On the Trail
Whether it’s a full-day approach or a multi-hour scramble, this is the gear that goes the distance under your own power. Built for grip, ventilation, and the kind of comfort you don’t notice until mile twelve. These picks are ready for whatever terrain summer throws at you.
Our editors have been hard at work, testing these adventure essentials to find the gear that’s comfortable, reliable, and ready for everything from local hikes to weekend adventures.
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SCARPA Rapid XT Men’s and Women’s
The SCARPA Rapid XT is one of those rare shoes that feels broken in from the moment you put it on. Thanks to its innovative wraparound tongue and wide, ergonomic fit, it hugs your foot like a favourite pair of slippers while still providing the support and precision needed for long days in the mountains. Although it’s designed as an approach shoe for hiking to climbing areas, its exceptional comfort, understated styling, and all-day versatility also make it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
Once the trail gets technical, the Rapid XT really shines. Built with a climbing-inspired toe, it offers the precision and grip needed for scrambling and low-grade rock climbing, making it ideal for approaches to the crag or any adventure that mixes hiking with hands-on terrain. The premium leather upper is protected by an abrasion-resistant rubber rand that wraps around the entire shoe and over the toe, shielding both the footwear and your feet from sharp rocks and rough terrain. Underfoot, SCARPA’s meticulously engineered outsole delivers outstanding traction and confidence on rock, whether you’re edging across slabs or navigating loose talus.
Comfortable enough for all-day hikes, capable enough for technical approaches, and stylish enough to wear around town, the Rapid XT is an excellent all-around mountain shoe that seamlessly blends hiking comfort with climbing performance.
Fjällräven Abisko Hybrid Zip-Off Trousers
I like to call these the ultimate adventure pants because they solve one of humanity’s oldest outdoor dilemmas: Should I wear pants or shorts? The answer is… yes. Zip off the lower legs, and you’ve instantly got a great-looking pair of shorts. Leave them on and you’ve got comfortable, capable hiking pants. It’s like getting two trail companions for the price of one.
These are a hybrid design featuring Fjällräven’s famous G-1000 fabric on the front. If you’re new to G-1000, here’s the fun part: it’s designed to be waxed. Grab a block of Greenland Wax, rub it onto the fabric, then melt it in with an iron or hair dryer. It feels a little like tuning your skis, except instead of chasing perfect glide, you’re adding water resistance, wind protection, and extra durability.
The back panels are made from a stretchy recycled polyamide/elastane fabric that breathes well and moves effortlessly, making steep climbs, scrambling over deadfall, or the occasional less-than-graceful creek crossing much more comfortable.
A touch of stretch in the waistband keeps the fit comfortable all day, while adjustable cuffs help seal out dirt, pebbles, and every tiny stick that somehow finds its way into your boots. Whether you’re hiking, camping, travelling, or just can’t make up your mind about the weather, these pants are ready for whatever adventure comes next.
Fjällräven Keb Agile Tights
Bold, beautiful, and bomber. These are trekking tights built for people who actually spend time on the trail, not just posing at the trailhead. The Fjällräven Keb Agile Tights quickly became one of our favourite pieces for hiking thanks to their combination of comfort, durability, and thoughtful design.
Unlike typical leggings, these are reinforced where it matters most: the seat, knees, and lower legs. Whether you’re kneeling to filter water, scrambling over rocks, or accidentally introducing yourself to the ground, the extra protection means they’re ready for years of abuse.
Storage is another standout feature. Three thigh pockets provide plenty of room for your phone, snacks, or trail essentials, while a small gear loop on the hip is perfect for clipping on your keys—or bear spray if your hikes involve the kind of wildlife that doesn’t respect personal space.
The adjustable waistband helps dial in a comfortable fit, and the cut is designed to flatter a wide variety of body types. They’re exceptionally well made, move naturally with you, and never feel restrictive on steep climbs or long days outside.
And let’s address the question everyone is secretly wondering: yes, they look fantastic. They’re flattering, functional, and somehow manage to make your butt look trail-ready too. If hiking pants and leggings had a very successful child, this would be it.
Salomon XA Pro V9
The Salomon XA Pro V9 is one of those rare pieces of gear with a cult-like following with people proudly admitting they’ve worn versions of this shoe for 10+ years and see absolutely no reason to stop now. That kind of commitment says a lot.
At its core, this is a trail running shoe that doubles effortlessly as a hiking shoe, and honestly, a super solid everyday shoe too. It’s lightweight, breathable, and built for movement, whether that’s fast hiking up technical terrain or just running errands in town.
The outsole is where things get serious. The grip pattern is designed to handle everything from loose rock and dirt to pavement, giving you confidence no matter what’s underfoot. A reinforced toe cap adds protection when the going gets tough.
One of the key design strengths is its structure: flexible in the forefoot for natural movement, but firm and stable through the midfoot and heel. The result is a shoe that feels planted and controlled without being stiff or restrictive.
And of course, the Quicklace system makes life easier. One pull tightens everything down, and if you loosen it fully, they almost function like a slip-on.
In short, the XA Pro V9 is a dependable “do-everything” shoe that quietly refuses to be replaced.
Salomon Quest 5 GTX and the Quest Echo GTX
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX sits in that sweet spot between a hiking boot and a trail runner that decided it wanted more ankle support. It’s surprisingly light for a full-height boot, but don’t let that fool you; this thing is built for serious terrain.
Inspired by Salomon’s trail-running lineup, it carries the same agile feel underfoot while adding structure where it matters. A rigid shank delivers excellent stability, especially when you’re moving across rough, jagged, or technical rock where “rolling an ankle” is always lurking as a possibility.
The outsole grips confidently across a wide range of conditions: wet rock, mud, alpine trails, snow patches, and everything in between. Basically, if the terrain can’t decide what it is, these boots are already prepared for it.
A Gore-Tex waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry without completely sacrificing breathability, which is a solid trade-off when your idea of fun involves questionable weather forecasts and long days outside.
Build quality is noticeably high; this is a boot designed for multi-day missions and seasons of hard use, not casual weekend strolls to the viewpoint (though it can absolutely do that too).
In short, the Quest 5 GTX is a durable, confidence-inspiring hiking boot that brings trail-runner comfort into the world of real mountain terrain, then politely reminds the mountain who’s in charge.
Mammut Ducan HS Hooded Jacket
The Mammut Ducan HS Hooded Jacket is a simple, lightweight hardshell built to handle unpredictable weather without overcomplicating things.
Designed primarily for warm-weather missions, it’s ideal for spring, summer, and fall hiking, but it works just as well as an everyday “just in case” jacket. The focus here is low weight and high functionality, with a highly breathable 20K/20K waterproof and breathability rating that handles rain while still letting you move comfortably.
To keep things minimal, it only includes two pockets, an intentional design to reduce bulk and weight rather than overloading it with features you may not need. One of the best details is the internal stow pocket, allowing the jacket to pack down neatly when the weather clears.
An adjustable hood adds protection when conditions turn, and the overall fit is clean, simple, and practical.
In short, it’s a no-drama shell: light, packable, breathable, and always ready to disappear into your pack until the sky changes its mind.
