This spring, I brought a stack of flannels to wear around the chalet on a ski trip to the Alps. We were visiting a lodge on the French-Italian border for some après-heavy backcountry skiing: Plaid shirts, warm fires, morning coffee in tiny cups — that type of stuff. The days were crisp, and the mountains were calling.

I’ve never worn a flannel skiing and wouldn’t recommend a cotton flannel while wringing out a sweat in the backcountry. But this was France, and the shirt was uniquely tailored for the experience.

The Pladra Workhorse Wool is the first from the brand to use the sheep’s clothing, and I ended up shouldering the cut for a 10-mile tour, up and over the resort and off into the backcountry void by skis.

Wool is the OG of flannel, but it can feel scratchy against the skin. After years of flirting with the idea, the team at Pladra — one of my favorite purveyors of flannel — finally brings a wool flannel to market. It was the most rigorous testing I’ve done on a flannel, and frankly, I’m a convert.

In short: While not cheap, a fantastic fit and close attention to details make Pladra’s Workhorse Wool a heritage-quality shirt that is up for a work-hard/play-hard lifestyle.

Looking for a new flannel? Check out how the Workhorse Wool stacks up against the rest of the competition in GearJunkie’s Best Men’s Flannel Buyer’s Guide.

Pladra Workhorse Wool Flannel

$199 at Pladra

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Materials: 70% wool, 20% polyester, 10% viscose heavyweight brushed flannel
• Fabric weight: 400 g/m²
• Garment weight: 1 lb., 2 oz.
• Fit: Appropriately roomy
• Best for: Classing up your wardrobe with wool, and durable enough to handle light chores

Pros

• Fantastic fit
• Soft and plush
• Fat, easy-to-use buttons
• Beautiful ombre pattern
• 400 g/m² fabric is deceptively light

Cons

• Some subtle scratchiness, but the softest, most wearable wool we’ve shouldered in this weight

Steve Graepel

Pladra Workhorse Wool Flannel: Review

Flannels shouldn’t be hard, complex, or wildly different. A good flannel follows the rules of taking a twill and brushing it into submission until it yields a soft, lofty nap we warmly know as flannel.

Pladra takes this and elevates the overall shirt with consistent attention to detail. Never satisfied with a shirt, the brand is constantly seeking ways to make it better. And this is precisely what keeps launching Pladra to the top of my list.

Company Backstory

In the world of flannel, Pladra is a relatively new player. But the founders, Jeff Ladra (P-Ladra — get it?) and Scott Ellis, earned their stripes. Both have worked in the textile market at Jansport and The North Face, where they shared an office and a vision: to make a flannel for the modern guy, updating the traditional, boxy flannel shirt with a modern styling and a tailored fit.

Known for its fun, woodland print liners, Pladra started with two shirts: a mid-weight, single-pocket shirt and a heavier two-pocket flannel.

The lineup has expanded since, adding more fabric weights and improving durability and quality, but the mission hasn’t changed. The Workhorse is an evolution of the original, two-pocket work shirt that adheres to the pursuit of quality and value.

Over my tenure overseeing flannels at GearJunkie, I’ve probably shouldered some 200+ flannels. Many follow the same “plaid” loft with nothing particularly noteworthy. Since I’ve tried on Pladra, I’ve ranked its shirts at or near the top of our list. They are just that good.

The brand’s north star is brushed twill, focusing on high-quality flannel. While the Workhorse Wool is its first foray into wool, it’s a testament to the continued pursuit of quality craftsmanship and my favorite shirt from Pladra yet.

How I Tested the Workhorse Wool Flannel

At GearJunkie, I primarily test travel pants and flannels. As our de facto fashion blogger, I wear them daily to work and put them to task on weekends, repairing my old Land Rover and taming yard debris. I pack them when I travel, tote them backpacking, and wear them occasionally when I work out.

Beyond testing, I study fabrics and thread counts and collect charts comparing grams/meter squared. Corner me at a bar, and I can be coerced into chatting up the qualities of brushed twill and what truly elevates a flannel to something worth buying.

Why Wool?

While the first flannels were originally made from wool, prized by shepherds for deflecting wind and rain in the rolling Welsh hills, Pladra took its time before releasing a wool flannel.

Unlike cotton, fabricating flannel out of wool is tricky. Factories need to closely monitor temperature and humidity (keeping it at 50-60% humidity). Not every factory can do it, or do it well.

So when Pladra considered wool, it took its time to find a good partner. And because Pladra is known for its buttery-soft cotton, it wanted to release a wool shirt that is equally approachable to its audience.

The sourced wool fibers are carded and combed, with the short staple fibers being machine-trimmed to leave the more stable, long staple fibers. Overlapping scales on the long wool fibers interlock, giving the fabric more durability.

Pladra then weaves viscose and polyester fibers with the wool. A wood-pulp-based fabric that mimics the qualities of silk, viscose adds softness, while polyester adds durability and quick-drying qualities.

The blend weighs in at a deceptively light 400 gsm. This threads a sweet spot preserving all that I love about wool (durability, antimicrobial, UV blocking, good moisture and temperature regulation), but feels significantly less scratchy, wears durably, and drapes exceptionally smooth. The result is a comfortable fabric that you can wear in the field as well as out to dinner.

And that’s just how I tested it on a recent trip to the French Alps, where I skied off the top of the Sainte Foy resort and out into a 10-mile day in the backcountry. The route covered some 6,000 feet of elevation before dumping me off at the resort.

Worn alone, it reminds me of merino but has the “oomph” of a midweight fleece. Under the bluebird sky on the sun-baked glacier, I comfortably shouldered the Workhorse Wool as both insulation and sun protection.

The route dropped down through the woods back to the chalet, where I marched up to the bar, stench- and wrinkle-free, toasting the day with génépi. Everything is arguably better in the French Alps. And I usually don’t ski in flannel. But the shirt worked flawlessly in the field, and I still wear the Workhorse Wool to work.

A Rugged Construction

Two things weigh into a great shirt. Fabric comes first. The second is how the fabric panels are sewn together. Pladra marries the two with mindful intent.

All seams on Pladra shirts are double stitched, with triple stitching between the panels across the yoke and top of the shoulders. The sides and arms are sewn to the Workhorse using fully flat-felled seams that roll the two abutting fabric panels over each other, and are then tacked down flat with a double stitch for extra reinforcement.

The best way to appreciate how cleanly a shirt is constructed is to turn it inside out. And we’d forgive you if you walked out the door wearing it so. Workhorse Wool is as clean as they come. From fabric to seams, the shirt is extremely well built.

Minding the Details

Pladra’s signature is the beautifully printed polyester backing found inside the cuff, under the collar, linking, and yoke over the shoulders. The brand partners with an artist who designs prints to match the four corners of the States: the desert Southwest, the Pacific Northwest, the North Country, and the Southeast.

The prints are always a conversation starter and add some collectability to the shirts from year to year. All Pladra shirts are cut and sewn to match the pattern on the sides and pockets. The ombré pattern on the Workhorse Wool transitions seamlessly across the shirt in a fluidly shifting gradient.

New last year, all Pladra shirts are released with buttons sewn with an X cross-stitch. These are then finished by wrapping the stem between the button and the fabric. This adds significant durability to your buttons, reducing the chances of them popping off. While I’ve never had a button pop off a Pladra shirt, now I don’t have to worry about it.

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Downsides

While the Workhorse Wool is nearly perfect, it still has a few quibbles. The wool blend is durable, but it noticeably sheds. I reached out to Pladra, and they shared that this is normal for wool and should slow down over time. It gets better over time.

Although I worked out in my shirt, it still has a more formal vibe, emphasized by the wildlife liners. It dresses up more than most flannels, and depending on how “dive” your bar is, it could get some looks. But most appreciate the extra details more often than not.

Lastly, we can’t overlook the price. At $200, it’s a lot of coin for a shirt. Twice as much as most other flannels. But compared to other wool shirts on the market, we feel you get what you pay for. The thickness, comfort, and overall range of use exceed the competition.

Competition

Wool is nothing new to the world of flannel. Pendleton has a few great shirts, including its Board Shirt, which imbues cool surfer vibes, is more casually styled, and uses a much lighter wool. Pendleton’s Lodge is slightly more formal than the Board and uses the same 178 gsm fabric, but feels scratchier than the Workhorse Wool.

Anian’s Berlino is a hearty 500 gsm felted wool-nylon blend athletically fitted overshirt. It’s a bit much to wear against the skin and doesn’t drape as well as Pladra’s, but it’s a nice upgrade to any wardrobe.

But neither brings the quality, comfort, and ease of flexibility between work and leisure that Pladra offers with its Workhorse.

Pladra Workhorse Wool Flannel: Final Thoughts

Just under $200, the Workhorse Wool Flannel is creeping into real money. Pladra gets this and sells a cotton version of its Workhorse (180 gsm) for just over $100. A plusher “elite” version (268 gsm) is available for $140. All have the same work-light styling and Pladra’s attention to detail.

But if you are looking for a fantastic wool shirt that you can wear daily, even breaking a sweat, the Workhorse Wool sets the high bar for flannel.

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My greatest fear surfaces in a deep panic before a big trip: “Did I pack the charger? Do I have my passport? Did I stop the mail?” Outside a spreadsheet stacked deep with satisfying checkboxes, the key to traveling stress-free is keeping my kit organized. Transitions between destinations flow more easily when everything has its place, especially with my need-to-haves.

Sure, you can wear any pants when traveling. But a good pair of travel pants protects your legs in the field, organizes your daily carry, and covers your six when you decide to take that shady detour through the open market in Huaraz. This year, Bluffworks released a revamped version of its travel pant, the Envoy Lightweights, refining the pockets and shedding some of the ‘office’ formality.

The Envoy is a better match for warm-weather travelers and suits those who prefer to get a little scrappy outside. It’s not the one-and-done pants for every adventure, but it’s a good compromise that will meet most travel needs. 

In short: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pant ($125) is an excellent choice for men who want a lightweight travel pant that suits up well for dinner on the town, but doesn’t shy away from some adventure on the side. Fewer pockets, less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pant with its Envoy Lightweight Travel pants.

Looking for a new pair of travel pants? Check out where the Envoy Lightweights compare and contrast to the rest of the options out there in GearJunkie’s Best Travel Pants for Men Buyer’s Guide.

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

$125 at Bluffworks

9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight: 210 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 15 oz.
• DWR: No

Pros

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list

Cons

• The rear device pocket is hard to access when seated
• Lacks a DWR

Steve Graepel

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pant: Review

Bluffworks Travel Pant 2.0

Founded in 2012, Bluffworks rapidly rose to the top of the travel pant genre with its venerable Ascender Chino. Purpose-built for life on the road, the pants became the darling of the internet. Globetrotters flocked to them, lauding the pants’ travel chops. The material is robust, and the pocket game is deep. The stalwart has been a contender in my top pant lineup for 5 years running. 

My gripes were mostly superficial. Pockets inside pockets made accessing some contents difficult. That, and they were styled a little too Martha’s Vineyard. It was a personal choice, but it didn’t meet most travelers where we were.

That was then. This year, Bluffworks released a new, lighter-weight, more adventure-friendly pant, the Envoy Lightweight Travel Pant. I’ve been kicking them around for 6 months now, and they’ve addressed our issues head-on. More durable, better pockets, but still sharp enough to pair up with a deconstructed blazer.

Travel-Tested Materials

It takes a lot of confidence to pivot on an already great concept and consider dipping a toe into the dark waters of something better. Loved by customers, the Ascenders set a very high bar. So when the team began looking to make a new pant, they took their time and treaded carefully. It started with the fabric first. 

After evaluating reams of polyester, Bluffworks narrowed it down to two materials that went through a battery of tests, including its own in-house friction machine to flush out the most durable twill. The brand landed on a recycled poly blend that drapes well, has great stretch, and deflects wrinkles when stuffed in a carry-on.

The material has a tighter weave than the twill used in the Ascender. It’s more durable but still breathable. To up the comfort, the recycled polyester blend generously weaves some spandex into the mix. I tested the slim pants, and the spandex doesn’t bind or snug tightly around the calves. The four-way stretch gives you unrestricted movement.

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Serious Stitching

The best fabric choices don’t matter if you don’t consider the stitching. Intentional and intricate, Bluffworks marries the fabric with a high-quality polyester thread that deliberately stretches with the panels. By varying the stitches per inch, the pants have more sewn-in durability in high-wear locations like the hip and crotch but fewer stitches (and bulk) in the legs.  

Flat sewn stitches tack the high-stress regions together, like the inseam. The outer leg applies less stress on the pant, so Bluffworks joins the two panels with a chain stitch tacked down with two passes of reinforced stitching.

The Envoys are not overbuilt; they are appropriately built. This combination adds durability where you need it and yields flexible comfort where you want it. 

Secure Storage

Like the Ascenders, the Envoy’s hide ample security pockets in the pants. Unlike the Ascenders, they are more purposeful. The Envoy dropped the hidden document/cash pocket that was accessed by unzipping the front fly. (As if walking through TSA hasn’t become awkward enough.) And the Envoys reduced the number of hidden sleeve pockets, which, frankly, nobody really puts to use. 

The pockets are cleaner, more intuitive, and dedicated. Each hand pocket has an additional internal zipper pocket.

Both rear pockets zip shut, and a new stealth slash pocket zips down the right thigh. They still stitch in a sleeve pocket. It’s inside the right-hand pocket and is large enough to hold your phone down to your thigh. We prefer to keep our coins in it, though. It’s large enough to reach inside to scoop out your euros. 

My favorite pocket remains the signature Bluffworks device pocket. Sewn into the waist hem, the sleeve locks the phone to the back hip. This keeps the device above the butt when seated and is a great dedicated space for easy access on the go. You don’t need to unzip it when you want to snap a quick photo or check an alert, and it eliminates any bounce or slapping against the body.

Some of the GJ staff didn’t like this pocket when they first saw it in the Ascender. They preferred to lock the phone away under a zipper pocket on the thigh.

Fortunately, the new slash pocket and front sleeve pockets are large enough to do just that. And I’d recommend doing so when crushing through a season of inflight documentaries, or walking in higher-risk areas, like London, where a quick bump and an “excuse me,” can lift a phone without you knowing.

Most manufacturers make a phone pocket an “either/or” option. They have a zippered back pocket, but no slash pocket. Or a device sleeve on the thigh, but no zipper pocket. With the Envoys, you have options. All of them. If you’d rather store the phone on your thigh, you can do just that.

Lastly, the Envoys increased the number of zippered pockets from three in the Ascender to five. That’s a lot of security options and potential rigidity in a pant. Bluffworks uses a nimble nylon zipper. It drapes better and allows you to breeze through baggage check without tripping the metal detector. 

All-Day Comfort

For a pant that doesn’t have gussets or articulating panels sewn with body-forming darts, they fit sneaky good. Here, too, we can thank Bluffworks’ choice in fabric, stitching, and its general understanding of the human form. The four-way stretch gives you ample mobility on hikes up steep hills with light scrambling. They don’t bind in the crotch or compress around the calves. They move with you. 

The belt-friendly waistband uses the same stretchy poly and is embossed with a tacky-silicone “Bluffworks” logo. The tabs keep the pants up on the go without a belt, but also give a little when seated, and don’t bind at the hip. The front closes with a button and nylon zipper fly.

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants: Conclusion

Nearly the perfect pant — the Envoy Lightweights are not without limits. There’s no DWR, no tool clip, or reflective taping sewn inside the leg.

You get a sense that these are designed with city travel in mind. The general cut supports this. Available in both the slim and regular fit, they look and wear like a more traditional pair of pants. 

These pants are a go-to when traveling for work and far-flung urban leisure, where you don’t want to come across as a scoutmaster on holiday, or have a bucket list of adventures you are checking off. But they are capable of the occasional gritty excursion and can walk into dinner afterward. 

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. The Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

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Let’s be honest: Arc’teryx has become synonymous with high-performance, premium-priced gear. And the Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck LS and Bottoms are no exception. After putting these women’s base layers through everything from powder laps in Aspen Snowmass to ski tours at Colorado’s Mayflower Gulch, I came away seriously impressed.

These aren’t just base layers you toss on for a chilly dog walk. They’re technical, built to move, and surprisingly tough for something made of merino.

With a blend of 95% wool and 5% elastane, these midweight layers strike a key balance. They have the cozy warmth of wool with the stretch and durability required for high-output winter activity. And after testing them on several ski days in Colorado with temps in the 20s, I can confirm: They deliver.

In short: The Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck LS ($120) and Bottoms ($120) are high-performance base layers for women that excel in warmth, durability, and comfort. They provide a snug fit that moves with you. While they come at a premium price, their performance justifies the investment for serious winter enthusiasts.

See how these thermal layers compare to our other favorites in the Best Base Layers for Women buyer’s guide.

Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Crew Neck LS & Bottoms

Check Price for top at Arc'teryxCheck Price for bottoms at Arc'teryx

8.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Weight: 240 g (top), 240 g (bottom)
• Fabric: 95% merino wool, 5% elastane
• Thermal Category: Midweight

Pros

• Versatility in cold to freezing weather
• Quality construction
• Flattering-yet-functional cut

Cons

• Pricey

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Warmth: Cozy and Regulating in Cold Temps, Harsh Wind

One of the biggest reasons to reach for merino in winter is for its insulating power — and the Satoro set doesn’t disappoint. I wore the crew top and bottoms while skiing at Winter Park on a gusty January day with sub-freezing windchill.

I pulled them on again during a sunny-but-deceivingly-cold uphill lap at Buttermilk. In both scenarios, I felt warm, dry, and balanced — which meant a lot when gusts were threatening to physically blow me away.

That’s the magic of wool. The 240 g/m² weight puts these on the warmer end of the midweight category, which means they’re warm enough for most winter outings without being overkill once you’re on the move. I particularly appreciated how well they regulate temperature. Whether I was on the chairlift getting blasted by wind or sweating it out above treeline, I never felt the dramatic shift from warm to clammy like I sometimes do with synthetics.

Another bonus? These layers stayed comfortable under pressure — literally. When you’re wearing a pack with a hipbelt or climbing uphill with a beacon strapped to your chest, base layers can start to feel swampy or chafey. Not here. The fabric stayed dry and soft even during longer tours, and I didn’t need to strip down right away at the car.

That said, I wouldn’t consider this the warmest layer in my closet. On those bitter single-digit days at high elevation, I’d still want a heavier-weight layer. But the Satoro makes for a versatile base layer set that can pull double duty in a variety of conditions.

Quality & Durability: Surprisingly Rugged for Merino

Merino wool is famous for its cozy softness, but it doesn’t usually last as long as synthetics (which our landfills demonstrate). It’s the Achilles heel of many otherwise-great layers: They feel great for a season or two and then get shredded by backpacks, Velcro, or just too many wash cycles. That’s where the Satoro’s techy side really shines.

After multiple uses — some with ski bibs, some with avalanche gear, and one snowy skin up Mayflower Gulch where I helped a friend towing a Thule Chariot — the bottoms and top still look new. No signs of pilling, no thinning at the knees or elbows, and no stretched-out sagging in the butt (which I’ve had happen too many times with merino leggings).

I’ve also washed both pieces several times now, and they haven’t shrunk or lost shape. I even shoved them into a duffel post-ski day, forgot about them for a few weeks as they got tromped on by ski boots and other equipment, and … still. No signs of wear or tear. In my house, where we break or rip everything, I’ll call that a win.

Fit & Comfort: Trim, Flattering

Fit is where most base layers win or lose me. If the waistband digs into my stomach or the hemline rides up my back, I’m instantly annoyed. Thankfully, the Satoro women’s base layers check all the boxes for comfort that moves with you, like a favorite pair of jammies.

Let’s start with the crew neck top. It has a slim, next-to-skin fit that hugs without strangling, and the longer hemline works well tucked into traditional snow pants. Some reviews online note a “flared” fit on the top, but I didn’t notice that at all. The sleeves are long enough to cover my wrists even when reaching overhead (a win for long arms everywhere), and the seams are strategically placed to avoid pressure points under pack straps.

The bottoms are just as dialed. The wide waistband doesn’t dig in or roll, even when bent over buckling boots or skinning up a slope. I love that they stay in place and don’t sag — even after full days of movement. They’re snug without feeling compressive, and the elastane adds just enough stretch to move freely. 

Plus, there is a thigh pocket. It’s a rarity to get pockets on base layers, and this small feature brought me great joy, along with a place to stash my lip balm while running around the house.

Room for Improvement

Now, let’s address the wool-clad elephant in the room: the Arc’teryx tax. At $120 per piece, the Arc’teryx Satoro Crew Neck and Bottoms are definitely a premium investment. You can definitely find cheaper merino wool layers, if you want.

So, is it worth it?

My two cents: If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outside in winter or wants gear that’ll hold up season after season, then yes. You’re paying for top-tier materials, thoughtful design, and above-average durability.

Arc’teryx has become known for its durability and gear that lasts longer than your interest in any one sport, so that’s worth paying for. So yes: this is definitely a buy once, cry once purchase.

That said, this isn’t the layer I’d recommend to someone who skis twice a year and wants something cozy for hot cocoa runs. These are for people who ski, sweat, hike, and live in their base layers. And in that context, the cost per use justifies the price — especially if you score them during an off-season sale.

Final Thoughts

Quietly technical, seriously warm, and surprisingly durable, the Arc’teryx Satoro Merino Wool Base Layers might not be flashy, but they’ve become my go-to for real mountain days.

They offer warmth when you need it, stretch when it counts, and comfort that makes long days outside feel just a bit more manageable.

Yes, they’re pricey. But in the world of winter layering, they’re also worth it.

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We emerged from the weathered high-mountain hut with the sunrise. As the sun poked through a jagged arête on the Mont Blanc massif, a new challenge emerged as I shouldered the door open through the snow drift that had grown behind it.

The previous night’s rainstorm gave way to a major September snowstorm. A thick blanket of new snow sparkled over the complex rocky terrain around Chamonix, France.

Our 8-mile trek to town was going to be a snowy, wet one. 

I was mostly prepared with the basics for hut-to-hut trekking in the Alps. Ortovox’s new-for-2025 Seceda Softshell Pants stood out to me the most during that outing, but also the weeks of post-holing, hiking, and travelling around the Alps on either side of it in what turned out to be a particularly icy September. 

I put the Seceda pants through it all, over 8 months of testing. Like any good travel pants, I found myself wearing them through more situations than I had expected. But the Seceda softshell pants aren’t actually positioned as “travel pants” per see.

A few of their technical outdoor features — the lightweight wool lining, zippered pockets, and stretchy fabric — had them beating out my sweats when packing space was at a premium. That they could double as versatile hiking, backpacking, and climbing pants was icing on the cake. 

