

  • Fabric: synthetic leather, 88% Polyester 6% Spandex 6% PVC Rubber
  • Breathable stretch mesh fabric
  • Knuckle padding
  • Synthetic leather palm
  • Fingers with reinforced index finger and thumb crotch for durability
  • Hook-and-loop cuff closure with pull-on/clip-in loop

Best uses: Hiking, running, cycling, general outdoor use.

These outdoor gloves from mountain made are made to offer warmth and performance. They are multi-purpose and so suitable for a whole range of activities, not just hiking.

They are constructed using 88% polyester, 6% spandex and 6% PVC rubber. This construction ensures a nice flexible and comfortable fit. They also have built in grip material across the palms and fingers,

They stretch well in all directions and employ an anti-bacterial treatment to prevent odor. They have an anti-slip zipper design to adjust the fitting to provide the right level of comfort and warmth that you need.

They are absorbent and quick drying, so while not waterproof, your hands should stay warm for a time in them when wet, and they will dry out quickly when the rain passes.

They breathe freely and are also lightweight, so they are easy to carry when not in use. They are designed to preserve heat well keeping your hands in good shape no matter what you throw at them.

A nice pair of gloves for the trail indeed.

5. OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves

Get the OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Touch screen compatible
  • Rubber on the gloves provides good traction when gripping objects
  • Water resistant
  • Decent grip

Cons:

  • Some concerns on the quality of the seams
  • Watch the sizing


OZERO Winter Thermal Gloves Features Summary:

  • Stylish and nicely designed
  • Lightweight, windproof and water resistant
  • Touch screen compatible
  • Constructed as thermal running gloves
  • Elastic cuffs to get a snug fit
  • Machine washable

Best Uses: Hiking, running, cycling, golfing, general outdoor use.

Yes, these are listed as Winter gloves, but not in the winter hiking gloves section below, what gives? The Ozero thermal gloves are designed to be a moderately warm pair of gloves, but they are not suitable for really tough Winter conditions, so we kept them in this section.

They are lightweight and have a nice and stylish design providing a comfortable fit. They are touch screen compatible which is a nice thing to have for sure, and they have been tested and work well with many iPhone and Galaxy models.

They feature silica gel particles in the palm, middle finger and index finger, so they offer good grip. The cuffs are elastic offering a snug and comfortable fit. The gloves are designed as thermal running gloves, so their functionality transfers nicely over to hiking.   

The gloves are water resistant and windproof, so they will work well in light rain or light snowy conditions. The fabric of the shell of the gloves is waterproof, not the entire glove, so they are not meant to handle more tough and relentless conditions.

It’s worth noting, that these gloves are designed to be tight, so if you prefer a bit of a looser fit, maybe get a size up.

Finally, they’re a very budget friendly price, so they will definitely not break the bank!

6. Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves

Check out the Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves on Amazon

Get the Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Touch screen compatible
  • Multi-functional use
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Stretch fabric design enable a comfortable fit

Cons:

  • Some concerns over quality of some pairs, but Aegend responded quickly to replace and replacement product worked better
  • Not water resistant

Aegend Lightweight Running Gloves Features Summary:

  • Fabric: 88% polyester & 12% spandex
  • Lightweight and warm
  • Breathable and durable
  • Wicking an anti-static function
  • Anti-slip silicone design for grip
  • Touchscreen compatible
  • Can be used standalone or as liner gloves
  • Zero-piling
  • 30-day no hassle returns & 12 months replacement warranty

Best Uses: Hiking, running, cycling, walking, riding, working outside on a mild cold day

These lightweight running gloves from Aegend offer a nice and comfortable fit with a lot functional capability thrown into the mix.

They are constructed using a mix of polyester (88%) and spandex (12%) so they stretch well to enable a good fit.

They are breathable and lightweight, so they can wick moisture and dry quickly should they get wet. The palm of the gloves feature anti-slip silicone, to help ensure you have a secure holding on anything you grip.

Next up, they are touch screen compatible, which is great should you need to take a call or if you are using an app for fitness tracking or for navigational assistance. You can work away without taking off your gloves.

These gloves have the advantage of being able to be used on their own, or they can also work as liner gloves, a glove inside another pair of gloves e.g. under ski mittens.

They are excellent for hiking, running, cycling or just going for a stroll on a chilly Sunday afternoon. They come in three sizes that fit for all women and men, small medium and large.

Aegend provide a 30 day no hassle return policy and a 12 month warranty, so you have time to try them out before committing.

Finally, we have another of lightweight gloves that are wallet friendly, coming in at a very budget friendly price.

Best Winter Gloves for Hiking

In this next section, we look at the best Winter gloves for hiking in Winter. These are the type of gloves or mittens you need for very cold, even Arctic type, conditions.

