GEAR | Field Testing The Perfect Autumn 2024 Hiking Gear From Columbia – Review

August 10, 2024 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Homepage Feature, Outdoor Gear Reviews, Reviews, Sponsored Product/Stay

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For the last couple of months, I’ve been testing a selection of women’s Columbia hiking gear including a stunning pair of hiking boots. Read on to find out why nothing received less than a 4-star rating…

I’m a huge fan of Columbia, in particular for the sizing of their women’s outdoor gear. As a big girl packing a whole lotta junk in her trunk and currently wearing a UK 16-18, finding outdoor gear that fits can be a real challenge.

I’ve been wearing Columbia for at least 25 years now, starting when I purchased a technical snowboarding jacket from them. Whilst it’s not a brand I see massive numbers of folks in the UK wearing, they are huge in the US and Canada, and their gear is excellent.

Here’s what I tried out;

Peakfrek Hera Mid OutDry Hiking Boots

These boots provide the comfort of trainers and are, without doubt, the lightest hiking boots I’ve ever worn.

By contrast, I have an old pair of Soloman hiking boots that are so heavy and rigid, that just putting them on zaps me of energy. These are the opposite, putting a spring in your step.

They provide great support and are ideal for when you want to feel light on your feet, but still want the reassurance of being able to take on tougher summer hill trail terrain.

I’ve rated these hiking boots 4.5 star and the only reason these boots don’t get the full 5 star rating is that the white and very light pink colour, despite looking really beautiful with its ombre effect, isn’t massively practical for serious hiking in wet (muddy) conditions.

There are however other colourways available which may make a more practical choice, overall though, these are an excellent pair of hiking boots for soft spring and summer hikes and more serious autumn hill walks.

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)
Columbia Women’s Peakfreak™ Hera Mid OutDry™ Hiking Boot £75 – £125

Sun Trek Hoodie

A lovely lightweight hoodie that’s perfect for the crossover season of later summer and early spring, it’s also got UPF 50 sun protection built into it – perfect for breezy coastal walks or any time the sun is out, but there’s a chill in the air.

I’ve found that this is a top I’ll often reach for whilst camping, particularly at the end of the day to wear beside the campfire and on cloudy but warm days, it was ideal too, providing a little bit of warmth and cover, without making me overheat or feel too hot.

This is a hoodie that packs down super small, making it ideal for weekends away, camping trips and holidays. The only thing that would make this top better would be the inclusion of pockets, a big kangaroo pouch across the front would be ideal.

Worn so far only during the summer on cooler cloudy days, I’ve found this surprisingly warm, so I’d recommend this for autumn wear, or worn as a mid-layer in colder weather.

I love the cut at the bottom which is low enough to sit below my tummy and to cover the top of my bum, which means when I’m bending down, the hoodie isn’t so short that it exposes skin.

It’s quite long in the arms, which I like, and I love the way the hood drapes. The only thing I’d say is that at a size L, it fitted fine, but I generally prefer a looser fit, so in hindsight, the XL would have fitted my current size 16-18 body more to my liking.

Overall Rating (4 / 5)
Columbia Women’s Sun Trek™ Hoodie £31.50 – £45

Leslie Falls Trousers

Despite being on the upper end of straight sizing, a 16 or XL isn’t always designed to accommodate a big tummy or bum, or in the case of tops, large boobs. Last year I needed some new hiking pants and prefer a relaxed fit and shorter length that gathers at the bottom to sit above my hiking boots.

I chose the Columbia Firwood hiking pants and liked them so much, I immediately purchased a second pair, so I had high hopes for the Leslie Falls trousers.

I love the pull-on style of these trousers, there’s no zips to faff with and a wide elasticated waist provides jogging-pants like comfort, along with practical deep pockets.

One of the features I most like about these trousers is the ability to cinch in the bottom of the legs in, which adds to the relaxed joggers feel of them. They are relatively thin, so I’ve found them ideal for summer hikes, though they are roomy enough for me to add a pair leggings or thermals underneath for winter hikes too.

Although they aren’t waterproof, having worn them on walks when the weather has turned and begun to rain, they dry extremely quickly so I find them super practical – particularly as I hate wearing thicker trousers in the heat of summer. As someone who generally runs warm when they are walking and has the added ‘bonus’ of hot flushes to contend with, thinner hiking trousers are a preference regardless of the season.

I’m all for comfort these days and am so over wearing clothes that are slim-fitting, restrictive or impractical, and I find the Women’s Leslie Falls™ Trousers to be extremely versatile and comfy, providing unrestricted movement and maximum comfort.

Overall Rating (5 / 5)
Women’s Leslie Falls™ Trousers £42 – £70

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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