Well-fitting gear is not only a matter of comfort and confidence outdoors, but safety. In changeable and challenging weather conditions, walkers must be able to rely upon their gear to do the basics: sleeping bags roomy enough to keep you warm at night; waterproof jackets you can actually zip up over waists against the rain; packs that fit on hips and shoulders laden with camping gear; trousers that don’t gape at the back; boots that don’t blister wide calves. Gear that doesn’t fit properly can literally stop you in your tracks.
After much campaigning, some brands are beginning to understand the importance of crafting plus-size hiking gear to suit bigger bodies. This doesn’t mean simply sizing everything up but tailoring all-important technical clothing to different shapes.
Founding member of Every Body Outdoors, Steph Wetherell presents some of the best kit for plus-size bodies she’s tested, with additional testing from Every Body Outdoors supporter and President of CPRE, the countryside charity, Mary-Ann Ochota, as well as Francesca Donovan, co-editor of The Great Outdoors.
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A selection of the best plus-size hiking gear we’ve tested
| Quick List |
|---|
| Best jacket: Paramo Alta III (available from Go Outdoors) |
| Best lightweight jacket: Rab Kangri (extended size range available at Cotswold Outdoor) |
| Best insulated jacket: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hooded Jacket (available from Outdoor Research) |
| Best trousers: Maier Sports Lulaka (available from Vampire Outdoors) |
| Best shorts: Maier Sports Lawa (available from Maier Sports) |
| Best daypack: Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit (available from Osprey) |
| Best backpacking pack: Gregory Amber Plus 65l (available from Gregory Packs) |
| Most spacious sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Boost 650 (available from Cascade Designs) |
| Best winter sleeping bag: Therm-a-Rest Questar (available from Cascade Designs) |
| Best mid-layer: Outdoor Research Vigour (available from Outdoor Research) |
| Best base layer: Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino (available from Smartwool) |
Best jacket
Paramo Alta III
Stepth Wetherell highly recommends
At the price point, this isn’t a cheap jacket, but it’s one that will last for years without compromising on its performance.- very waterproof
- excellent fit
- breathable
- heavy
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $460 / £340 (available from Go Outdoors) Weight: 1005g (size XXL) Materials: Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric Hood: Wire peaked, volume adjustable Front Closure: Two way locking zip Underarm/Side Zips: Upper arm vents Pockets: 6 (2 zipped waist, 1 zipped 1 velcro chest, 2 zipped internal) Hem: Drawcord Cuffs: Adjustable – can be pushed up, velcro fastening Sizes: XS – 3XL Women/Mens version: Yes (S – XXL) paramo-clothing.com |
The Alta III is a versatile jacket from their range, perfectly suited for hill and mountain walking and with a longer (and more pear shaped) cut than their smocks, and a two way zip and arm vents to help with ventilation.
Where this jacket comes into its own is in the rain. Even in some long and torrentially wet walks (including a particularly damp adventure on the Kinder Plateau), this jacket kept me warm and dry and didn’t wet through. It’s less windproof than some hard-shells I’ve worn, but the extra warmth that the jacket itself brings means I haven’t struggled with this. I’m also a fan of the reinforced panels on the shoulders to provide additional protection when carrying a pack as this is an area where I’ve found other jackets have let in water.
The jacket can be reproofed at home with Nikwax products, and one of the other benefits of the fabric choice is that it’s easy to repair as you don’t have to worry about piercing the shell. That means simple repairs can be carried out at home, and Paramo offer a repair service for bigger repairs. The commitment to sustainability goes further and you can return unwanted jackets for repurposing or recycling in exchange for credit against a new jacket. The new extended sizing opens up these jackets to a new audience. At the price point, this isn’t a cheap jacket, but it’s one that will last for years without compromising on its performance.