1. Outdoor Research Alti Mitts

Check out the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts on Amazon

Get the Outdoor Research Alti Mitts on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Serious cold protection
  • Removable liner
  • Waterproof and windproof
  • Breathable

Cons:

  • These are pricey, but they are specialized, so that is to be expected

Outdoor Research Alti Mitts Features Summary:

  • Fabric: GORE-TEX 2.5L 100% nylon 40D ripstop shell – Pittards® Armortan® leather shell palm – 100% nylon ripstop liner – PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation 170g in shell and 340g in liner
  • Weight: 12.8oz / 364g Avg. Weight for size L
  • Waterproof, windproof and breathable
  • Wicking
  • Fully Seam-Taped
  • Water-Resistant Leather Palm
  • Moonlight Pile Fleece Liner Palm
  • Kevlar Stitching
  • Removable Liner
  • Heat Pack Pocket
  • Removable Leash
  • Pull-On Loop
  • Glove Clip
  • Carabiner Loop
  • AlpenGrip Tabs Prevent Slipping
  • Elasticized Wrist
  • SuperCinch Gauntlet™
  • Pre-Curved Box Construction
  • Three panel thumb

Best Uses: Serious expedition hiking, mountaineering, climbing 8,000 meter peaks, probably a bit much for general use in cold winters but they will certainly do the job!

So, where to start with the Alti mitts from Outdoor Research, they’re our number one choice. These are serious mittens that are designed and constructed with extremes in mind.

If you are planning to ascend an 8,000 meter peak in the near future, then these are the ticket for you.

Given that they can take on a job like that, any other general outdoor use in tough Winters, will not be a problem for these tough mittens.

They feature a removable liner which is nice to have, and they have some serious construction in them. For example, kevlar stitching … need I say more. These are tough ass mittens.

They have a heat pack pocket so you can add an additional heat source should you need to. The leather palm is water resistant and they feature a moonlight pile fleece liner, which is soft and comfortable.

The wrist is elasticized, and they have a super cinch gauntlet to help get a secure fit.

Overall, you have serious hand protection in the Alti mittens, but they come at a hefty price. The upside is that it is more an investment, as these mittens will last a very long time.

Note that the links above are to the men’s version of these mittens, you can find the women’s Alti mitts on Amazon here.

2. Best Budget Winter Gloves –
Mountain Made Princeton

Check out the Mountain Made Princeton Winter Gloves on Amazon

Get the Mountain Made Princeton Winter Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Very budget friendly price
  • Warm and comfortable
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Reports of issues with the inside lining moving and trapping moisture
  • Not touch screen compatible

Mountain Made Princeton Winter Gloves Features Summary:

  • They come in four sizes: small, medium, large and x-large
  • Waterproof
  • Very warm, can handle cold conditions
  • Dual action thermal fit with adjustable tightening strap
  • Cuff pulls
  • I year warranty

Best Uses: Winter hiking, skiing, outdoor activity in Winter

The Princeton Winter gloves from Mountain Made offer excellent warmth for much colder conditions.

They are constructed using a dual action thermal fit which are secured using an adjustable tightening strap with a cuff pull. That means you can seal the heat in and keep a warm and comfortable environment around your hands.

They come with a top hand pocket which is an interesting touch. Perhaps useful for a key or the like, but also functional if you want to utilise a hand warmer in it.

They are not touch screen compatible, but that is hard to get working well on thick winter gloves. The gloves are waterproof and so will keep you good in tough cold conditions.

The next thing of note is their price, they are very affordable, so functionality at a nice price, always a winner.

In terms of quality, they have a very high user review rating across hundreds of reviews,  so they have a lot of satisfied users.

Overall, we have an excellent pair of budget winter gloves that will keep you good on the trail at the colder times of year.

3. Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves

Check out the Black Diamond Soloist Gloves on Amazon

Get the Black Diamond Soloist Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Split finger design gives some advantages to mittens offering more dexterity
  • Designed for extremely cold weather
  • Waterproof shell
  • Removable liner
  • Kevlar stitching

Cons:

  • Specialized gloves so they come at a cost

Black Diamond Soloist Gloves Features Summary:

  • Fabric: Shell: 92% nylon/8% Spandex, Palm: 100% Goat Skin, Lining: 100% Polyester
  • Weight: 261 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
  • -29/-12 ºC (-20/10 ºF)
  • 100% waterproof BD.dry™ insert stays with removable liner
  • Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, Pertex® Shield shell with four-way stretch
  • Removable liner features 340 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation and high-loft fleece lining
  • Goat leather palm, plus palm patch with Kevlar stitching

Best Uses: Hiking in very cold weather, general outdoor use in very cold condition

The Soloist gloves from Black Diamond are another very tough pair of gloves designed for very cold Winter use.

They come with a split finger design, which means you get some of the advantages of mittens, while retaining a bit more dexterity and movement.

They come with a dry waterproof insert and a removable Primaloft insulated liner which dries quickly when wet. This provides good protection in wet Winter conditions.

The waterproof shell can be used as a standalone, when it’s a bit warmer. The fleece lining provides additional comfort and warmth.

The palm is goat leather and is reinforced with Kevlar stitching, so these gloves can easily handle rocky terrain, rappelling, an even technical alpine climbing.

The soloist are an excellent pair of winter gloves that will provide serious protection from the elements.

They will also last you many years so you should get plenty of use out of them. Only downside is their price, they are pricey, but that is expected with a pair of specialized gloves purpose built for seriously tough conditions.

4. Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitt

Check out the Carhartt Waterproof Insulated Mitts on Amazon

Get the Carhartt Insulated Mitts on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Mittens provide excellent warmth
  • Affordable price
  • Comfortable lining
  • Nice fit

Cons:

  • Minimal digit movement – as they’re mittens
  • Not waterproof

Carhartt Insulated Mittens Features Summary:

  • Fabric: Shell: 100% Polyester; Palm: 100% Polyurethane; Lining: 100% Polyester
  • Pull On closure
  • FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat for comfort
  • Durable polytex shell
  • Stretch fleece cuff
  • Reinforced polyurethane (PU) palm
  • Brow wipe
  • Hand wash and do not put in dryer.

