Best Outdoor Apparel and Outdoor Clothing Brands in 2024

My husband is an avid hiker. No month goes by that he's not out in the woods, conquering mountains, or hiking just for fun. So, when it comes to outdoor apparel and gear, I know he's had some cool discoveries, trusted brands, and bad experiences! 

I'll share with you everything I've learned about choosing outdoor gear. I'll also explain how to pick the right apparel and which brands to choose from to help you find what you need. 

This way, you won't have to come home with the soles of your hiking boots barely hanging on, like my husband did a long time ago!

What is Outdoor Apparel?

But what is outdoor apparel anyway? Men's or women's outdoor apparel refers to clothing and footwear for outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing.

The type of outdoor apparel you need varies depending on what activity it's intended for and what climate you use it in. For instance, if you're going hiking, you'll wear a different type of shoes than if you're going skiing. 

The type of outdoor gear you'll use in warmer temperatures will also vary from the gear you'll use in winter.

Outdoor Apparel for Hiking in Summer

Trust me, when you're hiking for days under the heavy heat of the sun, you'll thank yourself for choosing the right type of hiking gear. 

So, what should you choose if you're planning a hiking trip for the first time or need an upgrade to your hiking apparel? Here are the basics for hiking apparel in summer:

A Breathable Shirt

Choose a breathable, quick-dry shirt. You'll be sweating a lot, so consider nylon or polyester, which don't stick to your skin when sweating. These synthetic fabrics are also ideal because they're lightweight and quickly dry.

Hiking Pants or Shorts

Hiking pants are the best choice for hiking in warm climates. They're designed to be lightweight, don't stick to the skin, and dry quickly. This way, you won't feel icky while sweating.

If you'd rather wear shorts, they'll keep you cooler. But remember that you'll be brushing against twigs, shrubs, and branches. You may also invite lots of mosquito bites, especially if you're hiking long.

Wool Socks

Stay away from cotton socks! If you sweat a lot like me, your feet will be soaked when you're hiking. Cotton socks are terrible for this! They keep moisture in, so you'll have wet socks the rest of the way. 

Wool socks, on the other hand, dry quickly, which is great for preventing blisters and keeping you comfortable.

Headgear

Wear a wide-brimmed hat, baseball cap, or a visor to protect you from the worst of the heat. Choose something with a sweatband to keep sweat from dripping down to your eyes. 

3 Tips for Picking Outdoor Apparel for Summer Hikes

By now, you must have already looked at some outdoor apparel for summer hiking, and you're probably thinking there are just too many options! So let me simplify the process by giving you 3 key tips for choosing your outdoor apparel:

3. Comfort Is Key

My husband always stresses this when we look for outdoor gear or clothes. 

Especially in tropical countries, the heat can be pretty extreme. And if you're not wearing comfortable clothes, they will wear you down and even interfere with how well you navigate the trail. So, always choose lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying material for shirts and bottoms. 

Also, wear clothes that fit you well and aren't too tight or loose. Some people like hiking in figure-hugging leggings, and that's okay for short hikes. But I've found that they feel suffocating when I'm going on longer hikes, even when they're made of breathable fabric.

2. Lightweight but Functional

Your ideal hike wear will always be lightweight, but it should also be functional. There's a relatively new term in the outdoor apparel industry today: Techwear. 

Simply put, it means clothes and gear made using advanced technology to protect you from extreme weather conditions.

A great example of this is hiking clothes made of Merino wool. These are excellent at regulating temperatures even when wet and dry very quickly. What's more? They're antimicrobial and will keep you from being a stink bomb on a multi-day hiking trip.

1. Quality Over Cost

Excellent quality outdoor apparel usually comes with a hefty price tag. But investing in reliable, durable, and long-lasting gear is better now than buying new items every time you hike. 

Let me talk about when my husband's hiking shoes completely fell apart. They were a pair of Merrell hiking shoes. To be fair, they'd been unused for a while, which tends to make some shoes brittle. They also weren't intended for extreme trails, which explains the fairly low price.

When my husband used the shoes on a week-long hiking trip, they barely held together. That's why you should always choose quality apparel over cheap items that won't last.

For instance, if you're going on a beginner-level trail, you can do it with a pair of casual hiking shoes. But if you're crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and going into the deep unknown, it's better to invest in gear that will take you there and back safely and comfortably.

What is an Outdoor Apparel Company Specializing in Sportswear?

Today, there are more outdoor apparel brands than ever before to choose from. Here are 3 of the best outdoor apparel brands offering excellent sportswear for your next summer hike.

Patagonia

Is Patagonia high quality? It has some of the best summer hiking gear you'll find anywhere. It's great at producing casual outdoor wear, ideal for summer hikes and winter gear. Patagonia is a little pricey, but you'll never go wrong with the quality of its products.

Columbia

Columbia is the brand to choose if you want affordable, good-quality, casual outdoor wear. However, it's not the most durable compared to Patagonia and other outdoor apparel brands. But they have some great prices and some quality outdoor apparel.

Arc'teryx

Arc'teryx is another brand that's very well-known for its technical outdoor wear. It's exceptional at protecting against extreme weather conditions, like heavy rains, and holding up with frequent use. 

Is Arc'teryx the best brand? Its outdoor apparel is well-made and durable, but there are more affordable options than Arc'teryx.

You might also like to explore REI, Sierra Trading Post, and The North Face.

Find The Best Outdoor Apparel Brands for Your Next Summer Hike!

Now that you know how to pick the best outdoor apparel for your next summer hiking trip, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.