Field Testing Gear born for Sierra Adventures.
Exploring the 2024 Royal Robbins Spring Line: First Impressions from the Trail
One of the many transitions I have made in the past several years in my personal outdoor wardrobe is ditching the blue jeans and cotton for comfortable and durable wear that was made for being in the elements. This shift has been a game-changer, allowing me to stay comfortable, flexible, and protected while hiking, camping, and exploring the Sierra.
This spring, I had the chance to check out the latest collection from Royal Robbins, a Yosemite-inspired clothing brand named after its legendary founder, Royal Robbins. A true pioneer in the climbing world, Royal left behind a legacy of sustainable adventure, and that same spirit lives on in the gear designed for today’s explorers.
What really caught my attention in their latest styles was the introduction of Mosquito Protection Technology (MPT) in many of their new fabrics. The thought of evenings at my favorite alpine lakes—without being covered in DEET or forced into my tent by relentless bugs—had me excited to put these pieces to the test.
For Spring 2024, Royal Robbins has introduced a robust lineup of new gear, fresh colors, and updated features to some of their classic pieces. I’ve been trying out three standout items from the collection:
- Wilder Pant – a versatile adventure pant built for the backcountry
- All-In Short – a lightweight, durable throwback to the ‘90s
- Camino Pucker Dry S/S – a stylish take on a Royal Robbins classic
After some initial testing, here’s my take on each piece and where I see them fitting into my Sierra adventures this season.
Wilder Pant – Built for the Trail, Ready for Anything
The Wilder Pant is a dream for anyone who spends long days scrambling over rocks, crossing creeks, or navigating rugged trails. Designed with a tapered-leg fit and double-layered knees, these pants are tough without sacrificing comfort.
One feature the Wilder Pant is promising that stands out is Mosquito Protection Technology™ (MPT)—a non-toxic, biocide-free fabric treatment that helps keep mosquitoes at bay. If you’ve ever been in the Sierra during early summer, you know how relentless the bugs can be, so having built-in protection is a huge win. We will give this a solid test with our early summer backpack trip into Northern Yosemite lakes, certain to be dominated by mosquito madness.
To date the Wilder has been a great trail pant on shorter day hikes in south Yosemite and around the Carson Valley. I even found them to be a great travel pant on my flights last month. I’m particularly excited to take these pants on longer hikes in Desolation Wilderness and Yosemite as hiking season ramps up in the Eastern Sierra. Whether I’m kneeling on granite or scrambling up waterfalls in spring runoff, the reinforced knees and flexible design will be a big plus. So far, they feel incredibly comfortable, durable, and up for any challenge the Sierra throws my way.
All-In Short – Nostalgic Style, Modern Performance
I’ll admit, when I first saw the All-In Short, I had a bit of a flashback to my younger days. These 5-inch inseam river shorts are a throwback to the ‘90s, inspired by Royal Robbins’ original adventure-ready designs. Made from recycled nylon, they’re lightweight, soft, and built for anything from hiking to a spontaneous swim in an alpine lake.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the shorter style, but once I put them on, I was sold. They’re perfect for lounging at camp, hanging out by Lake Tahoe, or cooling off in the river after a long hike. While I might not be quite as trail-ready in these as I am in the Wilder Pants, I know these shorts will be a go-to for summer adventures and lazy afternoons at the lake.
Camino Pucker Dry S/S – Campfire Style Meets Adventure Comfort
If the Wilder Pant is my go-to for the trail, the Camino Pucker Dry S/S is my pick for kicking back at camp or heading into town after a long day outside. Inspired by the classic Desert Pucker, this shirt brings a bit more style and mobility, with fun prints that feel just as at home at a basecamp cookout as they do on a casual hike. Honestly, i love this shirt, it so comfortable. I wore it driving 5 hours to Yosemite, then all day day hiking around Wawona. It looks great and wears perfect for my big man body.
What makes this shirt even better is that it’s made from TENCEL™ Modal fibers, which are sustainably sourced and carbon neutral. It’s soft, breathable, and has a great fit. While I tend to live in comfy t-shirts and sun hoodies when I’m out exploring, my wife definitely prefers the look of the Camino Pucker for when we’re hanging out with friends after a day on the trail.
Final Thoughts
Royal Robbins continues to impress with high-quality, adventure-ready gear that feels great both on and off the trail. The Wilder Pant has already earned a top spot in my hiking rotation, while the All-In Short is bringing back some fun retro vibes for lakeside lounging. The Camino Pucker Dry S/S is a stylish, comfortable option for those post-adventure gatherings or days in the office.
I’ll be putting these pieces through their paces in the coming weeks, but if you’re looking for gear that balances performance, durability, and style, Royal Robbins’ Spring 2024 lineup is definitely worth checking out. Oh and Ladies, there is a bunch of new outdoor apparel for you as well this spring. check out the assortment of Tops, tanks, shorts and pants all designed to help you look great, stay comfortable and avoid those nasty little mosquitos.
Stay tuned for more in-depth testing as we hit the trails this season!
