The Best Hiking Apparel: Outdoor Vitals
The "light and fast" mantra lies at the heart of every long-distance, multi-day adventure—and it's just as important for day hikes and shorter excursions. Regardless of the length of your hike, lightweight gear enables you to travel faster and farther, while conserving space in your pack for other essentials. This is where Outdoor Vitals stands out. As makers of “performance first ultralight gear,” Outdoor Vitals has, since 2014, sold directly to consumers—cutting out middlemen and reducing prices by 40–50%. The result: high-quality apparel and gear at a fraction of the cost of many big-name brands.Based on research and hands-on experience, I’ve curated what I believe to be the best hiking apparel for everyday outdoor enthusiasts. These picks allow you to hit the trail in thigh performance apparel without breaking the bank. My recommendations include the Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Tee as a base layer, the Ventus Active Hoodie as a mid-layer, and the Satu Adventure Pants to round out your kit. Let’s take a closer look at each piece.
Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Tee
Crafted from a proprietary blend of merino wool, polyester, and nylon, the Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Tee offers quick-drying comfort with a soft next-to-skin feel. Thanks to merino’s natural antibacterial and odour-fighting properties, it can be worn for multiple days without washing. The poly blend enhances durability and ensures the shirt retains its shape, even after extended use. Lightweight and stretchy, the tee maintains an athletic fit without becoming baggy—unlike many other ultralight fabrics. It’s comfortable, never restrictive, and breathes as if it’s barely there.
Fabric:
Poly Blend: 115 GSM merino wool blend (63% merino [18 micron], 29% polyester, 8% nylon, knit)
Dries quickly and retains shape better than the original nylon blend
Features:
- Flat-lock seams
- Raglan sleeves
- Excellent stretch
- Moisture wicking
- Odour and bacteria resistance
- Quick drying
- Athletic fit for layering or standalone use
- Shape retention—even when wet
- UPF 36+ sun protection
- RWS-certified (Responsible Wool Standard) merino wool from NuYarn™
Price: $84 CAD / $59.97 USD
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, 2XL, 3XL
Colours: Teal, Mahogany, Graphite
Outdoor Vitals Ventus Active Hoodie
Weighing in at under 200 grams, the Ventus Active Hoodie is exceptionally light and packable—ideal as an insulating layer. Strategic body mapping employs perforated underarm vents and variable insulation levels to provide warmth and ventilation where needed. The 3DeFX active stretch insulation moves with you, maximizing loft (and warmth) when stationary and enhancing breathability in motion. The durable nylon shell features two-way stretch for freedom of movement, while the non-adjustable hood offers extra protection in cold weather conditions. The design is minimal, with an athletic cut and a long front zip for venting. By omitting non-essential features—like hand pockets—the hoodie packs down small, making it unobtrusive in your pack until you need it.
Fabrics:
Insulation: 25 g/m² 3DeFX active stretch
Shell: 20D DWR-treated ripstop nylon
Lining: 20D ripstop nylon
Features:
- Stretch insulation for warmth and mobility
- Tough, ultralight 20D nylon construction
- Body-mapped ventilation and insulation
- YKK 1/4 zipper for easy on/off, enhanced venting
- Perforated underarm vents for maximum breathability
- Drop back hem for coverage
- Stretch cuffs for fit and clean lines
- Insulated, non-restrictive hood
- Windbreak and water-resistant finish
- Thumb loops to anchor sleeves
- Packable via a hidden inner pocket
- Athletic, low-profile, subtly branded design
Price: $250 CAD / $179.97 USD
Sizes: S, M, L, 2XL, 3XL
Colours: Black, Blue, Olive, Sage Grey
Outdoor Vitals Satu Adventure Pants
Completing your kit, the Satu Adventure Pants are designed to transition seamlessly from office to trail—hence the name “Satu,” meaning “one” in Malaysian. Constructed from Japanese Toray mechanical stretch fabric, these pants offer exceptional mobility, further enhanced by a gusseted crotch. Discreet side vents help regulate temperature, while deep front pockets, a specialized cargo pocket for your phone, and secure rear pockets keep essentials safe. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment provides weather resistance, making these pants as versatile for travel and everyday wear as they are for hiking adventures.
Features:
- Adjustable waistband works with or without a belt
- Hidden zipper vents for heat management
- Water-resistant DWR treatment
- Secure, covered rear pockets
- Modern tapered cut
- Zippered, lay-flat cargo pocket for valuables
- Odour resistance
- Hidden adjustable hems to keep out dust or bike chains
- Gusseted crotch for improved comfort and flexibility
- Deep, functional pockets
- Superior Japanese mechanical stretch fabric for unrestricted movement
Price: $160 CAD / $114.97 USD
Sizes: Length 28–38; Waist 28–36
Colours: Charcoal, Green, Brown
Outdoor Vitals delivers high-performance, lightweight hiking clothing is designed for real-world use and abuse. I’ve found each of these pieces to be incredibly comfortable and durable while not being too hike-focused, so that I can wear them around town or to work as well. Their lightweight fabrics and clean lines ensure they are breathable and won’t slow you down with unnecessary features.
If you are after function apparel that’s versatile enough to go from the trailhead to the coffee shop without breaking the bank, then give Outdoor Vitals a closer look.