The Most Stylish Hiking Gear for Men to Wear on the Trails

Don’t consider this a guide to staying trendy, but more of a guide to looking good no matter what you get yourself into — after all, what’s the difference between dressing well to grab dinner and doing the same when you’re going hiking? The way we see it, you should be finding ways to stay sharp regardless of the occasion, which is why we’ve compiled an array of stylish pieces of hiking gear for men to wear when hitting the trails.

what makes hiking gear stylish?

If you’ve taken a closer look at what many people have been wearing lately, you’ll notice a familiar trend: it looks like a lot of them are getting ready to go camping. And while it may come across as unorthodox at first, it’s something we’ve grown used to, and anyone who hasn’t yet should surely try to. Hiking apparel has always been relatively fashionable, for the most part, and while that sentiment pertains to some pieces more than others, there’s no denying that many brands put a serious effort into crafting nothing short of the sleekest product possible when crafting their stylish hiking gear. However, like with any other branch of fashion, several select labels outdo their competitors from a form and function standpoint when it comes to fashionable outdoor clothing. 

What to look for

Use: Sure, you’ll be able to hike in all of this gear but make sure that it’s in the appropriate conditions. A short-sleeved shirt, for example, is best for short hikes and/or shaded trails, and not ideal for areas with a lot of sun exposure. Down jackets, on the other hand, look great but will definitely be too warm for some climates.

Material: No matter what kind of apparel you’re talking about, it should be rugged enough to handle the potential damage that hiking can cause. Abrasion-resistant and weatherproof fabric is a safe bet, and a lot of modern gear is lightweight enough to pack down/stow away for easy traveling. That said, this is a style guide, and there’s nothing wrong with sacrificing a little functionality for a look you like.

Fit: If you’re more concerned about style, then the fit of your hiking gear isn’t quite as important. But if you plan on seriously hitting the trails, then make sure everything fits properly (especially your shoes) so you’re safe and minimizing any potential accidents.

Style: We’ve broken this guide down into four categories covering our favorite tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. Keep in mind that many of these picks come in multiple colorways, so you can get that modern techwear look with an all-black pick, or that retro outdoor vibe with something more colorful.

TOPS

LULULEMON WATER-REPELLENT HIKING SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT

lululemon is relatively new to the hiking scene, and this unique top is one of its standouts. The Water-Repellent Hiking Short Sleeve Shirt is composed of water-and-abrasion-resistant materials that deem it ideal for unpredictable treks. It’s also refreshingly breathable thanks to its underarm mesh panels that keep air flowing in and out. Lastly, it comes available in a quartet of chic colors, so make sure to match the rest of your gear accordingly.

PATAGONIA CLASSIC RETRO-X JACKET

If you were a fan of the previous pick, then odds are you’ll appreciate this other outdoor icon. Patagonia’s Classic Retro-X Jacket implements elements of its iconic pile jackets and pulls it off in a sustainable manner. It is Fair Trade Certified and crafted from as much as 85% recycled polyester, so you’re doing the environment a favor by buying this, too. Above all else, it’s as warm as it looks, boasting windproof capabilities and quarter-inch pile fleece. There are a handful of colors to choose from, but the ‘Natural’ look is arguably the best.

THE NORTH FACE 1996 NUPTSE JACKET

TNF’s beloved puffer jackets sit in the same pantheon of outdoor outerwear as Patagonia’s fleece pieces, so it was only a matter of time before we brought one up. The S.F.-bred heritage brand’s retro-inspired 1996 Nuptse Jacket has a hefty 700-fill goose down for optimum warmth when needed and a water-repellent finish that makes it perfect for stormy forecasts. This unmistakable jacket is rounded out with a pair of zippered hand pockets for security, and a bungee cinch cord for adjustability, and is available in several colors. All in all, this might be the best cold-weather hiking jacket ever.

AND WANDER Logo-Print Shell Hooded Jacket

and Wander is one of the most influential brands in techwear right now, but it’s hard to outdo a jacket as versatile as this one. The Tokyo-bred label’s innovative garment features a chic spread collar and pleats at its single-button cuffs. It’s even rounded out with reflective contrast stitching for enhanced visibility. The sturdy yet lightweight nylon composition and armpit gussets mean this is a solid pick for working out as well.

Veilance EULER INSULATED JACKET

Arc’Teryx is manning the ship when it comes to the GORPcore trend, and the Canadian clothier’s Veilance collection only bolsters its catalog for the better. This handsome jacket is crafted from waterproof GORE-TEX, nylon, and cozy, Coreloft insulation that is as warm as it is breathable. Aside from comfort, it has a pair of zippered side pockets to stow your gear and two internal pockets.

BOTTOMS

GRAMICCI PANT

If you want to stay sleek on the trails without spending an arm and a leg, Gramicci’s legendary hiking pants are a perfect place to start. The popular bottoms are crafted from cotton with a soft hand feel for easy-going comfort. Then, they’re finished off with a built-in belt to provide you with maximum adjustability. Above all else, it’s a great choice if you have lunch plans after your trek, as they are simply versatile enough for any occasion.

ARC’TERYX Levon PANT

These versatile pants would look great with the aforementioned jacket from Arc’Teryx’s Veilance line, but they can easily stand alone, too. The Levon silhouette may appear streamlined, but there’s a major process that goes into designing the pants. It boasts a midweight, water-repellent composition that stays breathable and stretchy, meaning it checks every necessary box. Above all else, its velcro tabs at the waist are easy to adjust for a perfect fit.