In short: The Ortovox Seceda softshell pants take an unusual tack — they’re lined with wool. Not a thick layer of scratchy sweater wool, but an ultra-thin web of lightweight merino. That small addition makes a big difference in versatility. They push past technical hiking into travel pants territory. Like other softshells, the Seceda straddles the line between protective and breathable, with a lean toward the latter. And perhaps most importantly for travel pants, wool’s natural antimicrobial prowess keeps the stink factor at bay for longer than I’d like to admit. 

Ortovox Seceda Softshell Pants

Check price at ortovox

9.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 83% polyamide, 10% elastane, 7% wool
• Fit: Regular/Slim
• Weight: 327g
• DWR: PFC-free DWR

Pros

• Good temperature regulation
• Great odor control
• Excellent mobility and stretch
• Strong breathability

Cons

• Slightly short inseam

Bergen Tjossem

Ortovox Seceda Softshell Pants Review

Ortovox has been on a tear, releasing new outerwear this season. Like the rest of its lines, wool is a key ingredient. But in more recent fashion, it’s toned down its colors. That will be a welcome shift for folks who don’t love ultrabright colors.

I almost didn’t recognize the Seceda line as Ortovox. It’s an entirely new look for the German brand. What’s not new is that the Seceda line was designed for hiking and climbing in the mountains. 

The Seceda Softshell Pants are constructed of a tenacious four-way stretch softshell fabric that has proven both durable and breathable. The face fabric is a tightly woven blend of 83% polyamide, 10% elastane, and 7% wool. It provides a nice balance of protection from wind, snow, and light precipitation. It’s also significantly more breathable than even very porous hardshell membranes.

I’d place the fabric between medium and light on the softshell spectrum. A PFC-free DWR treatment rounds out the protective fabric.

Lining the inside of the softshell fabric is a thin layer of merino wool against the skin. It’s not like your wool base layers. It’s much thinner. The knit is slightly looser, but it’s attached firmly to the main fabric. It’s a surprisingly lightweight but robust-feeling fabric package.  

Seceda Pants Fit & Design

The Seceda Softshell Pants come with a relatively slim fit. It’s well suited to fast-moving alpine adventures. There wasn’t any excess fabric swishing or flapping around in the wind. I deeply appreciated that on the miles-long ride approach to the Matterhorn’s Hörnli Hut and during a jogging approach to a mountain scramble on a particularly cold morning. 

Materials

The Seceda uses strategically paneled fabric. It allows for excellent freedom of movement despite being on the slimmer side of the softshell pants spectrum. The pre-bent knees articulated without migrating up and down. A non-gusseted but movement-oriented crotch allowed for high steps, squats, and other climbing moves without causing restriction or pinching. 

Fit Adjustments

Elastic Velcro tabs on each hip manage waist security. Those tabs tighten or loosen the otherwise static waistband secured by two snap buttons. It was mostly effective, but the Velcro popped loose from time to time. I’m not a fan of Velcro waist fastening in general, and this setup didn’t change my mind.

Thankfully, Ortovox included low-profile belt loops so that users can add their own belt. My Patagonia Tech Web Belt was a mainstay on these pants since I’m basically a rectangle from the shoulders down.

Inseam & Features

The Seceda’s inseam is relatively short, meaning there wasn’t a lot of excess fabric down by my ankles nor did they fully cover the tops of my shoes. The moderately narrow cuffs can accommodate high-cuffed hiking footwear without any issue.

A lace hook inside the front of the cuff adds a touch of gaiter-like protection from trail debris and snow trying to creep into your shoes or boots. It’s not a perfect seal like full-on gaiters, but it’s better than no protection. 

An elastic cord inside each cuff allows you to cinch the cuffs tightly to your ankle. Most technical softshell pants have this feature, and I appreciate it every time. It keeps cuffs from swishing around and getting snagged. 

Pocket Layout

The Seceda’s pocket layout is simple, low profile, and secure. Two zippered hand pockets were big enough for the small essentials like my wallet, which is important because they don’t have back pockets. My AirPods and car keys generally lived in the other one, combined with a random assortment of things you accumulate while travelling. 

The thigh pocket was reserved for my passport and phone. Its white zipper was securely fastened. I appreciated that the whole pocket, even when stuffed with things, remained tight to my leg. It didn’t bounce around or get snagged while power hiking in techy terrain.

Hiking and Backpacking

During a fall season of snowy hikes and extended backpacking trips, I tested the Seceda with and without base layers. As someone who runs warm, I preferred the no-base layer option while on the move to realize the full breathability of the softshell pants on their own. That very thin layer of wool makes a real difference in temperature regulation.

The Secedas added a light layer of warmth while sitting around the camp stove, which I often boosted with a lightweight baselayer. That combo pulled me through the vast temperature swings of late fall in Colorado’s mountains without needing to add windproof or insulated pants on top. 

Between the sturdy face fabric and inner wool, the icy wind didn’t have the same bite that it does with my other favorite lightweight softshell pants, Norrona’s Lyngen Flex1 Pants. When faced with snow, the Secedas did a good job of repelling the moisture and resisted wetting out. Even during light rain, water beaded off the face fabric instead of soaking in.

I did face one really nasty rainstorm that overcame the Seceda’s water resistance.Eventually, the tops of my knees wetted out. They aren’t waterproof, after all. But they dried quickly enough. 

I was impressed by the Seceda’s durability during a chilly fall backpacking trip where I wore the pants basically nonstop. Even during some trail-less bushwhacking navigation and lots of rock scrambling, the face fabric proved solid. I don’t even have much to show for the abuse they’ve been through. There’s barely a scuff, and the stitching is almost entirely intact. 

Travel

The Secedas slotted in as my dedicated travel pants during a few weeks of traveling through the Alps by virtue of packing lightly. Mountaineering pants on a trans-Atlantic flight? Sounds clammy. But their temperature and moisture regulation was on point. My cramped window seat didn’t turn into an absolute swamp. They were actually quite comfortable. 

Plane rides turned into dozens of train rides, and the Seceda Softshell pants continued to grow on me as travel pants. The secure pocket layout gave me lots of options for stashing tickets, cash, my phone, passport, and other odds and ends that you typically need on your body or accumulate quickly on the move.

When the early-season snow descended on the Alps and the rail lines ticked upward into Switzerland, the Secedas kept my lower half in a nice temperature equilibrium during the hourly shuffle on and off trains into the snow. 

But perhaps most importantly, the Secedas didn’t stink. I’ll be honest, I wore them nearly daily for 3 weeks, and I didn’t wash them once. I won’t describe their eventual scent in detail here, but it wasn’t offensive.

I’m no stranger to stinky fabrics. I practically arrange my synthetic shirts by the rate at which they’ll plummet into unwearable stench. But wool, of course, has antimicrobial properties stemming from its scaly structure.

Travelers in cool climates should take note. As the Alps gave way to the hot streets of Rome, the very last stop of my trip, the Secedas were overkill. While light for mountaineering pants, they’re on the warmer side of travel pants.

Ortovox Seceda Softshell Pants: Conclusion

I practically lived in Ortovox’s new Seceda Softshell pants for weeks while travelling in Europe, hiking in the Alps, and backpacking through the mountains of Colorado. They thrived in those scenarios.

They were windproof, water resistant, and movement-oriented for the mountains, but comfortable, breathable, well-pocketed, and stink-free for weeks on the go. I had concerningly few reasons to take them off. 

Ortovox bet that the intersection of the hiking/travel pants Venn diagram could be covered by wool. The Seceda’s ultralight wool lining noticeably boosts their temperature regulation, next-to-skin comfort, and anti-stink properties.

Sure, the Seceda Softshell Pants wouldn’t be my first choice for very warm temperatures or travelling through the tropics. But the Secedas are nearly perfectly equipped for traveling to or through the mountains — be it the Alps, Rockies, or the Andes. And once you’re hoofing it to the higher altitudes, the windy ridgelines, and through the unexpected snow storms, the Secedas have you covered, at least from the waist down. 

The Best Men's Climbing Pants of 2025

Our climbing fanatic found the best climbing pants of 2024. Whether heading to the gym or hitting up your local crag, we've got you covered. Read more…

Since its original release in 2014, the Patagonia Nano-Air line has been the best breathable layer you can buy, at least in my book. I’m not a Patagonia fan boy, but after owning two of the original Nano-Air Jackets, the Nano-Air Light Pullover, and the Nano-Air pants (and testing out almost every other brand’s crack at breathable insulation layers), I will say I’m an unapologetic Nano-Air fan boy.

I was excited to test Patagonia’s latest design tweak, the Nano-Air Ultralight, and while I love it and wear it almost every day, even sleeping in it,  there are some compelling reasons to stick with the heavier, more versatile version of the jacket.

However, if you’re a diehard fan of the super-soft shell fabric and the breathability of the FullRange insulation, you won’t have any trouble finding an excuse to add the lighter, even more breathable version to your arsenal.

In short: In the never-ending quest to perfectly refine your layering system, the Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight is a more breathable option that could replace your fleece layer. On backcountry ski days with lots of vertical gain, it’s more versatile than the original, and you’re more likely to leave it on while on the skin track. It’s also a great running or climbing layer, just know that if it gets windy and cold air starts moving in, you’re going to want a shell or a puffy jacket waiting in reserve.

Check out how this jacket stacks up against other midlayers in GearJunkie’s guide to the best midlayers.

Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight

Check Price at REICheck Price at Patagonia

8.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Style: Synthetic hoody
• Material: 30-denier 100% recycled polyester air-permeable shadow stretch ripstop
• Insulation: FullRange
• Weight: 8.6 oz.
• Pockets: One

Pros

• Supremely comfortable
• Breathes as well as fleece
• Stuffs into its chest pocket with a carabiner clip-in point
• Athletic fit great for layering

Cons

• Not super warm
• Minimal weather protection
• Delicate

Matt Bento

Patagonia Nano-Air Ultralight Review

That Old Familiar Feeling

The 100% polyester shell fabric with just the lightest bit of stretch is my favorite part of the original Nano-Air Jacket and Nano-Air pants. When worn together, I call them my million-dollar sweat suit. It doesn’t cost a million dollars, but at $500, it’s a bit more expensive than a set of sweats.

The Nano-Air Ultralight uses the same shell fabric with the same amazing next-to-skin feel as the rest of the line. Down at the forearms, it switches to lightweight Capilene paneling for even more breathability. I don’t notice a difference in comfort here, but like all Capilene, when it gets sweaty, it starts to smell.

I chose a size small, the same as my original Nano-Air that I’ve had for about 6 years. It fit my 5’10”, 155-pound frame perfectly. It’s always nice to see consistent sizing.

A Jacket to Wear While Doing Stuff, Not Standing Around

FullRange insulation has a decent warmth-to-weight ratio, but it’s not as good as goose down or Polartech. What FullRange is known for is its ability to insulate while remaining breathable. With half the FullRange insulation of the original, the Ultralight is more breathable and not as warm.

While sport climbing on a sunny, perfect 60-degree day, I could climb comfortably while wearing the jacket, but I needed to put on a bigger puffy while hanging out or belaying. The low, narrow waist fits well under a harness, and the hood has plenty of stretch, so it fits over or under a helmet.

Features (And Lack Thereof)

As a climber, I really like the Nano-Air Ultralight’s hood, fit, and chest pocket. The whole jacket stuffs easily into its chest pocket and clips to a climbing harness when the temperatures start climbing. I always appreciate a jacket that stows away, but sometimes brands make the pocket so small it’s a pain to get the jacket stuffed in there. Not so with the Nano-Air Ultralight.

A DWR treatment on the face fabric will repel light drizzle and keep the jacket from getting soaked for a few minutes, but to stay dry in an actual rainstorm, you’ll need an actual waterproof layer.

There’s not much else in terms of features, but that’s the point of an “ultralight” version. There aren’t any handwarmer pockets (what do I do with my hands?), which took a minute for me to adjust to and make this much less of an around-town jacket. Again, it’s a specialty piece for athletes on the go.

Durability

I ripped a small hole in the sleeve on my Nano-Air Ultralight the fourth time I wore it. I was climbing in the shade, feeling very comfy in my jacket, chimneying up a dihedral, and one little pointy piece of exfoliating granite catching on the fabric was all it took.

The hole is easily repairable and the jacket still works just fine, but know this: if you’re hard on your gear, the $250 Nano-Air Ultralight will look well-worn very quickly. A fleece layer may not feel as nice or breathe as well as this jacket, but it will hold up to scuffs and abrasions way better.

The Ultimate Midlayer?

Maybe. A Nano-Air Ultralight combined with some type of GORE-TEX layer could be the ticket for spring skiing, on and off-piste. It provides more warmth than a sun hoodie, while being more breathable than most insulating layers out there.

Patagonia makes a hoodless pullover version that is even lighter and won’t leave you stacking hoods in your layering system. That version could be the ultimate midlayer. Despite the durability factor, I think the Nano-Air Ultralight is in its element when you can wear it as an outer layer and take advantage of its breathability.

The Competition

Durability is this jacket’s biggest weak spot, so folks hard on their gear may want to look at the Arc’teryx Proton SL. The Arc’teryx take on the Nano-Air doesn’t breathe quite as well, but the shell fabric is quite a bit more durable. The hemline doesn’t ride as low as the Nano-Air, so take that into account if you’re shopping for a climbing jacket.

The Rab Xenair Light is another breathable insulator I’ve used for a few years now, and that one is warmer and more weather-resistant than the Proton SL or any of the jackets in the Nano-Air line, but (you guessed it) not as breathable.

Conclusion

For me, the original Nano-Air with its 60g of FullRange hits the sweet spot in terms of versatility. Folks looking for that quiver-of-one synthetic insulated jacket are going to get more mileage out of the heavier version. I’ll continue to use it as my post-fleece, pre-shell layer when it’s cold. My Nano-Air Ultralight will come along this spring for sunny ski touring, and sunny, fair-weather alpine climbs in the Sierra this summer.

Latest Patagonia Collection Is 'Lightest Yet': Meet Nano-Air Ultralight Jackets

Patagonia's latest Nano-Air Ultralight Hoody and Pullover have just 20 g of insulation. It claims better breathability and comfort for all-day adventures. Read more…

Merino wool is a pretty magical fabric. It’s lightweight, wicks away moisture, resists odors, and helps thermoregulate (that is, it’s breathable). We’ve been shouldering hundreds of garments made from this wonder fiber in our quest to find the best merino wool shirts, and now, half a decade down the road, we’ve identified a slate of 15 absolute winners.

The beauty of a merino shirt is the ability to wear it everywhere — and wear it everywhere we do. From international travel in Iceland to mountain bike hot laps in the Kootenays, we’ve sweated through the lot to challenge their breathability, durability, and, yes, odor retention. When it comes to outdoor wear, the sheep’s clothing is dang near tough to beat.

If you’re looking for a do-it-all layer in a weight for year-round wear, we think our top choice, the Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III, is tough to beat. That said, merino wool is spendy stuff, and the Ridge Merino Journey & Wander Shirts are a steal for the price tag. It’s not easy to find that perfect, comfortable yet functional, do-it-all layer, but merino comes pretty darn close, and we think these shirts are the best out there.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Merino Wool Shirts guide on May 21, 2025, to add our new favorite merino running tee: the Artilect Sprint, and the Proof 72-Hour tee, a shirt we wore all across Japan recently — and couldn’t get it to stink.

Best Overall Merino Wool Shirt

Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III T-Shirt

$80 at REI – Men's$80 at REI – Women'sCheck Men's Price at BackcountryCheck Women's Price at Backcountry

9.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% 18.9-micron merino wool
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 5.1 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 150 (Warm to hot conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women's); S-XL (men's)
• Fit: Regular, with slightly baggy torso

Pros

• 100% wool construction
• No visible branding
• Reinforced seams in the shoulders
• Impressive odor resistance

Cons

• On the pricer side
• Needs to be laundered on gentle cycle

Mary Murphy

Now in its third iteration, we’re still on team Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III ($80) when it comes to the best merino tees around. This 150-weight tee is primed for warm weather and physical activity, and even though the fit is slightly let out in the torso in this version, we’re still convinced it’s perfect for everything from the gym to the jetway.

As a full 100% merino tee, there’s no hiding the true properties of the wonder fiber here (though you will need to treat it a bit nicer), and the 18.9-micron fiber used in the Tech Lite III is right on the line between fine and superfine merino. Sliding this new tee on for the first time, we were reminded of why we loved the previous version so much: a supremely soft touch. From mountain bike laps in British Columbia to rainforest hikes on the Olympic Peninsula, it performed flawlessly.

This new version of the Tech Lite has a bit of a less athletic cut than the previous, with a slightly baggier fit in the torso. Some will love this, while others who appreciated that cling may want to pivot to something else like the Patagonia Capilene Cool. We found it to be a better all-around fit that felt a little more casual, and as a bonus, the updated version gains improved shoulder seams that are stronger than our last tee.

Now, obviously, going with a full merino tee is going to come with some durability shortcomings, and it’s true that nearly every wool tee we’ve tested has eventually gained a few holes through use. The Tech Lite III is no different, and while surveying the damage after a full week in this tee, we found two small holes in the torso. That’s just the way it goes, in our opinion, and found that laundering this tee on a gentle cycle was a good way to slow the process.

$80 is about the going rate for a quality merino tee like the Tech Lite III these days and is even a bit competitive when compared to the $100+ you might spend on a full merino sun hoody. If you’re after the genuine article (and are willing to trade a bit of longevity for performance), there’s nothing quite like a full merino tee, and we think the Tech Lite III is one of the best you’ll find.

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Best Budget Merino Wool Shirt

Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirt

Check Men's Price at Ridge MerinoCheck Women's Price at Ridge Merino

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 87% 17.5-micron merino wool, 13% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 5.2 oz. (men's medium)
• Warmth Rating: 145 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
• Fit: Relaxed (women’s); Regular trending fitted (men’s)

Pros

• Cozy soft to the touch
• Generous cut
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Added nylon weave improves durability

Cons

• Will shrink up a bit in the wash
• Sizing gives some people trouble

Mary Murphy

While other wools can be as coarse as 40 microns (think itchy grandma sweaters), merino wool can be as thin as 24 to 15 microns, which is exactly why the Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirts ($60) — made with 17.5-micron merino — are so dang buttery smooth. And at $60, these tees slide in far below other comparable merino shirts. Now a few seasons into wear, we can confidently anoint the Ridge Merino tees to the best value in our review.

Having crafted an entire line revolving around sheep’s clothing, it’s clear that Mammoth Lakes-based Ridge Merino certainly has a thing for good wool. The Journey tee is easily one of its most popular, and we found it’s for good reason. This tee is just all-around cozy, and the 17.5-micron merino is finer than even our top pick, the Icebreaker Tech Lite III.

Sewn with a double-stitched neck and sleeves, the Journey felt like it was made for the long run in our testing. Couple that with the nylon core-spun merino textile, and you’ve got a durable merino piece that’ll keep up for as long as you wear it. When holding a nylon-merino hybrid tee next to a full merino cut, we noticed that the blend has a good bit more stretch and that it bounces back with little bagging.

There’s also no external branding on this tee, which is something we’ve actually come to appreciate. The look isn’t as travel-ready as the sleeker Unbound Merino Crew Neck, but it’s nice not to feel like a billboard when you’re stepping out for a jog.

We particularly liked the cut of this tee, which is a bit slimmer and longer, though washing and drying will shrink it to some degree. This can cause a little confusion when trying to find the right size, but thankfully, Ridge Merino provides a sizing chart to assist. Across three different testing team members, we all were able to get into a size that fit perfectly.

When comfort is king, but price is still a consideration, the Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirts are high on our list of most cozy merino wool shirts.

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Best Luxuriously Soft 100% Merino Wool Shirt

Ibex 24 Hour Short Sleeve Tee

$90 at Ibex – Men's$90 at Ibex – Women's

9.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
• Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
• Weight: 5.1 oz. (men’s small), 3.2 oz. (women’s small)
• Warmth Rating: 165 GSM (All-season conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
• Fit: Regular

Pros

• One of the softest merino weaves we've worn to-date
• Moisture-wicking
• Lightweight 18.5-micron material
• Naturally odor-resistant

Cons

• Fits tighter than expected
• On the pricier end

Mary Murphy

Vermont-founded Ibex has been making merino apparel since 1997. After a short out-of-business stint (that then lasted 2 years), the Ibex brand is finally back. We’ve been testing a number of styles since then, including this 24 Hour Short Sleeve Tee ($90) for 2 years now, which is made with 100% 18.5-micron merino wool and is just as soft and light as it sounds.

What we appreciated most about this tee: It regulates the body’s temperature in hot weather, is moisture- and odor-wicking, and is lightweight. On top of that, it feels nice against the skin, works as a standalone tee or base layer, and it’s easy to hand wash and hang dry, which is perfect for travel.

Merino wool sourcing is a big deal in this market slice, and Ibex leans into the pursuit, refining its supply chain and tailoring its wool suppliers based on the different garment needs. The 24 Hour Tee gets its merino from good ol’ Oz and is then sewn in Vietnam. Our eyes have never seen a loose stitch, and the wool is exceptionally soft.

Our main warning with this tee is that it is more fitted than others (similar to the Ridge Merino Journey: athletic without being a suction fit). The torso still has a nice drape to it, and we found the arms to retain a good amount of mobility.

Climbing in this tee this summer in Squamish, British Columbia, we had no problems pulling awkward pivots when negotiating marathon crack systems. That said, if you want a roomier fit or if you are in between sizes, we recommend sizing up.

If you want a tee that breathes, the 24 Hour Short Sleeve is it. Synthetic performs by the numbers, but the feel of natural materials — merino wool in particular — is unparalleled. Few brands, if any, do merino better than Ibex, so it’s great to see the brand back in full swing!

And heads up: this Ibex Merino tee comes in a tank (in the same premium 18.5-micron wool) and long-sleeve versions as well, giving you more options for style and fit.

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Most Impressive Value Merino Wool Shirt

Woolly Everyday Crew Tee

Check Men's Price at WoollyCheck Women's Price at Woolly

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% merino wool
• Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
• Weight: 5.5 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 175 (All-season conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
• Fit: Modern

Pros

• Impressive price for a full 100% merino tee
• Flatlock seams and tagless interior
• Wide size range in men's and women's
• Full merino blend means 100% of the benefits

Cons

• Fabric weight is just a bit heavy for true summer/active use
• Seam-line across shoulders won't play the nicest with pack straps

Mary Murphy

The Woolly Everyday Crew Tee ($68) was the first piece we tried from the brand, and color us impressed — this is one excellent merino T-shirt. Add to that the stellar price — only the Ridge Merino tees are cheaper, but also not 100% merino — and you’ve got an excellent value option.

The 175 gsm fabric is a bit thicker than the 145 gsm Ridge Merino tees, meaning the Everyday Crew is better for, well, every day. The thinner Journey and Wander tees are poised as activewear, while the first time we wore the Woolly was on a flight to Argentina (where it landed in Buenos Aires funk-free). Being a 100% merino cut will mean that holes will show up a bit quicker on the Woolly tee, but the thicker weight fabric is an excellent way to prolong the shirt’s lifespan.

