Gear Review: Eddie Bauer Summer 2021 Collection
As snow begins to melt off the peaks, and wildflowers pop up from the ground, it pays to have gear that is able to keep up with whatever the elements throw your way this summer. Over the past few weeks, we have been putting the Eddie Bauer Spring and Summer 2021 Collection to the test on long hikes with pop up snow storms, raging winds, and whatever else the unpredictability of spring threw our way.
These select pieces from the collection are versatile, rugged, and ideal for those looking to maximize their time spent outside this season.
Circumstances of Review: The collection was tested on springtime hikes throughout Colorado, including at Great Sand Dunes National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and in multiple state and national forests. They were brought camping, backpacking, and on countless day hikes in temperatures ranging from 30-65 degrees. The tester was a 5’2 and 120lbs female.
Guide Hybrid Pants
Guide Hybrid Pants
Guide Hybrid Pants
MSRP: $129
Material: 94% nylon + 6% spandex
Features:
UPF 50+ sun protection
Adjustable bungee hems—legs can be worn straight or gathered
Flexion two-way active stretch
Storm Repel® DWR finish sheds moisture
The newly designed Guide Hybrid Pants are perfect for when you need something a little bit more durable on the trail. Coming from someone who almost exclusively hikes in leggings, I even thought these pants were comfortable, breathable, and made me feel badass.
Featuring Flexion two-way stretch, the pants were great even when having to scramble over rocks and boulders, and the Storm Repel DWR helped keep me hiking even during a sudden pop-up snow storm.
Aside from being insanely flattering, the pants truly make you feel unstoppable – I kept joking they were my Kim Possible pants because they made me feel like I could handle anything mother nature threw at me. The pants feature multiple pockets, and adjustable hems so you can tailor a custom fit for whatever is comfortable to you while hiking.
Overall, the pants are not only incredibly practical, but flattering as well. The adjustability of multiple areas make it so they can perfectly fit any body type, and the nylon spandex mix makes these pants versatile in a number of conditions.
Trail Tight High-Rise Moto Leggings
Trail Tight High-Rise Moto Leggings
Trail Tight High-Rise Moto Leggings
MSRP: $99
Material: 88% polyester + 12% spandex
Features:
FreeShade® UPF 50+ sun protection
Polygiene® odor control (Wear More. Wash Less® technology)
As someone who loves hiking in leggings, my biggest issue is finding pairs that are durable enough to hold up while hiking on strenuous trails in the Rockies. During the testing period, the Trail Tight High-Rise Moto Leggings proved to be rugged and warm on springtime and early summer hikes where certain trails are still covered in snow.
I admittedly found the leggings to be too warm for hiking in higher temperatures, but am planning to make these my go-to leggings for chilly high elevation hikes in the summer, and throughout the fall and milder winter months. In addition, the ribbing on the leggings made for a unique design, however, I did find it someone unflattering on women with bigger - midsized legs like myself.
Other than those critiques, the high waisted aspect of the leggings made me feel confident and prevented the leggings from slipping down even after a few hours of hiking. The polyester spandex mix was also the perfect blend of stretch and stability, making these durable and ideal for hikes with scrambling where extra durability throughout the leggings is needed.
As far as the Polygiene odor control, I was able to wear these leggings almost exclusively on a springtime road trip through Colorado, and never felt like they were excessively gross when putting them on each morning.
Overall, I think these are a great option for those who prefer hiking in leggings, and are looking for a warm and durable pair to take with them on day hikes and backpacking trips alike.
Resolution 360 Mesh Mix Tank Top
Resolution 360 Mesh Mix Tank Top
Resolution 360 Mesh Mix Tank Top
MSRP: $55
Material: 88% polyester + 12% spandex
Features:
FreeDry® moisture wicking
Polygiene® odor control (Wear More. Wash Less® technology)
Breathable mesh insets on back and neckline
I’m always looking for good hiking and workout tank tops, and the Resolution 360 Mesh Mix Tank Top hits the nail on the head with it’s form fitting, athletic fit and soft, breathable fabric. The mesh accents not only provide a unique style for the top, but also help with breathability and airflow while not showing an excessive amount of skin.
The super soft polyester and spandex mix fits close to your body, which makes it perfect for those using it for active days spent in the mountains where loose fabrics can get in the way of climbing and hiking. The athletic fit also helps the top to sit close to your body without restricting mobility, and allows your body to move how ever you need it to depending on your activity.
The top also features the unique Polygine odor control technology, which helps on warm days where sweat is inevitable.
Overall, the top is perfect for when you need a tighter fit to keep fabric out of the way while adventuring. The breathable mesh accents keep you cool throughout the day, and the Polygiene odor control keeps you feeling confident that your sweat will never be an issue on the trail. Highly recommend for both hiking and working out alike.
Trail COOLMAX® Crew Socks
Trail COOLMAX® Crew Socks
Trail COOLMAX® Crew Socks
MSRP: $15
Weight: 73% polyester + 22% cotton + 4% rubber + 1% spandex
Features:
Moisture wicking
Fun, tie dye pattern (also available in classic colors)
You know what they say – you can never have enough hiking socks. Although my drawers are almost overflowing with socks meant for the trail, the Coolmax Crew Socks outshine the rest with their exceptional moisture wicking technology, and insane durability.
After weeks of wearing these socks on most of my outdoor adventures during the testing period, they are still showing no signs of wear, and appear as it they are ready for whatever the summer has in store. Although they sit a little higher on the calf than most hiking socks, they stay in place throughout the day, and don’t slouch down as you hike.
One unique thing about these socks is that they are one-size-fits-all. I typically wear a women’s 6-6.5 in hiking footwear, and the socks were slightly large on me – however, it was nothing that made the socks unusable. These should fit most people with average sized feet perfectly!
My absolute favorite thing about these socks is the tie dye pattern. It’s nice to add a sock to the mix that shakes things up from the classic solid colors of most hiking socks.
Overall, these are a great option for those looking to add a fun pattern with practical features to their hiking wardrobe. They are comfortable, breathable, and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
Overall Value
Between the four items mentioned above, the Eddie Bauer Summer 2021 Collection is full of durable and incredibly versatile pieces that can be worn throughout the spring, summer, and beyond.
With multiple items including built-in sun protection, and others designed with unique odor control technology, the collection truly is meant to keep you outside all season long. On backpacking trips and day hikes alike, the collection is perfect for those looking for comfortable, flattering, and powerful gear that will last them many miles and years to come.
*These items were donated for purpose of review.
