It’s possible to spend a pile of money on backpacking clothes, but do you have to? Are the comparable layers from Target, TJ Maxx, or discount stores going to hold up just as well? While I test loads of apparel and gear as part of my job, I never have an obligation to promote them in my writing. This means I stay neutral in my recommendations, and can honestly tell readers whether the name-brand splurge is worth it. Sometimes I recommend the splurge, but oftentimes I’ve found you’re better off saving money by shopping for the budget option. With that in mind, I’ve compiled an honest list of some apparel I’ve been testing this season, along with comparable items that cost a whole lot less, allowing you to save money with the same performance.
Unless otherwise noted, I’ve extensively tested all items in both the splurge and save. Each main listing is for women’s clothing because that’s what I wear, but there are usually men’s versions as well. The total price for the splurge items is $574, and the total price for the save items is $111. For a comparable gear list, that’s kind of insane, right??
Hiking Shorts
Splurge: Janji AFO Middle Shorts ($60)
Save: All in Motion Mid-Rise Run Shorts ($16)
I started wearing these Janji shorts for trail runs and hikes this past season, and I’m a huge fan. They’re airy and breathable, high-waisted enough to not pinch, and the built-in liner doesn’t rub or chafe. The 3-inch inseam might be a bit short for super long hikes, but for the day hikes and overnights I’ve been doing recently, I love the lightness and fit. I also am a huge fan of Ye Olde Basic Shorts from TJ Maxx or Target. I’ve never found running shorts to be a super challenging fit, and the $10 pair (similar to my listing) that I got on clearance from Sierra Trading Post is just as often in my rotation as the name-brand pair. My hot pink zebra-print shorts from Walmart crushed 1,000 miles on the AT, so there you go.
Verdict: Save. One of the important considerations for trail running or hiking shorts is the inseam length. Longer inseams can help prevent chafing, and I’ve found my backpacking sweet spot to be a 5-inch inseam. A high, flat waistband won’t rub or slide down, and of course, choose a lightweight, quick-dry, breathable material … all of which you can find at Target or a discount store.
Sun Shirt
Splurge: Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie ($65)
Save: Hang Ten Long Sleeve Sun Shirt ($13)
I just finished a job working outdoors at a high elevation in the blazing sun for 15 hours a day. The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie saved my butt. I wasn’t backpacking with this hoodie (yet), but the relief and protection I felt when I wore it vs when I just wore a tank top with sunscreen was immense. This has a 15 UPF rating, an airy fabric, and a loose fit that doesn’t get sticky or sweaty. This will be my hiking top for the Colorado Trail this summer. I also have the Outdoor Research Astroman Hoodie, which has a 50 UPF rating, but it doesn’t look like it’s quite as available. Both are great sun shirt options. Full disclosure: I haven’t worn the Costco shirt (the only listing in this post that I don’t own) but my coworker wore it and uses it for paddleboarding, hiking, and working outside. It seems like a solid alternative and also readily available.
Verdict: Splurge. If you’re going to be spending time at high elevation in open sun, a go-to sun shirt and UPF-protective clothing is a major bonus for your wardrobe. These two options from Outdoor Research are trusted, durable, comfortable, and lightweight. I’m over the idea of the Golden Goddess Tan, and now I just really want to protect my skin. You shouldn’t have to buy these more than once, and I think it’s worth the splurge.
Hiking Pants
Splurge: Brooks Method Tights ($88)
Save: 90 Degree by Reflex Power Flex Leggings ($38)
The Brooks Method Tights were my favorite running / hiking pants from this year. They have light compression that didn’t feel constricting but also never sagged, and the fit is simply phenomenal. I like a 7/8th-length tights, as they hit above a low sock when you don’t want to look like a dork, but you can pull a mid-height sock over them to keep debris out during hikes. These are comfortable under a pack hip belt and keep their shape well after continued use. The 90 Degree pants are readily available at TJ Maxx and Amazon, and come in tons of fun colors. I’ve found these on sale for $10 per pair, and worn them climbing, hiking, running, and backpacking. They are durable, flattering, and the high, wide waistband is super comfortable.
Verdict: Tie. I feel like everyone needs one solid pair of running / hiking tights, and this Brooks pair is a hard-to-find combo of fit and materials and I think it’s worth the splurge. At the very least, check to see if they go on sale at the end of the season. That said, I’ve had this 90 Degree pair for years and they aren’t faded or saggy, and the fit is phenomenal. It’s up to you. You can’t go wrong, even if you don’t wear stretch pants every day like me.
Base Layer
Splurge: Tracksmith Brighton Base Layer ($88)
Save: Duofold Double-Layer Thermal Shirt ($20)
I have a lot of base layer tops, and I end up gravitating toward this simple Tracksmith long-sleeve more than any others. It’s a basic crew neck with a slim fit and body-mapped reinforcements / perforations to help vent where you sweat and keep you warm where you need. I write a lot of detailed, technical gear pieces, but honestly what I look for in a base layer is a comfortable fit that doesn’t bunch, with a soft material that stays mostly odor-free. The Duofold layer has been in my arsenal for years. I think I got it in a random layering package gift bag and had to look up what it was? It’s actually one of my warmest base layers, and like the Tracksmith layer, it’s a simple crew neck that I throw in my pack to sleep in or hike in for cooler weather hikes. It’s durable, soft, and fits true to size under mid and outer layers. Like the best base layers, it’s highly odor-resistant as well. I do use these layers for different seasons, as the Duofold layer is a much warmer base layer, and the Tracksmith layer is great for warmer hikes when I want a base layer for mornings or sleeping in.
Verdict: Save. Base layers are simple, and while the materials and technology (and name brand) behind the Tracksmith layer might set it apart from the competition, you don’t need the most technical shirt for a base layer or camp layer. That said, if you’re looking for something more light and packable, the Tracksmith top is more compact than the Duofold, but you can also find the Duofold (or similar) in different weights and save a fistful of cash.
Sunglasses
Splurge: Costa Sullivan Sunglasses ($249)
Save: Goodr OG Classic Sunglasses ($25)
I am death to sunglasses, so I usually gravitate toward the less expensive pairs. I’ve loved the Costa sunglasses this season thanks to the fit, the feel of actual glass lenses, and the classic styling. They fit my face well and the polarized lenses haven’t scratched or dulled over the past season. On the “save” side, these Goodr Classic Sunglasses have been my go-to for outdoor adventures for the past few years. They come in ridiculously fun colors (and neutral colorways too), they have a classic, flattering silhouette, they stay put during exercise, and they’re polarized. It’s also nice to not totally worry about scratching or sitting on a $25 pair of sunglasses.
Verdict: Save. The Costa sunglasses cost literally 10 times the Goodr pair, and they function very similarly, at least for backpacking and general outdoors use. For the major price difference, and how reliable the Goodr models have been, I’d say opt for the polarized $25 pair.