The 100% merino weave comes from Australian flocks, and the material is RWS certified, which keeps us happy (and shows that you can provide solid full-merino clothing without compromising on the animals). The material is supple in hand and thick enough to feel that it won’t start to thin out in the common areas (hemline, tops of shoulders). After three weeks of tough travel abroad, this tee was still going strong.

The seam line across the tops of the shoulders isn’t ideal for long stints under a pack strap, and we prefer raglan sleeves in our more active cuts. That said, the Everyday Crew doesn’t claim to be overly sporty, and it’s a minor detail. We still put the Woolly to work on a few hikes under a light daypack, and it did perfectly.

It’s tough to get a 100% merino tee for less than $80, so for $68 the Everyday Crew tee feels like a steal, but doesn’t wear like one. The Ottie Merino Tees are close to the same price, but the Woolly options are much easier to get your hands on, making this our top pick in merino value.

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Best Merino Running Tee

Artilect Sprint Tee

Check men's price at artilectCheck women's price at artilect

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 58% merino, 42% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: Certified non-mulesed, Australian merino wool; spun in bluesign accredited facility
• Weight: Unavailable
• Warmth Rating: 115 (Warm to hot conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s), XS-XXL (men’s)
• Fit: Slim

Pros

• Reflective tape offers greater visibility while running on roads
• Super lightweight, breathable fabric
• Flatlock seams reduce chafing

Cons

• A bit see-through in lighter colors
• Fabric clings to skin in dry weather

Mary Murphy

The Artilect Sprint Tee ($90) kept us cool while running in the desert sunshine, visible during evening jogs, and comfortable when we started to break a sweat. With its smart fabric blends and unique design details, this top wins our prize for best merino running shirt. 

The Sprint Tee is constructed with a merino-nylon NuYarn blend, which captures the natural moisture-wicking properties of merino and adds the extra durability of nylon. In other words, this tee can withstand heavy use and continue to perform. It’s also easily machine washable, which we love when life gets busy. 

The feature that sets the Sprint Tee apart is the reflective tape found in the seams. For die-hard runners, visibility on busy roads is essential, and we felt safer logging our miles in the evening or early morning while wearing the Sprint tee. The seams also use a flatlock construction, eliminating chafing against the skin. 

The 58% merino and 42% nylon fabric is more biased to the durability side, and compared to other merino shirts that excelled at running — like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino tee — it staved off snags and holes for longer. That said, the Patagonia top is $20 cheaper — a tradeoff that might make sense to some endurance runners who go through tees.

The look is pretty sporty, and the “code-red” color that we tested, while great for visibility, is a bit harsh. The Artilect Sprint Tee doesn’t fall into the category of a “multi-purpose” top. But this top is unmatched as a breathable, visible running tee that stays comfortable for mile after mile.

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Best Travel Merino Wool Shirt

Unbound Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt

Check Men's Price at Unbound MerinoCheck Women's Price at Unbound Merino

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% 17.5-micron merino
• Sustainability Certifications: Woolmark-certified and WRAP-certified production
• Weight: 5.6 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 190 GSM (Moderate conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
• Fit: Classic

Pros

• Classic design that can be dressed up or down
• Soft to the touch
• Excellent odor resistance
• Ethically sourced wool
• Slightly thicker GSM is warm in airports and planes

Cons

• Can’t be tumble dried
• On the pricier side

Mary Murphy

Unbound Merino says, “We want you to pack and own less,” and the brand’s Merino Crew Neck T-Shirts ($90) make that vision possible. With a classic cut, versatile color pallet, and no visible logos, this 100% merino tee is an ideal travel shirt. 

Perennial traveler Katie Griffith wore this top for 5 days straight while hiking, climbing, running, and going out for drinks. Even after working up a sweat several times in the sun, the Merino Crew Neck held very little odor, especially when compared to a cotton tee.

We were also impressed by the wrinkle resistance after days of use. The 17.5-micron merino is so comfortable that we fell asleep in this shirt several times and just continued wearing it the next day. 

The 190 GSM fabric weight is a little heavier than most others we’ve tested, but we found this to be a benefit in cool airplane cabins, where we often look for a little more insulation. Worn side-by-side, we could certainly feel the difference between this tee and something lighter like the 120 gsm KUIU ULTRA. Sizing is spot-on for travel as well, with a classic fit that incorporates a good amount of drape. This is also one of the only merino tees we’ve tested that comes in specific tall sizes.

We also appreciate Unbound’s commitment to ethical production alongside quality, with wool sourced from mulesing-free wool farms in Australia. Mulesing is a controversial practice that removes skin from a sheep’s backside to prevent parasitic infections. Unbound’s production facilities are also WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certified, and its merino is Woolmark certified. 

Unfortunately, the price of this premium tee has crept up since our last encounter, and at $90, it is at the upper end of the merino tee spectrum. Compared to something like the Icebreaker Tech Lite III, that extra $10 does net you a finer 17.5-micron wool, but otherwise, it’s tough to split hairs between the two.

Unbound warns to “never tumble dry” this top, making it a little more high maintenance than some merino shirts. Though with its excellent odor resistance, you’ll rarely have to wash it. With its simple design, it can easily transition from sightseeing or hiking to an evening out. If you want to pack a single t-shirt for a week-long trip, look no further than the Unbound Merino Crew Neck.

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Best Merino Wool Sun Hoodie

Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie

Check Men's Price at Ridge MerinoCheck Women's Price at Ridge Merino

8.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: (m)Force Merino – 87% 17.5-micron merino wool, 13% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 8.7 oz. (men's medium), 7.5 oz. (women's medium)
• Warmth Rating: 145 GSM (All-season conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
• Fit: Relaxed

Pros

• Comfortable drop hem and loose fit
• Helmet-compatible hood
• Thumb loops keep sleeves in place
• Small screenprinted logos aren't distracting

Cons

• Not impervious to holes
• Smaller manufacturer stock can sometimes be limited

Mary Murphy

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster donned the Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie ($88) for a romp on Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail last summer and came away sold. Long an adherent to using sun hoodies for hiking, this was the first merino wool cut he had tried, and he reported “killer breathability, quick drying, and just a nice loose drape to the fit.”

Made with a 17.5-micron merino wool that’s been blended with 13% nylon for strength, the Solstice hits about the perfect ratio in our books when it comes to adding a little durability to the merino garment, without totally diluting the natural properties you’re looking to hold onto. Ridge Merino’s wool comes from the land of the long white cloud and is sourced from Kiwis in the McKenzie Basin.

While sun protection typically isn’t a priority for hikes across Iceland’s highlands, our testing with this hoody yielded an out-of-character three full days of UV, and we were pleased to be able to tuck away under the voluminous hood.

Compared to the Voormi River Run Hoodie, we preferred the slightly more robust 145 gsm fabric on the Solstice, which we felt cut through the sun even better. If you’re after an even warmer sun hoodie, the Ibex Indie specs out at 185 gsm — ideal for all-season conditions, but it will run you $170.

The sleeves on the Solstice are also cut a bit on the longer end, and are finished off with low-profile thumb loops to keep the sleeve ends over the backs of your hands. Even breaking a sweat couldn’t overwhelm the Solstice, which moved moisture out of the hoody and kept the funk off us after the full 35 miles.

Alas, everything has a limit, and the end of our hike was marked by a small wear hole in the right sleeve. Not surprising after 3 days of hard use, but it goes to show that merino needs to be treated with extra care to ensure that it goes the distance. We put the estimated life span of this hoody at one good thru-hike — which for most folks will be plenty long. Our testing will continue with it until we find the true end of this hoody.

For those looking for the ultimate sun protection top that doesn’t inhibit breathability, the Ridge Merino Solstice sun hoody provides full coverage in a premium merino weave.

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More Merino Wool Shirts to Fill Your Closet

The seven award winners above are one solid closet’s worth, with options for just about everything merino wool is good at, from running to traveling. That said, there are a number of other worthy merino wool tees on the market. These are a few we think make the cut.

Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee

$80 at REI – Men's$80 at REI – Women'sCheck Price at smartwool – Men'sCheck Price at smartwool – Women's

7.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 88% merino wool, 12% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 3.6 oz.
• Warmth Rating: N/A
• Size Range: XS-3X (women's); SM-XXL (men's)
• Fit: Slim (women’s); Body enhancing (men’s)

Pros

• Durability from nylon spun core
• Excellent moisture management
• UPF 20+ protection
• Flat-locked seams

Cons

• Slightly odd sizing
• Plant-based dyed versions have an addition logo

Mary Murphy

The brand doesn’t make just socks, and the Smartwool Merino Short Sleeve Tee ($80) is proof of that. This all-arounder moisture-wicking tee kept us cool on warmer-weather hikes but also offered good coverage.

This layer is a super-comfortable piece at a reasonable price and is now more sustainably made. In terms of construction, we like that it is made with 88% merino with a nylon-spun core, striking a good balance between soft and durable.

This puts it in good company with other blended tees we’ve tested, like the Ridge Merino Journey and KUIU ULTRA. Shirts like this are better for the long haul, but they won’t get the full measure of merino performance because of it.

We also like that the layer was durable when packed, worn, and washed multiple times over the few months we tested around Colorado. This tee has a lot to offer while still being reasonably priced, making it a great option for those who want a more budget-friendly tee.

Despite loving that this tee runs taller for those with a longer torso, we did discover that the sizing for different body types was a bit trickier than other tees we’ve tested — possibly due to some versions of the tee being colored with plant-based dye. It’s also good to note that these colorways have an added ‘On-of-a-Kind Plant-Based Dye’ logo that runs on the hem, which can be a turn-off for some folks.

While this tee gives the Icebreaker Tech Lite III a good run for its money, we feel that if you’re going to have just one, it should be the real deal and 100% merino. This isn’t to say that we don’t love blends like the Smartwool — they are nigh essential for pieces we plan on wearing into the ground — but its tough to explain the luxurious feel of pure merino until you’ve tried it. For this reason, we recommend folks grab the Tech Lite first, then a blended tee like the Merino Short Sleeve for more contact sports.

As a general tee, however, the Merino Short Sleeve Tee certainly lives up to every part of its name.

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KÜHL Cashmerino Short Sleeve

Check men's price at KÜHLCheck women's price at KÜHL

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 87% 16.5 micron merino, 13% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 5 oz. (women’s size large)
• Warmth Rating: 150 (All-season conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-XXL (men’s)
• Fit: Articulated fit

Pros

• Very soft fabric with high merino percentage
• Sewn-in locker loop
• Good all-around weight

Cons

• Fabric clings to body in drier weather
• Not immune to piling
• Small logo on sleeve

Mary Murphy

The KÜHL Cashmerino Short Sleeve Tee ($85) is one of the more versatile shirts we tested. It’s lightweight and breathable enough for active use, but the look isn’t too sporty. For a top that transitions easily between a hike and a lunch date, the Cashmerino is a perfect option.

The textile is pleasantly lightweight, breathable, and constructed with a super fine 16.5-micron New Zealand merino. We were comfortable in this tee while rock climbing, running, and hiking in the desert. We also like the nylon blend for a bit of added durability in a harsh environment.

We tested this tee primarily in the arid desert climate of Joshua Tree, Calif., and we noticed a high level of static cling. On drier days, the fabric sticks to the body, but as we worked up a sweat during a hike or run, that became less of an issue. 

We will note that for $5 less, you can slide into a 100% merino tee in the Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III, and while that shirt isn’t quite as soft as the Cashmerino (the Tech Lite is made from 18.9-micron wool), it does do all of the things merino wool does well — just a bit better. Consider if you’re after longevity or a supremely soft feel before making your choice.

The top is not too fitted or athletic, so it pairs just as well with jeans as it does with running shorts. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose merino tee for travel or everyday wear, the Cashmerino Tee is a great option.

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Ibex Indie Hoodie

$170 at Ibex – Men's$170 at Ibex – Women's

7.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% 18.5-micron merino wool
• Sustainability Certifications: RWS and Woolmark-certified
• Weight: 9.3 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 185 (Moderate conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
• Fit: Regular trending slim

Pros

• Slightly warmer sun hoody for a wider range of conditions
• 100% merino blend
• Snug scuba hood is warm, and can be worn under helmets
• Quarter-zip makes for easy venting

Cons

• Expensive
• 100% merino will accumulate holes eventually

Mary Murphy

The Ibex Indie Hoody ($170) is another stellar merino sun hoody that’s earned a spot in our closets. This 100% merino cut fits snugger than the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody, making it a nicer layer to run beneath others, and we’ve broke it in while backpacking, ski touring, and even international travel.

At 185 gsm, the Indie is a bit thicker than the 145 gsm Solstice, and in testing, we leaned on it more for slightly chillier days and locations, such as trekking in Patagonia most recently. Thankfully the hoody has a quarter zip, which makes for easy venting when the sun comes out, but even being slightly thicker, the hoodie still sheds excess heat well.

The construction of the Indie is classic Ibex, and everything seems to have been thought of. The flat-lock seams lay low and don’t rub us the wrong way when worn under a backpack, and the raglan sleeves keep stitch lines off our shoulders. The sleeves are the perfect length for wearing with or without the thumb loops, which are robustly built and give us confidence we won’t blow through them.

The hood is snug and thin enough to run underneath a bike helmet, which also helped make the Indie feel just a bit warmer. Over the time we’ve worn it (one year now), the hoodie itself has accumulated some small holes — on the shoulders and sleeves — but nothing out of the ordinary. This is always a consideration with 100% merino apparel, but a great way to stave it off is by going slightly thicker with the material, and the 185 gsm cut on the Indie works wonders.

At double the price of the Solstice hoody, we think the Ridge Merino piece is still the better buy for those looking for a merino sun hoody. That said, the 100% merino blend used in the Indie Hoody is enough to sway purists. This is one solid sun hoody.

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Proof 72-Hour Merino T-Shirt

Check Price at Huckberry

7.7

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 87% 16.5 micron merino wool, 13% nylon
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 5.1 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 150 (Moderate conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XXXL (men's)
• Fit: Available in classic and slim fit

Pros

• Wrinkle-proof
• Odor-resistant
• Soft to the touch
• Great fit (we tested the Classic fit)
• Durable for merino

Cons

• Expensive for a T-shirt
• Too classy for most T-shirt chores
• Shorter sleeves may not suit all

Mary Murphy

Read Review: Wool Wardrobe for a Weekend Getaway: Huckberry ‘Proof’ 72-Hour Travel Kit Review

Our resident travel guru took the Proof 72-Hour Tee ($78) to Japan recently, where it proved a worthy travel companion (and stayed stink-free in the process). This merino blend tee from Huckberry’s internal brand is a great travel option, and we put it up there with our top picks.

Aiming to be travel-ready, the 16.5 micron merino wool (sourced from Australia and New Zealand) is blended with 13% nylon to give it a slightly more robust durability and live up to the ‘72-hour’ moniker. This is similar to NuYarn and other blends we’ve reviewed, and we can attest that adding even a small percentage of nylon makes a difference.

As our traveller Steve Graepel says, “The look wears less mountain town and more everyday,” and we think that’s a good thing: it’s easy to go from the plane to jumping on a work call without needing a full wardrobe change. The fit on the 72-Hour is offered in both a regular and slim, so consider this when making your sizing choice. 

Sizing for men runs from XS to 3XL, so most should be able to tuck into a tee (though we will note that this shirt is only offered in a men’s cut currently, as that’s Huckberry’s whole deal.) Still, that covers about half of the human population, but we would love to see a female silhouette offered somehow.

Obviously, this won’t be the first merino tee you’ll jump into for a run (look to the lighter 115 gsm Artliect Sprint, for that), but for a few bucks less than our top travel pick, we think that the 72-Hour Tee is a killer alternative option. The choice of whether you snag a regular or slim fit is enough of a reason for us to consider even grabbing both.

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KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T

$89 at KUIU

7.6

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: Nuyarn Merino (70% 17.5-micron Merino, 30% nylon)
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 4.3 oz.
• Warmth Rating: 120 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
• Size Range: S-3XL (men’s)
• Fit: Slim

Pros

• Nuyarn construction; increased durability and stretch over typical Merino
• UPF 50+ sun protection
• Available in different camouflage prints, as well as solid colorways
• Flat-locked seams, with shoulder seams moved forward to prevent chafing under pack straps

Cons

• No women’s cut is currently available
• Prominent logo limits the cross-activity wear potential

Mary Murphy

One of the downsides of the plushness of merino wool is its fragile nature — not something that’ll fly when scrubbing around in the brush. Thankfully, the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T ($79) makes use of a new fabric tech, known as Nuyarn, that pushes the strength of merino to new heights and makes it perfect for your next hunting trip.

Nuyarn takes the soft touch of merino wool and spins it around a nylon core, greatly increasing its durability and stability. And, since the fiber is drafted as opposed to twisted, it retains all of the high-loft softness and breathability we love about merino.

We loved the feel of the ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS in hand and during use. It felt like a fabric we wouldn’t be worried about moving around in the woods with. KUIU claims its fabric has a 35% increase in stretch over normal merino, and we believe it.

Currently, there isn’t a women’s version of the ULTRA Merino 120 tee. The closest you’ll get is the Women’s ULTRA Merino 145 LS Crew ($79), a version with a thicker 145 gsm fabric weight. While we understand that oftentimes different body types require different levels of insulation, the absence of a tee cut for women is something we’re still after. We would love to see the thinner and more breathable fabric brought to the entire lineup.

If sun protection is a bigger concern on your hunt, pivoting to something with a bit more built-in UPF rating is a good move, and a hoodie like the Voormi River Run should serve you well. The lighter 100 gsm fabric will breathe even better than the ULTRA Merino 120, and the hood and long sleeves will go a long way in preserving your sunscreen reserves. The tradeoff (there always is one) will be in durability.

Since the temperature-regulating qualities of merino are allowed to shine through, the ULTRA Merino 120 would make a perfect tee for anyone looking for a standalone hot-weather hunting shirt or a base layer for cooler days.

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Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt

Check Men's Price at Patagonia – Men'sCheck Women's Price at Patagonia – Women's

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 65% Merino wool, 35% recycled polyester
• Sustainability Certifications: RWS-certified wool and made Fair-Trade certified
• Weight: 3.1 oz.
• Warmth Rating: N/A
• Size Range: XS-2XL (men’s & women’s)
• Fit: Slim

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Odor resistant
• Good for various temperatures
• Breathable

Cons

• Signs of pilling and snags after washing
• Marginally rougher than 100% merino wool
• Slim fit won't be for everyone

Mary Murphy

Testing the Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino Shirt ($69) exceeded our expectations, especially for the price. This shirt is a blend of 65% RWS-certified merino wool and 35% polyester, which kept us cool — as the name suggests — while hiking in balmy summer temperatures. Yet when we added another layer, it kept us comfortable when the air got chilly.

Another thing we appreciated about this shirt is how lightweight, airy, and not quite as sheer it is as other merino tops — making it an easy standalone top for various activities. Additionally, after wearing it all day and underneath a pack while backpacking, it stayed surprisingly odor-free. In fact, it easily made it on our list of go-to shirts for multiday excursions.

Unfortunately, this top isn’t perfect. We found signs of pilling and snags after a couple of washes. However, given its reasonable price and the fact it requires fewer washes in between wears, we still like it. And since it has a sizable percentage of polyester, it’s not exactly as soft as other 100% merino shirts, but still, we think it’s pretty soft considering.

For a budget merino shirt that has a higher percentage of wool, consider the Ridge Merino Journey and Wander shirts as excellent alternatives. We’ve noticed that our version of the Capilene Cool shirt has held up better in the long run, but the trade-off in breathability is noticeable compared to the higher merino percentage of the Ridge Merino cuts.

If you want a shirt that fits comfortably, doesn’t impede mobility, is versatile in both cool and warmer temperatures, and is reasonably priced, then the Capilene Cool Merino Shirt is a strong contender, in our opinion.

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Ottie Merino T-Shirt

Check Price at Ottie

7.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% 165 gsm merino
• Sustainability Certifications: RWS-certified and Australian-made certified production
• Weight: Unavailable
• Warmth Rating: 165 GSM (All-season conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XXL (women's); S-XXL (men's)
• Fit: Relaxed (women's & men's)

Pros

• Relaxed cut is airy and breathable
• Australian-sewn
• Affordable pricing for Merino wool

Cons

• Not the easiest to find available
• Price has been creeping up in recent years

Mary Murphy

We’ve only tested one item from Australia-born and bred brand Ottie Merino, but that one Merino T-shirt ($71) really knocked it out of the park. The texture is soft and light, but not too soft that it feels fragile and can’t handle abrasion or hiking with a pack on.

While testing, we brought this merino tee to Asia this past summer, and we were thankful to have it on our backs, even in 91-degree F heat. Compared to similar short-sleeved merino tees like those from Ibex or Icebreaker, the Ottie tee has a less feminine cut and tailoring and a more relaxed fit. It’s slightly longer in the hem, as well.

For more performance, hiking, and all-day use, we’d pick this tee in a heartbeat. For a more fitted and flattering town-to-trail look with similar quality fabric, we’d give the edge to Ibex’s 24-Hour tee. We found it didn’t wrinkle nearly as much when packed as some other tees we’ve tried. And unlike many brands, Ottie’s fabric is made in Melbourne, as are its products: 100% Australian local merino!

While we’ve previously praised the Ottie Merino T-Shirt for its budget-savvy price of $63, the tag has slowly crept up in recent years to $71, making this tee not as hot of a deal. It also suffers from a built-in disadvantage compared to domestic manufacturers: Availability. As a direct-to-consumer brand out of Oz, it can be a bit tough for Yanks to get our mitts on tees like this. But rest assured, if you snag one, you won’t regret it.

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Voormi River Run Wool Hoodie

Check Men's Price at VoormiCheck Women's Price at Voormi

7.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Material: 100% merino
• Sustainability Certifications: N/A
• Weight: 7 oz. (men’s large); 5 oz. (women’s medium)
• Warmth Rating: 120 GSM (Warm to hot conditions)
• Size Range: XS-XL (women’s); S-2XL (men’s)
• Fit: Athletic (women’s); Relaxed (men’s)

Pros

• Built-in thumb loops
• Versatile
• UPF protection
• Ultralight weight
• Soft

Cons

• Expensive
• Prone to snagging

Mary Murphy

The Voormi River Run Hoodie ($139) is made of 100% merino wool, but with a unique blend and construction. This USA-made hoodie uses an ultralight Precision Blended Wool, a fabric weighing under 100 g/m². That’s 30-50 g lighter than the leading merino fabrics currently on the market, Voormi claims.

When packing and when wearing, we can attest that this hoodie is light. In fact, it’s so light and versatile that we’re not sure where we haven’t worn this Voormi layer — paddleboarding, camping, climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, and running errands. And with the amount of time spent under the sun, the UPF 50-rated protection of this sun protection shirt is a welcome feature.