Best Uses: Hiking in very cold weather, general outdoor use in the depths of Winter.

The Carhartt mittens provide a super snug and comfortable fit, that will keep your hands nice and toasty in very cold conditions.

Mittens are an excellent option instead of gloves in very cold conditions, as they leave your fingers touching inside them, and so sharing the heat directly across your fingers.

These mittens are constructed using 100% polyester on the shell and the lining, with 100% polyurethane in the palm. The shell is durable polytex and the PU on the palm is reinforced. The lining is also very functional and comfortable when wearing.

They come in multiple colors, so come nice options to choose from. The top of the gloves also feature a brow wipe, so you can wipe sweat from your face, without having to take your mittens off.

The face shape is flat and the FastDry technology lining ensures that sweat is wicked away, so you have a comfortable climate around your hands. They also feature pull on closure, so easy to pull the second one on after you have you have put the first one on.

To wash, you need to get a bit of elbow grease in with your hands, as they are not machine washable. Some hot water and detergent is all you need though, and drip dry is the way to go.

Again, they come in at a very wallet friendly price, so there is a lot to like in the carhartt mittens! Note, these link to the men’s version of these mittens.

5. Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

Check out the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts on Amazon

Get the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Fully waterproof – DWR treated
  • Removable split finger liner with high loft fleece lining
  • Liner can be used by itself
  • Wipe pad

Cons:

  • Expensive

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Features Summary:

  • Fabric: Shell: 92% Nylon/8% Spandex, 100% Goat Skin Palm, Lining: 100% Polyester.
  • Weight: 260 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
  • -29/-12 ºC (-20/10 ºF)
  • 100% waterproof BD.dry™ insert stays with removable liner
  • Removable liner features split-finger design
  • Lightweight, abrasion-resistant, Pertex® Shield shell with four-way stretch
  • Removable liner features 340 g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation and high-loft fleece lining
  • Goat leather palm, plus palm patch with Kevlar stitching
  • Wipe pad

Best Uses: Winter hiking, general outdoor use in very cold conditions

The Mercury mittens from Black Diamond are one of their toughest offerings in terms of Winter gloves. Designed to work in temperature range of -20 to -10 F (-29 to -12 C), they  provide rough protection in very challenging conditions.

They feature a fully waterproof insert and primaloft insulation, so you can have a dry and comfortable fit, even in rain or snow. They offer a four-way stretch fabric so they have good mobility and flexibility in the construction.

The liner is removable and features a split finger design, and they can be used on their own. The insert also provides moisture protection in terms of breathability, so whether it’s wet in or outside the mittens, you will be good.

They also feature kevlar stitching so they are a very sturdy pair of mittens that can take on a lot of beating in the tougher seasons, or on tough expeditions. They have a wipe pad too so you can wipe your brow when its cold but your pushing hard.

These are another serious pair of mittens, that are designed for very tough conditions. Again, they are pricey, but also again, mittens of this type and with the attention to detail in construction, will be more expensive.

With the prime brand mark of Black Diamond thrown in for good measure, you have a pair of quality performing mittens in the Mercury Mitts.

6. MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves

Check out the MCTi Waterproof Gloves on Amazon

Get the MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves on Amazon now!

Pros:

  • Waterproof and windproof
  • Comfortable lining
  • Zipper pocket
  • Wallet friendly

Cons:

  • Reports of poor breathability, getting wet from the inside

MCTi Waterproof Cold Weather Gloves Features Summary:

  • Fabric: Windproof Polyester, Insulate Thinsulate, Waterproof TPU
  • 3M Thinsulate Insulation: The gloves are insulated with 40 grams 3m thinsulate and 140 grams warm cotton
  • Weight: 260 g (9.2 oz) – per pair
  • -12 ºC (10 ºF)
  • Waterproof and breathable TPU insert
  • Durable and soft nuback palm
  • Three composite surface layer
  • Adjustable wrist buckle and elastic one pull closure
  • Pair clips with connected finger linings
  • Heated warmer pocket design

Best Uses: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, general outdoor use in very cold conditions.

The MCTi gloves are constructed with skiing, snowboarding, and other such winter activities in mind, so using them for winter hiking is a good fit.

They are waterproof and windproof and so will protect you from the nasty stuff outside to a temperature -12 ºC (10 ºF), so good for tough enough conditions.

They come with soft full covered nubuck palm, and reinforced rubber fingers, useful for flexibility, say if you’re using ski’s. The gloves also come with a nose wipe located on the thumb finger.

They are well insulated with 3M Thinsulate Insulation, 40 gms 3m thinsulate and 140 gms warm cotton. Thick enough to keep your hands warm, but with enough movement ability to keep flexible.

I would be a little concerned about the cotton element, as if they get wet, that will be a problem. There are some user reports of the gloves not being very breathable, and so moisture build up on the inside combined with cotton insulation, is not a good recipe.

However, not everyone had issues, and found the gloves to be warm and functional. They have a zipper pocket so a hand warmer can be utilized.

Overall, they are a comfortable pair of gloves that will provide good warmth in tough conditions, and they come in at a good price. They’re basic but functional.

