For the last couple of months, Ive been testing a selection of womens Columbia hiking gear including a stunning pair of hiking boots. Read on to find out why nothing received less than a 4-star ratingIm a huge fan of Columbia, in particular for the sizing of their womens 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.Ive been wearing Columbia for at least 25 years now, starting when I purchased a technical snowboarding jacket from them. Whilst its 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.Heres what I tried out;Columbia Womens Peakfreak Hera Mid OutDry Hiking Boot 75 125Columbia Womens Sun Trek Hoodie 31.50 45 Womens Leslie Falls Trousers 42 70 Peakfrek Hera Mid OutDry Hiking BootsThese boots provide the comfort of trainers and are, without doubt, the lightest hiking boots Ive 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.Ive rated these hiking boots 4.5 star and the only reason these boots dont get the full 5 star rating is that the white and very light pink colour, despite looking really beautiful with its ombre effect, isnt 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 Womens Peakfreak Hera Mid OutDry Hiking Boot 75 125Sun Trek HoodieA lovely lightweight hoodie thats perfect for the crossover season of later summer and early spring, its also got UPF 50 sun protection built into it perfect for breezy coastal walks or any time the sun is out, but theres a chill in the air.Ive found that this is a top Ill 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, Ive found this surprisingly warm, so Id 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 Im bending down, the hoodie isnt so short that it exposes skin.Its quite long in the arms, which I like, and I love the way the hood drapes. The only thing Id 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 Womens Sun Trek Hoodie 31.50 45Leslie Falls TrousersDespite being on the upper end of straight sizing, a 16 or XL isnt 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, theres 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 Ive 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 arent 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.Im all for comfort these days and am so over wearing clothes that are slim-fitting, restrictive or impractical, and I find the Womens Leslie Falls Trousers to be extremely versatile and comfy, providing unrestricted movement and maximum comfort.Overall Rating (5 / 5)Womens Leslie Falls Trousers 42 70 Where to next?GEAR | The Columbia Helvetia Half Snap Fleece Is Like Wearing A Hug ReviewGEAR | The Boot Thats Got It All. SOREL Kinetic Impact Puffy Sneaker Boot ReviewGEAR | Inclusivity Outdoors The Best Plus Size Active & Walking ClothingShop related products SAFACUS 3-4 Person Dome Camping Tent, Double layer, Full Waterproof Holiday Fami... 4.3 out of 5 stars(125) 72.99 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) PUREBOX Camping Tent, S(1-2)/L(2-3) Person Outdoor Tent, Windproof & Waterproof ... 3.9 out of 5 stars(83) 49.99 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) Night Cat Camping Tent for 1 2 Person Man Waterproof Backpacking Tents Easy Setu... 4.3 out of 5 stars(695) 59.99 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) OEX Phoxx 1v2 Tent for 1 Person with Porch, 1 Man, Compact, Lightweight, Tunnel,... 4.5 out of 5 stars(59) 65.13 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) Coleman Tent Octagon, 6 Man Festival Dome Tent, 6 Person Family Camping Tent wit... 4.4 out of 5 stars(2479) 150.00 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) Naturehike cloud up 1 4.4 out of 5 stars(2494) 119.00 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) Forceatt Camping Tent,2-3 Man Tent for Outdoor PU3000mm Waterproof Tent Lightwei... 4.5 out of 5 stars(1359) 69.99 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) KingCamp Camping Tent 2 Man,Lightweight Waterproof Backpacking Tents Easy Set Up... 4.4 out of 5 stars(46) 49.00 (as of August 31, 2024 21:09 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.) The post GEAR | Field Testing The Perfect Autumn 2024 Hiking Gear From Columbia Review appeared first on Camping Blog Camping with Style | Travel, Outdoors & Glamping Blog.