So what are our cons? It’s crazy ultralight and soft, meaning it’s prone to snag easily, which also doesn’t bode too well with the high cost. But ultimately, with the amount of wear this hoodie has gotten, it’s well worth the investment. If you’re after a merino sun hoody that’s got a longer lifespan (at a very slight weight ding), the Ridge Merino Solstice Hoody is highly comparable and a bit less liable to snags.

The River Run Hoodie was designed with everything from fly fishing day trips to multiday river trips in mind, which is one of the main reasons we love it so much. If you are heading up into alpine territory, or looking for a merino base layer for fall, we think it’s a good choice for that as well.

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Merino Wool Shirt Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Merino Wool Shirts

Folks at GearJunkie have been dyed-in-the-wool fans of merino since well, forever. Merino wool has been the premium activewear textile of choice for many GearJunkie testers, and we’ve used shirts made from the material for years. In order to find the best merino wool shirts, we raided our closets, pulled out our most trusted tops, and put them to work.

On top of that, we also surveyed the market for the latest and greatest merino wool options — finding new technologies like Nuyarn — and added them into the mix. Our search for the best merino wool shirts available today began with eight woolen tops in 2021, which we selected for their broad appeal and availability, and then set about wearing them threadbare in our search for the softest, most breathable, and hardiest merino wool shirts out there today.

Testing Process and Testing Grounds

The beauty of merino wool tees is that they can be used pretty much anywhere, and we aimed our field testing to be as broad as possible. Each tee was tested during use in at least three different disciplines (hiking, mountain biking, and climbing were our most popular) in order to get a broader understanding of performance.

We got pretty afar in our testing, too: from testing in the deserts of Joshua Tree to the volcanic cinders of Iceland, we’ve packed and worn merino wool around the world. Because the longevity of a merino tee can be measured in years, we keep our testing going until the shirt is ready to be retired.

Comparing merino wool tees can feel a little like splitting hairs at times, but we dig into the details to separate the good from the meh. This begins with our in-house weighing, which ensures we’ve got accurate weights to compare against, and then moves on to comparing the fit between different shirts — paying attention to things such as drape, how seams contact your body, and material stretch.

We’ve even put together a relative sweat test, where we challenged ourselves to run the same 10-minute circuit in these shirts and note the breathability and overall performance. This may seem like it’s a little in the weeds, but different blended fabrics pan out to provide markedly different experiences.

Our Expert Testers

Our guide is a collaborative effort, with many GearJunkie editors and contributors donning tees across the country to test for our guide.

Senior Editor Nick Belcaster has tested for this guide since 2022 and brings hundreds of hours of gear testing experience to the table. His previous work as an outfitter for a mountaineering guide service saw him equipping those headed into unkind terrains, and that starts with the base layers. With a taste for walking across the country, he has worn merino wool pieces into tatters, and has a good sense of if a seam will irritate your shoulders after 1,000 miles.

Currently, our merino wool shirt testing is carried out by Katie Griffith, a climbing guide based in Index, Wash., and Joshua Tree, Calif. Her split climate travels require a versatile wardrobe — certainly so, as Katie is typically on the road in her van. Her most recent testing saw three new merino tees added to the roster, as well as the inauguration of our ‘sweat test’.

Our team also includes outdoors folk from across the country, who hit the hills and trails decked out in merino in order to test fit, comfort, style, and durability. We paid special attention to finding layers that had a perfect balance of the softness of merino while still maintaining some strength over the long run. Our longest-running merino pieces now have 5 years of use on them, and we’ll continue to test them to learn more about their ultimate longevity.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Merino Wool Shirt

What Is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is a natural fiber that is grown by merino sheep, which are thought to be the oldest breed of sheep in the world and have adapted to thrive in harsh environments, such as the highlands of New Zealand, Australia, and South America. Their wool is much finer and softer than other strong wool breeds, and when woven into garments provides a number of other benefits that we all can appreciate.

For one, merino wool has a unique scale-like structure that aids it in wicking moisture away from the skin — something that synthetic fibers aren’t great at. These structures are also the reason merino wool is so good at temperature regulation, with sweat being transported away when it’s hot and insulating air being trapped next to the skin when it’s cold.

Merino wool also isn’t bogged down by the typical funk of synthetic garments, and is amenable to being layered over top of due to its breathability. There are some tradeoffs, however, which come in the form of overall durability (full merino weaves can develop holes over time), and price. It isn’t cheap to produce hard-working fabrics, and you’ll certainly fork over the dough for the good stuff.

Sustainable Wool Sourcing

Merino wool comes from sheep, and since we want to treat our woolen friends with all of the respect they deserve, the vast majority of merino wool garment manufacturers are now demanding wool that has been produced in sustainable and ethical ways. One practice of concern has been mulesing, which removes skin from the hind end of sheep to limit infections and has been banned in New Zealand. Thankfully, many manufacturers now guarantee their merino comes from mulesing-free farms.

Because of this demand for sustainable wool, a number of different non-profit entities offer certifications and audits of the merino wool supply chain. One such is the Woolmark Company, which is an Australian non-profit that tests merino wool to ensure quality, durability, and traceability.

Another is the ZQ Program, which ensures that merino sheep under their certification are treated ethically, are never mulesed, and that the environment is taken into consideration at all steps of the fiber-production process.

Finally, the Responsible Wool Standard, or RWS, is another global certification that ensures that the entire supply chain from beginning to end upholds the tenets of animal welfare protection, land preservation, and working conditions and is all audited by third-party certification bodies. It is important to note that while some companies may not advertise their tees to meet these standards, many still do — they just haven’t undergone the specific certification process.

100% Merino and Merino Blends

The decision to go full merino or with a blend will be a personal preference. That said, there are certain things that 100% merino wool is hands-down good at. First, 100% merino wool provides a more next-to-skin feel than a merino blend, especially those that have a higher synthetic content. Second, merino wool offers natural antibacterial, UV protection, and moisture-wicking properties that synthetics don’t naturally have.

However, when it comes to a blend, there are certain beneficial features, such as tending to be cheaper and easily outlasting their more fragile counterparts. Simply: adding smaller percentages of synthetics can help to shore up the deficiencies of merino, without totally stripping out the benefits.

If you want a merino layer for hiking, hunting, or just spending time outside, consider all the uses 100% merino wool has to offer. And if you’re investing in a merino shirt for, say, a rugged backpacking trip or rock climbing, or if durability is of high importance, then go for a blend.

Also, if you are brand new to merino and just want to try it out and see what all the fuss is about, a blend can be a bit more wallet-friendly the first time around.

Polyester: Polyester is a manmade material that has much better dry times than merino wool and resists shrinking in the wash — something merino struggles with. A blend can offer a textile with components that complement each other, so you end up with a garment that works for many situations.

Most merino wool shirts tend to use as high of a percentage of wool as they can get away with while still receiving the benefits of polyester. We prefer at least 75% merino wool in our blended fabrics. In our testing, it was no surprise the 100% merino shirts were the softest of the bunch.

Nylon: Another manmade fiber, nylon can add impressive durability to fabric blends. Garments like the Ridge Merino Journey Merino Wool Shirt incorporate a percentage of nylon into their weave and gain strength in return. It doesn’t take much to move the needle in terms of added durability, and we found a 20-30% nylon blend to be preferable.

Technologies like the Nuyarn used in the KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT SS Crew-T draft merino wool around a nylon core in order to offer the benefits of nylon while avoiding compressing the wool. Many other brands also offer similar nylon/merino blends, all with the same effect.

TENCEL Lyocell: A branded fiber that comes from the pulp of eucalyptus trees, Lyocell is similar to rayon in construction but offers a highly sustainable process where both solvent and water are recycled during the weaving.

Garments that use Lyocell in their blends have high-strength properties due to the high tenacity of the fabric.

Thickness and Weight

Another important aspect to consider when shopping for a merino wool layer is thickness and weight.

When it comes to weight, you’ll come across something written as GSM or g/m² — the weight of the material. Simply put, the lower the number, the thinner the material. For all-year-round layers, you’ll want something on the lower side, like around 120 to 180 g/m². And for extra warmth, you’ll want to go higher.

As for thickness, it’s all about the microns (µm) — the diameter of a single wool fiber. The lower the number, the thinner it is. It also means it’s softer and more expensive. In our opinion, the lower the micron, the more you’ll want to live in it, but you’ll need to take extra precautions due to its delicateness. For reference, the average human hair is about 70 microns thick, while the average merino wool fiber is 15-20 microns.

Fine Merino: Fine merino represents the division between true merino fibers and fibers that are sourced from merino sheep that have been crossbred with another breed for enhanced durability (but greater itchiness). These fine fibers are typically between 20 and 18 µm, and are the greatest portion of wool shorn from merino sheep. Durable shirts like the Ibex 24-Hour Short Sleeve Tee are made with merino in this tier.

Superfine Merino: Superfine merino fibers take the softness up another notch and are typically 16-18 µm. These fibers rival cashmere for its plushness, and will come with some additional cost for garments made with it. Some of our favorite merino shirts, like the Unbound Merino Crew Neck and Ridge Merino Solstice Lightweight Pullover Hoodie, are made with superfine merino.

Ultrafine Merino: The most premium merino wool, these fibers are sub 16 µm and are rather delicate for true everyday wear for outdoors folk. But for the money ($$$), this is the best stuff you can get your mitts on.

Fit and Styles

We included a variety of shirts on this list: tees, long-sleeve tops, and even some hoodies. Each has advantages, depending on the type of activity you intend to engage in.

For those who need something for primarily cold temperatures, a layer that is tighter-fitting with loads of mobility that won’t feel restrictive under an extra one or two layers is recommended. Others who want something that can be worn all year, like our staffers, should go for something looser with a more relaxed fit.

However, we did not include all of the merino wool layers under the sun. We focused on shirts because they are versatile for a variety of weather conditions and activities. Some of the layers we tested are a little more sporty, while others, like the Unbound Merino Crew Neck, have a classic cut that’s a bit more versatile. If you are looking for winter-specific merino base layer sets, zip-up merino layers, or merino underwear (yes, it’s a thing), we’ve got separate coverage on that, too.

Color

Layers that come in an assortment of colors are always welcome — they mix things up from the monotonous black and gray we often see. However, while we love mixing things up, our testers have routinely noticed layers that come in pastel colors tend to be sheerer than navy, black, and dark gray.

Keep this in mind if you don’t want your undergarments showing through, unless you strictly use them as a base layer and will always be covered.

Price & Value

When you buy a merino wool shirt or garment, you aren’t just buying, you are investing. Investing in a higher-quality, naturally odor-resistant, and hopefully much longer-lasting layer. Synthetics are great, and there can be high-quality synthetic blends that have the same properties, but many folks swear by merino.

Budget

Why the higher price in the first place? Merino wool is a more expensive fabric — more time-intensive to produce, expensive to import, and more fragile to work with compared to thicker synthetic yarns. So, we always weigh that factor when purchasing anything made with merino. That being said, you can still find deals, and these will more often use coarser merino fibers and are often blended to reduce the cost of added wool.

The Ridge Merino Journey and Wander Merino Wool Shirt ($60) are still the best things going currently. These shirts combine a fine 17.5-micron merino with nylon for a cost-conscious entry into these types of tees. The Patagonia Capilene Cool Merino ($69) is another notable bargain but at a lesser 65% merino blend.

Mid-Tier

Everyday merino tees will typically run you $80-90, and despite only paying a bit more than budget tees, you get much nicer shirts for the money. 100% merino shirts like the Icebreaker Merino 150 Tech Lite III ($80) are common, though you will also still see blends at this price range — just with finer merino.

The 24 Hour Short Sleeve Tee ($90) is a great pick for those after the softest wool out there, and it’s a nice upgrade for those willing to spend a little more. You can also get into a long-sleeve or hoody at these prices, like the Ridge Merino Solstice ($88).

Premium

If you’re paying more than $100 for a T-shirt, it had better be some T-shirt. Thankfully there are some pretty premium merino tees out there, and if you really want to invest in the fabric, you’ll be getting some very high-quality stuff. These tees are all 100% merino, like the Ortovox 185 Rock’N’Wool Short Sleeve ($100), where you’re paying for the fact that they produce 60% of its line in Europe.

The Voormi River Run Hoodie ($139) is the priciest piece of merino wool we’ve tested to date, and while we think the blended Ridge Merino Solstice is the better hoodie for most people, it’s undeniably nice to have a fine 100% merino version of the same thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s so special about merino wool?

Merino wool is a natural material, meaning it doesn’t come from manmade plastics or synthetics. It’s lightweight and soft to the touch. It wicks away moisture and odors, and it helps regulate body temperature. All of that wrapped into a single fabric. No wonder humans have been using and wearing wool since 10,000 BCE.

However, because of merino’s great properties, it is in high demand and usually more expensive than other fabrics. The narrow sourcing and supply chain of merino wool also contributes to its market value. The majority of the wool on the market is produced in Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Is merino wool better than cotton?

In simple terms, yes. When it comes to exercising or spending lots of time in the outdoor elements, double yes. Merino is better in the sense that it is a natural and porous fiber. So, if you are sweating, that sweat can escape — this is what makes merino a natural at regulating moisture and body temp, wicking away odor, and cooling.

Cotton is an especially thick synthetic fabric, much different than lightweight or nano-spun synthetics, and much different than merino wool.

Is merino wool itchy?

Heavy wool blankets or wool-lined slippers might evoke ideas of itchy, coarse fabric, but put those thoughts aside — merino wool is different. Merino wool is notoriously fine — with fine, fragile, and soft fibers.

Merino garments are even measured by the tiny diameters of the fibers, called microns. Most merino wool shirts we tested used wool that measured between 17.5 and 20 microns.

And the smaller the microns, the finer the fabric. If you are looking for the softest merino layer money can buy, you’ll want to look somewhere in the 15-17-micron fabric range.

How does merino wool keep you warm?

Merino wool (wool from a sheep) naturally traps air and retains heat to keep you warm. But, thanks again to its porous fiber nature, it’s still breathable at the same time.

How does merino wool keep you cool?

The fact that merino wool both retains heat and wicks away sweat — it works to both warm you up and cool you down — is one of its best properties. Wool keeps you cool by letting sweat escape through the fibers and away from your skin and body. This means you won’t get clammy or chills, and it also helps with wicking body odor.

Other fibers — synthetics or plant-based fabrics — are not as fine, porous, or breathable. They’ll do the job, but not as good a job. (That being said, our staff has a great time testing the latest in bio-based fabrics — unique layers sewn with everything from bamboo to hemp to corn.)

How often should I wash merino wool shirts?

You’ll want to treat your merino shirts and layers with care. Because merino is a natural fiber, you also don’t want to use bleach, scents, or fabric softeners that can clog up the wool and prevent merino from doing all the things it does naturally.

Washing every few wears — sometimes even just once or twice a month — with cold or warm water and a mild soap is all you need. Even when we wear a lot of merino wool when outdoors, we try to wash sparingly. And we always air dry or hang it to dry.

Apparel

The Best Base Layers for Men of 2025

We tested the best men’s base layers of 2025 with options for every budget. Top picks include Ibex, Patagonia, SmartWool, and more.

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The Best Base Layers for Women of 2025

We tested and found the best base layers for women including top picks from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Black Diamond, and more.

Have your flights booked? We’ve got your backside covered with the best men’s travel pants on the market for 2025.

From the Andean cloud forests to deep desert canyons, to long backcountry road trips and Parisian markets, these pants have been tested to tackle any adventure and do it all in style. Our travel-worn team has beaten paths around the globe in these slacks, and we’ve tested over 150 different pairs for almost a decade now. If it’s got the right stuff, we’ve saddled up in a pair.

Guide author Steve Graepel leads our efforts, and he’s hot-footed it around the globe a not-small number of times for this line-up. His eye for functional fashion is dialed in, and we consider all facets of these pants, down to the stitch lines, pocket placement, and button style.

Whether space in your carry on is slim and you need a one-and-done perfect pair, like our top choice Bluffworks Envoy Lightweights, or want to pad out your travel closet with a few more spend-wise options like the UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos to get you through trips without a stop to the laundromat, we think our recommendations are right on the money.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Travel Pants guide on May 17, 2025, with an eye toward summer, and have added three additional travel pants that we think deserve a spot in your luggage: The RHONE Commuter, KUIU Bridger, and Stio Vallis.

Best Overall Men's Travel Pants

Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants

$125 at Bluffworks

9.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 57% recycled polyester, 33% polyester, 10% spandex
• Fabric weight: 210 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 15 oz.
• DWR: No

Pros

• Lightweight fabric dries quickly
• Wrinkle resistant
• Looks and feels more recreational than the Ascenders
• Anti-UV properties
• More comfortable than most pants on the list

Cons

• The rear device pocket is hard to access when seated
• Lacks a DWR

Steve Graepel

Read Review: Minimalist Aesthetic, Pockets Galore: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants Review

Bluffworks’ Ascender Chino has been at or near the top of our travel pants list for 4 years now. Our main gripe with the Ascender is the heavy lean into the business side of “business casual.” That and the sheer number of pockets sometimes confounded our sleep-deprived travel brains. But now with fewer pockets and less golf-course chino, Bluffworks nailed the perfect travel pants with their Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants iteration ($125).

Trimming the fat started with the pockets. The Envoy drops a pocket to give us nine, but all are functional, and five of them zip shut. Two stealth pockets zip inside the hand pockets, both rear pockets zip shut, and a device pocket zips closed off the thigh and is a great place to store your documents.

Behind the right rear pocket, the Envoy tucks a drop-in style phone pocket below the waistband. This is a brilliant design that is easy to access, yet deep enough to curb sticky fingers. We did find it more comfortable to store the phone on the thigh when seated.  

The Envoys close shut with a zippered fly and metal button sewn into the elastic, belt-friendly waistband. In case you left the belt at home, silicone tabs are welded to the inside of the waistband and help keep the pants from shifting down.

Instead of a 100% durable polyester fabric found in the Ascender Chino, the Envoy is constructed from polyester/recycled polyester, spun with 10% spandex, giving the pants a four-way stretch. On the inside, all seams are overlocked and tacked down with a double stitch on the inseam to keep them from rubbing against the skin and reducing exposure to snags.

The pants wear light and supple, and given that they don’t have a gusset sewn into the crotch, we found the Envoys very flexible if not the most comfortable pants on our list.

And that’s really where the Envoys shine. If nothing else, a travel pant should go unnoticed — both on you and among potential troublemakers. These pants wear effortlessly, yet are capable of storing all your essentials safely away.

If you haven’t tried Bluffworks before, we recommend looking at the Envoy Lightweights over the Ascenders. While the Ascenders have one more pocket (a passport sleeve on the inside of the left front pocket), only three of the 10 pockets zip shut. The styling of the Envoy has five pockets that zip shut and wears more casually without compromising its city chops. 

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Best Budget Men's Travel Pants

UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Chinos

$35 at AmazonCheck Price at UNIONBAY

6.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
• Fabric weight: 173 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 13 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Comfortable
• Security options
• Well priced

Cons

• Pants run long
• Material tends to collect lint

Steve Graepel

Travel should never be about the gear. It should be about the experience. An Amazon darling, at $40 a pair, UNIONBAY’s Rainier Travel Pants are a steal, leaving more cash in the wallet for traveling.

True to size, the nylon-spandex blend offers just enough stretch for a full range of motion. The pants keep around the waist with a button and have traditional belt loops if you want to class them up with a belt.

Three nylon zipper pockets pair with deep hand pockets. With two in the back and one on the upper right leg, they’re big enough to secure a passport, the latest iPhone, a notepad, or all of them together.

The Rainiers are rated to 50 UPF and feel durable in the hand, making them acceptable for activities like hiking. The outermost layer is lightly brushed and tends to collect lint and show stains quicker than other pants we tested, but they wash up easily and the 170 gsm fabric is quick to dry.

While a simple pant when compared to the Bluffworks attention to detail, these chino-style pants hit the core elements we looked for when evaluating the best men’s travel pants. If you’re looking for a budget pair of travel pants that pack up tight and breeze from the tarmac to restaurants (and maybe a light hike in between), these are it.

The Rainiers are available in four colors: charcoal, navy, black, and khaki.

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Best Travel Pants for Adventuring In

LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants

$139 at LIVSNCheck Price at Backcountry

7.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 70% Blue Ocean nylon, 25% nylon, 5% spandex
• Fabric Weight: 173 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 13 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Form and function meet the apex pant
• Bomber hardware
• Tons of pockets with versatile security options

Cons

• DWR is negligible
• Styling is less formal

Steve Graepel

Read Review: Darn-Near Perfect Pants, Made With Recycled Plastic: LIVSN EcoTrek Review

LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant ($139) brings more stretch, lighter weight, and a more athletic design to their tried and true Flex Canvas Pants. And while these new pants are great for climbing, hiking, or other fast-paced activities in warmer climates, we find they hit all the marks for what we love in travel pants too.

Let’s start with the many pockets, most of which are zippered. Both rear pockets close with a zipper, offering some much-needed peace of mind. Angling off the back of the left thigh is an additional, horizontal zippered pocket, which is great for gadgets or a small wallet.

Both of the mesh hand pockets have coin sleeves to prevent loose currency or keys from shifting around, and the left front hand pocket has a hidden zippered pocket large enough to protect your phone. Rounding out the seven pockets is a reinforced multitool pocket sitting on the right thigh. With so many pocket options, there’s a place for everything that feels designed with purpose instead of over-engineered.

The pocket configuration is dialed, but what sells these pants are the little details. The fabric’s synthetic blend doesn’t feel stiff, and the smartly tailored material walks quietly, fitting our testers with an ergonomic, yet surprisingly athletic fit.

A metal button closes the front and is backed with a leather pledget to prevent busting out. The Ecotrek Trail pants have belt loops, but if you forget your belt, they include a drawstring that hides inside the waistband. The cuffs are reinforced around the heel and so is the utility tool pocket.

While they don’t have a robust DWR, the material breathes very well. When things heat up, the pant legs roll up and keep under a buttoned strap that’s been sewn with reflective tape. These little details add up pretty quickly to make the Ecotrek a stellar pant.

Turn the pants inside out, and you really get an appreciation for the quality and care taken to make these pants. All seams are overlocked, with the flat-felled inseam. This kind of stitching increases durability where you need it and comfort where you want it.

Sustainability is core to LIVSN’s line of clothes, and the Ecotrek Trail pant walks the talk. The material is woven from Oceanflex fabric (70% recycled fishing buoys recovered from the ocean), and the YKK zipper taping is made from recycled ocean plastic. The rest is 25% nylon and 5% spandex for stretch.

If you are looking for lightweight, stretchy, durable pants, the LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pant stands out as one of the best men’s travel pants on the market and can tackle a wide range of activities.

