Hiking kit
Versatile, breathable and lightweight hiking kit for wild swimmers
ALPKIT Picu Tee
£36.99
Although it might look and feel like a well-loved soft cotton t-shirt, the Picu Tee is surprisingly technical with quick-wicking properties that moves sweat away from your skin so you won’t feel clammy on the trails, and articulated sleeves and natural stretch for ease of movement. It doesn’t have the odour-resistant qualities of merino or some synthetic materials, but if you’re after an everyday t-shirt to take you from trail to pub, this is a great option.
BAM Everyway Hybrid Fleece
£145
This versatile, multi-wear design fleece has so many features that work for wild swimmers: a generous fit for layering; removable poppered sleeves; quilted insulation; soft inner lining; and a serious 460gsm fabric weight for post-dip warmth. With it’s oversized fit and bulk, it’s better suited to short swim-hikes rather than proper hikes. Consider sizing down if you prefer it less oversized.
PASSENGER Men’s Light Ray Lightweight UPF50 LS T-Shirt
£54.95
This top arrived perfectly timed for the late-June heatwave, when temperatures sat consistently in the mid-30s, so I ended up wearing it for almost the entire week. The classic fit balances coverage perfectly – not too tight and not too loose. The fabric blend (made partly with recycled polyester with 9% elastane) makes it feel incredibly light and quick-drying, offering plenty of active stretch that feels barely there. The UPF50 rating claims to block 98% of the sun’s rays, but on the rare occasions a breeze stirred the air, the ventilation of the lightweight knit combined with the long raglan sleeves made it feel noticeably cooler and allowed for total freedom of movement.
PASSENGER Women’s Roundtrip Trail Short 5”
£54.95
These are exceptional all-rounder hiking shorts. The 5” (13cm) inseam strikes the perfect balance for summer – it feels completely unrestrictive for walking and running, but the relaxed, active silhouette offers a comfortably modest fit compared to clingy biker shorts of the same length. The mid-waist cut features a wide, soft-stretch elasticated waistband, while a high elastane concentration distributes pressure evenly across the hips so they never dig in, while the interior drawcord keeps them firmly locked in place even when the pockets are fully loaded. The synthetic fabric is lightweight, quick-drying and draws sweat away from the body to prevent chafing. I’ve been putting these through their paces on trail runs and heavily appreciate the zippered back pocket, which features an extended pull-tab that keeps my keys completely secure without bouncing.
BAM Enduro Side Pocket Leggings
£55
I love these leggings! Best suited to cooler weather, they’re made with a heavyweight 355gsm knit that offers a good level of compression and opacity. Built with a premium blend of 88% natural plant fibres (64% bamboo viscose and 24% organic cotton) combined with 12% elastane, the material feels substantial, supportive and soft against the skin. Plus, the bamboo viscose is naturally highly absorbent and breathable, drawing sweat away from the body. I’ve found the two angled thigh side pockets perfectly positioned to secure a phone and keys without shifting. I’m looking forward to wearing these leggings throughout the autumn and winter. JT
EIVY Oversized Outdoor Pants
€119,95
These oversized wind-resistant trousers are exceptionally lightweight and versatile for all seasons. I love the baggy, ‘parachute’ silhouette, which you can easily layer over thermal leggings in the deepest winter or throw them over a swimsuit on windy summer days. The 100% Nylon shell fabric provides an excellent wind barrier and is paired with a 100% Polyester mesh lining so it never clings to your skin. This combination, alongside the voluminous shape, creates fantastic internal airflow and moisture management. The fit is incredibly adaptable: integrated drawstrings at the leg openings cinch tightly at the ankle to lock out mud and drafts, or loosen to drape over chunky hiking boots, while a small built-in adjustable belt. Secure zippered front hand pockets seal the deal for keeping valuables safe on the move. They also come in a standout leopard print, just to say!
THE BEAR & WOLF CO, Merino Rambler Socks
£18
These are the kind of socks you slip on and exhale; they really are that comfortable, cushioned in the high impact areas with elastic arch support to keep them snug and secure. Made with a 81% merino wool blend, they’re naturally breathable, moisture-wicking and odour-resistant – all great qualities for pulling onto damp post-swim feet.
AYACUCHO Adventure Jacket II
£85
For the price, this is an exceptional hiking jacket. With its fully-taped seams, storm flap over the zips, protective membrane and eco-friendly DWR finish, its waterproof and breathability rating is well above other entry-level raincoats. It packs down into its own pocket, with a carry strap, so easy to grab from your backpack, and has a peaked adjustable hood to keep the wind out.
KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Boot
£150
Gone are the days when hiking boots were all brown or black. We love this new colourful range of lightweight hiking boots with wonderfully descriptive names like ‘fig and burnt brick’ and ‘lemongrass’. Like most KEEN styles, they’re straight-out-of-the-box comfortable and feel more like trainers, with a roomy toe box so you can spread your toes, and a bouncy foam that cushions your footfalls.
BAM Quilted Fleece Hybrid Gilet
£89
This BAM quilted sleeveless vest has converted me to gilets. I put it on over a base layer after a cool early-summer swim and soon noticed the difference. The warmth is real but subtle; and the fact that it doesn’t bulk up your arms and shoulders feels liberating. The gilet is also lightweight, so you can almost forget you’re wearing it. It has two external zip pockets and an internal chest pocket that fis a phone. It copes well with being crumpled into your swimming bag, too. It’s comfortable, packable and warmer than it looks – but be aware that the sizing is generous.
ALPKIT Arco Crop Top
£29.99
A hiking crop top for people who wouldn’t usually think of wearing a crop top, this long-line design has a shelf bra offering light-to-moderate support. The high stretch fabric means it stays put while the wide crossover straps feel comfortable. It’s moisture wicking and exceptionally fast-drying so we feel like you could even wear it for a spontaneous dip.
VIVOBAREFOOT Tracker Textile AT II
£180
Suited best to narrow feet, these barefoot shoes took a few walks to break in, but are now super comfortable. They feel light and agile, made with a flexible 2.5mm base that lets your feet move naturally and feel the terrain. Their no-sew construction makes them remarkably waterproof; they stay dry even when crossing flowing water, so great for accessing swim spots.
BAM Ultimate Travel Cargo Shorts
£65
These cargo style shorts strike a good balance between being lightweight and robust. The durable stretch twill fabric comes ‘pre-washed’ meaning they feel soft and broken-in right from the first wear; it’s also a relatively sturdy fabric so the two zipped thigh pockets don’t sag when filled. Made with organic cotton, these aren’t technical hiking shorts, so they will absorb water in a downpour, but for casual walks they’re spot on. SC
EIVY Venture Biker Minus Shorts
49,95 EUR
The shorter version of the best-selling Venture Biker Shorts by Swedish outdoor brand Eivy, these versatile biker shorts work well for hiking, running and everyday wear. The high-rise waist band stays firmly put, no annoying rolling, and provides gentle core support, while two deep stretchy side pockets keep your phone and keys secure even when scrambling or running. The fabric has a slight sheen and is fast-drying, moisture-wicking and has flat-lock seems so it doesn’t rub.
M&S GOODMOVE Go Discover Stormwear™ Walking Leggings
£36
While you could hike in most active-wear leggings, this M&S Goodmove pair is made with innovative fabrics and packed with useful features that make them a better choice. For a start, they’re made with Stormwear™, a water repellent finish to keep you dry in light showers, with a soft brushed thermal lining that retains body warmth. Two zip pockets, a stretchy thigh pocket and a D-ring mean you can keep your essentials secure.
FINDRA Alys
£45
This ultralight merino vest works so well for a warm-weather hike. It’s made with a blend of ethically-sourced merino (84%) with Nylon (12%) and spandex (4%), meaning it will last longer than a 100% merino base layer, has a lovely tensile stretch and hangs beautifully – not skin tight but with a gentle tailoring at the waist. The high merino content means it regulates your temperature, wicks sweat and stays smelling fresh for days.
THE BEAR & WOLF CO, The Traverse Shirt
£65
This long-sleeve base layer is Bear & Wolf Co’s first foray into technical apparel and it’s impressive. The bamboo-blend fabric feels exceptionally soft and comfortable, with none of the scratchiness of synthetic base layers and the right amount of stretch to hold its shape. Lightweight yet warm, the bamboo naturally regulates your temperature, moving sweat away from your body. The minimal branding means it works well for a post-hike pub, too.
PASSENGER Boondocker Hip Pack
£31.95
Save your pockets! This hiking bumbag is like a Tardis; its six-litre capacity easily fits a water bottle, phone and snacks – even a lightweight waterproof – without being at all bulky. Plus, it has three zipped pockets and a key clip for securing your cards and valuables. We love that it’s made using fabric scraps from Passenger’s Boondocker backpacks to reduce textile waste and comes in all kinds of fun colours, as well as black.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