Read more: Paramo Alta III jacket review
Best lightweight jacket
Rab Kangri
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
The ultimate test of a waterproof jacket is whether it keeps you dry and comfortable, and the GORE-TEX 3 layer fabric meant this one held up pretty well.- very waterproof
- breathable
- extended sizing
- no chest pocket
- long sleeves
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $444 / £330 (extended size range available at www.cotswoldoutdoor.com) Weight: 545g (size 20) Materials: 3 layer GORE-TEX Hood: Wire peaked, volume adjustable Front Closure: Two way zip Underarm/Side Zips: Underarm vents Pockets: 3 (2 zipped waist, 1 zipped internal) Hem: Elasticated Cuffs: Velcro fastening Sizes: 6 – 24 Women/Mens version: Yes (XS – 3XL) rab.equipment |
The Rab Kangri is a well-designed and versatile hard shell jacket, ideal for days in the hills and mountains. If you’re looking for an all-round jacket that is light and packable enough to carry in case of a shower, but also durable and waterproof enough to keep you dry for several hours of torrential rain, this is an excellent option – especially given its new extended sizing.
The ultimate test of a waterproof jacket is whether it keeps you dry and comfortable, and the GORE-TEX 3 layer fabric meant this one held up pretty well. Thanks to some stormy weather over the winter it faced some pretty bleak, wet and blustery walks in South Wales, during which I stayed reassuringly dry, and after months of use it still beads well. While I definitely got warm in it going up big hills, the two-way pit zips really helped to provide some ventilation and stop me getting too sweaty. It also survived well in a particularly bramble filled section of Welsh hillside, emerging unscathed and proving to be pretty hard wearing.
The jacket has most of the technical functionality I look for in a jacket – the two way zip has a zipper that’s easy to use wearing gloves, a fleece lined chin guard, a storm flap and a popper at the bottom to keep it secure. I didn’t have any water coming through the zip, even in the heaviest rain.
Read more: Rab Kangri review
Best insulated jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hooded Jacket
Steph Wetherell recommends
This is a multifunctional down jacket that can weather the British weather, pack down small and lightly enough to be easy to carry around, and that is durable enough to put up with heavy use.- durable
- fairly weatherproof
- not the warmest
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $299 / £300 (available from Outdoor Research and extended sizing from vampireoutdoorgear.com) Weight: 479g (2X) Fill: 110g 800+ fill power responsible sourced down Shell: Main body: 100% Nylon (41% recycled) Pertex Quantum Shoulders and hood: 100% Nylon 2.5L Pertex Shield Hood: Adjustable Cuffs: Elasticated Hem: Drawcord adjustable Pockets: Chest zipped, two zip hand pockets, two internal stash pockets Sizes: XS – 4X Women/Mens version: Mens (S – XXXL) www.outdoorresearch.com |
The shoulders and hood receive further reinforcements courtesy of a 2.5 layer 30D Pertex Shield fabric made with the same diamond filaments. The hood kept my head dry but would benefit from a drawstring adjustment at the front. The shoulders were the real revelation though as this is where I’d expect a normal down jacket to suffer in the rain, especially in combination with wearing a rucksack. I didn’t notice any ingress from the rain at all at all with no impact on the performance of the down during or after the rain tests, and the fabric on the shoulders also provided welcome additional durability when wearing it under a heavier pack.
The extended sizing range (up to a 4X in women’s, which is approx. a UK 28-30) is really pioneering, offering a great technical option for people in bigger bodies. The fit is fairly boxy, as I generally find the Outdoor Research cut to be. As I’m fairly pear shaped, this means it was a little baggy around my chest but not enough to be a major issue when wearing it under a waterproof jacket and gave space for a good thickness fleece underneath.
Read more: Outdoor Research Helium Down review
Best four-way stretch
Maier Sports Lulaka
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
The star of the show is the four-way stretch fabric, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for long days on the hills.- Very stretchy
- Versatile leg fit
- Wide range of sizes
- EU sizing can be confusing
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $135 / £99.85-£114.95 (available from Vampire Outdoors) Weight: 387g (size EU 48) Materials: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane OR Elasticated nylon Features: Four-way stretch fabric, PFC water repellent finish Pockets: 2 zipped hip, 1 zipped thigh, 1 zipped internal security Hem: Roll up, drawcord adjustable Sizes: EU 34 – 52 (UK 8-26) Men’s version: Yes (called Nil) – EU 44-72 (UK 30-58) www.maier-sports.com |
Maier Sports are a German brand well known as a trouser specialist, offering 61 different sizes and a selection of fits across their range. A key selling point is that many of their trousers are available in plus sizes (up to a UK26). As a size 20 and a keen long-distance walker, I’ve found it almost impossible to find technical trousers in my size that actually fit my body well and perform in variable weather conditions, so the Maier Sports Lulaka Trousers were immediately worth a closer look.