What to Consider when Buying Hiking Gloves

First off, as with any piece of hiking kit, you need to think about where you will be predominantly doing your hiking. That will determine what specific functionality you need to consider.

Best Winter Gloves for Hiking

If you hike only in sunny climes all year round, gloves may not actually be high on your requirements list 🙂 or you may just need something to protect your hands from the sun.

If you like to head out into the Winter snow, then you of course need a much more substantial pair of gloves.

Hand Size

Kind of stating the obvious but if you don’t know what size of gloves you normally wear, you need to find out. This can be easily done in any store and standard gloves will give you a reasonable idea of what size you should run with.

The sizes usually run in Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, and most sellers will give you guidance on what size to go for and that kind of thing. So it isn’t complicated or at least it shouldn’t be in most cases.

Waterproof

So, do you need your gloves to be waterproof (or as waterproof as anything can realistically be)? There are different options available and some gloves do perform better than others in this area.

However, keep in mind that I don’t really believe that any hiking gear clothes item is really 100% waterproof. This is even more important if you are going into Arctic type conditions, you need them to keep your hands dry and protected.

Breathability

We’ve discussed breathability on the site before. You’re on the move on the trail so you will sweat and so, in tandem with being waterproof to some degree, your gloves having some wicking capability is a good idea.

Breathability and wicking are two different things really, but overall, air needs to be able to circulate in some form in most cases. You need moisture on the inside to have an avenue out and away from your skin.

Insulation

How much insulation do you need? If your gloves get wet will they still retain warmth? Things worth considering. Normally, synthetic material is better at retaining heat when wet than natural fibers like wool.

My main hiking gloves, which are predominantly polyester and neoprene, are fine when wet, as long as I am moving they keep heat great.

If you are needing serious winter gloves, then this is an even bigger factor. The Insulation should work well, and it’s best to avoid materials that will get cold and water logged if they get wet, like cotton.

Warmth

Tying in with Insulation, will you be hiking in the depths of winter in really cold conditions? How much mobility are you happy to sacrifice to get more warmth?

Logically ski gloves will be warmer than a driving glove style fit. I accommodate this with multiple pairs of gloves which I explain further below.

That’s also why the best gloves listed above are split into two sections. One is specifically for year round hiking, even light Winter. The other category is for when you need serious Winter protection. They’re vastly different in what they need to do, hence the split.

Mobility

Would you like good mobility e.g. still able to work a compass, change settings on your watch, etc. while you have them on? Some gloves will be more restrictive than others so if this is a big one for you, take it into account.

For me, I can usually take a glove off if I need to for some dexterity but my main gloves aren’t actually bad for general hand movement, using a compass and so on.

If you are talking about tough winter gloves, taking them off may not be an option in very cold conditions, so a little bit of movement can be good.

Winter hiking gloves usually come in the form of gloves, mittens, or somewhere inbetween. Mittens are very effective in terms of heat, but obviously, you’re sacrificing mobility.

Good to have a think on this and pick out what is best for your specific needs.

What I Recommend

As always, I want to try and give you my approach to what I do for this. In my opinion, there is a catch all approach which I use that I think should cover most average day hikers year round in most hiking conditions.

(I always say that as if you’re going into extreme conditions e.g. sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic, you will need specialist kit but that doesn’t fall into my category definition of average day hiking).

I have 3 pairs of hiking gloves and I use a combination of them all year round. My gloves are old, so I can’t give you exact specifics on the models of gloves I use.

However, the type of gloves I outline below hit the mark in terms of functionality, align to what I use and also have excellent user reviews.

My Primary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Year Round Use

The first pair is my main stay pair of gloves. They are a pair of gloves I can use in pretty much all conditions. Similar to the Black Diamond Crag Climbing Gloves listed in the first section of this post, they are an excellent option that can be used on the trail, on their own most of the year round.

The aim of these gloves is to be very functional with minimal limitation. The design is such that you maintain good dexterity for your fingers, while wearing them.

I like a snug fit, and good of protection for my hands, so good abrasion resistance. I want my main pair of gloves to be breathable and odor free, so I can get as much out of them in warm as well as colder weather.

Overall, a middle of the road but rugged pair of gloves that are versatile enough to be utilized in a variety of outdoor activities, not just hiking.

Touch screen compatibility is nice to have, but it’s not a deal breaker for me. You can get a decent pair anywhere between $20 and $60 dollars, for that you shouldn’t go too far wrong!

My Secondary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Spring to Autumn Use

I have a pair of old liner gloves that I use in cooler temperatures in warmer climes. Pictured below are a similar pair of gloves to what I use.

They double up as a glove liner so you can use them in tandem with another pair of hefty gloves if you needed to e.g. thick mittens, gloves. That would only be required in seriously cold conditions though, not average day hiking.

SmartWool Liner Gloves

I normally use this pair as my spare pair from mid Spring to Mid Autumn (when it’s not really cold). They also come in handy if someone is short a pair of gloves or, heaven forbid, I lost my primary pair.

Again, they come in and around the $20 to $40 mark, so very accessible in terms or price.

My Secondary Pair of Hiking Gloves – Winter Use

My third pair is basically a pair of ski gloves. In really cold temperatures, I work with the Primary Pair and my Secondary Pair for winter use.

Any of the gloves listed in the Winter gloves section above will work for this. Now, if you are facing seriously cold temperatures, then you may need to invest in a really high end pair of these, say if you are going into Arctice type conditions.