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Best Travel 5-Pocket Style Pant

Western Rise Evolution 2 Pants

$77 at AmazonCheck Price at Western Rise

8.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: Fabric 90% nylon, 10% elastane, woven in Taiwan, cut and sewn in Indonesia
• Fabric Weight: 107 gsm
• Fit: True to size. Available in slim, chino, and regular
• Weight: 11 oz.
• DWR: Yes. PFC/PFAS Free C0 DWR

Pros

• Lightweight material breathes just as well as the first
• More durability than the first iteration
• Fantastic fit and construction
• Better mobility than the first iteration

Cons

• New fabric feels slightly stiffer (breaks in over time)
• Single security pocket is limiting for some travelers

Steve Graepel

The first iteration of the Evolution was a GearJunkie staple around the office. Simple, functional, durable — it’s what we recommended to all our friends who ask us, “What’s the best pant for everyday use?” The updated Western Rise Evolution 2.0 ($128) has more stretch, and they are all the better for it.

This new bump in elastane gives the Evolution 2.0 a significant four-way stretch and increased flexibility without sacrificing durability. The jean-like five-pocket design wears more like denim but has the durability of a hiking pant. In fact, one of our editors wore their pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

At the core of the pant is the nylon-elastane blend with a trim jean cut. The nylon fibers are softened by running them through an air-texturized process and then weaving them into a dynamic yarn. The material has a durable weave that mimics denim (and feels less “khaki”).

The DWR coating — or maybe DBR (Durable Beer Resistance) — is outstanding. We wore these pants to Oktoberfest last year, where they took the brunt of the fickle Bavarian weather and a rowdy beer hall.

Reach around back, and you’ll find a double pocket on the right, with a hidden zipper pocket that’s large enough to swallow your passport. Western Rise expanded the front coin pocket and made it big enough to holster the largest phone on the market.

After your trip, roll them up and watch them disappear in your luggage. They tick all the boxes for traveling and were the envy of our photographer while cycling through Colombia.

There aren’t many reasons to ding the Evolutions; the material on the new pant feels stiff out of the box but that softens up over time. To help differentiate its pant models (which all have a similar cut and color), Western Rise screened a patch on the inner left pocket. It can feel a little sweaty against the legs.

Aware of this issue, Western Rise is changing that label to a print going forward. One thing that hasn’t changed is the pocket configuration. Some will find the additional zipper pocket just the right amount of added security. Others will prefer more pockets to keep their EDCs. And that’s where we find the Evolution falls short. An extra security pocket would send this pant to the top of the list again.

If you want that Western Rise styling but with a wrinkle-resistant fabric, the Diversion pant ($168) is also a great pick. The double-knit canvas weighs 286 gsm, making it more durable overall but sacrificing packability.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This fantastic five-pocket jean-style pant has been on our list of the best men’s travel pants for 6 years now. For 2 of those years, they were our top pick. We use the Western Rise Evolution 2.0s as a benchmark for fit and comfort, and we recommend them to friends looking for a do-everything pant that flies fashionably under the radar.

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Most Fashion-Forward Travel Pants

Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pant

check price at jack archer

8.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% PTT polyester fibers
• Fabric Weight: 178 gsm
• Fit: True to size with a tapered leg
• Weight: 12 oz.
• DWR: The Rebound fabric has a robust natural DWR, without the need for a treatment

Pros

• Very comfortable
• Good pocket layout with clean storage options
• Fashionably cut
• Phone sleeve is easy to use and stays out of the way of the hip joint when seated
• Stretchiness is achieved without weaving in spandex
• Robust DWR

Cons

• Polyester can hold smell and isn’t as durable as nylon
• Pocket flaps make it harder to access rear zippered contents
• Bunched elastic waist hem takes away from the clean lines of the pant

Steve Graepel

A new player in the travel pant sector, Jack Archer was founded in 2021 with the goal of creating a more comfortable pant that looks sharp day in and day out. Sew in some zippered pockets, give it a progressive taper, and the Jetsetter Tech Pant ($89) is a winning combination for a travel pant. 

Core to the pants is the Japanese-sourced 100% PTT polyester fabric. The aptly named Rebound fabric is a helically spun polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) polyester that is woven to yield four-way mechanical stretch, a process that some of our favorite pants incorporate (like Western Rise). It is strong, stain- and wrinkle-resistant, and retains its shape after being packed in our carry-on. 

The polymerized material stretches and moves with the body, naturally bouncing back without any weaving any Lycra or spandex into the fabric. This is good because these stretchy fibers can break down over time, eventually rendering the pants permanently ‘baggy,’ a quality Jack Archer is working hard to avoid. 

No aftermarket washes here, as the PTT weave naturally works as a DWR, repelling water and stains on par with the best. We wore our pants to a work event where we were hands-on with colored modeling clay. The greasy clay washed out of the lightly colored fabric, coming out of the wash looking crisp. Nothing needs to be reapplied — a bonus for those who don’t like additives in their fabrics. We look forward to testing how this performs over the year.

A diamond-shaped gusset in the crotch and a pair of elastic panels on the sides unlock the legs. We are mixed on the elastic waist. On one hand, the pants are incredibly comfortable and flex without being too loose or too snug. On the other hand, the stretchy panels take away from the clean, fashionable look. If this bugs you, the panels easily hide under a belt, allowing the pants to look sharp and comfortable. We found they suited up great with a tie and wingtips.

For the traveler, these pants have plenty of places to store everyday carries. Two deep hand pockets angle off the sides, and the hidden left pocket works very well as a device sleeve. Both back pockets are welted, drop-in styles that zip shut and hide under a thin overlapping flap. This gives the pants a clean, finished look. But we found the opening feels a little snug with the zipper hidden under the flap.

Minor criticisms aside, we really like the pants and recommend the Jetsetter Tech Pant for more casual traveling where you might dress up. The polyester fabric is softer than nylon but inherently less durable. Because the poly is woven with a mechanical stretch in mind, it is more durable than the poly-spandex blends. In the end, these pants are styled for more urban travel, supporting Jack Archer’s fabric choice.

Jack Archer sells pants direct to consumer. True to size, they have great stretch and allow comfortable mobility — thanks to the material choice and the diamond gusset sewn into the crotch. If buying pants online makes you break a sweat, Jack Archer offers a 30-day trial period, during which you can trade them in for a different size or get a full refund. The pants are notably comfortable and look sharp. We feel you will like them, too.

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Other Travel Pants to Take You There

We think that the five pants above are perfect for cycling through the week on your travels, but there’s certainly other options we’ve tested and enjoyed as well. Check out the eight alternates below to help diversify your travel closet.

Teren Lightweight Traveler Pants

$130 at TEREN

7.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 88% nylon, 12% spandex
• Fabric Weight: 154 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 11 oz.
• DWR: No

Pros

• Pre-treated with an insect repellant
• Stain resistant
• Internal drawstring for extra waist security
• Three zipper-closed pockets
• Lightweight
• SPF 50
• Tanto-style pocket to clip your EDC

Cons

• Magnetic closure catches on anything metal
• No durable water repellant finish

Steve Graepel

Threading the needle between style, function, and durability, Teren’s Lightweight Traveler ($130) is our pick for folks who want one pant to do it all.

The Lightweight Traveler is a tapered chino-style pant with six pockets. Three pockets secure your goods with a zipper. Two zip shut vertically behind the front pockets, and the third secures the right back pocket. The pants are washed in Permethrin to ward off critters. Plus, they’re antimicrobial, stain-resistant, and offer UV protection.

Our editor Chris Carter wore his Lightweight Travelers on the Continental Divide thru-hike, where they withstood miles of intense bushwhacking through thorny, overgrown trails and post-holing through deep snow. Carter lauded the pants’ ability to stay stench-free for weeks on end. After the adventure is done, the stain-release fabric readily releases dirt and grime in the wash. These chinos easily suit up for a night on the town.

The Lightweight Travelers ditch the classic button and use a pair of sewn-in magnets to close around the waist. While wearing the pants around town and doing weekend chores, the magnetic closure often got stuck on metal objects.

They snapped to my grocery cart, to my truck bed, to my knife, to loose screws while repairing my gate. Curious about the strength, I went into my garage and started hanging hardware off the pants. The magnet is strong enough to hold a hammer. But, lean over to tie your shoes (or eat a big meal) and the magnetic fasteners slide apart easily. Stand up, and they pull right back together.

The magnetic closure is different and takes some getting used to. Is it problematic? Maybe. The gauss, or magnetic induction, could demagnetize small metal springs in mechanical watches. Given the most popular watch is a smartwatch — this isn’t an issue for most of us.

But magnets can also demagnetize credit cards and hotel room keys. Magnets are working their way into everyday uses, and unless you have a pacemaker between the legs, you should be fine. Worried about the magnet holding the pants up? Backed with belt loops and an internal drawstring, the pants have plenty of options to keep them around the waist.

Other issues: The offset zippered front pockets drop into the same front hand pocket sleeve. They fight for the same real estate, compromising overall storage. We found these pockets a little challenging to access while seated in tight spaces.

For those looking for rain or spill protection, the Travelers don’t sport a durable water repellant (DWR). That was known a trade-off for the Bug Repellency, (the feature applied second overrides the first). The pants still boast Stain Release & Stain Protection feature that spreads stains out until they wash out after a few washes.

If you are looking for nearly the same pant with a DWR, we encourage you to look at their Daily Driver ($120). The Daily Drivers are a lightly insulated pant with a DWR (but no bug repellency), and are a better choice for in city wear.

With so many pros, these are small cons. The spandex weave yields significant mobility while the nylon deflects catches and tears — all while keeping the pants just over 10 ounces. It’s a great combination of durability and flexibility in a quick-drying pant that packs down small. At 11 ounces, the Lightweight Traveler is truly lightweight, competing only with Western Rise’s Evolution 2s.

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Nomatic Outset Pant

Check Price at Nomatic

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% polyester warp knit
• Fabric Weight: Unknown gsm
• Fit: True to size with a tapered leg
• Weight: 14 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Stretchy waistband
• 4-way stretch
• Closes with two buttons
• Best-in-class coin pocket
• 7 functional pockets

Cons

• Zippered slash pocket is small
• Runs small and has limited waist sizes (32, 34, 36, 38)
• "Casual fit" runs slim
• Inseam is short and somewhat restrictive

Steve Graepel

A new-to-market tech pant, the Nomatic Outset ($130) has a lot going for it. Seven well-placed pockets are seamlessly integrated into the streamlined trousers. The two hand pockets are generous with an angled coin pocket tucked inside the front right pocket. The coin pocket’s slash-style entry makes it easy to grab your phone on the go. We consider it the best in class for the revamped coin pocket.

The two rear jetted pockets are large and sewn into the yoke beneath the waist. While they are welt-style, drop-in pockets, Nomatic partially stitches the hanging insert to the pants fabric. This is a nice touch. It eliminates the contents from swaying or twisting.

Two zipper pockets secure your important goods. A hidden slash pocket is sewn down the left seam. Not quite deep enough for an iPhone, it holds credit cards and minimal wallets fine. The rear right pocket hides a second zipper pocket. This is becoming the norm in most modern travel pockets, and it’s larger than most and can swallow a passport wallet. Since Nomatic tacks the liner down with the main pocket, the contents ride snugly.

The pocket configuration pairs well with the fitted cut. The pants taper down the legs, just kissing the calves without feeling too snug. Spun from knitted polyester (which we tend to see in more modern tech pants), the 100% poly pants yield significant four-way stretch. We did find that the inseam is a little short. It doesn’t bind the legs, but the lower pivot point feels limiting. Fortunately, they sew in a diamond gusset to help offset the resistance.

Like Jack Archer, Nomatic sews an elastic band in the waist, but it looks more finished than Jack Archer’s Jetsetter. Unlike Jack Archer, the Outset closes around the waist with two buttons. The pair of buttons helps distribute the load across the waist so you don’t have a pressure point digging into the belly.

This is critical because we found that the Outset fits about a half size smaller than most equivalent sizes we’ve tested. Given Nomatic sizes up on the even, we’d be hesitant to jump to the next size, and this ultimately is why this pant falls below the fold of our top 5.

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Arc’teryx Gamma Jogger

$200 at Amazon

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: Fortius DW 2.0 (nylon) softshell
• Fabric Weight: Unknown
• Fit: True to size, not baggy
• Weight: 12 oz.
• DWR: Yes, PFAS-free DWR

Pros

• Overstitched and oversewn seams are durable and minimal
• Three mesh lined pockets zip shut for security
• Comes with the clean and functional design Arc’teryx is known for
• Wind and water resistant

Cons

• Expensive
• Thigh pocket has too much room to prevent a phone from bouncing around
• No rear pockets (common in joggers)

Steve Graepel

Crafted for active pursuits that demand a hardwearing pant, the latest iteration of the Arc’teryx Gamma Jogger ($200) is the ideal pant to take you from the gate to the mountain without compromise.

We own one of the very first models of the Gamma pant, released back in the late ’90s. After two-plus decades of bashing through the backcountry, we still wear them, and we’ve even reviewed the current climbing cut in depth. The only failure is a busted zipper pull on a hand pocket. The fabric is bombproof. A cockroach. You can’t kill it.

This latest athleisure iteration is much more refined. The fabric is softer and lighter, more pliable and stretchy. It still blocks wind and a light drizzle, but it’s more friendly for running, nordic skiing, or simply wearing around town on errands. Yet, it’s still durable enough to wear at the crags.

Three mesh pockets secure shut with a zipper (two hand pockets and one inset pocket on the right thigh). The hand pockets are appropriately deep and hold items without binding in the hip. The thigh pocket, also deep, holds light, flat items best, like a map. Our devices tended to flop around in there. We’d like to see an internal sleeve added inside to lock the phone in one place.

Fit-wise, the pants are nearly perfect. The regular cut provides room for mobility and a gusset in the crotch to unlock the legs when you need more stretch. They gradually taper to the ankles and end in an elastic cuff, allowing you to see your feet when trying to place them on a hold. Though we did find that the elastic was too tight to pull the pant legs up over the calves.

The Gamma combines durability and comfort with just the right details for active travel. Like all Arc’teryx items, the lines are clean and the quality is great. You just need to be prepared to pay more for the bird.

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Public Rec Dealmaker

Check Price at Public Rec

7.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% Polyester
• Fabric Weight: Unknown
• Fit: True to size, slim with more room than the original
• Weight: 11 oz.
• DWR: Yes, light DWR

Pros

• Great updated fit
• Minimal design
• Best rear pocket zipper pull in the business

Cons

• Coin pocket is uselessly small; We’d like to see this sized up, following the general trend in travel pants

Steve Graepel

If we had to put our 0.0013 bitcoin on it, the most comfortable pair of tech pants we’ve stepped into the Public Rec’s Dealmaker ($128, formerly the Workday Pant 2.0). How they can make a nylon spandex weave so comfortable simply bends modern science. It’s as if your sweatpants got upgraded to first class.

The 5-pocket pant uses a lightweight polyester that barely tips 10 ounces on our scales, which makes them one of the lightest pants on the list. They punch above their weight, and feel robust and structured.

Public Rec trimmed the fat to keep the weight down. The pants have thinner belt loops, uses smaller rivets, laminates the rear pocket hems and front button hole, and trims fabric overage from all the seams. Everything about the Dealmaker feels executed for ease of movement.

While minimal in many ways, we love the rear security pocket. Hiding under the right rear pocket, the secured pocket’s zipper pull is fat and bent at the tip, making it easy to grab and access your contents on the go.

This is our second round with this pant. The previous iteration tapered uncomfortably close to the leg, from quads to calves. They seemed to resolve this issue with the Dealmaker, which tapers perfectly down the quads and then drops straight to the hem. It’s both fashionable and comfortable.

The Dealmaker is a minimal five-pocket style pant that does many things well, including folding into your daily rotation of pants for work, making this a good pant for the office and travel.

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Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant

$198 at Huckberry Inc

7.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 47% merino wool, 33% nylon, 14% polyester, 6% elastane
• Fabric weight: 247 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 1 lb., 0.5 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Merino wool!
• Stylish
• Gusseted crotch
• Good fit and stretch
• Available in odd and even waist sizes, in lengths 30-34

Cons

• Pricey — No longer $200, the pants are still expensive at $170
• Weighs an ounce or two more than other similar pants
• Lacks a dedicated device pocket
• After a year of use, the seat is beginning to pill

Steve Graepel

Read Review: Wool Wardrobe for a Weekend Getaway: Huckberry ‘Proof’ 72-Hour Travel Kit Review

Merino pants? 100%. Proof is Huckberry’s in-house performance wear, with the 72-Hour line as its go-to travel clothes under the Proof name. New last year, Huckberry released the 72-Hour Travel Pant ($170), and while the price dropped $30, it’s still expensive. But it has a lot of merits. We learned it’s all in the fabric.

Wool has natural antimicrobial, DWR, and UPF protection characteristics that we usually laud about when discussing base layers. Because wool wicks moisture, the pants breathe well and keep you feeling dry even in hot climates and sticky bus rides. It keeps the stench down and the comfort high. All things we look for when traveling. 

This is the first merino wool pant we’ve seriously considered, and it makes a lot of sense. If you are going far with limited space, you need to trim the fat. And while cutting out extra shirts and pants may once have been a questionable decision, it’s a lot easier when one pair of pants delivers so well.

The design team gave some thoughtful reflection to the 72-Hour pant. Complementing the five-pocket design is a hidden zippered pocket inside the right rear pocket. The panels are sewn together with a combination of comfortable overstitched inseams, flat-sewn gussets, and durable flat-felled side seams.

The pants are sewn together with a combination of flat-felled and welted overlocked joints, then finished with a robust DWR. All this tech stays under the radar with black hardware finishes.

As styling goes, we find the Proof 72-Hour Travel Pant to be on par with Western Rise’s Evolution 2’s, which around the office we can agree are one of the best-styled pants available today. The comfort award, however, goes to the Proofs. Need more Proof? We have a full rundown on the brand’s merino lineup from our recent trip testing pants in Japan.

After a full year of use, we have noticed that these pants are beginning to pill in high-wear areas, like the seat.

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KÜHL Suppressor Jogger

Check Price at KÜHL

6.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
• Fabric Weight: 165 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 12 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Light and packable
• Durable and stretchy
• KÜHL drop in style pockets are fantastic

Cons

• Fabric is noisy
• No button-no fly minimalism may not appeal to everyone
• Only one zippered pocket on the backside

Steve Graepel

KÜHL has a strong reputation throughout the outdoor industry for making bomber, thoughtfully designed pieces. And its sub-$100 Suppressor Joggers exemplify those qualities in spades.

The 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend is lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and durable. Plus, a solid DWR treatment rebuffs Mother Nature’s fickle temperament.

Like any good pair of travel pants, the Suppressors sport well-thought-out pockets. The angled hand pockets are deep and easy to access while seated. A single stealth pocket zips behind the right back side, and drop-in pockets grace both thighs.

Drop-in pockets are our favorite design to haul devices. They snug the phone but keep your data within reach. The best of the batch fit on the backside of the leg, maintaining accessibility and minimizing the bounce. KÜHL has two of them.

Riding down the back of the quads, they are perfect for clipping multitools, knives, or pens, and sheath a phone, passport, or tickets. And it’s these drop-in pockets that make the Suppressor our favorite pant to wear on the plane. Everything stays within easy reach.

If there’s any knock against the Suppressor Joggers, it’s that these are simple pull-on pants. No button, no fly — just an elastic waist and drawstring. On the flip side, this keeps things quick when moving through TSA – there’s no pulling off the belt and redressing after pat-downs.

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Ornot Mission Pants

$148 at Ornot Bike

7.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 95% nylon, 5% elastane
• Fabric weight: 232 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 14 oz.
• DWR: Yes

Pros

• Gusseted design gives a great fit
• Reflective details on cuffs
• Made in USA

Cons

• Not many; an extra pocket or a drop-in phone sleeve, and these would be our top choice for travel pants

Steve Graepel

When it comes to fit and function, cyclists have it all figured out. Stretch, durability, DWR, and ergonomic pocket layout make a great commuter pant. Fall short on any of these, cyclists will be quick to call you out.

San Francisco-based Ornot hit all the paces with its Mission Shorts. This year, the brand released its beloved short in a pant. True to the brand, the Mission Pants ($148) pull off an effortlessly classy-looking pant. Minimalist aesthetics, five pockets (two that zip shut), and the rear pockets angle off the midline for easy access. The stealth thigh pocket zips contents securely off the back of the leg. The leeward position pegs the device to the leg while in the saddle.

We found the Mission Pants to be lighter than other commuter pants on the market. The 232gsm fabric breathes well and moves with the body without feeling like a protective shell. They wear easy at the office and feel at home on the street. And if you grab a bike by the horns, both cuffs flip up to reveal reflective hits to keep you seen on the go.

We’ve been following this small brand for years, and it keeps bringing its A-game to market. These garments are all made in the USA and offer a 1-year warranty. The brand’s Mission Pants are great on the bike … or not.

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Jetty Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant

check price at backcountrycheck price at jetty

6.5

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% polyester
• Fabric Weight: 240 gsm
• Fit: True to size
• Weight: 16 oz.
• DWR: No

Pros

• Good stretch
• Comfortable fit
• Drawstring and belt loops

Cons

• Only available in a 32 inseam
• Pants stretch and lightly pill over time
• Front occasionally unbuttons too easily

Steve Graepel

Jetty’s Acadia 2.0 Utility Pant ($100) straddles the shoreline between a board short and the boardroom. But don’t let its slick chino veneer dissuade you. 

The 100% polyester material is warp-knitted, interlocking the poly fibers into a smooth-faced fabric. Jetty sewed in a gusset in the crotch to add extra room for the legs. The combination of cut and materials gives the Acadia an amazing amount of stretch in all directions. 

And it also gives the pants fantastic wrinkle resistance. We’ve pulled our Acadias out of overstuffed bags and walked into meetings with deceivingly fresh-pressed-looking pants.

Two pockets zip shut on the backside to keep your goods protected, and the mesh hand pockets are deep. Riding down the right leg is a drop-in device pocket. There is plenty of room in the drop-in pocket, and plenty of room in the relaxed quads before they taper slightly to the bottom hem. This extra room in the thighs lets the phone bounce more than we’d like.

The Acadia 2.0 Utility Pants close with a tarnished brass button embossed with the Jetty logo. A drawstring is sewn into the waistband so you won’t ever lose it in the wash. And in case you do need to go into the boardroom, Jetty ports the drawstring on both sides of the waistband, so you can tuck the drawstring on the inside of the pants for a polished look.