The star of the show is the four-way stretch fabric, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for long days on the hills, and they fit well around my bum, hips and belly. There is also plenty of space around the thighs, where I know a lot of plus size people often struggle to find trousers that fit. The Maier Sports Lulaka are fairly high waisted, which is helpful if you hold weight on your belly, and the waistband is elasticated and comes with a removable belt. The fabric is so stretchy and the fit so good that even without the belt (I have a 10 inch difference between my hip and waist measurements) – they don’t fall down and sit snugly around my waist.
Read more: Maier Sports Lulaka trousers review
Alpine Parrot Ponderosa
Mary-Ann Ochota highly recommends
The trousers are high rise and sit smoothly under a rucksack waistband. The fabric is lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy but is soft and breathable.- fit
- performance
- fun colourways
- cost
- only available in one inside leg measurement (32”)
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $139 / £125 (available from Vampire Outdoors) Weight: 360g Materials: Nylon/Elastane mix: Quick drying, breathable, 2-way stretch, UPF 40 protection. Integrated webbing belt. Bluesign certified fabric and dyes. Features: A curved, high-rise waist and built-in belt, key ring loop, button and loop to roll hem up to capri mid-calf, three colours. Pockets: 2 front pockets, 1 thigh pocket with zip, 2 back pockets. Hem: sewn Sizes: UK Women’s 16/18 – 32 (US 14-30) in two curve ratios – Mountain Fit (wider hips) and River Fit (slimmer hips) Mens version: no alpineparrot.com |
Size 16 is now the UK average dress size, but the majority of technical outdoor clothing stops at a 16. Less-technical pieces in a range sometimes go up to size 18 or 20, but they might not meet your needs for a serious mountain day, and are often ‘sized up’ from smaller sizes, meaning that the proportions are out of whack, and don’t actually fit anyone well. The Alpine Ponderosa trousers are part of the answer to this issue.
They come in two fits – Mountain and River – to accommodate the different ways people carry weight. At each waist size, the Mountain Fit is cut for a narrower waist and a fuller, curvier bottom and hips. The River Fit is for people who have similar measurements at waist and hips. The size chart shows thigh circumference too, helping you work out which fit is for you (“measure the circumference of the juiciest part of the thigh,” the size chart reassuringly tells you). You should select your size based on measurements, not on your regular clothing size.
The trousers are high rise and sit smoothly under a rucksack waistband. The fabric is lightweight but doesn’t feel flimsy. It’s soft, breathable, and offers UPF40 sun protection. After four days camping and hiking they continued to hold their shape, look good and not smell.
Read more: Mary-Ann’s full review of the Ponderosa pants
Best shorts
Maier Sports Lawa Shorts
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
Maier has done a really good job of adapting to the way bodies often change with larger sizes and I found they fit around my belly and hips really comfortably.- longer length
- wide size range
- no thigh pocket
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $134.99 / £79.95 (available from www.vampireoutdoorgear.com) Weight: 260g (size 48) Materials: mSTRETCH Pro 4, 90% Polyamide, 10% Elastane Pockets: Two pockets with zips, internal security pocket Sizes: EU 34 – 54 (approx. UK 6 – 26) Women/Mens version: Yes (Huang) www.maier-sports.com |
Whether you’re a year round shorts wearer or someone who throws on a pair in the peak of summer, the Maier Sports Lawa shorts offer a comfortable and longer leg cut than many other brands. These Lawa shorts are made from a lightweight mSTRETCH Pro 4 fabric that is soft and really stretchy, making them a comfortable choice for a range of shapes and sizes as they stretch and adapt well around different body shapes. They’ve done a really good job of adapting to the way bodies often change with larger sizes and I found they fit around my belly and hips really comfortably. Maier Sports are known for being trouser specialists, offering a selection of cuts and options in a broad size range, and this same experience has translated well into shorts. The waistband has a ‘flex zone’ which consists of two highly elasticated sections, and the integrated belt allow them to be adjusted further. I have quite a large difference (10 inches) between my waist and hips and often get gaping with trousers/shorts. However the fit around my hips and waist on these shorts was so good thanks to the four-way stretch fabric and elasticated waistband that I found I didn’t need the belt and the shorts didn’t fall down or move around.