They are however an economical buy with decent reviews which matches what I do use … I will explain that in more detail in the Price section below.

eWing Mens Winter Snow, Ski, Snowboard, Cold Weather Gloves, Black, One Size

If it’s too cold and I need to heat my hands fast, I pop my ski gloves on (warm mittens also work well). I generally find that after a while, when my hands have warmed up, I can comfortably return to my primary pair, my hands normally actually get too hot in the ski gloves if I wear them too long while hiking.

I’ve never had the need to double up gloves with the ski gloves, they are more than warm enough on their own. However, if that was required, the liner gloves would be the best accompanying partner to the ski gloves. So, overall, I think I have every base pretty much covered.

Price

You can spend a wide variation on gloves. From $20 dollars for a cheap and reasonable Spring pair to $200 dollars for a very hi-tech waterproof, make your breakfast in the morning for you in Everest Base Camp, pair 🙂

I say that only half-jokingly as, from my personal experience, gloves to some degree are one of those areas that you can get away with using a non-fancy pants brand name.

How so? Well, when it comes to my regular main pair of gloves, like the Freetoo gloves above,  I wouldn’t compromise. I wanted to spend a bit of extra money to get a good pair as they are my main pair of gloves used year round when I am out hiking, so I did invest in a pricey brand name pair.

However, as you can see with the gloves listed here, you really don’t need to spend a lot unless you want to. The liner glove ones I use, brand name also, aren’t overly expensive either and a non-brand pair would probably work fine for what they are used for.

As alluded too in the winter glove section above, the pair I use that are definitely not anything special are my ski gloves. I bought them in a standard department store before going skiing two years back.

They were cheap as chips but man do they work a treat for my needs. Ski Gloves can of course be really expensive but I’m not really a skier.

A basic pair of ski gloves is more than enough for my basic hiking needs in the mountains in winter. They keep my hands nice and toasty in very cold conditions.

However, as mentioned above, if you’re tackling hiking in a tough Minnesota Winter, it would be advisable to spend a couple of hundred bucks on a really top pair of winter gloves.

They will provide all the protection you need and will last a long time, due to their more expensive construction.

Conclusion

So, I hope you found this post on what are the best hiking gloves in 2023 informative and useful.

To summarize, I always have two pairs of gloves in my day pack. In winter, I have my primary pair, from the first category above, and my ski gloves, and I alternate between the two utilizing the ski gloves when serious warmth is needed.

Most days, even in winter, my primary pair are enough. The rest of the year, my primary pair of gloves are my main stay gloves and I have my old liner gloves mainly as a back-up pair.

This approach works well for me so if you’re thinking about getting hiking gloves, I recommend you give it a try, assuming it works with te conditions you hike in of course.

As a final note, hiking gloves are one of the things I always have a spare pair off in my day pack, I’ve been caught out once or twice and was very grateful to have a spare set in my pack.

As always, please like and share … you know you want to 🙂

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review

In this post I review the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles. I mentioned some time back that I have been on the lookout for a good set of trekking poles and these are the ones that are grabbing my attention.

Pros:

  • Comfortable grip handle made from cork
  • Poles are lightweight but strong

Cons:

  • Not as compact as other poles

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Features Summary

  • Weight Per Pair : 510 g (1 lb 2 oz)
  • Usable Length : 74-140 cm (29-55 in)
  • Collapsed Length : 73.5 cm (29 in)

Overview

The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are a popular set of trekking poles among hikers and backpackers. Black Diamond is a well known brand and manufacturer of quality gear so I was interested to look into these poles to learn more about them.

They retail at $119.95, probably sitting in the middle ground in terms of price, but you can get a deal if you shop around. They come in one color, Black/Red and they have all the features and specifications I would look for in a set of trekking poles.

If you’re new to trekking poles, I suggest you read this post on why I think trekking poles are a good investment if you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking.

Comfort

As with any piece of hiking gear, comfort is a key part of the equation. For trekking poles, a key element of comfort comes in terms of the handle and grip. The handle on the Black Diamond Trail Cork Ergo trekking poles is made of, you guessed it, cork. I prefer cork as a handle material as it handles moisture better, e.g. wicks sweat away, in hot or cold conditions.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole Handle Loop

That is, hiking in snowy conditions or in hot and dry conditions, the handle should maintain a more even and regular temperature. Rubber has the tendency to take on the characteristics of the environment much easier and can get slippy with sweat.

The promotional literature mentions the handle has a 15-degree corrective angle which enables an “optimal grip position”. In short, it feels good in the hands, and it does. I would describe my hands as average sized. When I gripped them, as mentioned my friend has a set, they felt really good. Hand size, logically enough, is probably one of the most important things to consider when picking trekking poles.

A nice additional feature is the extended EVA handle. That is, below the handle proper, see the picture below, there is another length of what you could call a half handle. It’s not like the main handle but it isn’t the normal shaft of the pole either.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole Half Handle Grip

The idea behind this is that say you’re hiking down very uneven terrain and you need to keep re-accommodating the length of the pole as you walk. You can simply slide your hand down from the handle proper to this secondary handle area. This gives you a nice length to work with without having to fiddle with readjustments while trying to negotiate tricky terrain or having to grab the shaft. A cool idea for sure!

Strength, Durability and Versatility

The shaft of the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles is made from aluminium. Not the lightest of possible materials but I was happy with the weight, which I’ll look at in a bit more detail below.

