Men's outdoor clothing for hiking

Waterproof jacket: 2, 2.5 or 3 layers

A breathable rain jacket features a membrane that blocks water while allowing vapour from sweat to escape, and its construction is described in layers. In a two-layer jacket, the membrane is bonded to the outer fabric and protected inside by a loose lining: this is the most flexible and affordable construction, suitable for day hikes.

A two and a half layer jacket, like the VAUDE Neyland, replaces this lining with a thin coating printed onto the membrane, the half-layer. It is lighter and more compact, making it an ideal emergency jacket at the bottom of a bag. A three-layer jacket laminates an inner fabric directly onto the membrane: sturdier and more durable, it better withstands the friction of a heavy bag carried for long hours, at the cost of a slightly heavier weight. The Helly Hansen jackets from the Odin line, designed for the mountains, fall into this last category.

Water-repellent finish and the end of PFAS

A waterproof jacket must also be water-repellent: its outer fabric causes water to bead rather than soak in. Without this treatment, the fabric becomes saturated, the membrane can no longer release sweat, and you feel wet from the inside while the jacket remains waterproof. For decades, these treatments relied on fluorinated compounds, known as PFAS, which are very persistent in the environment.

Since January 1, 2026, France has banned the production and sale of clothing containing PFAS, except for protective and safety equipment. Outdoor brands, several of which had anticipated this, now use fluorine-free water repellents. They require a bit more maintenance: regular washing with a technical detergent, followed by a low heat treatment when the label allows, reactivates their effectiveness, and a spray re-waterproofing restores it when the water no longer beads.

Insulation: synthetic, down or fleece

For cold weather, three families of insulation coexist. Synthetic insulation, like that in the VAUDE Batura Insulation, retains most of its warmth when it is wet and dries quickly: it’s the insulation for high-effort activities where you sweat and for rainy climates. Down, found in down jackets, offers the best balance of warmth and weight but loses its insulating power when wet.

Fleece, like the Cotopaxi Amado with hood, insulates less at equal thickness but breathes better and dries very quickly: it is worn as a mid-layer during activity, under a waterproof jacket. Long parkas, like the Didriksons Dexter, cover the hips and are suitable for slow outings, bivouacs, and city wear in winter rather than for fast walking.

Helly Hansen, VAUDE, Didriksons: three approaches

Helly Hansen was born in 1877 in Norway, when a sea captain, Helly Juell Hansen, began making oilcloth garments for sailors. The brand has maintained its expertise in waterproofing from this origin and developed its Lifa fibre in the 1970s, which wicks sweat away from the skin and still features in its base layers. Didriksons, a Swedish brand also born from a maritime background, specializes in rain jackets and parkas for everyday wear.

VAUDE, a German manufacturer, has made sustainability a central focus of its collections, using recycled materials and fluorine-free treatments long before the ban. Cotopaxi, an American brand, stands out for its bright colours and fleeces, while Great Escapes offers affordable down jackets and sets.

All hiking gear

Men's textiles are organized by type of garment:

• Parkas and down jackets for cold weather and breaks.
• Windbreakers and jackets, waterproof or simply wind-resistant.
• Sweatshirts and jumpers, for evenings in a lodge and cool mornings.
• Technical t-shirts and vests that wick sweat away.
• Base layers against the skin.
• Trousers and tights, including convertible models.
• Shorts for summer hikes.
• Hiking socks and liners, reinforced in areas of friction.
• Breathable shirts, providing sun protection.

Hiking shoes, luggage, accessories, gear and trekking complete the equipment, and women's textiles and children's textiles dress the rest of the family. All is gathered on the hiking page.

Bargains and new products

The new products showcase the latest collections, the promotions feature discounted items, and the clearance includes end-of-line products, often technically identical to the models they replace. Items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The Black Friday, end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and French Days in spring mark the year.

Frequently asked questions

Which waterproof jacket should I choose for long hikes in the rain?

For several days of walking or in the mountains, a three-layer construction stands up better to the friction of a loaded bag. A two and a half layer, lighter and more compact, is sufficient as an emergency jacket for a day hike.

How do I maintain a membrane jacket to keep its water-repellency?

Wash it regularly with a technical detergent, without fabric softener, then tumble dry on low heat if the label allows to reactivate the treatment. When water no longer beads, a spray re-waterproofing restores it.

Down jacket or fleece: what should I wear for hiking in cold weather?

The fleece breathes well and dries quickly, it is worn during activity under a waterproof jacket. The down jacket, much warmer for its weight, is reserved for breaks and bivouacs; in synthetic, it insulates again when wet.

How do I choose hiking trousers for summer?

Opt for a lightweight synthetic fabric that dries quickly and allows freedom of movement for knees while climbing. Convertible models, with zip-off legs, easily transition from trousers to shorts without needing to change.

What t-shirt should I wear for Nordic walking or hiking?

Choose a technical t-shirt that wicks sweat away, like Helly Hansen's base layers in Lifa fibre. Cotton retains moisture against the skin and cools quickly upon stopping, which soon becomes uncomfortable during breaks.