Style Scenario: Hiking in the Great Outdoors

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. GORPcore might be all the fashion rage, but this stuff was meant to be used. Your local mountains, forests and parks are teeming with trails and open air. Hiking trails help open your mind and challenge your body, and aiding in the effort is your wardrobe. Aim for functional, breathable garments that are durable enough to handle a rock scramble but comfortable for all-day wear in variable temperatures. Bonus points for sustainability, which we’re aiming for a bit in the picks below.

The Shirt: The North Face Wander Longsleeve Tee in Monterey Blue – $45. Hefty price for what looks at first glance to be a basic longsleeve tee, but the features tell a different tale. Breathable lightweight moisture-wicking fabric with UPF15 sun protection. Not extra-strength UPF but better than basic. Even better, made from 96% recycled polyester, 4% elastane. Conscious consumerism is becoming ever more important, and the push toward sustainability in apparel manufacturing is a welcomed development many of us want to support.

The Pants: Eddie Bauer Pro Guide Pant in Storm Blue/Grey – $60. The best bang-for-your buck hiking pant in the business. Plenty of pockets for ample storage without looking hyper-technical, this guide pant from the storied Eddie Bauer checks all the basic boxes for your hiking needs: UPF 50 for sun protection, water repellant/moisture wicking finish, sustainable materials, odor resistant, and stretchy. Also available in a slim fit for even more tapered style.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Seacliffs in Black – $55. Sunski makes the best shades under a Benjamin for your outdoor adventures. Polarized. UVA/B/400 Protection and above-average trail style make these a winner.

The Bug Spray: Sawyer Picaridin Bug and Tick Repellent – $8.  Not all insect repellents are the same, and this is, by far, the most effective I’ve used. Routinely rated the best bug spray on the market, and for good reason. Picaridin is less harmful than DEET, while being quite effective without staining your clothing and gear. They even offer a version you can use to pre-treat your clothing for added defense against nasty insects – especially ticks.

Continuing exploring the top picks by Jason P here.