In terms of versatility, the poles are telescopic, so they slide up into themselves when you don’t need them, a real positive in my opinion. The locking mechanism is called ‘FlickLock’, a Black Diamond name and, to the best of my knowledge, patented technology. From my experience with them, they were really easy to use and very effective.

The length of the poles when extended is 74-140 cm (29-55 in) and 73.5 cm (29 in) when collapsed into themselves. Overall, a good size for a standard day pack for day hiking. From my research into this, it does seem that they are one of the longer options available when compared to other options on the market. Not an issue for my needs and uses but could be factor if you want to pack it in a luggage bag for travelling. Again, not a big deal but something to be aware of.

The poles feature, wrist loop holes at the top of each one which can be good for providing rest to wrists and joints in that area around your hand. However, from my use of poles I tend not to utilize the loops for the simple reason that I think you could hurt yourself. What do I mean by that?

Well, if you’re walking down a rocky trail and you have your wrists in the loops on the handles. Say you slip but one of your poles is wedged between some rocks. The full weight of your body will be forced onto your wrist and could quite easily lead to a sprain or a break. So, these wouldn’t be a big thing for me but if you like to use them, all good!

The poles also feature Black Diamonds Flex tech tips made from carbide which are designed in such a way as to break away if you get caught in something, like the aforementioned wrist grip situation, and so prevent you from getting hurt. Personally. I’ll still not use the grip loops though all the same 🙂 The tips are fully replaceable which is also a great to have in terms of longevity of your poles.

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole Flex Tech Tip

The tips also feature baskets, the circle in the picture above, that help ensure your poles don’t go too far into the ground. The poles also come with wider powder baskets, not pictured but think of the bottom of ski poles to get an idea, which you can also attach should you need to. Good for snow and that type of thing.

My friend who I mentioned has a set of these poles, loves them. He’s battered them around a year or so now and they are still performing great.

Weight

In terms of weight, they come in at 510g (2 Ib 2 oz) for a pair. I can’t say that I have went around weighing a lot of trekking poles but going on how they felt, the weight is good. Not heavy but, I would add here, not too light either. I think a small bit of weight, enough to know you’ve something solid and sturdy in your hand, is a good thing. Gives you confidence to lean on it in tricky terrain.

Price

They retail at the higher end of the price scale for hiking poles, but if you shop around you’ll get a deal. I’ve added links in this post direct to Amazon where you can get an up to date price. Overall, I think the price is very good for what you get i.e. good function and good value.

Best Uses

Obviously the main use I am interested in is for hiking and I am predominantly a day hiker and they’re thumbs up on that score! However these will work great for backpacking and the optional powder baskets should mean that they will work well for snow shoeing too but that isn’t something I do a lot of.

User Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 120+ reviews across multiple sites, 94% gave the The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles 3 stars (out of 5) or more, 91% 4 stars or more and 75% gave 5 stars so some decent scores overall.

Our Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles are the poles I have decided to go with. I’ve listed all the main reasons why that is the case above but I’ll do a quick recap before closing this review out.

I’m a fan of the cork, as opposed to rubber, handle and the grip is excellent. The poles are retractable and lightweight enough for my needs. They are sturdy and durable and there is a lot of good user experience with them across gear shops, Amazon, etc.

To top all that off, my friend swears by them so local social proof, if I can use that term, is really the icing on the cake for me.

As mentioned at the start, I will update this review when I have used them for a while and see how they fair in the field after extensive use. However, I expect my experience to be positive and good. If you want to see more top options, check out our favorite trekking poles here.

I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did. Do you use the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles? What is your experience with them? I’d love to hear about it!

Lowa Men’s Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoes Review

Today I want to take a closer look at a pair of hiking shoes I bought recently, the Lowa Men’s Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoes. I’ve been wearing them about 4 to 5 weeks now and overall I have been very pleased with them to date.

LOWA Boots Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX LO Hiking Shoe,Black/Black,12 M US

Pros:

  • Comfortable and very sturdy
  • Nubuck leather and Gore-tex provides good waterproofness and breathability
  • Minimal break-in period
  • Good traction
  • Good multi-purpose hiking shoes

Cons:

  • May be too heavy for some i.e. if you prefer a lighter shoe

Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s For Men Features Summary

  • Gore-Tex performance comfort membrane
  • Nubuck Leather upper
  • GORE-TEX® Lining
  • Climate Control Footbed
  • PU MONOWRAP® Frame Midsole
  • VIBRAM® Renovo Outsole
  • Color options:
    1. Espresso /Brown (Featured in this post)
    2. Black /Black
    3. Dark Grey / Navy
    4. Grey / Rust
  • Weight: 2.7 lb /1.2 kg (pair of size 12 US)

If you day hike mainly on trails and paths, a light hiking shoe can be a good option.The Lowa Men’s Renegade II GTX Lo hiking shoes are a great pair trail shoes.

Overview

As stated above, I bought the Men’s Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s about two months back but I only really started wearing them about 4 or 5 weeks ago.

I was interested in these shoes as the Lowa Renegade GTX Hiking Boots, have been a top performer with many happy customers for some time now so I wanted to see if the same level of quality would pass into the hiking shoes. They retail at a high enough price so definitely in the higher range for a pair of hiking shoes so quality would be expected for sure.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail

It’s worth noting that these are the second pass at these shoes, hence the ‘II’ in the title. The first version proved very successful and I believe there is even a III available soon but from what I have seen it veers away from the style and look of the ‘I’ and ‘II’ which is broadly similar and I have to say that, in terms of looks, I prefer this version.

