Three pieces that work together for a spring or summer day hike. The Presta 25L rucksack with Chilkoot softshell trousers and the Balance waterproof jacket.
Longer evenings are back. The hills are calling. Here are three pieces that go together for a spring or summer day hike: a pack that fits everything without overloading you, trousers that handle whatever the path throws at them, and a jacket you'll actually want to take.
In this guide
- How to carry your stuff: Presta 25L rucksack
- What to wear on your legs: Chilkoot softshell trousers
- Stay dry: Balance waterproof jacket
Presta 25L rucksack
A twenty-five litre backpack is the right size for a day in the hills. Enough room for spare layers, food, water and the small essentials you'd rather have and not need. Not so much that you're tempted to overpack and feel it on the climbs.
Presta carries close to the back and sits stable on uneven ground. The PFC-free DWR treatment handles a passing shower. When the weather turns reach for the Balance safely tucked away in the bottom.
Read our guide to packing a rucksack for how to load it so the weight falls in the right place.
Chilkoot softshell trousers
Softshell works where the trail does. The Chilkoot softshell trousers block wind, shed light rain and move with you on steep ground. It's the kind of trouser you forget you're wearing, which is exactly what you want when you're focused on where you're putting your feet.
The double weave construction handles rough terrain and the brushed interior is warm enough for a spring morning without overheating on a long climb. Available in Mens and Womens fits.
Balance waterproof jacket
The Balance is a 3-layer waterproof with 20K waterproofing and 25K breathability. That breathability rating matters on a day hike: you're working hard on the uphills and standing still on the summits. A jacket that only stops rain without letting sweat out will leave you clammy on both counts.
It packs down small enough to live at the bottom of the Presta until you need it. When you do need it, the full storm hood and articulated cut mean it works properly rather than just technically keeping the rain off.
For a deeper look at what those ratings mean in practice, see our guide to how waterproof jackets work. For advice on choosing the right spec for your conditions, see how to choose a waterproof jacket. Available in Mens and Womens fits.