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KUIU Bridger Pants

$109 at KUIU

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 66% cotton, 30% nylon, 4% spandex
• Fabric Weight: Unknown
• Fit: Regular, runs about 1/2 size small in waist
• Weight: 10 oz.
• DWR: Robust DWR

Pros

• Nice balance of cotton, nylon, spandex for soft durable fabric that drapes well
• Love the utility pocket
• Good DWR
• Nice device pocket on the right thigh holds the phone securely
• At 10 ounces, they are the lightest pants on the list

Cons

• Size is slightly off most pants
• Rides high in the crotch
• Tight in quads
• Rear zippered pocket is smallish

Steve Graepel

KUIU is hyper-focused on the hunt but offers a few garments to wear back at the homestead. We like the Bridger Pants ($109) mostly for their smart balance of yarns. The nylon, cotton, and spandex fabric yields durability, breathability, and comfortable stretch. At just 10 ounces, these pants are exceptionally lightweight and disappear in the bag, and the DWR is fantastic.

A modified 5-pocket pant, the pair of mesh-lined, tanto-style front hand pockets drop down before they angle to the side. The mesh does double duty by cutting weight and venting the pants on hot days, pairing well with the high cotton count fabric.

Both rear pockets are drop-in style and patched to the pants. Inside the right rear pocket, the security pocket is set in, with the mesh liner dropping inside the pants. Unlike Western Rise, which patches the rear pocket over the rear security pocket, the Bridger’s rear patch pocket can get torn off and items zipped inside the security pocket will be protected inside the pants.

We appreciate that KUIU decided to remove the coin pocket altogether. While many companies scale it up to holster a device, the contents often dig into the hip when you sit. Instead, the Bridger adds a device pocket to the back of the right thigh.

These pants run slim, hugging the leg around the quads. We found that this fit pins down items stowed in the thigh pocket, and we can also feel the phone under the leg when we sit. This design works a little better on looser fitting pants with some structure.

Lastly, we found that even though a diamond gusset is sewn into the crotch, the inseam rides high and feels tight through the saddle. The Bridger hits all the marks; KUIU just needs to refine them to hit them with precision.

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Stio Vallis Pants

$129 at evoCheck Price at Stio

7.4

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: 100% polyester
• Fabric Weight: 155 g/m2
• Fit: Regular
• Weight: 11 oz.
• DWR: PFAS-free DWR

Pros

• Light
• Breathable
• Strong pocket layout
• Great fit
• PFAS-free DWR

Cons

• Unstructured material allows phone to flop in device pocket
• While Stio is known for durable outdoor clothes, 100% polyester may be less durable than nylon pants on the list

Steve Graepel

Stio’s apparel lineup is tight and released with purpose. They don’t mix it up often. New additions are calculated. So when they released the new lightweight Vallis Pants ($130), it caught our attention.

Made from a new PeakVale fabric, the material is woven from 100% polyester. It’s soft, has superior stretch that rebounds, and is durable. Because it doesn’t contain Lycra or spandex, there are no stretchy fibers that break down over time. A PFAS-free design, it’s coated with a light DWR, is quiet to walk in, and remains wrinkle-free when you pull it out after a 24-hour travel day.

Like all Stio products, the fit is fantastic. The pants aesthetically taper without binding over the quads or calves. There’s no gusset in the crotch, but the fabric is so resilient that they don’t need it.

The pants are styled with six pockets. The pair of slash hand pockets is appropriately deep. The coin pocket is shallow, but wide, running the full length of the pocket. The wide-open coin pocket is too shallow to store a phone, but Stio added a nice device sleeve on the right thigh. Because the fabric is so light, we did experience some device bounce when walking. Fortunately, it is deep enough to holster the phone securely regardless. Both rear pockets also zip shut to secure your important papers.

Stio makes some of the very best mountain apparel for skiing and alpine sports. We are quick to recommend Stio to friends and family. In fact, it’s the kit we buy for our own family. We received the Vallis near the end of our testing, and at first blush, these travel pants are close to perfect. We look forward to testing them more this year.

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RHONE Commuter Pants

Check Price at RHONE

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Fabric: Flex-Knit® fabric with Polyester
• Fabric weight: Unknown
• Fit: True to size with slim and regular cuts
• Weight: 13 oz.
• DWR: No

Pros

• Clean styling
• Traditional 5-pocket design has a zippered security and functional coin pocket that can sleeve a phone
• Flex-nit polyester is comfortable a quiet

Cons

• Not as durable as other pants on the list
• No DWR but dries very quickly

Steve Graepel

The RHONE Commuter Pant ($138) follows the typical travel-friendly pant template. The 5-pocket design has two appropriately deep front slash pockets and two drop-in rear pockets. The front left pocket hides a media pocket. It’s slightly smaller than what Western Rise hides in their front pocket, but we liked how it secured our phone. It feels locked down, tacked to the hip.

Inside the right rear pocket hides a sixth, zippered pocket that secures valuable items. It’s plenty big and easy to use, and we like that the zipper hides under the welt of the overlaying, set-in pocket.

While RHONE doesn’t list the material breakdown, the ‘Flex-knit’ fabric is made from polyester. The knitted fabric is quiet, supple, and has low dimensional stability — it moves and stretches with you. It feels similar to Lululemon’s ABC, but it wears lighter, drapes with a touch more room around the legs, and with the slash pockets, the Commuter suits up better for more formal occasions than the ABC 5-pocket.

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Men’s Travel Pants Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Men’s Travel Pants

There are few other products we test at GearJunkie that are considered non-negotiable in society. Outside the house, you gotta wear pants (or shorts). And if you’re choosing shorts, you’re probably not looking at the right pants.

Travel pants are part of our everyday uniform, allowing us to test them daily. We test pants for the office grind, after-school errands, dispatching weekend chores, and yes, of course, travel, constantly logging test hours to find the best travel pants on the market.

Our Testing Process and Testing Grounds

Cozy in coach, capable of tackling adventure, but formal enough to wear to dinner, travel pants span the use case spectrum. We’ve worn them on intercontinental flights to Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as transcontinental flights from Jacksonville to the Intermountain States.

In warmer climates, we’ve pulled them out of our bikepacking bags on cool nights in Nicaragua and high up on the Colombian Coffee Triangle. One tester even wore his pair to the top of the Grand Teton.

When we get our hands on a new pant, we first take a look at the materials. We gauge the fabric weight, breathability, and the material’s ability to resist wrinkling. Synthetics with a DWR will pack down smaller, bounce back from being jammed in luggage on an overnight flight, and resist stains (and spills) better than cotton.

A touch of spandex affords some stretch and nylon tends to be more durable. We then turn them inside out to look at the seams joining the pants together, looking at where costs were cut and potential quality issues might cause a blowout on the road.

To be considered for our list, pants need at least one pocket that can be zipped shut to safely secure a passport or wallet. The hand pockets should be deep enough to keep keys and change from accidentally spilling out, or have zippers that prevent mishaps. No joke, one pair of pants we tested (not on this list) spit a wallet out at work without us even knowing it.

We then evaluated each pant’s fit, durability, packability, ability to bounce back from repeated wash and wear, and unpacking. We want to find out if a pair of pants can be washed in the sink in the evening and be ready to wear the following morning.

We want to see if the material resists wrinkling. And we want to know if the pants are cut too large, too small, or hike up the legs. The best material and construction alone can’t fake a good fit. We test pants for mobility and proper length. Does the pant bind in the crotch? Are the gussets appropriate? Are the legs cut at a proper length or do they ride up when walking?

Our testing focuses primarily on comfort, versatility, and functionality when in transit, so if you’re looking for something more durable for active pursuits, check out our picks for the best hiking pants. We also have a guide for the best women’s travel pants to get your travel companion ready for the long haul.

Our Expert Testers

Steve Graepel has been leading the men’s travel pant buyer guide since 2015. Over the span of 8 years, Graepel has seen over 240 pairs of travel pants, rigorously testing 155 pants. Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, sleeping bags, winter boots, and trail runners.

His latest beat is travel pants, flannels, and men’s wallets. Before his time as a “fashion blogger,” he wrote for Travel Idaho, National Geographic Adventure, Patagonia’s Tin Shed, Trail Runner, and Gear Patrol.

Graepel has researched and tested travel pants extensively — traveling, working, and camping in the high alpine desert of Idaho, Montana, and Utah, and traveling abroad in a variety of environments including Europe, Asia, Central, and South America. He continues to test travel pants year-round and searches for anyone who will listen to his yarns about the best travel trousers.

In 2020, we tried 27 pairs and listed 15 pants on our men’s buyers guide. In 2021, we tested an additional 35 pairs, highlighting nine new pants on our list. In 2022, we saw an additional 23 pairs, adding six new pants.

In 2023 we looked at 38 pairs, adding seven new pants to the men’s travel pant buyer’s guide. In 2024, we reviewed 30 pants, updating our Men’s Travel Pants buyer guide with nine new pants. And finally, for 2025, we tested 16 new pants, adding six pants to our latest buyer’s guide.

Each year introduces new styles and materials, and we try to reflect the best on the market of that year. Many trousers remain on the list, year after year. They are either so good, or so good of a deal, that they are tough to topple.

To keep a finger on the pulse of pants, we read reviews from top sites and contact manufacturers directly. Steve Graepel has regular conversations with pant brand owners and representatives in the travel pant space. These relationships allow us to stay up to date on what makes pants better every year, and keep an eye on sleeper pants that just don’t have the marketing budget to get mass attention.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Travel Pants

Fit

Regardless of whether the pants are straight-leg or slim, a good pair is one that follows the human form and doesn’t bag out after repeated washings, or bloat when packed with your phone and keys. The length should fit your inseam or run longer so you can roll them up or get them tailored.

Almost every pant on our list has a great fit. If they didn’t, we’ve shared the cons. Both Jetty’s and UNIONBAY’s pants run a little long. Nomatic’s Outset is a touch slim. Proof, Jack Archer, Rhone, and Public Rec offer a variety of inseams for a dialed fit (from 30″ to 36″). To dial in the fit of the waist for models with belt loops, we typically try to find a travel and adventure-friendly belt that allows us to get through TSA without needing to remove it.

Function

We scored each pant for both its ability to adventure, wear in coach, and hit the streets. Some pants, like Arc’teryx , have a bias for stout use. The Gamma Joggers are coated with a solid DWR and are our choice for adventure trips where you can’t sacrifice durability.

If traveling by plane, we prefer comfortable pants with accessible pockets. While five-pocket styled jeans or chinos wear well on the street, their pockets are harder to access when sitting on the plane. So we usually prefer a comfortable jogger or cargo pant that has vertical zippered pockets and drop-in device pockets on the legs.

KÜHL and KUIU both have accessible pockets while seated in the plane. Nomatic has a clever slash-style coin pocket that works better than most. The angled entry is forgiving when trying to extract the phone. Arc’teryx has a large map pocket that rides over the leg.

For comfort in coach, you don’t need to look past Bluffworks Envoy. They look great and have plenty of pockets to stay organized. KÜHL’s Suppressor Jogger dialed the drop-in pockets and is lightweight and durable, but the material isn’t nearly as soft as KUIU’s soft cotton blend. It’s always a trade-off.

Style Matters

While comfort is key, we also need to be able to show ourselves in public (no washed-out gray sweatpants on this list). The most versatile travel clothes should be able to tackle a hike without getting roughed up, or walk into town looking sharp enough to peruse a museum, and duck in for fine dining afterward.

Unfortunately, the cargo pockets take away some formality while out on the town. With its jogger styling, neither Arc’teryx nor KÜHL designed around Michelin stars. They prioritize function and durability, mapping to utility. KÜHL, KUIU, and Stio each have unique cargo styling that brings a touch of modernity to the military-inspired side-pocket pants. In general, we love cargo-style pants and joggers while sitting on the plane. It keeps all your essentials within reach.

On the other hand, Western Rise’s Evolution 2, Rhone, Public Rec, and Proof’s 72-Hour Merino are fantastically styled everyday pants with a single security pocket to maintain that sleek look. They are our go-to choice for travels to big cities where we want to kick up the look and feel at home while traveling abroad. For equal fashion-forward looks with more security pockets, we were thrilled to see Jack Archer’s Jetsetter Tech Chino, and we look forward to testing them more on future trips.

Clean lines, darker colors, and traditional styling help you blend into crowds and stave off the would-be pickpocket’s radar. The best men’s travel pants should look as good as they feel without shouting “tourist.”

The material should be lightweight and, in our preference, darker to minimize showing the dirt collected along the way. That said, we were astounded by how well a fresh DWR can resist stains on even the fairest beige pants.

Fabric Weight

Lightweight performance fabrics can withstand repeated washings in a sink, line dry overnight, and stay wrinkle-free after weeks on the go. Today’s fabrics offer advanced sun protection and moisture-wicking properties and are often water-resistant or water-repellent, and can even repel insects.

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). A heavier GSM will take up more room in your bag and take longer to dry. We find a 200-ish GSM fabric weight, like on our top pick from Bluffworks, light and breezy, and dries out quickly.

A welterweight fabric will disappear in the bag and dry out insanely fast, but going too light sacrifices durability. All the pants we tested are durable enough to venture off the pavement.

If you want the lightest pant you can find, give KUIU’s a look. The cotton-nylon-spandex blend is comfortable, water resistant, breathes well, and rolls up tight and is exceptionally durable. Western Rise also uses a lighter-weight GSM fabric, but the pants weigh more overall.

Fabric Type

A cotton blend fabric adds breathability and a cooling effect, which is great for warmer climates, but can also sacrifice durability. And, unless treated with a DWR, cotton can wet out more easily and hold water longer.

Some pants weave cotton into their blend. To beef up the durability, the natural fiber is woven with a synthetic like polyester or nylon and an elastic component for stretch. KUIU does a great job of finding the sweet spot.

If you choose to go with denim or cotton, consider a stretchy fabric with a bit of spandex or elastane for comfort and flexibility while on the road. It will resist wear longer, dry faster, and feel much more comfortable. While not on this year’s list, Aviator’s The Best Travel Jeans in the World are very comfortable and weave in some stretch, but they weigh nearly twice as much as every other pant on the list. Our cotton choices keep the weight down.

Most of the pants on this list are woven from synthetic fibers. Synthetics tend to stand up to more abuse than their natural counterparts. For example, Ornot’s Mission Pant is incredibly durable and is built for men who abuse pants while in the saddle. This is because Ornot weaves the pants from mostly Nylon.

When you think of nylon in outdoor application, you might think of ropes or mountaineering shells — gear that stands up to abuse. It is no surprise that Arc’teryx’s Gamma is constructed from a nylon fabric. Nylon is more durable than polyester but typically doesn’t wick as well.

The downside of poly is that the fibers are porous and can trap bacterial waste, which eventually can cause our workout shirts to stink. This seems to be less of an issue in pants, but if you are looking for durability, we still recommend a nylon material.

Unique to our lists, Proof’s 72-Hour Travel Pant uses a merino wool synthetic blend. Wool is known for its odor-resistant and insulative qualities. Contrary to what you might think, they stay surprisingly cool and breathe well in hot climates. For durability and stretch, Proof weaves nylon, polyester, and a touch of elastane. We wore these pants on a 12-hour flight to Japan, and they were notably cooler.

Weaving in spandex or elastic adds mobility, but can also give the pants a polished, slick finish. KÜHL weaves in a whopping 15% spandex into the material, but most pants will have 2-6% for a combination of durability and mobility. Bluffworks, Unionbay, and Jetty feel more formal with their smooth-faced fabric finishes. Material finishes are more of a personal preference and don’t affect their water resistance, which is added with a DWR wash.

Our favorite pants come from Bluffworks. While the fit is fantastic, they don’t have a DWR. This makes them less desirable if you are traveling to places that rain a lot. However, they excel in so many other ways that they still stand out as our top choice. We noticed the same with our Jack Archer Jetsetter Techs. Water spills off without a DWR.

On the flip side, Western Rise’s DWR not only deflects dirt and grime on the road, but liters of beer simply rolled off them at Oktoberfest. We really took one for the team while testing.

Performance fabrics are standing up to heavy use like never before. Shelling out a few more bucks for quality generally gets you into a more durable pant that should hold up to more extensive use. We’ve put in countless hours testing the pants on this list, so you’re starting in the right place.

Seam Construction

Seams are often overlooked. Out of sight, out of mind, seams bring two patches of fabric together and are crucial for durability and comfort. But this is where we can differentiate the good from the great, and this is where we get passionately nerdy.

Flat-felled seams are best for joining heavy fabrics together. Think denim. The material doesn’t stretch and the fabric is woven from heavy cotton yarn. You want a solid seam to join the pants together. The fabric is joined, then rolled over itself and double stitched for a clean, bomber fasten.

None of the pants on our list are joined entirely from flat-felled seams, though LIVSN and Proof incorporate a flat-fell seam on at least one leg seam. In general, we find it more important to flat-fell the inseam of the pants (which is what Proof does).

Too much material tacked together with a flat-fell seam can cause rubbing against the legs. And most travel pants are constructed from lighter-weight fabrics, so pants don’t always need this extra durable seam construction. It can cause tension on lighter, more fragile material, and eventually wear out adjacent to the seams

Many pants can get away with a less expensive, and more comfortable overlocked seam. An overlocking stitch, or welt-seam, has a lower profile, leaving the raw edge exposed but sewn down to the pant. Plus they are nearly as durable as the venerable flat-felled stitch, but can feel more comfortable (it’s less bulky).

Some overlocked stitches aren’t tacked down. That is, the seam isn’t sewn down flat with a second row of stitching, leaving the surged seam exposed on the inside. This usually isn’t a big deal.

Our main concern would be that the stitching could get caught on something and start to unravel. But we haven’t ever had this experience and it’s a fine option to use when binding two lightweight materials together. Ornot and Bluffworks use a combination of overlocked and welted overlocked seams and both pants are holding strong after a few seasons of wear.

The simplest seam, or plain seam, joins the two sides together with a simple, single stitch. Often the cut material is finished with a surger that overstitches the end material, reducing the chances of fraying, but the joining seam itself is sewn together with a single stitch, and the exposed edges butterfly on the inside of the pant.

This is often used for lightweight material where want to reduce the bulk as much as possible. We see this used on Western Rise’s Evolution 2. In theory, this is not a highly durable seam construction. And we’ve seen this kind of seam unravel on a few pants we’ve tested. We’ve also been beating our Western Rise’s for years now and have yet to see their plain seam blow out.

Price & Value

They say you shouldn’t skimp on the things you touch the ground with, and while pants aren’t quite there, they aren’t far off either. Long days in the saddle of international travel can have you in a seated position for hours on end, and that’s when investing in a good pair of travel pants can make the difference. But not every flight is a long haul, and every trip is different — so considering just how much to spend on a pair of pants is wise.

Budget

If hostel hopping is more your speed, saving a buck or two on your travel pants can make a lot of sense. You can easily snag two pairs of budget-minded trousers for the price of some of the higher-end options in our review. Expect to pay less than $100 for these pants, and for them to use larger percentages of nylon in their weaves. Pocket layouts are typically fairly simple with five-pocket styles.

The UNIONBAY Rainier Travel Pants ($40) have been our budget go-to for a few years running now, and it’s seemingly not going anywhere. A simple construction otherwise keeps the overhead on these pants low, and while they tend to show stains a bit more than other pants we’ve tested, they’re cheap enough to keep as a backup pair.

The Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pant ($89) raids high-end Japanese textile mills for its Rebound fabric, and was easily one of the most fashion-forward slacks in our review that we felt equally at home in on the jetway or while dressing up.

Mid-Tier

On another level, the construction of mid-tier travel pants is likely where you will notice the largest difference. And it’s where we see overlocked seams, added gusset panels in the crotch, and higher percentages of elastane to add mechanical stretch. All of these design details take more time and material to build into these pants. As such, you should expect to pay between $100 and $150 to slide into a pair.

Check out the Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants ($125), which cranks the dial up from budget pants with a total of nine separate pockets (essential during travel) and are constructed with all overlocked seams, as well as a double seam to keep them from rubbing on the skin.

The LIVSN Ecotrek Trail Pants ($129) also lean into the upgraded materials. They use an Oceanflex fabric that is 70% recycled fishing buoys, while stitching the whole affair together with a smartly tailored cut.

Premium

If you’re paying north of $150 for a pair of travel pants, there’s likely a good reason: either you’re the darling of airline travel mile programs or intensely serious about seeing all 195 countries. Either way, pants in this price range should be thought of as investment pieces, as their durability will long outlast lesser options. Or their comfort is far outside the norm.

The Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pant ($89) raids high-end Japanese textile mills for its Rebound fabric, and was easily one of the most fashion-forward slacks in our review that we felt equally at home in on the jetway or while dressing up.

The Proof 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant ($170) is now $30 cheaper, but still approaching an eye-wincing price. The high-percentage merino wool content is to thank here and makes these some of the coziest pants we’ve kicked around in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most comfortable travel pants?

We like a pant that doesn’t ride up or bind when seated, and moves with you when active. Public Rec, Arc’teryx, and Jack Archer are very close at the top, for pure comfort, you can’t beat Bluffworks Envoy. Beyond the fantastic material, the pant is is available in slim and regular fit, so there’s truly a comfortable pant for everyone’s preference.

Which pants have the best DWR?

We’ve tested Western Rise’s Evolution lineup standing outside in Bogota monsoon season, climbing snow and ice on the Grand, and prosting over beers at Oktoberfest. The DWR not only sheds spills, but it deflects dirt and grime too.

After a week of wearing them across the Alps, including a day sitting in the stairwell of an overbooked train to Munich, we were shocked at how clean our light khaki Evolution 2.0s walked off the return flight.

Though it does not employ a formal DWR, Jack Archer has a unique helically woven PTT that impressively sheds water with the best.

What are the fastest-drying pants?

If you’re bringing one pair of pants, you’ll eventually have to wash them while on the road. A lightweight synthetic pant is your best bet for a comfortable morning. Here again, Western Rise’s Evolutions rose to the top. They are lightweight, durable, and dry out quicker than most. They also remain cool and breezy in hot climates and wear supremely well.

What are the best cargo-style pants?

We don’t have a true cargo pant on this years list and are looking to find a functional fashionable pant that meets the demands of travel. For an impressive pocket game, but a more polished look, we recommend looking at Bluffworks Envoy, which stealthily hides nine pockets in the otherwise casual-looking chino.

Stio’s Vallis and KUIU’s Bridger, with six practical and accessible pockets each, are close. LIVSN distributes a variety of pocket in usable configuration. These pants are really the evolution of the cargo pant, elevating functionality with more fashionable style.

What are the most durable pants for travel?

Ornot’s Mission pants weaves a high Nylon count, and wear fantastic both in style and durability. If you are OK with a jogger, we recommend looking at Arc’teryx’s Gamma. The Fortius fabric is made from a Nylon-elastane blend that they use in their rock climbing softshells. It’s bomber, but wears less street friendly.

What are the best pants to wear on the plane?

For long flights on the plane, we like comfortable, casual look with easy pocket access. With the variation of easy-to-access pocket configuration, we give the nod to LIVSN’s Ecotrek Trail Pant. The device pocket is great in the seat.

