APPAREL
As the snow quickly melts from the high alpine it’s time to turn our attention to summer adventures like hiking, camping, mountaineering, biking and paddling. To make these activities as enjoyable as possible well-designed gear is a must and that’s where our list of the Best Summer Gear of 2020 comes in.
We’ve researched all the new gear along with some existing classics to provide you with only the best of the best, which we’ve broken down into three categories: Camping, Apparel, and Accessories. Whether you need to replace an outdated, broken or well-loved piece of gear—or are just in the market for something new, the following list should help ensure that your hard-earned money is well spent. If you are just window shopping that’s ok too, nothing wrong with making a wish list for your upcoming birthday, Christmas or just because.
Let's continue with the Best Summer Gear of 2020 in the Apparel category and then we’ll move onto the Best Accessories that you should simply not be without. If you missed the Best Camping Gear then click on over here.
Peruse over the list and see what strikes your fancy and if inclined click the ‘Buy Now’ button and get a great deal too!
Black Diamond Highline Stretch Shell
New this spring is Black Diamond’s Highline Stretch Shell which is their premium alpine 3-layer jacket that provides superior waterproof/breathable performance in a lightweight and packable shell. What makes the Highline Stretch Shell so comfortable to wear on adventures is the range of motion it provides since the fabric has a built-in stretch it won’t slow you down no matter the activity. The real innovation with the Highline Stretch Shell is its use of Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry laminated waterproof/breathable fabric in combination with Green Theme Technology's innovative Breathable Water Protection. This is a new environmentally friendly PFC-free DWR that provides superior performance and durability when compared to other DWR solutions. This DWR is permanently hyper-fused to the individual fabric fibres in the Highline Jacket so there is no need to ever replenish the DWR, it will just keep on keeping you dry indefinitely.
Aside from the fabric, there is also more to love about the HighLine Stretch Shell, it’s a fully-featured hard-shell which includes a chest and two hand pockets, pit zips for ventilation, an adjustable climbing helmet-compatible hood. This all weighs in at an impressive 360 grams and packs down incredibly small so there is no excuse to ever leave the trail head with out it.
Features:
- GTT Breathable Water Protection Technology- A revolutionary water-free and PFC-free DWR that’s superior in performance and substantially more durable than other DWR solutions
- Built with BD.dry—our engineered waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
- 20,000mm/20,0000g/m2/24hours
- Zippered armpit venting
- Fully seam taped
- Adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood
- Adjustable cuff tabs
- YKK Aquaguard Zippers
Price: $399CAN / $299US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Black, Nickel, Octane, Raging Sea, Ultra Blue, Black/Nickel/Octane
Weight: 360g / 12.7oz
Fit: Regular
Outdoor Research Equinox Convertible Pant
The Equinox Convertible Pants from Outdoor Research have pushed the boundaries of traditional zip-off leg pants and are a big step up from those you may have worn in the past. Outdoor Research already had the Equinox Pant in their apparel line and now they’ve made them convertible with a clean aesthetic that integrates the zipper in an offset manner. The “Sly Thigh Zip Off” design hides the extra fabric length under a discrete zipper so you have not only the best-looking convertible pant on the market but also a functional pair of hiking pants and shorts. For the Equinox Convertible Pants Outdoor Research used a bluesign-approved nylon/spandex plain weave fabric that provides a UPF 50+ sun protection while still being water resistant (thanks to the DWR finish), lightweight and quick-drying. A gusseted crotch and articulated knees make them comfortable hiking, cragging or just travelling the globe—making them the ideal adventure pants for anything you can throw at them.