One of the real highlights for me is the longer length in the leg. As someone who has what can only be described as sturdy thighs, I often find that shorts are cut too short and I end up with chaffing, especially if I’m on a longer walk. These are deliberately a Bermuda cut, sitting just above my knee and ensuring all day comfort.
Read more: Steph’s full review of the Maier Sports Lawa shorts
Therm-a-Rest Questar
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
As a size 20 woman, finding sleeping bag for the winter months has been a mission. The Questar has solved this issue.- spacious
- very warm
- mat connectors
- none
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $409.95 / £360 (available from Cascade Designs) Weight: 1.17kg (small), 1.21kg (regular), 1.38kg (long) Fill: 650 hydrophobic down Shell: 20D Polyester with DWR Zip: eg 2-way full length YKK Auto lock centre Length: 185cm (small), 203cm (regular), 216cm (long) – to fit 168cm (small), 183cm (regular), 198cm (long) Rating: -10C comfort, -18C limit Sizes: Small, regular, long Women/Men’s version: Unisex cascadedesigns.com |
For those with a larger body, or just people seeking a more spacious bag, the Thermarest Questar is a great choice for a four season sleeping that is still packable and light enough to take on longer trips. As a cold sleeper, the -10C comfort rating is enough for my winter outings, but the 1.2kg weight and fairly small pack size and well-designed compression sack means that I can still comfortably carry it on multi-day trips if needed. With any down sleeping bag there’s a concern about if the bag gets wet but the 650 Fill Duck Nikwax Hydrophobic Down is designed to absorb a lot less water and dry really quickly. It’s overall a warm bag, backed up by some nice features, including a foot pocket to help warm your feet up.
The fit is the highlight though. My experience of unisex bags has been that they fit men well, but not so much anyone with hips. However, this one does actually allow a good amount of space around the hip area whilst remining well proportioned from shoulder to feet. The With Additional Room for Multiple positions (W.A.R.M.) fit is designed to be comfortable regardless of what position you sleep in, but also allows extra space for those of us who want or need a few inches more than offered by most sleeping bags. It was spacious enough for me to comfortably turn over inside and for the bag to not be too tight around me.
Read more: Steph’s full Therm-a-Rest Questar review
Therm-a-Rest Boost 650
Steph Wetherell recommends
Overall, a brilliant bag for those who want or need a more spacious bag, with some well-designed features that add versatility and comfort.- inclusive sizing
- spacious
- arm holes
- bulky
- heavier than some others
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: $299.95 / £345 (available from OutdoorAction) Weight: Regular (1.3 kg), Regular Wide (1.6kg) including stuff sack (72g) Fill: 649g (regular) | 909g (regular wide) 650fp hydrophobic down Shell: 20D 100% Recycled Nylon Rip Stop Construction: Lateral box wall baffles Zip: 2-way full length YKK anti snag zipper Length: 168cm (short), 183cm (regular), 198cm (long) Rating: 0 C (comfort), -6 C (limit) Sizes: Short, Short Wide, Regular, Regular Wide, Long, Long Wide (wide fit available from vampireoutdoorgear.com) Women/Men’s version: Unisex cascadedesigns.com |
For people in larger bodies or those who like a more spacious sleeping set up, the Therm-a-Rest Boost 650 20F/-6C is a versatile and adjustable sleeping bag is a great option. While not the lightest on the market, well thought out design features make it a great choice for those who prioritise comfort over weight. Thermarest are known for their spacious sleeping bags but the Boost goes further, offering a ‘Wide’ fit that provide an additional 12 inches of space in the shoulder and 14 inches in the hip. In addition, the integrated ‘WarmZip’ system allows you to regular your temperature by opening or closing an enclosed baffle that runs down the centre of the bag.
In addition to offering an approximate additional 6C of warmth when closed, it also provides a further 7 inches of space across the hip when open. I tested the Regular Wide to get a sense of how roomy it was, and 76 inch shoulder and 67/74 inch hip (WarmZip closed/open) make this the most spacious packable bag I’m aware of.