For comfort and pocket configuration, we appreciate a jogger and recommend Kühls suppressor jogger.

What are the most flexible travel pants?

KÜHL’s Suppressor Joggers have the highest spandex count on the list at 15%. They are super flexible, light, durable, and have a good DWR. For a more formal look, Bluffworks has an equally impressive spandex weave (10%) and is by far the most comfortable pant on our list. 

For a good combination of flexibility, durability, and all-around wearability, we recommend Western Rise’s Evolution 2. If you want to splurge, we also liked Proof’s 72-Hour Merino Travel Pant, which blends 6% elastane into the wool-synthetic base.

Proof’s pants are nearly a one-and-done purchase. We wore ours for 2 weeks in Japan. They are durable and stay stench-free on the road, making them the only pants you may need to bring.

For travel with flexible itineraries, give Teren. Their Traveler is the only pant infused with bug repellant and makes a great option if you are taking side diversions into tick country. If you prefer the same style but want a DWR, give their Daily Driver a look. Using different material, it’s warmer and treated with DWR.

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There is nothing quite like getting drenched in an unexpected storm. Fortunately, a diverse range of the best women’s rain jackets are readily available, designed to keep us dry, comfortable, healthy, and ultimately, outside! Each jacket boasts its own unique style, fit, features, materials, and general application, all of which influence its price. 

With that in mind, Rebecca Ross — an experienced mountaineer, avid backpacker, and our lead women’s jacket tester — has meticulously tested every rain jacket in our line-up through both real and simulated rain showers to ensure their effectiveness. She and our team of female adventurers have keyed in on the shells that are worth your consideration, and you’ll likely find a rain jacket in our favorites that fits the bill for your daily activities or upcoming adventures.

For most everyone, a solid do-it-all shell like the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L is bound to fit the bill, and will keep you dry while commuting just as well as it will on a week-long backpacking trip. Others might only need to make the dash between the car and the house, which is where budget options like the Cotopaxi Cielo come in. Between these and a few other specialty jackets, we’ve pulled together a list for everyone.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Rain Jacket for Women guide on May 17, 2025, to add two uber-breathable jackets from The North Face: The Papsura — a light and fast shell with room for layering — and the Superior, a running rain jacket with a trim cut and high breathability ceiling.

Best Overall Rain Jacket for Women

Outdoor Research Aspire 3L

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

9.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: AscentShell Dry 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Relaxed
• Size: XS-4X
• Pockets: Three
• Weight: 11.7 oz.

Pros

• Hem-to-bicep side TorsoFlo zippers
• The most eco-friendly OR apparel piece, with no PFCs
• Very lightweight and packable
• Ample coverage

Cons

• Not very breathable under hard work
• Pricier than some like shells

Rebecca Ross

Read Review: OR’s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review

The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket ($249) secures its position with its innovative design — one that literally has a trick or two up its sleeves. By combining a time-tested membrane, smart feature set, and a cure-all to the breathability question, we’re confident that the Aspire is among the best out there.

Crafted from a new in-house AscentShell Dry 3L, this shell boasts a standard-issue waterproof rating of 20,000 mm, ensuring reliable protection against even the most relentless downpours. Enhanced by its eco-conscious DWR treatment, fully taped seams, a fully adjustable hood, YKK Aquaguard zippers, and secure hook and loop cuff closures, the Aspire 3L provides comprehensive protection from precipitation from all angles, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout your adventures.

In terms of breathability, the Aspire has a rating of 10,000 g/m², which is a bit less than some others on our list. However, its innovative TorsoFlo feature — a two-way zipper extending from hip to bicep — ensures plenty of ventilation when it’s needed the most. When fully deployed, these zips provide a crazy amount of mechanical breathability, bypassing that membrane completely.

What we also liked about this jacket is its ability to balance between layering space and not feeling too overwhelming. Furthermore, the Aspire stands out for its environmental friendliness, featuring a fairly robust 50-denier fabric made from 100% recycled polyester. It’s also treated with a C0 DWR, which is free from forever chemicals, marking it as OR’s most eco-friendly jacket in its 2025 line-up. 

While the Aspire 3L may initially come with a premium price tag, its lightweight construction (just 11.7 ounces) and abundance of quality features make it an undeniable value proposition for adventurers whose priority is staying dry. If you’re looking for an all-around rain jacket that just plain works, the Aspire should be on your shortlist.

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Best Budget Rain Jacket for Women

Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket

$145 at REICheck Price at Backcountry

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: 100% recycled polyester 2.5L
• Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: No
• Fit: Boxy
• Size: XXS-4X
• Pockets: Three
• Weight: 16 oz.

Pros

• Budget friendly price
• Stylish retro design with fun color blocking
• Roomy cut for layering
• C0 DWR finish and recycled polyester face fabric
• Broad size range from XXS to 4X

Cons

• No pit zips
• On the heavier side
• Hood is only single adjust

Rebecca Ross

Cotopaxi dares to be different with its retro block color palette, proving that rainwear doesn’t have to be mundane or costly. Discover the perfect blend of style, affordability, and comfort with Cotopaxi’s Cielo Rain Jacket ($145) — a city-ready shell for light showers.

This is undoubtedly a comfortable shell with a boxy fit, offering ample room to move around without feeling constricted. On this particular jacket, we didn’t mind this feature as it didn’t result in a baggy appearance and facilitated easy layering underneath, which was particularly beneficial during chilly and drizzly days around the neighborhood or when running errands.

Built with a proprietary 2.5-layer membrane, the Cielo specs out at a waterproof rating of 10,000 g/m² and breathability of 10,000 mm/24-hour — which isn’t the most weather-resistant jacket out there. However, similar to jackets featuring a C0 DWR finish, taped seams, and a 27.5-inch hip-length back, it offers adequate protection for casual use in light wind and rain. Also, those who seek out pit zips may be disappointed, especially given its slightly hefty weight at 16 ounces and with no extra breathability.

However, after outdoor casual hiking tests, the Cielo shell actually offers a good amount of room that prevents a lot of heat buildup.

Compared to many other jackets, the Cielo Jacket won’t break the bank and won’t let you blend in, either. We tend to reach for this shell more often than the equally budget Decathlon Quechua MH500 due to its more accommodating fit and better looks (in our opinion). The MH500 does have it licked in pure performance, however, so weigh your options wisely.

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Most Versatile Rain Jacket for Women

Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket

$279 at REICheck Price at Patagonia

8.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: Patagonia H2No NetPlus 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
• Breathability Rating: Unpublished
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Regular
• Size: XXS-XXL
• Pockets: Three
• Weight: 12.6 oz.

Pros

• Stuffs into its own pocket
• Helmet compatible hood
• Made from eco-conscious recycled material
• Incredible all-day comfort
• Good breathability

Cons

• Limited bright color options
• Sizing runs small
• Chest pocket does not accommodate larger phones

Rebecca Ross

Read Review: The Bomber Multitool of Rain Jackets: Patagonia Granite Crest Review

The Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket ($279) earns its place because it combines the quality rain jacket attributes we’ve come to expect with some more technical features. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice for impromptu adventures, whether that be an alpine scramble, commuting by bike to work, or walking your dog on your favorite trail.

Designed with climbers in mind, this jacket boasts accessible pockets designed to accommodate backpack waist belts and harnesses, a helmet-friendly hood, and the ability to condense down and pack into its own pocket.

While it shares similar features with the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell, such as high-placed pockets and a helmet-friendly hood, it does weigh slightly more at 12.6 ounces compared to Black Diamond’s 7 ounces. Nonetheless, we still found the Granite Crest to be plenty lightweight.

When it comes to performance, the Granite Crest exceeded our expectations. Its waterproof membrane is an in-house special from Patagonia — an H2No 3-layer polyurethane construction — and that’s paired with generous pit zips, ensuring great breathability.

Additionally, its 30-denier face fabric has a 0-CFM (completely windproof) rating, effectively blocking out cold air and ensuring warmth, sleekness, and comfort. We have used this shell for everything from snowboarding to trail running and bike touring, and haven’t felt short-changed across all of it.

Last but certainly not least, the shell is made from NetPlus 100% postconsumer recycled ripstop nylon, made from fishing nets to reduce ocean plastic pollution, and treated with a PFC-free DWR finish — which is another check on our list. The pivot to a material that pulls plastic out of the environment instead of putting more into it is worthy of praise in our books.

While it may not be the most rugged option and is still considered expensive, the Granite Crest Rain Jacket stands out for its ability to withstand some serious rainy moments. Packed with useful features, this jacket provides comfort for all-day wear, excellent breathability, and the technical capability needed for use at the crag.

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Best Value Rain Jacket for Women

Marmot Precip Eco Pro Jacket

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: NanoPro 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: 20,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Regular
• Pockets: Two
• Size: XS-XL
• Weight: 13 oz.

Pros

• An upgrade to a 3-layer shell for not much money
• Solid 20,000 g/m² breathability
• Good protection for the cost
• Built-in stretch doesn't limit mobility

Cons

• Not very packable
• Slightly heavier than regular Precip Eco shell

Rebecca Ross

Recently updated, the Marmot Precip Eco Pro Jacket ($160) represents a significant step up from its predecessor. Moving away from the previous 2.5-layer construction, it now has a more breathable and rugged 3-layer design with fully taped seams, all while being PFC-free. Our testing shows that a half layer can actually make a difference, and the Pro version of this jacket reinforces this.

This new construction offers notable breathability and waterproofing, with ratings of 20,000 mm and 20,000 g/m², providing excellent protection during moderate to heavier rainstorms. Adding an internal backer to the membrane of any rain shell does two things: decreases the clammy feeling that can build up as a jacket wets out, and helps to wick and shuttle away moisture from the skin — which is essential with a non-air-permeable membrane.

At 13 ounces, the Precip Eco Pro is slightly heavier than its predecessor, but its increased durability and warmth justify the trade-off. Surprisingly, despite its affordable price, the Precip Eco Pro doesn’t skimp on performance. Its backpack-accessible pockets make retrieving items a breeze, and the addition of pit zips allows for easy temperature regulation. The three-point hood adjustment is also something we always like to see to ensure full protection.

With most other 3-layer rain jackets commanding easily north of $200, the $160 Precip Eco Pro offers excellent value for its breathability, waterproofing, and warmth, making it a top choice that gives you more bang for your buck. 

For those in the market for outsized value, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L should also be considered, as it too is a 3-layer jacket, and the $20 you’ll spend nets you access to a wider range of colors and sizes. The Precip Eco Pro alternatively has better stretch, and we see it on sale more often.

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Best Premium Rain Jacket for Women

FORLOH Women’s Airalite Rain Jacket

$199 at FORLOHCheck Price at Amazon

9.3

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: Airadigm Pulse Plasma 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 35,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: 23,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Relaxed
• Size: XS-XL
• Pockets: Two
• Weight: 14.8 oz.

Pros

• Equipped with RECCO technology for rescue searchability
• Pit zips and horizontal zip on the back
• Military-grade ripstop fabric
• High waterproof and breathability rating

Cons

• The most expensive on our list
• Crinkly material
• Short pit zips
• Limited sizing

Rebecca Ross

Upgrade your adventure game with the FORLOH Airalite Jacket ($399). FORLOH (which, by the way, is For the Love of Hunting) prides itself on its performance-oriented outdoor apparel and gear, and after testing the Airalite, we understand why. Whether you’re into hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying adventures that take you deep into the woods and require a jacket to keep up, look no further.

Alongside FORLOH’s other products, the Airalite jacket is American-made. Moreover, the Airalite jacket is also designed by women, for women, ensuring a plethora of thoughtful features packed into this jacket. It employs FORLOH’s proprietary Airadigm Pulse Plasma fabric, which is one of the more novel fabrics we’ve tested in a while.

This air-permeable membrane is similar in construction to eVent, where a hydrocarbon DWR is vacuum-applied to an ePTFE membrane to coat every surface, not just the exterior. This allows for free air exchange, and in practice, this jacket just breathes dang well.

At its initial price, this jacket is undoubtedly expensive. Nevertheless, its exceptional quality and innovative features, such as RECCO detectors, which enhance your visibility to rescuers, along with its truly impressive outer membrane rating of 35,000 mm for waterproofing and breathability rated at 40,000 g/m², unquestionably distinguish it from the competition.

Although it claims to be “ultra-lightweight,” at 14.8 ounces, this jacket doubles the heft of the Patagonia Storm Racer at 6.3 ounces, so we imagine this to be ultralight for your grizzled hunters out there. Additionally, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out the crinkliness of the fabric, but after a while, we didn’t seem to notice.

It’s rare to find not only a rain jacket that’s tough as nails but also designed by women, for women. Certainly, it may be among the pricier jackets on our list, but the air permeability alone represents a wise investment if you intend to embark on serious adventures. For getting deep into the backcountry, the Airalite Jacket is the shell we keep reaching for.

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Best Running Rain Jacket for Women

Patagonia Women’s Storm Racer Jacket

$299 at REICheck Price at Patagonia

8.1

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: H2No Performance 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: Unpublished
• Pit Zips: No
• Fit: Trim/active
• Size: XXS-XL
• Pockets: One
• Weight: 6.3 oz.

Pros

• Great just-in-case layer for rain and wind
• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Stuffs down small
• Sustainable design

Cons

• Won’t stand up to intense rain
• Small chest pocket
• Loud color options

Rebecca Ross

Read Review: This Jacket Is Your Next Take-Everywhere Layer: Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket Review

The Patagonia Storm Racer ($299) was a last-minute addition to our baggage when headed to New Zealand recently, and at 6.3 ounces and stuffing down into the palm of our hand, it was well worth the minimal space it took up. This ultralight shell is meant to act as a backup rain shell with enough protection to get you through to the other side.

While the Patagonia Granite Crest is more of a do-it-all layer, the Storm Racer was made to run. It uses the same 3-layer membrane but strips down the fabric to cut weight and hit an impressive ~6 ounces out the door. This thinner build also means that breathability is a bit improved, and while the protection isn’t absolute, this shell accomplishes what every good running rain jacket should: keeping you warm, even if a bit damp.

The most recent iteration of the Storm Racer does away with the funky front dual-zipper design that used to grace the torso, and goes with a standard single zip that makes it more usable for more activities, such as climbing. The integrated stretch in the Black Diamond Fineline makes it a better on-route piece, but our ranks are about split between that shell and the Storm Racer for long multi-pitches when the forecast isn’t as clear cut.

While we know many ultramarathoners who lean on the Patagonia Houdini as their outer protection layer, we think there’s good reason to take a bit more of a jacket and bump up to the Storm Racer. A real-deal waterproof layer will hold off the worst of the rain you might run through, and while both will have a breathability limit you’re likely to surpass, the Storm Racer will hold warmth better when you need it.

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Most Breathable Rain Jacket for Women

The North Face Women’s Papsura Jacket

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

8.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: FUTURELIGHT 3L
• Waterproof Rating: Unpublished
• Breathability Rating: 75,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: No
• Fit: Regular
• Size: XS – XXL
• Pockets: Two
• Weight: 7 oz.

Pros

• Highly breathable air-permeable membrane
• Ultra-lightweight at 7 oz.
• Harness and helmet compatible
• Super sleek fit

Cons

• Barebones feature set
• Pricey to get into

Rebecca Ross

Clocking in at 7 ounces, The North Face Papsura Jacket ($350) is tailored for those who don’t want to be weighed down. Aside from being incredibly lightweight, what also impressed us is its 3-layer air-permeable construction with a slight stretch, made of 100% recycled nylon and a non-PFC DWR finish, which held up admirably in light to slightly moderate rain conditions.

The Papsura rain shell offers a distinct advantage for climbers, thanks to its packability. It easily compresses down into its right-hand pocket, making it convenient to pack away. Moreover, the jacket is harness- and helmet-compatible, and even though the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch and Patagonia Granite Crest are also climber-friendly options, neither can match the weightlessness of the Papsura. Parked on the back of our harnesses, it’s tough even to tell it’s there at all.

The FUTURELIGHT membrane used in the Papsura is one that we’ve been fans of for a long time. This TNF homebrew membrane is an air-permeable design that uses nano-spinning to construct a polyurethane matrix, allowing for air transfer while keeping moisture at bay. The North Face hasn’t published breathability numbers for the Papsura specifically, but if it’s anything like the stuff we’ve used in the past, it’s near a mind-boggling 75,000 g/m². In the field, it felt every bit as breathable.

When it comes to an ultralight jacket, you can expect it to have a bare-bones design. There are no drawcords, extra pockets, pit vents, or fancy closures, as these would only add unnecessary bulk — although there is an internal drop-in pocket and gear loop for keys.

Despite its simplicity, the jacket doesn’t compromise quality and functionality. For instance, we particularly liked the lack of shoulder seams, reducing potential weak points for water penetration. The bonded cuffs and pre-tensioned elasticity were welcomed additional features that aided in enhancing weatherproofing.

Indeed, the Papsura Jacket comes with a hefty price tag of $350, positioning it as not just the lightest but also the most expensive choice on our list. However, if your priority is the fast and light approach, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a jacket lighter than this one, while still ensuring comfort and dryness during your lightweight excursions.

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Other Rain Jackets to Keep You Dry

The North Face Women’s Alta Vista Jacket

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

7.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: DryVent 2.5L
• Waterproof Rating: Unpublished
• Breathability Rating: Unpublished
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Regular
• Size: XS-3XL
• Pockets: Five
• Weight: 11.2 oz.

Pros

• Five total pockets offers up plenty of storage
• Affordable price
• Pretty lightweight
• Packable 70D fabric

Cons

• Bunches in the front
• Hood doesn’t stay in place
• Not a very breathable jacket

Rebecca Ross

The North Face Women’s Alta Vista Jacket ($140) proves to be a versatile option suitable for travel, day hikes, and everyday urban wear. 

Throughout our outdoor tests, the Alta Vista’s 2.5-layer DryVent, coated with non-PFC DWR, demonstrated admirable resilience against sudden downpours and variable weather conditions, from light drizzles to mild showers. Despite its sturdy 70-denier fabric, it compresses to a manageable size and endures dense underbrush during hikes. Notably, it excels in storage, featuring three zip pockets and two internal drop-in pockets — ideal for lightweight everyday items.

While the Alta Vista excels in affordability and offers generous roominess for layering, it does lack in the breathability department, resulting in a tacky feel during intense activities, despite the inclusion of pit zips. This isn’t surprising given the limitations we’ve experienced with 2.5-layer polyurethane membranes in the past, and slots this jacket more into the casual section in our gear closets.

Fit-wise, the Alta Vista is flattering without being too trim, and is brought together with a water-resistant zipper that forgoes the typically bulky zipper storm flaps such as used on the REI Co-op Flash Stretch. This does have a bit of a trade-off, we found however, as we observed some bunching along the front zipper. No day ruiner, but something to consider. The hood is 3-way adjustable, but we noticed that the hood frequently required readjustment throughout the day. However, when fully zipped, the high neck guard did a good job keeping the rain off our faces.

When deciding on a rain jacket, the Vista Alta is a convenient choice that won’t break the bank, yet still offers all the essential features required for various activities when light rain may be in the forecast. It won’t be your storm bunker to end all storm bunkers, but for day hikes and jetting into town in the rain, it well makes the grade.

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Decathlon Quechua MH500 Women’s Jacket

Check Price at Decathlon

6.8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: 3-layer proprietary membrane
• Waterproof Rating: 25,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: RET 6
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Fitted
• Size: XS-2XL
• Pockets: Four
• Weight: 15 oz.

Pros

• Silent
• Great hood coverage
• Very comfortable
• Higher than the majority of water ratings
• Excellent affordability

Cons

• On the heavy side at near 1 pound
• Not a well represented brand in the U.S.

Rebecca Ross

The French company Decathlon certainly piqued our interest with its Quechua Women’s MH500 Jacket ($109). Beyond its attractive price point, this jacket has a multitude of features that truly caught our attention.

To start, its 3-layer construction with fully taped seams provides an impressive waterproof rating of 25,000 mm, which proved itself during several shower and outdoor rain tests. Getting into a 3-layer jacket below $200 is a rough go, and with both the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L and Marmot Precip Eco Pro coming in at higher prices than the MH500, this shell wins the race to the bottom.

Made from 78% polyamide and 22% polyester, the face fabric lends a satin-like texture that glides smoothly and doesn’t crinkle, while its 13% elastane content gives comfort and unrestricted mobility while on the move. 

While it may not be the lightest option at 15 ounces, the jacket compensates with other features that secured its spot on our list. The 3-way adjustable hood and high face guard were more effective at shielding us from wind and sideways rain than others.

Other inclusions like pit zips and four pockets (two exterior pockets for hands and two interior drop pockets) made the Quechua jacket not only functional and comfortable, but we also found the fit and design quite flattering. We still think the Cotopaxi Cielo is a better budget pick due to its more accomodating fit and style, but the nod certains goes to the MH500 for performance.

Regardless, if you’re in the market for a jacket that offers exceptional value along with several features to keep you dry in some pretty nasty weather, then the Women’s MH500 Jacket is certainly a strong contender.

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REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket

$169 at REI

6.9

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: HydroWall 2.5L
• Waterproof Rating: Unpublished
• Breathability Rating: Unpublished
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Regular
• Size: XS-3X
• Pockets: Two
• Weight: 14.5 oz.

Pros

• Fantastic among of stretch
• Soft collar and chin guard
• Extended pit zips

Cons

• New waterproof membrane is still relatively unproven
• Quick water absorption on face fabric due to stretch

Rebecca Ross

Sorting through a multitude of rain jackets can be an overwhelming process, but the new REI Co-op Flash Stretch Rain Jacket ($169) seriously stands out as a solid choice you truly can’t go wrong with. 

While its 2.5-layer construction may not match the breathability of a 3-layer jacket, it compensates by offering extended pit zips that stretch from the bicep to the lower chest, effectively releasing heat. It’s not the lightest option, either, at 14.5 ounces, but this weight is justified by features such as the brushed tricot lining on the inner collar and chin guard, providing a plush and soft touch. Additionally, the outer shell is soft and lacks a shiny finish, resulting in quieter movement compared to others.

A standout feature, as implied by its name, is the 12% spandex stretch, comparable to the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell. When compared head-to-head in a directional stretch test, the Flash Stretch clearly outperformed with a superior stretchiness. We’re big fans of rain jackets with built-in stretch for active endeavors where we don’t want to be held back, and while there is a slight trade-off in a quicker wetting out, the Flash Stretch is a joy to move around in.

Despite initial concerns stemming from the absence of detailed specifications on waterproofing and breathability ratings, our testing confirms that while the Flash Stretch isn’t the best in moderate to heavy rain, it still stands to be a dependable go-to choice for light rain. The HydroWall 2.5 membrane used is a new proprietary fabric for REI, and we’re continuing to test it to see where it lands in the market.

