Outfitted: Hiking favorites

Now that we’re in the heart of hiking season, here are a few standouts I’ve been loving.

1. Amundsen Cityscape Shorts

Norwegian company Amundsen — named after the legendary, early 20th century Antarctica explorer Roald Amundsen — is a new favorite of mine for their blend of traditional design and innovative features. The Cityscape shorts are designed to be a light, yet durable blend of nylon, wool, and spandex. The inseam is a happy-medium length of 4 inches, and the drawstring/elastic waist wears comfortably and easily. I love the softness and breathability of this fabric, but it still feels sturdy enough to stand up to a little beating. The large patch pockets are great for stashing small things but aren’t too big and bulky. I also like how these shorts aren’t too technical looking, so they transition easily for going into town after my hike. To top it off, Amundsen gets extra sustainability points due to this line being made from 100% repurposed, discontinued products.

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$129, AmundsenSports.com. 

2. Mammut Saentis TR Low GTX Shoe

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For most day hikes, I gravitate towards a good trail runner for my shoe of choice. This waterproof shoe from Mammut has been a go-to this summer mostly for being lightweight and waterproof. For the punch that comes with the Saentis, they are surprisingly low profile, which is why I like them. They feature a high-grip, high-traction sole for our varied Rocky Mountain terrain and a responsive, cushioned midsole for a little extra energy return on my hiking stride. The GORE-TEX upper is breathable and effective in the case you encounter some water, but it doesn’t make the shoe feel bulky in the case of some other GORE-TEX trail runners I’ve tried. I wouldn’t use these shoes for hiking with a heavy pack, but for typical day hikes, they’ve been perfect. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors.

$169, Mammut.com.

3. Rab Muon 40L Hiking Pack

OK, so 40 liters is a little on the big side for what you might need for a day hike, but the thing I love about the Muon is that it’s light enough to use at any capacity, making it versatile enough to use it for most hiking situations you’ll find yourself in. Strong and streamlined, the pack is made with ultralight, ripstop fabric that is UV-resistant and super tough to stand up to the inevitable beating it’ll get. Rab uses their close-fitting, wraparound harness carry system that features a shaped lumbar pad and supportive hip belt for extra support on heavier loads. It has a giant roll-top opening at the top that makes accessing interior contents super easy as well as efficient for rolling further down in case you aren’t using all the available space. The interior bladder sleeve will hold up to 3 liters, and the outer has large stash pockets for extra layers as well as side and harness pockets to provide easy access points for snacks, water, etc. The harness system takes a little time to figure out at first, but once dialed, it’s hardly noticeable while hiking. Its high-tech fabric, fine-tuned fit, and lightweight profile reflect in the price. There are cheaper packs out there, but if you want one pack that’s versatile for anything from a day hike to a thru hike, this will cover all the bases.

$240, Rab.Equipment/us.

4. Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers

Fjallraven hiking pants have been a cult favorite among gearheads and adventurers for some time now. They feel and sometimes look like something explorers would have worn 100 years ago, but they have modern features, are extremely comfortable, and will last forever. The Vidda Ventilated Trousers are a version of the fan-favorite Vidda Pro pants but have extra ventilation options for a bit of a slimmer and cooler fit. Made with Fjallraven’s signature wind and water-resistant G-1000 fabric, the pants will stand up to some hard-wearing. For a fine-tuned fit, there are removable, buttoned strap adjustments at the ankles. Numerous pockets make stashing pretty much anything convenient and there’s even a loop for an axe on the side of the waist if you want to bring out your inner Paul Bunyan. These pants are also great for setting up the campsite. A far cry from your common yoga pants, the sturdiness takes a little getting used to, but these pants will never let you down and will be in rotation for years to come. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors.

$180, Fjallraven.com.

5. Therm-a-Rest Z Seat

I never knew how much I would use this little pad until I actually had one. The Z Seat is small but mighty. With an accordion design and closed-cell foam construction, the Z Seat weighs almost nothing and is easy to throw in your pack or even attach it to the outside if you’re low on space. Indestructible, I use it for sitting on rocks, logs, or pretty much any surface at hand. It also adds warmth and protection from any surface that’s a little chilly or wet on your bum like the rocks on Fourteener summits, water-logged grass, or even snowy surfaces. It can also be used as a stand-in for a kneeling pad if needed.

$33, Thermarest.com.

6. Rab Kinetic 2.0 Waterproof Jacket

If you hate the stiff, clammy feeling of many rain jackets, the Kinetic is the jacket for you. Rab’s recycled, 100%-waterproof Proflex fabric uses a knitted outer and backer to create a natural feeling of stretch while maintaining a breathable level of moisture transfer. The first time I put it on, I honestly questioned whether it was waterproof since it felt so silky and comfortable. A fleecy chin guard and adjustable hood make it comfortable when you’re all zipped up during a downpour and the adjustable hem and cuffs make it even easier to keep the rain out. The pockets have aqua guard zippers, so you can feel confident your phone and any interior contents won’t get wet. Coming in at a svelte 289.5 grams, it falls into the weightless wonder category, which is reflected in the steep price. I find the fit to be a little on the slim side, so if you plan on layering this on top of more than a single layer, I would size up. Available in women’s and men’s sizes and colors.

$260, Rab.Equipment/us.

Meg Simon is an Aspen-based freelance writer, graphic designer and founder of Simon Finch Creative. She can be reached at meg@simonfinchcreative.com.