The North Face Polartec Men's Clothing

Hiking shoe vs. hiking boot

• Hiking shoes
• Often lighter weight, lower cut, more flexible and more breathable
• Ideal for day hikes or backpacking with lighter loads
• Hiking boots
• Burlier, with stiffer uppers, over-the-ankle coverage and typically waterproof
• Ideal for multi-day treks with heavier loads

Types of hiking boots

• Day-hiking boots: Mid- to high-cut models that require less break in time; intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads
• Backpacking boots: Often over-the-ankle height and heavier-built with stiffer midsoles; designed to support multiday treks with heavier loads

Consider the lugs

• Deep, thick lugs improve grip
• Wider lug spaces sheds mud and offer good traction

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price