Men's outdoor clothing French Days

The three-layer system applied to hiking

Outdoor clothing is layered rather than added. The first layer, against the skin, wicks away sweat. The mid-layer provides insulation: the Peak Mountain Coral fleece, with its curly sherpa look, traps warm air while remaining breathable, and the adidas Helionic puffy jacket, lighter with the same warmth, is perfect for breaks. The third layer protects from rain and wind. This system allows you to add or remove a piece depending on effort and altitude: you strip off before the ascent to avoid soaking your clothes with sweat, and you layer up at the summit before getting cold.

Other outdoor offers

Outdoor French Days also include:

• Hiking boots.
• Trail shoes.
• Women's clothing.
• Luggage.
• Equipment.

All offers are gathered on the outdoor page.

Packable waterproof jacket, windbreaker or poncho

For the outer layer, three options meet different needs. The packable waterproof jacket, like the Regatta Pack It or Mac in a Sac Origin, folds into its own pocket and is so light that it can stay at the bottom of the hiking bag. The windbreaker Trespass Qikpac, which also packs into a pouch, stops the breeze on an exposed ridge. The emergency poncho Trespass Drylite, ultra-light, is kept for unexpected weather and covers the walker up to the knees. Before buying, check that the hood is adjustable and allows head movement without blocking the view, a detail that matters in the rain.

Softshell and cargo trousers: the outfit for active outings

The softshell combines a stretchy, water-repellent fabric with a soft inner side: the Peak Mountain Claude hooded jacket is windproof and can handle light rain while breathing much better than a waterproof jacket, making it a companion for brisk hikes in cool, dry weather. The cargo trousers Regatta Questra have multiple pockets on the thighs to keep your map, phone, or knife handy without opening the bag. Choose them in a quick-drying fabric and wide enough at the knee to navigate rocks and high steps. With a fleece under the softshell, the outfit covers the essentials for autumn outings in the mid mountains.

Quarter jacket and surf shorts: dressing for the water

On a boat, the quarter jacket gets its name from the shifts, the quarters, that the crew keeps on deck in all weathers. The Helly Hansen Pier comes from a Norwegian brand founded in 1877 by Helly Juell Hansen, a merchant marine captain who waterproofed his canvas clothing with linseed oil. It protects from spray and wind when out at sea. For surfing, the surf shorts Billabong, a brand born in 1973 on Australia's Gold Coast, dry quickly and fit snugly with a lace-up waist. These clothes can stand up to the salt, but a rinse in fresh water after each outing extends their lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How to choose the size of a hiking jacket?

You take your usual size, checking that a fleece fits underneath and that the sleeves cover the wrists with arms extended forward. The jacket shouldn't ride up above the waist when you lift your arms, or the cold will creep in.

What does the water column mean for a waterproof jacket?

It indicates in millimetres the water pressure the fabric can withstand before letting moisture through. Beyond ten thousand millimetres, a jacket can handle a long walk in the rain; below five thousand, it is limited to brief showers.

How to wash a softshell jacket?

Wash it on a low temperature with a gentle detergent, without fabric softener, which can damage the membrane and the water-repellent treatment. Flat drying preserves the fabric's elasticity, and a re-waterproofing product restores its effectiveness after several washes.

What clothes to take for a multi-day hike?

Plan for a breathable spare top, a fleece, a waterproof jacket, hiking trousers, and a hat, even in summer in the mountains. It's better to have quick-drying pieces that can be layered than bulky clothes that take up space in the bag.

Does outdoor clothing protect from the sun?

Some fabrics have a UPF rating that measures their protection against ultraviolet rays; a tight weave and dark colour filter more. At altitude, where UV rays are stronger, lightweight long sleeves help prevent sunburn on the arms.