The shoes feature a very warm and practical look. The upper is made from a mixture of waterproof nubuck leather and Gore-tex. The outsole features the VIBRAM® Renovo which is a tried and trusted industry performer so you can expect a lot of good grip on all types of terrain on the trail.

The Lowa logo appears on the side of the boots, but in a very tasteful manner. All in all I was very happy with how the shoes looked, they are perfect for the trail but also look great with a pair of jeans.

There are four possible color combinations to choose from:

  1. Espresso /Brown (Featured in this post)
  2. Black /Black
  3. Dark Grey / Navy
  4. Grey / Rust

Now, I feel that I should state here that my primary purpose for buying these shoes was more for day-to-day use as opposed to hiking, I needed a good solid pair of sturdy shoes for general use in the very wet and crappy winter weather I am currently enjoying 🙂 When I go out hiking, onto mountains, I nearly always wear hiking boots only occasionally will I use hiking shoes.

However, in saying that, I often go for longer walks along a river close to where I live, the path is made up of grass and muck and these shoes are perfect for that type of short walk for me. So, let’s take a closer look into the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s to see what more we can learn.

Comfort

Starting with comfort, the insoles on the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s come in the form of a removable foot bed. I can’t ascertain from the shoes themselves or from the product information what the insoles are made of, but I can tell that they are comfortable. I’ve been wearing the shoes regularly now for a bout 5 weeks and I have found the foot bed in the Lo hiking shoes to be very comfortable.

As already mentioned, the insoles are removable, so you can take them out to let them breathe. The Lo shoes feature climate control technology which helps to create a cooler and drier environment for your feet

Similar to hiking boots, these shoes feature a padded collar which fits comfortable around the base of the ankle.

The tongue of the shoes is of course also padded, as per the photo below, as well as gusseted. A gusseted tongue helps keep debris out your shoes as it is to the upper of the shoes by a material bridge. This is something I always look for in hiking boots, and although they won’t be able to perform in the same manner, as they’re not boots and so lower down, it is good to have any help to keep unwanted debris out of my shoes and away from my feet.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail Single Shoe Shot

In terms of a comfortable and secure fit, I have been really pleased with the Lo shoes. they feel really solid when you put them on and they have got more comfortable as they have adapted to my feet. The lacing system on the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s works well but I have found that a retie is needed every so often.

My hunch is that that is more to do with me that the actual shoes. I have noticed that when I put my foot on a step, nice and horizontal with my foot in a good position, when I tie them then, they hold very well and the laces seems very functional. If however, the foot positioning is off, I invariably have to tie them again. No issue here but something to note when you try them, get your feet into a good position before securing the laces.

LOWA Boots Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX LO Hiking Shoe,Black/Black,12 M US

Looking into the lacing system more closely, as you can see in the photo below, you can see that lace hooks are employed at the top of the shoes. I am usually a bit cautious of these, preferring eyelets in shoes but I have to say they feel very solid and secure. The eyelets are metal and seem very tough but have been great so far but I guess I’ll need to see how they are in a years time.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Shoe Lace Eyelets

The Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s are waterproof and breathable via their mixture of Gore-tex and nubuck leather. For general waterproof protection, from reading user reviews and from my own personal experience to date, the boots perform very well in this area. Walking through puddles or muddy terrain and so on caused no issues, dry as a bone.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail Side Shot

In terms of breathability, the boots also seem to perform well. As mentioned Gore-tex is a main part of the material, so you would expect that to be the case. I’ve been very comfortable internally so far but I would like to see how they perform at hotter times of year in terms of breathability. I have no reason to think that they won’t be a winner though and the many user reviews I read stood to this assertion.

They weigh in at around 2.7 lb /1.2 kg (pair of size 12 US) so they are on the heavier side for a pair of hiking shoes and they do feel a bit chunky when you put them on. However, that chunkiness provides a good sense of stability and sturdiness when wearing them so I’m happy to sacrifice a bit in terms of weight with them being that bit heavier.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail 3

The next thing to look at is sizing. I’m going to run with my personal experience here and tell you what happened with me. When I first got them, I actually got a half size smaller than my normal size as when I first put them on, normal size, they did seem to slip on the heel a fair bit in my normal size, especially in the right foot. However, after wearing the smaller size for a while at home, I realized that that they were too tight on my left foot.

My right foot is slightly longer than my left, so while I had a great fit on the right foot with a half size down, it was tight on my left foot. So, yes indeed 🙂 , I took them back and reverted to my normal size. I took them home again not 100% sure that this would work out but as I was spending 200 plus bucks, I figured it was a good idea to take time and get this right.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail Front View

I noticed that if I spent a bit more time lacing the shoes, I would get a better fit in my normal size, however, they still slipped a bit from time to time. I had a hunch that this was due to them needing a bit of time to break-in or adapt to my feet size might be the better way of putting it.

With that in mind, these shoes did take a while to break in but they were never uncomfortable. That is, they fit pretty good from the start but as I wore them more and more, they started to fit better and better as they adapted to my feet.

So, in summary, while a short beak-in was needed for me, to get them that bit more comfortable, I think they’re pretty much good to go straight from the box.