Snow Peak Takibi Light Ripstop Easy Pants

It’s hard to determine what Snow Peak is better at manufacturing between gear and attire, so we figure it only makes sense to start by shedding some light on the latter. The Japanese heritage brand’s Takibi Light Ripstop Easy Pants has been heralded by countless hikers and GORPcore enthusiasts alike thanks to its double knee reinforcement and unique fire-resistant finish, the latter of which is thanks to its cotton and Kanecaron-blend.

NIKE ACG SMITH SUMMIT

Nike’s outdoor-centric sub-label crafts a pair of water-repellent hiking bottoms that could very well be deemed the most popular in this category. The Oregon-bred brand’s ACG Smith Summit serves as much more than a pair of durable pants, as they can easily convert into a pair of shorts when the temperature picks up, so you can adjust them as you see fit. Speaking of fit, the bottoms are rounded out with an elastic waistband and a buckled webbed belt to ensure the perfect size.

CANADA GOOSE TUNDRA PANT

Like any product from Canada Goose, the Tundra Pant is engineered to tackle the Canadian climate with its 625-fill power duck-down insulation, which makes it the ideal choice for cold-weather adventures. While the technical bottoms could double as loungewear at first glance, they boast a sturdy composition that throws that notion out the window. Thanks to their water-resistant outer layer, knee reinforcement, and added seat panel, there’s no need to worry about wear and tear coming along anytime soon. For added functionality, they feature a set of pockets and belt clips.

SHOES

HOKA ANACAPA 2 MID GTX

This brand may be best known for its supportive running shoes, but the Anacapa 2 Mids make enough of a statement on their own. It features waterproof nubuck leather and GORE-TEX on the upper, EVA midsoles for support and balance, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole for reliable traction. So you get the best of HOKA’s running shoe support with the protection of a hiking boot.

ADIDAS TERREX FREE HIKEr GORE-TEX 2.0

Like most products from adidas TERREX, this streamlined pair of sneakers still has a touch of streetwear influence to them thanks to the unmistakable three stripes. The shoe’s GORE-TEX membrane is its main draw, but several other elements bolster its composition. The two most notable components are the brand’s proprietary Primeknit-crafted upper that paves the way for optimized breathability, and the Boost cushioning that provides robust energy return with every step you take.

On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof

While you may be familiar with ON’s acclaimed running shoes, its other branches of performance-tailored footwear are just as noteworthy. The Cloudrock 2 Waterproof sits on the Swiss shoemaker’s signature Missiongrip sole for maximum traction along any terrain. Plus, the shoe is sustainably made, using recycled Polyurethane to craft its waterproof membrane, while roughly 20% of the shoe is recycled, overall.

ROA ANDREAS HIKING BOOT

As a fashionable stalwart in the techwear community, it only made sense for ROA to come through with a reliable yet futuristic hiking shoe. The hiking boot features a variety of elements that make the Andreas silhouette so great, to begin with, including a grippy Vibram outsole and metal-fitted lacing closure. Then, it’s made even sleeker with reflective embellishments and a Kudu leather upper.

MONCLER VANCOUVER STRIPED SUEDE HIKING BOOTS

It’s hard to top Moncler when it comes to high-end outdoor apparel, and that much is made clear with one look at these city-ready boots. The suede-crafted Vancouver stompers are as versatile as it gets. They serve as a seamless blend between upscale dress shoes and weather-ready boots, so you can throw them on for any scenario that comes to mind. The sleek Sand colorway is exclusive to MR PORTER, which has never steered anyone the wrong way in the style department, so there’s no need to second guess how fashionable these are.

ACCESSORIES

THE JAMES BRAND THE REDSTONE

The James Brand’s Redstone has become one of the gear space’s hottest commodities, and for good reason. The pocketable folding knife oozes style as a result of its array of colorways, but this woodsy, tonal look is our personal favorite. While this model is a Huckberry exclusive, it features all the same elements that make the standard version so great, like a 2.5” drop point Sandvik 12C27 steel blade and a unique island design on the handle that allows you to achieve the perfect grip.

SNOW PEAK X-PAC NYLON WAIST BAG

As we said earlier, you can never go wrong with clothes or gear from Snow Peak, so why not consider picking up two pieces? The X-Pac Nylon Waist Bag is water-resistant, UV-ray resistant, and, above all else, conveniently lightweight, so you can safely stow your gear without worrying about toting any extra weight. Plus, thanks to its distinct pair of straps, you can wear it around the waist or as a crossbody.

VEILANCE BUCKET HAT

Anything you buy from Veilance, ArcTeryx’s premium sub-label, is sure to bode well out on the trails, and this GORE-TEX-crafted bucket hat is one of many examples in the accessory department. Do yourself a favor by withstanding the elements with the help of this sleek, piece of headwear fit with a hidden adjustable cord.

RUMPL PUFFY BLANKET

Rumpl’s flagship product is available in an endless array of colors, so you can choose the option that suits you best. Most importantly, the water-and-stain-resistant Puffy Blanket is sustainably made from post-consumer recycled materials and is incredibly easy to wash. All you’ll need to do is toss it into the machine and call it a day — but, its DWR finish guarantees that you won’t need to do so very often.

DISTRICT VISION TAKEYOSHI ALTITUDE SUNGLASSES

While District Vision’s catalog predominantly pertains to running, the niche L.A.-bred lens crafter’s Takeyoshi Altitude shades are perfect for taking on the backcountry. It features a lightweight titanium core for mobility’s sake and a hypoallergenic notepad for easy wearability. Most importantly, the brand’s shatterproof and oil-resistant D+ Water Gray lenses are made to take on water-based activities, deeming it an ideal pair in case you come across a lake or river on your next adventure.

The Best Hiking Gear Essentials

Now that you’ve tackled how to look good on the trails, all you need is the right gear to go along with it. Find all the hiking essentials necessary with help from our guide.