Category: Clothing

Hiking/backpacking clothing articles

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Post author By Dylan
Post date November 7, 2022

Best Men's Backpacking Clothes:

Having the right gear is essential to any backpacking trip, and one of the most critical pieces of equipment for any backpacking trip is the clothes you wear. Remember that different trips may require other clothing depending on the environment, time of year, and weather conditions. But below are some of the best men’s backpacking clothes out on the market today!

The North Face Sierra Peak Down Hoodie

Down jackets are a must whenever you hit the backcountry, and my favorite is this north face. With an 800 fill count and its packability makes, it a must to keep you warm while backpacking.

Prana Men's Stretch Zion Pant

Easily one of the best investments you can make. Prana makes the best hiking pants. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they are sturdy. I have owned these pants for the past six years without so much as one hole in them!

Columbia Men's Watertight Rain Jacket:

You always need a rain jacket when you are out on the trail regardless if you are doing a day hike or a multi day backpacking trip. This Columbia men’s rain racket is light-weight comfortable and packs down easily.

Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Shirt

Okay, next up is the hiking shirt. So, to be honest with these, you can go with any breathable material, such as polyester or nylon. But I love this Under Armour Men’s T-Shirt. It’s lightweight, breathable, and affordable.

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

You need hiking socks! If you don’t believe that then read through my article “Are Hiking Socks Necessary 5 Reasons Why You Need A Pair.” I absolutely love the Darn Tough brand because of its variety of SKU’s, comfort, warmth, and not to mention they have a LIFETIME WARRANTY! If you do not already own a pair of these, you have to try them out.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not.

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Can You Hike In Gym Shorts? (2022)

Can You Hike Without A Shirt? (2022)

Outdoors for Beginners Clothing Gear Articles Hiking Basics

Can You Hike In Gym Shorts? (2022)

Post author By Dylan
Post date August 23, 2022

Can You Hike In Gym Shorts?

Even if you are going for a day hike, you always want to ensure you have the right clothes. But what if you don’t have hiking shorts or pants? Can you hike in gym shorts?

Yes, you most certainly can.

I typically wear gym shorts for day hikes or scorching hot days backpacking where the trail is well maintained. That way I do not have to worry about my legs getting scraped by branches and bushes.

Many people think you must wear dedicated shorts or pants whenever hiking, but that isn’t true. A pair of gym shorts will work just fine.

I wear these shorts all the time. I love their built-in liner. It helps keep me comfy even on longer treks.

Let’s dive into some of the pros and cons of hiking in gym shorts!

Pros Of Hiking In Gym Shorts

Although they are not specifically designed for hiking, gym shorts are a versatile article of clothing that gets the job done on the trail.

#1. You Probably Already Own A Pair

One of the pros of hiking in gym shorts is that you most likely already have a pair of shorts in your dresser, so that you can save the cash you would’ve otherwise spent on a new pair of hiking pants or shorts!

#2. They Are Super Comfy

If I could, I would wear gym shorts every single day of my life. What’s not to like about them? They are comfy, cheap, and easy to hike in!

#3. Keep You Cool On Hot Hikes

If you are hiking in intense heat, a nice pair of hiking shorts will do a great job keeping you nice and cool when on the trail but guess what, so will gym shorts!

#4. Lightweight

Gym shorts of often much lighter weight compared to hiking pants. This is beneficial for those trying to shred some weight off, but it comes at the cost of leaving your legs exposed to abrasions from branches on the trail.

#5. Increased Range Of Motion Compared To Hiking Pants:

Another excellent benefit of using gym shorts compared to hiking pants is that they provide a bit more range of motion when compared to hiking pants. This increase in mobility can be beneficial when scrambling or climbing over downed trees when out on the trail.

Cons To Hiking In Gym Shorts:

#1. Less Protection Than Hiking Pants

One of the major cons to hiking in gym shorts is that you are much more susceptible to scratches and abrasions from brush on the trail. You can usually deal with these minor scratches, but they can be avoided entirely by wearing hiking pants.

#2. Not As Water Resistant Compared To Hiking Pants Or Shorts

Another major drawback to hiking in gym shorts is that they are not as water resistant and quick drying as hiking shorts or pants. While during a day hike, this isn’t a huge deal because you can get change when you go home. However, this can be a major pain point on backpacking trips, and you may be stuck with wet shorts for the next few days if you encounter rain.

Can You Wear Gym Shorts For Backpacking?

Yes.

However, I would suggest getting a pair of shorts made of quick-drying material. This way, should you encounter inclement weather during your hike. You won’t have to worry about hiking in wet shorts the following day!

Do You Like Hiking In Gym Shorts?