Features:
- Water Resistant
- Wind Resistant
- Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- Quick Drying
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- UPF 50+
- Snap Front closure
- Internal Drawcord Waist
- Drop-In Hand Pockets
- Security Zip Pocket at Right Hand Pocket
- Exposed Reverse Coil Zip Off Legs
- Back Drop-In Pockets
- Gusseted Crotch
- Ankle Zips
Price: $110CAN / $99US
Weight: 269g / 9.5oz
Colours: Black, Charcoal, Cafe
Sizes: 30 - 38
Arc’teryx Delta MX 1/2 Zip Hoody
A versatile mid-layer is a must-have for any adventure and the new for Spring 2020 Arc’teryx Delta MX 1/2 Zip Hoody is one you should consider. Made from Polartec Power Dry this pullover is ideal for a range of activities and conditions. It’s a fleece mid-layer designed for mixed weather—hence the MX in the name. Since it is created specifically for climbers it has an increased range of motion yet retains an articulated trim fit that moves with your body. The air-permeable fabric uses a voided grid construction on the inside to trap heat when you need it while the smooth outer surface makes it easy to layer under a shell. The hood has an integrated balaclava for extra warmth when you need it and a deep front 1/2 zipper to dump heat when you don’t, making it the ideal adventure piece for any activity Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
Fabric:
- Polartec PowerDry High Warmth
- Deep front zipper for easy on and off, rapid ventilation
- Corded zipper pulls
- Chest Pocket
- Balaclava style hood can be used as a neck warmer or full face balaclava for warmth and protection
- Thumbholes help keep sleeves down and make layering easy
- Chin guard for added comfort
- Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
- Gusseted underarms for mobility and comfort
- Great warmth-to-weight ratio
- Air permeable
Price: $230CAN / $169US
Weight: 330g / 11.6oz
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Black, Cryptochrome
The North Face Summit L5 LT FUTURELIGHT Jacket
The North Face has put a huge marketing push behind their new FUTURELIGHT fabric and for good reason, it’s an innovative new waterproof / breathable fabric that is found in many of their new 2020 apparel such as the Summit L5 LT FUTURELIGHT Jacket. If you were to think that this is just like all the other waterproof / breathable fabrics on the market you be dead wrong, what makes FUTURELIGHT unique is that it’s a superlight membrane which facilitates better airflow while keeping water out. This means that the Summit L5 LT Jacket breathes incredibly well and requires delayering less often since you won’t overheat as much. The FUTURELIGHT fabric is at the heart of The North Face’s new Summit L5 LT Jacket and once we got our hands on this jacket we never wanted to take it off. This ultra-thin jacket feels so comfortable yet protects you in the harshest conditions. FUTURELIGHT’s nano-fibre structure has enabled The North Face to create their most lightweight, breathable membrane to date with air permeability that is off the charts yet it’s still 100% waterproof and surprisingly durable.
The Summit L5 LT FUTURELIGHT Jacket is fully featured and ideal for hiking and ski touring, and the fabric’s face and back layers are made with 90% recycled materials!
Read our full review of The North Face Summit L5 LT FUTURELIGHT Jacket here and see why it won our Gear of the Year Award.
Features:
- FUTURELIGHT 3 layer fabric
- Designed for Ski Mountaineering
- 20d x 30d 3L FUTURELIGHT; 100% recycled polyester
- 2% lighter than L5
- Large bellowed alpine chest pocket with small mesh pocket incorporated
- One large internal, mesh drop pocket
- Comes with lightweight stuff-sack
- 3D ergonomic patterning
- Helmet-compatible hood with laminated wire brim
Specs:
Price: $599.99CAN / $450US
Weight: 335g / 11.8oz
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colour: Fiery Red, Meld Grey
Black Diamond Mission LT Approach Shoes
Black Diamond is a brand that’s synonymous with gear and apparel for adventurers so it only makes sense that they’d bench out into the footwear category as well. For Spring 2020, Black Diamond released their Mission LT Approach Shoes which are built for light and fast missions on technical terrain. They feature a durable EnduroKnit one-piece, ultra-breathable upper for ideal temperature regulation and a ‘sock-like bootie fit’ that provides lightweight comfort and a secure fit. The tuned EVA midsole is stiff enough for technical precision while still being comfortable over the long haul. A built-in nylon rock plate provides protection while the Mission LT’s high-performance BlackLabel-Mountain rubber sole provides an impressive super sticky grip on hiking trails and 5th class terrain alike. The rubberized toe protection is quite generous and adds to the Mission LT’s durability and security. There are also multiple webbing loops so you can easily stash or lash the Mission LT’s to your pack or harness when the trial ends and the real climbing begins.
Built for lightweight grip and security on your next hike, scramble or low-grade climb, Black Diamond’s Mission LT Approach Shoes are a versatile shoe worth checking out.
