When looking for men’s outdoor clothing, it’s easy to come across technical terms, brand claims and big price differences. A jacket may look waterproof in the product photo, but prove less suitable in practice for a long walk in wind and rain. A warm winter coat isn’t necessarily comfortable when you’re active, either.
So the right choice starts with how you’ll use it, not its colour or brand. Will you mainly be cycling to work, walking in the Ardennes, camping in changeable weather or exercising outdoors? Read on to find out what to look for and which pitfalls to avoid.
A water-repellent outer layer will make light rain bead off the fabric for a while. That’s different from a waterproof construction with sealed seams. Check whether the product information mentions a waterproof membrane, sealed seams or a specific waterproof technology.
Pay attention to the zips, hood and cuffs, too. A jacket may use waterproof fabric but still let water in through unsealed seams or a zip that doesn’t close properly.
A thick men’s winter coat can feel comfortable when you’re standing still, but become too warm during a brisk walk. For active outdoor pursuits, layering is often more practical:
A cotton T-shirt feels comfortable in town, but generally takes longer to dry than a functional polyester blend. The PELLIOT T-shirt product information says the fabric is designed to wick away moisture and dry faster. Treat this as a product specification, not a guarantee for every wearer or situation.
The North Face men’s clothing, PELLIOT outdoor clothing and other brands use different materials and constructions. A brand name alone doesn’t tell you whether an item is right for your activity. Always compare:
For a waterproof men’s jacket or men’s hardshell jacket, a sealed construction and good finish are important. Look for terms such as seam-sealed, sealed seams, storm flap and adjustable hood. The product information for The North Face NF0A8DY2 lists a DryVent outer layer, sealed seams and a PFC-free DWR finish. According to The North Face product information, the jacket is designed to provide protection during training and in rainy weather.
A DWR finish helps water bead off the surface, but its effectiveness can diminish with use and washing. Follow the care label and avoid harsh detergents.
For colder days, the lining, insulation and fit all matter. A men’s outdoor gilet with synthetic insulation is easy to wear over a base layer. The North Face Summit gilets list synthetic insulation and WINDWALL fabric. According to the brand’s product information, these are designed to block the wind while maintaining comfort.
According to the product information, a parka such as the Joma Iceland III has an insulated construction, fleece lining, adjustable hood and cuffs. This makes this type of men’s winter coat suitable for everyday wear and gentle outdoor activities. For more strenuous walks, a lighter combination of layers may feel more comfortable.
A men’s outdoor jacket should have room for a fleece or thin mid-layer without the sleeves being too long. Measure your chest, waist, hips and inside leg, then compare your measurements with the size guide. Don’t rely on S, M or L alone: sizing can vary between brands.
For men’s walking trousers, the knees, waistband and crotch are important. Trousers for hilly terrain should allow plenty of freedom of movement. With technical trousers, check the length options and whether there’s room for a base layer.
Why it suits this profile: A lightweight base layer for travelling, camping, walking and everyday wear. The regular fit makes it easy to wear under a fleece or jacket.
The product information mentions a polyester blend, moisture wicking and crease-resistant properties. Be sure to check the full sizing and care information before buying.
Lightweight, unlined design; machine washable on a gentle cycle according to the product information.
Why it suits this profile: A 3-in-1 system for changeable conditions. Wear the outer layer and insulated inner jacket separately or together.
The layered design means you don’t need a separate jacket for every temperature. Check that the fit allows room for layers.
GORE-TEX outer fabric according to the product information; 550-fill-power down insulation and adjustable ventilation.
Why it suits this profile: Designed for winter sports and activities where wind, snow and freedom of movement all come into play.
The product information lists sealed seams, ventilation zips and a snow skirt. This makes these trousers much more specialised than ordinary men’s walking trousers.
DryVent fabric according to the product information; adjustable waist, articulated knees and inner-leg ventilation.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
Even good-quality men’s outdoor clothing wears out more quickly if it isn’t cared for properly. Fasten zips and hook-and-loop fasteners before washing, use a mild detergent and always check the care label. Don’t routinely use fabric softener on waterproof jackets: it can affect the finish. Air-dry your clothing where possible, unless the label recommends another method.
After each season, check the seams, zips and water-repellent finish. A men’s hardshell jacket may need reproofing when water no longer beads off the surface.
A practical combination is a breathable T-shirt, a fleece jacket or lightweight gilet, and a windproof or waterproof outer layer. Adjust the thickness to suit the temperature and how hard you’re exercising. For short walks around town, you can often get away with less technical clothing than you’d need for a long trek in open countryside.
That depends on the material, construction and ventilation. Check whether the manufacturer mentions breathability, ventilation zips or moisture wicking. A waterproof jacket can’t remove heat and perspiration indefinitely, either, so layering and a good fit remain important.
Measure your chest, waist, hips and inside leg, then compare these measurements with the size guide for the specific product. When choosing jackets, allow room for a fleece or jumper underneath. Unisex styles may fit differently from traditional men’s styles.