With the WarmZip done up, I was plenty warm enough at almost freezing temperatures, and I found opening the WarmZip a remarkably effective way to help regulate my temperature in the middle of the night. Another nice addition is the zippable arm holes that can be operated from inside the bag, meaning your core can be snug and warm inside the bag while your arms are free – perfect for people like me who read in their tent, but also meaning you can operate the Warmzip without unzipping the wider bag.
Read more: Steph’s full Thermarest Boost review
Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit
Steph Wetherell highly recommends
Osprey have previously offered free hip belt extensions, but the comfort difference offered by a completely redesigned hip belt is significant.- longer hip belt, shoulder straps and sternum strap
- repositioned hip pockets
- none
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $200 / £155 (available from Osprey) Weight: 1.29kg (33 litre) Materials: Main, 100% recycled 100D nylon, bottom 100% recycled 420D nylon Features: Extended hip belt, extended shoulder straps, repositioned pockets Sizes: 22 litre, 33 litre Women/Mens version: Yes – Talon www.osprey.com |
The extended fit design is focused on a few areas, most notably the hip belt which has been redesigned to extend the padded section and reposition the pockets. The belt will fit up to a 70 inch hip, but you’d likely struggle to tighten it sufficiently if you’re smaller than a size 18. Osprey have previously offered free hip belt extensions, but the comfort difference offered by a completely redesigned hip belt is significant. The rucksack actually hugs my hips instead of perching on the back of them, the strap doesn’t dig into my belly and the rucksack moves around so much less.
In addition the shoulder straps have padding further down, so no more chaffing for me on my upper arms, and the sternum strap has been extended to accommodate larger chests.
The rucksack is also packed with all the other features you’d hope for with rucksack and many more. The injection-moulded Airscape back panel is a great balance of rigidity and flexibility, and I found it really comfortable to wear on long hikes, even when fully loaded. The back panel has a foam ridges covered in mesh and this definitely helped with ventilation, though I still inevitably got a sweaty back on the hottest days. While the extended fit changes might seem like minor things, the comfort difference for those of us in larger bodies is immeasurable and I honestly don’t think I ever want to wear a non-extended fit pack again.
Read more: Steph’s full Osprey Tempest 33 Extended Fit pack review
Gregory Amber Plus 65l
Francesca Donovan highly recommends
After scrambling Crib Goch in this pack, and feeling stable and comfortable, any concerns about bulk were immediately put to rest.- Weight-to-comfort ratio
- adjustability
- storage
- none
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $239.95 | £200 (available from Gregory Packs) Weight: 1613g (one size) Materials: Body: 210D nylon, 420D high-density nylon. Base: 840D Ballistic Polyester. Harness/Hipbelt/Lumbar: multi-density closed and open cell foams. Chasis Support: Alloy Steel Frame. Lining: 40% Post-consumer Recycled 135d Polyester with Pfc-free Dwr Closure: Quick-pull drawcord closure and top webbing compression with floating zippered lid | Back: Wishbone alloy frame, VersaFit adjustable suspension Hipbelt: FitTune adjustable hipbelt with extended length in the plus size Pockets: Main body with removable divider plus dual access from top and bottom, floating zippered lid, dual side mesh pockets featuring side trail access, front oversized stretch mesh pocket, hydration sleeve, dual trekking pole/tool attachment points with bungee closure system, dedicated zip pocket for raincover Features: plus size fit, compartment solutions, breathable padding Sizes: one size Men’s version: Yes (Katmai Plus 65l) gregorypacks.com |
With the Gregory Amber Plus size 65l, Gregory has designed a pack with plus-sized bodies in mind that is adjustable enough to suit many shapes. The extended length women’s specific hipbelt (allowing for 4 inches of adjustment) and generous depth of hip buckle eliminated any cutting into the stomach and provided maximum coverage and comfort. Huge pockets are placed within easy reach – I usually have to fumble behind me to access misplaced pockets on ill-fitting packs – and will easily store any large smartphone and a compass plus snacks.
I was concerned the extended harness length and wide angle between shoulder straps would prove too big – I am 5’7 with wide hips and narrow shoulders – but I found my fit easily. Likewise, the VersaFit adjustable torso system proved simple, strong and durable. The sternum strap is placed perfectly for me, sitting snugly and minimising wriggle in the shoulder region.