LOWA Boots Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX LO Hiking Shoe,Black/Black,12 M US

Finally, just to add some more perspective, pictured above is the rear profile of the shoes. It’s worth noting the tough connection of the mid-sole to the upper, from my experience to date, they are as sturdy and secure as they look!

Update 14/04/16 … some months after first posting:

I continued to wear the Lowa Lo shoes throughout the Winter period and still use them. The shoes have performed very well in nearly all aspects. They’re tough and resilient and I have used them for some local hiking as well as day-to-day use and they do perform very well.

The one downside I have noted is that I can’t seem to fully break the shoes in. After wearing them for a few hours, my right small toe gets aggravated. I assumed this would go with time but it hasn’t as yet. I’ve never had an issue like this before with any boots or shoes so it’s an odd and new one for me. I put it down to the sizing as opposed to the quality of the shoe but it is something I wanted to list here.

Support, Stability and Grip

The upper of the Lo shoes sits on a PU Monowrap Frame midsole. Just in case you aren’t familiar with it, the mid-sole is the part of the shoe that sits between the outsole and the insole. It also acts as a shock absorber and helps distribute impact from the trail evenly across your foot. you can learn more about the main constituent parts of a hiking boot here.

Now, again I am going to go with my own personal experience here and skip a bit on the technical jargon and user reviews. I have been very pleased with the stability of the Lo shoes. Simple as that really. I alluded to their very secure fit above when I got the lacing right and that applies to the mid-sole and general construction of the shoes. They just feel tough and sturdy and they have performed very well to date when I’ve worn them. I can’t really say much more than that really I guess 🙂

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe On the Trail 1

Next up, let’s look at the outsole which features a Vibram Renovo outsole. I am a BIG fan of Vibram and I am always very happy when their technology is used in a pair of hiking boots or shoes. In fact, all my current hiking boots and shoes utilize Vibram technology in the outsoles.

If you look at the picture below, you can see the outsole of the Lo shoes. There is a good selection of lugs as you can. The shorter lined grooves at the top and bottom of the shoes enable good grip on sturdier terrain, for example a rocky surface, while the deeper grooves featured across most of the rest of the outsole enable you to still have good grip over less stable terrain, for example slippy mud.

LOWA Boots Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX LO Hiking Shoe,Black/Black,12 M US

Overall, the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s are very sturdy and provide very good traction on varying terrain. Below is a side shot of the shoes and I have to say, they look pretty darn good and I am very happy with my purchase 🙂

LOWA Boots Lowa Men's Renegade II GTX LO Hiking Shoe,Black/Black,12 M US

In conclusion, I thought I would add a photo or two of my pair of these awesome hiking shoes. So far I have used the product promo shots as frankly, they’re just much better photo’s than I’m going to be able to take to give you a good feel for how they look.

Lowa Mens Renegade II GTX Lo Shoe Colm

The picture above shoes my Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s sitting on my bed. I’d not had them long but this was when I had decided they were keepers 🙂

Price

The Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s come with a 1 year manufacturers warranty from the date of purchase. Lowa are a top brand so if you experience any problems, you can expect them to be sorted out swiftly.

The retail price comes in at a high price point but if you shop around, you should find a deal. click on the image at the start of this review or any of the links throughout to get live prices on Amazon.

Based on my personal experience, all the reviews I have read, the construction, the brand, etc. I think, the Lowa Men’s Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s are an excellent pair of hiking shoes. They ain’t cheap, but they’re worth it. Now, I need to qualify that again in about a years time assuming they keep performing well as for that price, I expect 2 to 3 years of good use from them so we’ll see but so far so good!

Best Uses

Simply put, light hiking (ideally on trails), day to day use and any reasonable purposeful use in between. As mentioned at the start of this review, I bought these more for day-to-day use and light walking as opposed to hiking but from using them on some suitable hikes, I can confirm that they will perform well in the hills too.

What’s worth noting is that the ascetic look of these shoes is pretty sweet so they look great with a pair of jeans …

Colm Wearing Lowa Lo Hiking Shoes

Yes indeed, that’s my feet in the photo above which I just had taken in my living room to help illustrate the point … man, they look just great 🙂

In summary, the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s are a great all round hiking shoe which work really well for day-to-day use.

Customer Reviews

As of the date of this post, from about 210+ reviews I checked out, across multiple retailers, 89% gave the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Hiking Shoe’s 3 stars (out of 5) or more, 80% 4 stars or more and 61% gave 5 stars so some decent scores overall.

Our Rating: 4.5 (Out of 5)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Men’s Hiking Shoes are a winner! Well, so far so good anyways 🙂 I bought these shoes more as a pair of day-to-day knock around shoes and so far they have been excellent and they will perform well on the trail as well.

They are definitely pricey but I think they will be worth it. Although they are pretty much good to go straight from the box, do be patient with the lacing and give yourself time to get the right size. I found it took me a bit of trial and error before I was comfortable they would work as a good shoe for me. They need a little bit of time to adjust to your feet and do spend time lacing them correctly as I noticed this had a big difference on the overall secure fit feeling, especially in the early stages.

If you’re still unsure what type of hiking shoes or boots you should get, check out the hiking boot buying guide and my hiking boot recommendations.

I hope you found this review useful. Please comment and / or share it around your networks if you did. Do you use the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo Men’s Hiking Shoes? What is your experience with them?

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