REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is a great option for people who prefer to avoid merino wool. Whether worn layered or on its own, it is soft and fitted without being too tight for all-day wear.
For people who prefer to avoid merino wool, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is soft enough to wear all day. It’s fitted without being too tight, and you can layer it or wear it on its own.
Other things to know: A good choice if you aren’t ready to invest in wool thermal underwear, though it might not last as long. Available in select colors and sizes. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms
These stretchy, comfortable leggings are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so they’re form-fitting without feeling overly tight. They’re substantial enough to be styled on their own, but you can also layer them under clothes for extra warmth.
Stretchy, form-fitting, and extremely comfortable, these base-layer bottoms deftly transition between outdoors and indoor activities. Their design also includes a fly, a feature even more-expensive leggings often don’t have.
Other things to know: No longer a formal pick, but we did test and do recommend these bottoms. None of our testers had anything bad to say about this option, but merino base layers are a better investment. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
One of our favorite sun-protective hoodies, this good-all-around pullover offers a nice balance of price, performance, and style. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
This sun-protective pullover is suitable for hiking, drinking coffee on your deck, or walking a dog. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
Other things to know: No pockets. Not the most breathable hoodie we tested (fine for summer hikes in the Northeast, but we found it too warm for running on a 78 ˚F day). Less structured hood than other options we tried. Women’s comes in sizes XS to XL and 1X to 3X. Men’s comes in sizes S to XXXL, including tall sizes.
Read more: Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love.
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
A low profile and mesh exterior make these lightweight hiking shoes ideal for shorter or warmer day trips when you don’t need ankle boots. The toe box isn’t overly narrow or restrictive and there’s zero break-in time, so you can jump feet-first into adventures.
Great for situations when you don’t need full-on hiking boots that lace up to your ankle, these hiking shoes feature a wide, roomy toe box and zero break-in time. With a low-top style and mesh exterior, they’re ideal for relatively warm conditions.
Other things to know: Available in multiple colors and sizes.
Read more: The Best Gear to Bring to a National Park
Saucony Guide 17 running shoes
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that’s rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that’s rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
Other things to know: The heel-to-toe drop feels a little more pronounced compared with the previous version, giving them more of a tilted-forward feel. May be a hard shoe to break in if you have weaker ankles.
Read more: How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for You