Any concerns about bulkiness evaporated as I scrambled Crib Goch with this on my back. I was carrying a full load and never felt unstable. The 3D foam breathable back panel meant I didn’t sweat excessively and experienced no rubbing. This pack is so comfortable, it’s worth its weight.
Read more: Gregory Amber 65l backpack review
Best mid-layer
Outdoor Research Vigour
Steph Wetherell recommends
It isn’t the most lightweight offering on the market, but offers a greater degree of warmth than some competitors, and a decent stretch.- inclusive size range
- excellent temperature management
- breathability
- boxy fit
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $99 / £95 (available from Outdoor Research) Weight: 356g (Size 2X) Materials: 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex Features: Half zip, thumb holes, chest pocket Sizes: Regular: XS – XL, Plus size: 1X – 4X Women/men’s version: Yes outdoorresearch.com / outdooraction.co.uk / vampireoutdoorgear.com |
A grid fleece is an essential piece of kit if you are looking for something more breathable or lightweight than a traditional fleece layer. The Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip is a mid-price option that performs well and has a really inclusive and wide size offering. As someone who runs hot when on the move – especially when hills are involved – I struggle with traditional fleeces and overheat quickly. Grid fleeces have become my saviour and I’ve tried out a wide range over the past few years, but this Outdoor Research offering has quickly become one of my go-to choices.
The Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip fleece is in a small square grid pattern on the inside of the fabric, and like other grid fleeces, this offers great breathability whilst still being able to offer a surprising amount of warmth. It also uses a trademarked technology called ActiveTemp, which is a thermoregulating polymer that dynamically reacts to your temperature. It’s difficult to precisely test this, but I did find I got less sweaty than normal (or dried quicker), even when tackling some sizeable hills.
It’s got some stretch to the fabric – not as much as some other fleeces, but enough to make it comfortable to wear and move in. The sleeves have great articulation – I got a full range of arm movement without the fleece moving or riding up, and I found that I didn’t need to adjust it even during longer days of walking.
Read more: Outdoor Research Vigour Half-zip review
Best base layer
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer
Steph Wetherell recommends
It performs well and I found it effectively wicked away sweat, kept me warm and worked well as part of a variety of layering systems.- lightweight
- simple design
- price higher than some others
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $115 / £100 (available from Smartwool) Weight: 177g (2X) Materials: 88% Merino Wool, 12% Nylon Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X Women/Men’s version: Yes (Up to XXL) www.smartwool.co.uk |
The Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino base layer is a simple but quality piece of clothing that does exactly what you need it to do and will quickly become a wardrobe staple. A merino base layer is one of my essential pieces of kit, and I’ve worn a number of different brands and versions over the years. This offering from Smartwool is a simple design but done really well. It’s lightweight (150g/m) and incredibly comfortable to wear thanks to their design which ensures there is 100% merino wool where it touches skin. A recycled nylon core means it’s a bit more durable than a pure merino layer, and after a few months of fairly intense wear it’s not showing any bobbling or wear. However, the high merino content means it still benefits from the wicking and antimicrobial properties and I’ve found it performs similarly to many of the pure merino layers I have.
A big innovation is the extended sizing, offering up to a 4X (size 28-30) in the women’s sizing. Finding technical merino base layers above a size 20 is incredibly challenging, so this is a real bonus and nice to see a brand like Smartwool embracing this the plus size market. As a fairly pear shaped size 20, according to the size chart I was a size 1X across the chest and 2X in the hip, so I opted for the 2X (which claims to fit a size 20-22). It’s predictably a bit loose around my chest, but not problematically so, and I the material has a good amount of stretch to it so I could probably have sized down to the 1X if I’d wanted a snugger fit. I’m quite tall and long in the torso, and I found it a comfortable length both on my body and arms. Whilst the extended sizing isn’t available in the men’s range, the boxy fit means that some larger men may also benefit from the women’s fit.
Read more: Steph’s full Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino base layer review
How we test
Steph Wetherell is a moderately pear-shaped UK size 20 as is 5’10 tall. As someone who runs fairly warm (and a fairly sweaty walker), she looks for good ventilation and breathability in her gear. But she’s a cold sleeper.
Kit-wise, she often finds jackets too snug on the hips and as someone with a degree of hyper-flexibility in her knees, trekking poles have long been essential.