Features:
- EnduroKnit is a one-piece breathable, durable knit upper
- BlackLabel-Mountain rubber is high-performance sticky rubber
- Rubber toe protection
- Sock-like bootie fit
- Nylon rock plate for protection
- Tuned EVA midsole for stiffness and comfort
- Webbing reinforced fit system
- Multiple webbing loops for various tagging options
Price: $180CAN / $139.95US
Sizes: 6-14 in half sizes
Colours: Eclipse Blue/Amber, Nickel/Ultra Blue
Weight: 312g / 11oz (size 10)
Outdoor Research Microgravity Ascentshell Jacket
Outdoor Research just released a new hardshell, er… softshell, make that rain shell for Spring 2020 called the Microgravity Ascentshell. This Jacket blurs the line between hardshell and softshell with its AscentShell fabric which is built using an electrospun membrane that is far more breathable than other waterproof membranes currently on the market. Ascentshell has been winning awards and impressing us gear testers since its inception but now Outdoor Research has made a good thing even better. The Microgravity Jacket uses the next iteration of this Ascentshell technology with the membrane being fine-tuned to increase comfort and offer next level breathability. This new 3-layer Ascentshell fabric uses a 20x45D mechanical stretch polyester fabric that is super stretchy for those adventures and activities that require unrestricted mobility in a lightweight package.
Available for both men and women, the new Outdoor Research Microgravity Ascentshell Jacket breathes faster, weighs less, stretches more, and far surpasses the comfort of traditional waterproof membranes—what more could you possibly want?
Fabric:
Ascentshell 3L, 100% nylon 20Dx45D mechanical stretch ripstop with 100% polyester 30D knit backer
Features:
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Air Permeable
- Electrospun Membrane
- Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- Fully Seam-Taped
- Helmet Compatible Halo-Hood with Hood Lock
- YKK AquaGuard Zippers
- Internal Front Stormflap
- Zip Chest and Hand Pockets
- Left Hand Pocket Doubles As Stuff Sack
- Carabiner Loop and Key Clip
- Dynamic Reach Underarm Panels
- Elastic Drawcord Hem
- Hook / Loop Cuff Closure
Price: $349CAN / $249US
Weight:14.6oz / 414g
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Admiral, Lead, Black, Citron
Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody
Arc’teryx has a new versatile, lightweight softshell for spring 2020 and it’s called the Gamma SL Hoody. It uses Fortius 1.0 double weave which is made up of 87% nylon and 13% elastane fibres so it resists wind and water while still being able to breathe and provides an impressive four-way stretch for those adventures that need serious mobility like climbing, hiking, paddling and spring ski tours. This is a super light (hence the SL in the name), yet durable mid-layer or outer layer depending upon the weather and season. It has built-in features such as hem adjustment, hand-warmer pockets and a ‘StormHood’ which adds protection without impacting peripheral vision.
The Gamma SL Hoody has an articulated fit which is trim by nature and minimal by design which keeps it efficient and streamlined so it won’t impede you while on the move—no matter the activity.
Fabric:
Fortius DW 1.0 - 87% Nylon, 13% Elastane
Features:
- Breathable
- Wind resistant
- Water resistant
- Mechanical stretch textile for unrestricted mobility
- Trim, slim fit, optimizes exceptional breathability during high output
- Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
- Gusseted underarms provide a stationary hem that does not lift with overhead motion
- Adjustable low profile StormHood™
- Low profile elasticized cuffs
- Adjustable hem drawcord
- Two hand pockets with zippers
Price: $220CAN / $225US
Weight: 290g / 10.2oz
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Black, Pegasus, Shimizu, Labrinth, Agra
Black Diamond Craig Denim Pants
Black Diamond’s new Craig Denim Pants are built tough so you can do more than lounge around town in them—they have been purpose-built for the crag with a feature-set that’d make any climber happy. Their 10.5 oz denim fabric is made up of 98% cotton and 2% elastane which provides stretchy comfort while still being ultra-durable. The V11 fit has tapered legs and harness compatible, low-profile pockets and hardware so they are comfortable while climbing. There is even an integrated brush pocket so you can clean those holds in style before you send it.
These performance denim pants go from Craig to café and back again at a price that provides real value, the Craig Denim Pants by Black Diamond are new this spring and bound to be a summer staple.
Fabrics:
Stretch cotton Denim (358 gsm, 98% cotton, 2% elastane)
Features:
- Harness-compatible low-profile hardware
- Integrated brush pocket
- Slim fit for pure climbing functionality
- Leg opening: 15"
Price: $119CAN / $89US
Sizes: 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 38; length - Short (30), Regular (32), Long (34)
Colour: Black, Chalk, Rinse
Weight: 608g / 21.4oz
Fit: Regular
Rab Meridian Jacket
Rab’s new Meridian Jacket uses Gore-Tex PACLITE Plus which is waterproof and windproof to keep you dry and warm but what really makes this fabric ideal for mountain adventures is its ability to pack down to almost nothing. With a 40 Denier rating, this nylon face fabric is resistant to abrasions, durable to rough use but still compact when you store it away in your pack.
