CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESHiking, camping and backpacking means on-again, off-again layering. Active Junky’s five-member team found seven styles to give you total thermostat control, day or night while hiking, camping and backpacking.
With a head start on comfort, the Mountain Hardwear Hat shed blazing rays on the sides of volcanos and rocky river bottoms in Chile. Durable yet crunchable while in transit, the hat looks handmade and fragile. Not so, as the tough weave maintained its shape across the miles and days.
At night around the cooking circle and in the tent, the Coal Jessie Beanie topped off warmer layers with soft comfort. Flapped, scrunched or pulled down tight, Coal means cozy freedom under the Southern Cross. Once again, the brand delivers a total approach to functional style.
Maintaining core temperature through ups and downs begins with smart baselayers, short- and long-sleeve. The stretchy Mammut GoDry Tee Shirt fit athletic wearers perfectly to manage warmer daytime temperatures. Soft instead of crunchy or brittle, GoDry stayed in place without chafing under pack straps.
When temperatures dropped in Chile, Bergans of Norway’s Skala Tee handled daytime temperature fluctuations while excelling as a nighttime base layer. Technical fabric underpins a soft, flowing profile in an easy-care piece that testers relished in camp and in transit.
The L.L. Bean Cool Weave Shirt shed perspiration and odor on baking volcanic traverses in Pucon, Chile. Quick wicking but soft to the touch, this travel-and-pack essential carries the day with a timeless look and easy-washing convenience.
For cooler or windier moments, Helly Hansen’s Active Flow LS Base stands tall alone or under softshells and windshells. Indoors or out, day and night, Active Flow competently manages the wearer’s body temperature and moisture levels; European flair means shoulder stripes bring more smiles than grimaces.
Midweight, recycled double-faced polyester fleece turns the Patagonia Synchilla Vest into a comfy heat machine under brisk night skies. Hip-length styling and two zippered handwarmer pockets ensure warmth with utility in this proven torso-loving piece.