The aforementioned pit zips are generous in ridding us of our moisture build-up, and the front zipper storm flap has a bit of a hidden feature: the Velcro tabs used to secure it can keep the shell closed without having the zip up — adding to the venting options.

A solid shell with an excellent dose of stretch, the Flash Stretch Rain Jacket will work excellently for anyone after a rain jacket that will move with them. We are constantly impressed with the Co-op’s ability to turn out jackets that check all of the boxes we’re looking for, and from the ample cut to the impressive stretch, the Flash Stretch is another winner.

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The North Face Superior Jacket

Check Price at The North Face

8

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: FUTURELIGHT 3L
• Waterproof Rating: Unpublished
• Breathability Rating: 75,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: No
• Fit: Athletic/Trim
• Size: XS – XXL
• Pockets: One
• Weight: 7 oz.

Pros

• Highly breathable and air-permeable membrane
• Trim feature set keeps the jacket lightweight and packable
• Small reflective hits for road running visibility
• Two way zipper increases venting options

Cons

• Waterproofing isn't the best (we estimate it at around 10,000 mm)
• Trim fit won't play well with everyone
• Price is on the higher end

Rebecca Ross

The North Face Superior Jacket ($320) is a fairly similar shell to the brand’s more summit-savvy Papsura jacket, but instead of the vertical realm, the Superior is meant for grinding out miles while running. A few key tweaks have been made to get this rain jacket ready for the starting line, and while price keeps it from nabbing our top recommendation for a running shell, it does a lot for the spend.

Like the Papsura, the Superior uses the same featherweight 7D x 15D FUTURELIGHT 3L membrane. This air-permeable waterproof layer prioritizes breathability over waterproofing, and unlike traditional monolithic waterproof barriers, allows free passage of air through the material. This makes high-effort endeavours like trail running fair game, and avoids the breathability pinch point that layers that use non air-perm membranes will hit.

In practice, we found it worked well. Mountaineering and backpacking guide Chelsey Cook used the shell through an Alaskan spring, where she ran and mountain biked in it and found she could wear it through the entire activity, instead of needing to shed a layer. “I’m usually the last person to put my rain jacket on and the first to take it off. But the Superior is so breathable that I found myself pedaling entire mountain bike rides while wearing it, whether or not it was raining.”

The shell is fairly stripped down on features, which aims to keep the weight and packability low. A single pocket on the right hip also acts as a stuff sack for the jacket, and the wrist cuffs and hood are both non-adjustable but bound with elastic instead. It’s a compromise, but it works. The main zipper on the Superior is a two-way design, which helps to keep the hem high when running hard and opens up some more venting.

Overall, waterproofing is where you make the trade for the high breathability with this jacket (there are no published numbers for the FUTURELIGHT membrane, but we estimate it around 10-15K mm), and for some, that won’t fly. But for others who understand the limitation and know that a little damp is better than wet and cold, the Superior can make a great option. The Patagonia Storm Racer is $20 cheaper than this jacket, but won’t be as breathable.

Comparing the Superior and Papsura side by side, the running cut is more trim with less room for layers underneath. The hood is also not as voluminous, since it doesn’t need to accommodate a helmet. Both of these choices keep the Superior from being our do-it-all jacket, but as a running-specific shell, we think it excels.

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Finisterre Women’s Stormbird Waterproof Jacket

Check Price at Finisterre

7.0

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: Hydrostatic polyester 3L
• Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: No
• Fit: Relaxed
• Size: 6-18
• Pockets: Four
• Weight: 1 lb., 7.6 oz.

Pros

• Exceptional for heavy rains and strong winds
• Excellent sustainability
• Great value
• 2-way waterproof front zipper

Cons

• Quite heavy
• No pit zips

Rebecca Ross

Hailing from the U.K., Finisterre is a brand rooted in surfing and sailing, and its Stormbird Waterproof Jacket ($295) is certainly a product of their experience in those realms. Upon testing this remarkable and sturdy jacket, its standout power became quite apparent, justifying itself as the toughest, sturdiest rain jacket featured on our list.

Its highlight feature is that robustness, which weighs a whopping 1 pound, 7 ounces. While it’s not aiming for ultralight status, its strength shines through in providing warmth, layering capability, and waterproofing.

Constructed with a 3-layer polyester fabric with a ripstop outer, it offers 20,000 mm hydrostatic head waterproofing and a 15,000 g/m² 24-hour breathability rating. Designed for the sea, we subjected it to rigorous shower testing when outdoor rain wasn’t enough, and it emerged as certainly capable of handling downpours.

This heavy-duty shell boasts several standout features, including its cozy brushed polyester inner and microfleece rear neck guard for added comfort in chilly conditions. What sets it apart further are its practical elements: a three-panel hood with three-point adjustments, robust two-way YKK front zipper, ample room for layering, and four deep, sturdy pockets that allow for generous storage.

We were also thoroughly impressed by its outstanding value. Priced at $295, it offers excellent affordability considering the level of protection it provides. Moreover, Finisterre’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just lip service; they actively demonstrate its dedication by minimizing air shipments to reduce carbon emissions, eliminating fluorocarbon chemicals since 2017, and providing repair services to extend the jacket’s lifespan. In these actions, Finisterre goes beyond mere eco-friendly claims, embodying an ethos of environmental responsibility.

So whether you’re braving the high seas or facing extreme weather conditions on land, the Stormbird Jacket is a top recommendation for its blend of robustness, value, and environmental responsibility. It’s always a gamble when you take a chance with a brand that doesn’t enjoy the name-rec that some of the others in our lineup do, but by performance alone Finisterre deserves every bit as much as they do.

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Black Diamond Women’s Fineline Stretch Rain Shell

$135 at Black Diamond Equipment$180 at REI

7.2

How we rate products ⓘ

Specifications

• Waterproof Material: BD.dry 2.5L
• Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm
• Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
• Pit Zips: Yes
• Fit: Regular
• Size: XXS-XXL
• Pockets: Two
• Weight: 9.5 oz.

Pros

• Great amount of stretch
• Near to skin feel
• Lightweight
• Climbing-helmet-compatible hood

Cons

• Can produce a clammy feel when sweating
• Tight around the hips

Rebecca Ross

True to its name, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Shell ($180) delivers a two-way woven stretch — a must-have feature for dynamic activities like rock climbing that demand flexibility. Like its counterparts, it also packs down into its right-hand pocket and comes equipped with a carabiner clip loop that can attach to a harness.

While there are certainly other climbing jackets on the market, we lean toward the Fineline when requiring a decent amount of stretch. At 12% elastane and weighing 9.5 ounces, it kept us from feeling too restricted and weighed down. While we found the REI Co-op Flash Stretch to have the same amount of elastane but feel stretchier, it weighs more at 14.5 ounces and isn’t designed for the rigors of climbing.

In terms of performance, the Fineline Stretch doesn’t have the highest ratings for breathability or waterproofness at 10,000 mm and 10,000 g/m²/24-hour — making this an ideal “low probability/high consequence” shell. However, its Bluesign-approved, non-PFC, and EMPEL water-free DWR finish does add an extra punch when fending off mild precipitation. The inclusion of pit zips certainly helps shed extra heat, which is necessary with a 2.5-layer construction.

The jacket also gets the helmet-compatible hood we’re after when climbing and sports underarm gussets that don’t limit us when reaching overhead. With the Fineline, you get a cost-effective option, commendable stretch, and performance against abrasive rocks and mild weather suitable for rock climbing. Clip it to your harness and go.

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Women’s Rain Jacket Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Rain Jackets for Women

Our Expert Testers

We’re no fair-weather crew here at GearJunkie, and a little precip in the forecast is only a footnote in most of our weekend plans. A solid rain jacket is an essential part of our tool kit, but finding the perfect rain jacket can be an effort in futility without a little ground truthing.

Specs and marketing terms look good on paper, but like they say: it all comes out in the wash. Thankfully, we’ve put in the time in everything from a coastal mist to an honest mountain deluge, and we took these rain jackets along for the ride to see which made the grade.

Our lead tester, Rebecca Ross, has braved the tempestuous weather of the Pacific Northwest for over 22 years, seven of which were dedicated to scaling and backpacking alpine and sub-alpine terrain in the Cascades, where weather shifts are frequent. With four years of intensive gear testing experience, her expertise is invaluable.

Our Testing Process and Testing Ground

In crafting this guide, we left no stone unturned. Each rain jacket underwent thorough examination, employing a range of methods including storm chasing, indoor showers, and even encounters with waterfalls. Our aim was to deliver a comprehensive review encompassing diverse environments to provide detailed insights. By now, we’ve been hands-on with just about every waterproof membrane and construction out there, and built up a pretty good knowledge base in terms of what excels.

Through our testing, we’ve run DWR finishes into the ground (and revitalized them), stood out in the rain longer than any sane person would, and even split a few seams to inspect construction techniques. We placed particular emphasis on waterproofness and breathability while meticulously scrutinizing the finer details that distinguish each rain jacket. Our commitment was to deliver a comprehensive analysis, showcasing only the cream of the crop in rain gear.

Because not every rain shower is going to be a hurricane and not every trip an expedition, we looked at a broad spread of rain jackets — from city slickers keen on getting you from the bus stop to the front door, to sport-specific shells that are tailor-made for what you’re getting up to this weekend. We also know that gear budgeting is a thing, and we tested jackets that ranged from those barely breaking a hundred, to some that demand a fistful of bills.

Pulling together testing from all of time outdoors, we’re confident that the jackets listed here are well worth it, and you should be confident that they have been well-vetted. As new women’s rain jackets hit the market, we’ll hit the trail and keep up our testing — and aim to keep our selection as fresh as possible.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Rain Jacket

Navigating through the multitude of rain jackets available in today’s saturated market can feel overwhelming. While having a plethora of choices is advantageous, it can also complicate the process of finding the perfect fit.

In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we not only outline the key factors to consider when selecting the ideal rain jacket for your needs but also provide expert insights and tips to help you navigate through the array of options available. 

So, whether you’re a casual hiker, a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, or someone simply looking for reliable protection against the elements, this guide aims to empower you with the knowledge necessary to make a confident and well-informed purchase decision.

Fit and Length

Rain jackets, like any outdoor attire, vary significantly in the way they feel, particularly concerning fit and length. A reliable rain jacket should effectively cover your upper half while allowing ample room for movement.

When selecting a rain jacket, consider its fit. Many jackets offer options such as Standard, Average, and Regular fits. However, there are also some out there that provide a more unique fit. For example, the Decathlon Quechua has a more tailored cut, while the Finisterre Women’s Stormbird is fairly roomy, and the Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket has a boxy fit. If you anticipate wearing thicker midlayers underneath, sizing up might be necessary.

Another important factor to contemplate is the jacket’s back length. While most jackets nowadays incorporate a drop hem or a longer hem for enhanced coverage from behind, this feature isn’t universal. On our list, drop hems range from 27 inches, as seen in The North Face Women’s Alta Vista, to more ample coverage as seen on the Finisterre Stormbird. The longer the hem, the more coverage it provides, especially while on the move.

Pockets

It’s uncommon to find a jacket without pockets, even among ultra-lightweight options. You’re likely to have space for both your hands and essentials while on the move. However, there are a few factors to consider.

If you prefer having your phone within easy reach, consider a jacket with a chest pocket, though not all jackets feature them. Additionally, features like key loops can be invaluable for ensuring your keys make it back to the car after a long hike.

Also, keep in mind that if you plan on carrying heavier items, then jackets with thicker construction can prevent them from jostling around. Jackets on our list with a good number of sturdy pockets are the Decathlon Quechua and Finisterre Stormbird Jacket, both featuring four pockets to keep items secure.

But if you prefer staying organized for all your lightweight items, The North Face Women’s Alta Vista Jacket has five pockets, including three zip pockets and two interior drop-in pockets.

Waterproof Membranes

Waterproof membranes are essential components of rain jackets, serving as thin barriers to repel moisture and water. These membranes, available in various types, cater to different outdoor activities and weather conditions.

Starting with the most renowned for its quality, GORE-TEX utilizes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) to create microscopic pores that allow vapor to escape while blocking water droplets. GORE-TEX offers several options:

• GORE-TEX Pro: Designed for extreme weather and high-intensity activities, GORE-TEX Pro features a unique ePTFE membrane with microscopic pores that ensure exceptional waterproofness and breathability. It’s favored by outdoor enthusiasts and professionals for its durability and performance, and more often seen in rugged hardshell jackets for climbing or skiing.
• GORE-TEX Paclite & Paclite Plus: These membranes are widely used in hiking and backpacking rain jackets for their high waterproofing rating. Paclite jackets omit the textile backer and use a layer of polyurethane and carbon on the interior, making them highly packable. Paclite Plus enhances durability while maintaining exceptional waterproofing performance.
• GORE-TEX ePE: GORE-TEX’s newest membrane, this textile strips out pervasive PFCs from inside and out and uses an expanded polyethylene to hit the high-quality waterproofing ratings, at a slight breathability ding. Many mid-tier rain jackets are pivoting to using this style of GORE-TEX.

Other notable membranes include:

• eVent: Known for high breathability, eVent utilizes ePTFE membrane technology, allowing moisture vapor to escape while preventing water from entering. It maintains breathability even in wet conditions by removing the polyurethane layer that most GORE-TEX layers apply internally.
• Pertex Shield+: Achieving a balance between water resistance and breathability, Pertex Shield+ utilizes a polyurethane film membrane. However, jackets made with these membranes may occasionally experience perspiration buildup.

Moreover, rain jackets with proprietary membranes are commonly less expensive than rain jackets that feature the above name-brand membranes. Examples include Black Diamond’s BD.dry and The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT or DryVent.

Fabric Layers

The fabric layers of rain jackets are intricately designed to offer protection against the elements while ensuring breathability and comfort. Typically, rain jackets consist of two or three layers, each serving a specific function:

• 2-layer: Simplicity reigns. These waterproof fabrics utilize a waterproof membrane and an outer face fabric to shield against scuffs and scrapes. Often, an internal hanging liner will be used to create a stand-off between the skin and the jacket, which both improves airflow and wicks away moisture. The Paclite used in the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L jacket is an excellent example of a jacket that doesn’t use this lining, in order to save on weight and bulk.
• 2.5-layer: A thin protective lining is added to the inside of the waterproof membrane, often laminated, screen printed, or sprayed on. This design, found in jackets like Black Diamond Fineline Stretch and REI Co-op Flash Stretch, enhances longevity and breathability by minimizing body oils and dirt that can clog membrane pores. However, they may feel clammy in prolonged rain and lack the moisture-wicking properties of three-layer jackets.
• 3-layer: The pinnacle of rain jacket performance lies in 3-layer constructions, featuring a third wicking textile inside the membrane. While these jackets excel in moisture management, they typically come at a higher price point. We have a handful on our list that offer 3-layer construction, including the Patagonia Granite Crest Rain, Storm Racer, and the FORLOH Airalite Jacket.

In essence, rain jacket fabric layers are engineered to balance waterproofness, breathability, durability, and comfort for comprehensive all-weather protection. When choosing a rain jacket, consider its layer construction and materials to ensure they align with your performance and comfort needs.

Durable Water Repellent Finish (DWR)

A rain jacket’s primary defense lies in its durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, a hydrophobic coating that causes water to bead up and slide off the surface. This coating helps prevent water from saturating the waterproof membrane, thus extending the jacket’s waterproofing capability.

However, DWR finishes degrade over time, especially with washing, leading to reduced water repellency. To restore your rain jacket’s performance, it’s essential to reapply a DWR treatment periodically.

Indications of diminished performance include “wetting out,” where water penetrates the fabric instead of beading off. This signals that the DWR treatment is compromised, impacting the jacket’s effectiveness. Additionally, wetted-out fabric can hinder breathability, as moisture expulsion becomes inhibited.

Factors like abrasion, oils, and environmental debris contribute to DWR degradation. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness and periodically reapplying a DWR treatment is crucial for preserving your rain jacket’s performance. 

Waterproofness

Waterproofness is gauged by the amount of water a fabric can withstand before leaking over a 24-hour period. The minimum standard for waterproof designation is 1,000 mm, suitable for light drizzles encountered in everyday activities like walking your dog. However, for more extreme weather conditions during outdoor adventures, opt for jackets with ratings between 5,000 mm and 30,000 mm.

Pressure, such as from backpack straps or heavy snow, can compromise the waterproofness of a rain jacket. Different waterproof ratings offer varying levels of protection:

• 5,000 mm: Begins technical rain outerwear for outdoor adventures.
• 5,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof under light rain or snow without pressure.
• 10,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof under most conditions except pressure.
• 15,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain and snow.
• Over 20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain, snow, and pressure.

There are a handful of rain jackets featured on our list that surpass the 20,000 mm mark, providing options for staying dry even in severe conditions. Options like the Finisterre Stormbird and Marmot Precip Eco Pro Jacket offer excellent protection. However, for the utmost assurance of waterproofing, consider the FORLOH Airalite Jacket with an impressive rating of 35,000 mm.

Breathability

Breathability is essential in rain jackets to ensure comfort during outdoor activities by allowing sweat to escape while repelling water, preventing the wearer from feeling clammy or overheated.

Air-permeable membranes, such as those found in FUTURELIGHT or Airadigm jackets, are revolutionizing the outerwear industry by offering a balance between breathability and waterproofness. These membranes permit air to pass through while still repelling water, though they may sacrifice some waterproofness compared to traditional options.

One of the key metrics used to assess breathability is the moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), measured in grams per square meter per 24 hours (g/m²/24h). Higher MVTR ratings indicate better performance. For example, jackets designed for high-output activities typically have a breathability rating of 20,000 g/m² or more, while those intended for casual use may suffice with ratings between 10,000 and 15,000 g/m². The FORLOH Airalite jacket, with a breathability rating of 23,000 g/m²/24h, stands out as one of the most breathable options available.

An additional breathability metric is the RET (Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer). A jacket with a RET value below 6 is exceptionally breathable, such as the Decathlon Quechua jacket, which excels at allowing perspiration to escape.

When selecting a rain jacket, it’s crucial to consider the intended activity level to ensure the right balance of breathability and waterproofness for your needs.

Taped Seams and Zippers

Taped seams and YKK zippers are fundamental for preserving the waterproof integrity of a rain jacket. Taped seams, sealed with waterproof tape crafted from materials like polyurethane or GORE-TEX, offer top-tier waterproofing, ensuring the jacket stays dry even in heavy downpours.

Simultaneously, YKK zippers are celebrated for their durability, smooth functionality, and resistance to corrosion. Utilizing YKK zippers ensures dependable and long-lasting closures, perfect for enduring demanding outdoor environments. Keep an eye out for these features when selecting a rain jacket for peak performance and durability in wet conditions.

Weight and Packability

When considering weight and packability for your journey, it’s crucial to factor in the distance you’ll be covering and how much you’re willing to carry — every ounce counts. For minimal weight priorities, consider the Patagonia Storm Racer, weighing just 6.3 ounces, or the The North Face Papsura Jacket at 7 ounces.

However, if weight isn’t your primary concern and you expect your jacket to be worn most of the time, you have numerous options to explore.

For those mindful of space limitations, look for jackets that can be neatly packed into its own pocket, condensing to roughly larger than a softball for optimal packability. Some jackets even feature a loop for easy attachment to a harness or the exterior of your backpack, ensuring convenient access without taking up precious space inside your pack. This feature is especially handy during activities like rock climbing, where space is limited.

For an easier decision-making process, refer to the comparison table provided above. It offers a quick and simple overview of the weight differences among the rain jackets.

Hoods

Some rain jackets come with hoods will serve a dual purpose as a convenient storage sack. But most likely if it’s raining hard enough to necessitate wearing a rain jacket, you’ll likely also have the hood up. A well-crafted hood should offer comprehensive protection. A good example is a hood that completely covers your head and features three-point adjustments to ensure a proper fit without compromising peripheral vision.

It’s essential to ensure that your hood can accommodate any helmet you might wear. If your plans include climbing or alpine activities, consider exploring helmet-compatible options such as the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch and Patagonia Granite Crest.

Sustainability

A sustainable rain jacket encompasses various aspects such as eco-friendly materials, low-impact production, fluorocarbon-free waterproofing, durability, end-of-life solutions, and ethical practices. Key features to look for include Bluesign certification — ensuring fabric meets rigorous environmental and safety standards — and Fair Trade Certification, which ensures sustainable livelihoods for textile workers.

The Finisterre Stormbird Jacket emerges as the most sustainable options we tested, employing practices such as the use of recycled nylon and organic materials, fluorocarbon-free waterproofing since 2017, minimization of its carbon footprint through land and sea transport, utilization of water-soluble packaging, and provision of repair and trade-in services to prolong product life. The brand’s commitment to transparency and close partnerships with manufacturers further reinforces its sustainability efforts. 

Furthermore, Outdoor Research is making strides with the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L, touted as the most eco-friendly addition to its spring 2024 product line, thanks to its use of sustainable materials and removal of certain forever chemicals.

Durability and Longevity

Durability and longevity are paramount in rain jackets that can keep up with all your outdoor activities and daily wear. This is achieved through high-quality materials, reinforced construction, efficient waterproofing treatments including DWR (durable water repellent), and durable hardware like YKK zippers.

Following manufacturer guidelines for care and performing periodic maintenance are essential for prolonging the jacket’s lifespan. Moreover, warranties offered by reputable brands provide added assurance of long-term performance.

Price & Value

Budget

When it comes to budget rainwear, there’s good enough, and then there’s a good bargain. We tend to gravitate toward spending a smidge more above the real bottom barrel options to get into jackets that will do what you need them to do: keep you dry. Expect in-house waterproof membranes at the price range, along with minimal feature sets.

We lean on the Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket ($145) as a dependable budget option, and with a 10K/10K rating, it’s primed for jetting around town and for day hikes. The boxy fit allows for ample layering underneath, and while there are no pit zips (less common in budget options), the jacket breathes well enough for some backpacking.

Mid-Tier

Spending a bit more means you’ll be able to use your rain jacket for a broader range of activities, such as backpacking or biking. This is where you’re likely to see more brand-name waterproof membranes such as GORE-TEX, as well as more refined fits and features such as helmet-compatible hoods and pockets tucked up out of the way of pack straps.

The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L ($225) is bar none our favorite rain jacket at the moment, and it uses a dependable GORE-TEX Paclite to ensure no rain gets in, and a novel pit zip system to keep moisture moving out. We also quite like the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket ($279) as a quality do-it-all layer with a helmet-friendly hood.

Premium

Premium rain jackets won’t be quite as wildly priced as hardshell jackets, but they can still creep up there. The tradeoff is in pure performance, however, and if you really need to stay dry while working hard, they can be worth it. The FORLOH Women’s Airalite Rain Jacket ($399) uses a proprietary air-permeable membrane in its design to keep moisture moving in a way that other rain jackets can’t match, and while it’s dialed in for hunting, we found it to excel at pretty much everything else we wanted to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

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