Trail Tested: Kalpana Women’s Hike Tight by Sherpa

Kalpana Hike Tight by Sherpa

MSRP: $80
Weight: 40g (12.0 oz)
Materials: 76% Supplex® nylon / 24% spandex, four-way stretch fabric with Polygiene odor control
Best features: minimalist, all-day wear, dirt-shedding
Room for Improvement: waist band is very comfortable, but has no draw string

The Sherpa Adventure Gear women’s Kalpana Hike Tight (there isn’t a men’s equivalent in this style) is a true do-it-all addition to any active wardrobe. And while the tight is more suited to activities like hiking, skinning and yoga, it’s certainly runnable as well when temps get chilly.

The Hike Tight has a sleek, minimalist design with two exterior zip pockets (one on each thigh) and one interior key/gel pocket on the front of the hip. The exterior pockets easily hold a phone, map or nutrition. The ultra-comfortable waistband sits just below the bellybutton and provides full coverage for yoga or stretching. The waistband has no drawstring, however, and while running the tights slipped down slightly. This issue may be body-type dependent, and other women may have no problem at all. 

One of the best features of the Hike Tight is the cottony-soft, four-way stretch fabric that also sheds dirt and other trail gunk surprisingly well. This makes it easy to wear the tights for a hike or other outdoor mission, and then head straight to work or to socialize without needing to change. Simply brush off dirt or smudges when dry, and the tights will be ready for an afternoon coffee date.

Women will definitely appreciate that the Hike Tight offers good performance on trail while also being stylish enough to wear around town with casual boots and a sweater. With the added bonus of Polygene odor control, these tights are also a winner for multi-day adventure trips that require light packing.

–Kelsey Brasseur is a mountain athlete and professional artist who firmly believes that every day is The Best Day Ever. As long as there is chocolate.