Designed with a regular fit, the Meridian Jacket allows for flexible layering while the adjustable hood, hem and cuffs mean you can customize a close body-tailored fit for efficient movement. The articulated sleeves provide good mobility for active sports like ski touring, climbing and hiking while the quick-vent armpit zips allow you to dump heat should your exertion level warrant it. With two spacious, easy-access A-line chest pockets the Meridian has plenty of space to stash those essentials you may no longer need while on the move. Compact, tough and made to protect you from the elements, the Rab Meridian Jacket’s minimist design has everything you need and nothing more so it won’t slow you down on your next adventure.
Features:
Semi-elasticated hood with stiffened peak
Generous Hood with one-handed adjustment
Recycled 40D GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS Technology
2 YKK A-line hand pockets
YKK pit zips for easy venting
Articulated sleeves
Fully Adjustable hem and cuffs
Reflective branding
Stuff sack included
Fit: Regular
Specs:
Price: $380CAN / $265US
Weight: 340g / 11.9oz
Colours: Black, Army Ascent Red, Ink
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
AKU Trekker Pro GTX
We awarded the AKU SUPERALP GTX Boots our Gear of the Year Award in 2017 and while the AKU Trekker Pro GTX aren’t nearly as burly as those boots they are better suited for long day hikes of medium difficulty. Just like their more mountaineering focused big brothers, the SUPERALP GTX Boots, the Trekker Pro GTX provide a high level of comfort and stability on a variety of terrain.
AKU uses their proprietary Elica Natural Stride System inside the Trekker Pro GTX Boots which consists of a lasting board and anatomical last that best represents the true shape of your foot. This results in an asymmetrical sole design that provides more shock absorption on the outward part of the heel where your foot strikes the ground and more even distribution of foot pressure. AKU also places a high emphasis on ‘Toe-Off Design’ in their boots and shoes which means that the front part of the midsole consists of shock-absorbing material to distribute the push-off forces better while lugs on the tread protrude outwards on the inner part of the boot to increase the contact surface area.
To ensure your feet stay dry the Trekker Pro GTX Boots use a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining and the upper is made with AKU’s AIR8000 for increased breathability. The Trekker Pro GTX is available for both men and women and available this spring!
Materials:
Upper: Suede + Air8000 + Welded PU Film
Upper Protection: Rubber
Lining : Gore-Tex Performance Comfort
Outsole: Vibram Curcuma
Midsole: Light PU
Lasting Board (stiffness): 6-4mm Nylon + EVA Microporosa (medium)
Footbed: Custom fit soft
Features:
- Anatomical Fit: A wrap-around and anatomical fit designed to provide stability and encourage a dynamic action when walking.
- Air 8000: Upper construction increases the breathability.
- Gore-Tex Performance Comfort: Offers moderate insulation to keep feet dry and comfortable during outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions.
- Vibram Soles: Exclusive soles designed and engineered in cooperation with Vibram.
- IMS 3: The Internal Midsole System ensures a uniform distribution of pressure, prevents from lateral and frontal slipping under heavy use and provides shock absorption.
- Elica: An integrated system consisting of Last, Insole Board, Midsole and Tread which faithfully follows the anatomical shape of the sole of the foot and adapts to normal heel and forefoot inclination to reduce impact and strain.
- Exoskeleton: A new architecture that is conceived to guarantee protection and stability only where it is needed, without compromising the light-weight.
Price: $429.95CAN / $319.95US
Weight: 1,320g / 2.9lb
Sizes: 6 - 13 (UK)
Colours: Black/Orange, Black/Turquoise, Black Fluro Yellow
Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoody
Unlike the Arc’teryx Gamma SL Hoody mentioned above the Astroman Sun Hoody from Outdoor Research is much lighter weight, less expensive softshell with fewer features. New for spring 2020, the Research Astroman Sun Hoody is a lightweight, airy sun shirt with a UPF 50+ rating that will protect you from the sun’s rays while not making you overheat. The 85% nylon, 15% spandex material blend is abrasion resistant, durable and super stretchy so it is an ideal layer or climbing, hiking and even paddling on the lake. The built-in 1/2 zip makes it easy to get on and off while also allowing you to stay cool on hot days. If the sun is really cooking then pull up the built-in three-panel hood for more protection.
The Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoody is made for hot rugged environment and saves you from slapping on sunscreen when the sun is out. It’s an essential layer for summer fun and once you try it we’re sure you’ll agree.
Fabric:
85% nylon, 15% spandex
Features:
- 3-panel Hood with Low- Pro Adjustable Drawcord
- Security Zip Chest Pocket
- Low-Pro Binding Cuffs with Thumb Loops
- Movement-Mirroring Stretch
- Wicking
- Quick Drying
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- UPF 50+
Price: $100CAN / $89US
Weight : 6.0 oz./169 g
Colour: Lead, Admiral
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Black Diamond Aspect Wool Hoody
Black Diamond’s new Aspect Wool Hoody is just that, a lightweight hoody that uses Lavalan washable Wool insulation which is not only warm but also very packable. The 60g of natural Lavalan European washable wool insulation provides active thermoregulation and moisture management since wool insulation breathes efficiently and provides incredible warmth even when wet. Lavalan is a super soft, Swiss sourced, high-performance wool fibre insulation and thanks to its complex structure, it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water vapour all the while keeping dry and warm. Lavalan wool also provides a cooling effect thanks to its vapour transfer process and when combined with the highly breathable side panels the Aspect Hoody does a great job at keeping you comfortable no matter the temperature. These double weave nylon stretch side panels are found under the arms on both sides of the Aspect Hoody which also improve the range of motion for active sports. Wool is also naturally odour resistant as well so you can wear the Aspect Hoody on those multi-day adventures without the worry of the stink factor coming into play. in addition to breathability.
If you are looking for a lightweight insulating layer that provides quite a bit of versatility then the new Aspect Wool Hoody is it and it will be available for Spring 2020 so check it out.
Materials:
Insulation - Lavalon wool insulation (60gsm, 80% Wool, 20% PLA)
Shell Material - Nylon Stretch rip stop woven (51gsm, 100% Nylon)
Lining Material - Lightweight stretch woven (58gsm, 100% polyester)
Features:
- Lavalan wool is European certified, non-mulsed, and machine washable
- Wool insulation offers ultimate moisture management
- Breathable stretch side panels for added range of motion
- Climbing-helmet-compatible hood with single-pull drawcord adjustment
- Two zippered hand pockets and zippered chest pocket
- Jacket stows in internal mesh zip pocket with carabiner clip loop
- Lightweight stretch cuffs
- Internal mesh pocket
Price: $299CAN / $249US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Black, Astral Blue/Black, Anthracite/Black
Weight: 422g / 15oz
Fit: Regular
Westcomb Helios Hoody
While not new for Spring 2020, the Westcomb Helios Hoody is too good not to mention in this Best Summer Gear roundup as it fills a niche that few other jackets can. Using a 3 layer Pertex Shield fabric with impressive waterproof/breathable qualities allows the Helios Hoody to pack down micro-small into the provided stuff-sac. Without the bulk like that of most other shells it’s a no-brainer to bring the Helios along on all your adventures as it can easily fit into the smaller of pockets. Since it’s not packed with excessive features, other than a chest pocket, fitted hood and stretch cuff gusset, the Helios is able to be much more compact than most other rain shells on the market. This minimalist design is also what makes the Helios Hoody such a damn good looking rain shell, with clean, crisp lines and a refined sense of outdoor adventure it is equally at home off the trail and at the local pub or restaurant.
The Pertex Shield fabric also provides a great range of motion thanks to its built-in stretch which ensures you can hike, bike, paddle, climb and more. At only 160g and about the size of a cell phone, there is no reason not to take the Westcomb Helios Hoody along on all your hiking, biking and camping adventures.
Fabric:
Pertex Shield 3L
Features:
- Athletic fit
- Chest pocket
- Stretch cuff gusset
- Stretch hem
- Fitted hood
- High collar
- Waterproof Rating: 20k
- Windproof Rating: 20k
Price: $359CAN/US
Weight: 160g / 5.6oz
Size: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Summit Blue, Black
Warranty: Practical lifetime of the product to the original owner.
If you are interested in the Best Camping Gear for Summer 2020 then click on over here to learn all about the top picks for this season camping adventures.
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