• Hiked Today: 21.1 miles

  • Appalachian Trail (2,012 – 2,033.1)

• Total Hiked: 3,966.3 miles
• Total Paddled: 99.5 miles

Weather: 52 – 75°F, mostly sunny, some clouds

Elevation: 1,150 – 4,145 feet

Cranberry Stream Campsite to West Carry Pond Shelter 

For some reason the charge on my power bank seemed to diminish quicker than normal over the past couple days. I still have a few days to go before my next stop, so today I went into extreme battery saving mode. I even went as far as turning my phone off whenever possible, but afterwards I wasn’t sure if that was helping or causing it to drain just as quick/even more quick.

Thus, you’d expect not as many photos for today, but I struggled to stop myself. It was an all-time wonderful day and that causes me to want to have the phone out documenting all the fun stuff.

Bodacious: “very large or important, or something people enjoy or admire.”

– from the Cambridge Dictionary (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/bodacious)

Leaving camp, straight away I was hiking up. The end of the day yesterday was more downhill and flat-ish and set me up at the foot of the Bigelow’s. The climb was ok, definitely lots of trippy roots but not as steep as some other spots…

The photo above was taken right before popping out to a marvelous viewpoint. I got a kick out of the giant monolith type boulder and then was blown away when the view of Horn Pond and The Horns presented itself…

I thought the trail took me over both of the Horns, but just South. To get to North Horn it was a 0.2 mile side quest. I stuck to the white blazes and got some views looking back on the way up.

Atop South Horn there was another spectacular overlook and I sat down for second breakfast. Hikers Bookends and Ain’t Right joined too. The weather was once again premium and I soaked up the moment…

The next few miles were top-notch. Some of my favorite of the entire Appalachian Trail. It was down and then up to a ridge line topping the West Peak of Bigelow Mountain and then Bigelow Avery Peak. The massive Flagstaff Lake sat to the north and demanded my attention.

Sitting with the other hikers at this summit, I said something along the lines that this is more than a view, it’s a whole experience. What I was trying to get across was that it was 360 degrees, a whole scene, and as much as I try with photos and vids, being there in person is the only way to sense the grandeur. Sorry y’all. But alas, I did try to showcase the beauty nonetheless.

The rest of the day’s hike was less glamorous, but after Little Bigelow it was more cruisy. I came close to getting a good slow-motion vid of this giant Pileated Woodpecker, but pretty blurry…

Around 6:00 pm or so, I was internally thinking maybe I’d be able to push on further than my original goal. It never happens haha. Especially when I’m stopped for wonderful trail magic! Walking into a parking area, which later I’d find out was not even on the trail, I met Lebowski. He’s a 2021 (?) AT hiker that planned to set up the next day and chef tasty foods up for hikers. For me, he offered a beer, a chair, and some honey buns! It was nice resting and chatting with him.

Moving on from that, I was thinking I had about 6 miles of flat left to hike. The mileage estimate was accurate, but I underestimated the grade and there was not one, but two blips uphill I had to get over. Hence, I was exhausted and spent like normal by the time I reached camp at West Carry Pond Shelter.

In my tired and hungry state, finding this glorious sight at the shelter was almost too much for me…

I mean, don’t they look like the most pristine and delicious chocolate chip cookies ever? I am a cookie monster and devoured several in quick succession. 

I was the only one at the shelter and I still went for the tent. I set up and ate in record time. Going back to the cookies though… I didn’t feel right leaving them out for the bears to munch on. So, I ate them all! J.k., j.k. haha. I did eat a lot, but at least for the evening, I kept them safe by putting the whole Tupperware in my food hanging bag…

The loons sang me a lullaby as I drifted off to sleep. What a day! Another in the top 201 of the ECT I’d say 😎.

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Snap buttons have been a staple of Western Wear for decades, but the style has finally infiltrated mainstream fashion to the point where some of my favorite lifestyle and adventure brands are incorporating the snap in their kits. Why are pearl snap shirts so popular again right now? Because most of us are doing our best to look like we’re extras on Yellowstone. But also, there’s a lot of functionality to those pretty snap buttons. Cowboys relied on them because they were easy to fasten and unfasten on the fly, and that’s still true today, even if you’re riding a bike instead of a horse. Not only do the best pearl snap shirts add a bit of spice to a vanilla button down, they’re practical too, allowing you to put on the layer quickly, and rip the shirt off like Clark Kent walking into a phone booth.

I’ve spent the last six weeks testing out several pearl snap shirts in a variety of situations, from paddling excursions to camping trips to après surf taco sessions. I’ve worn them in the stifling humidity of the Southern Appalachians and the dry, crisp climate of Southern California. I was on the hunt specifically for button down shirts that look good in social situations but also perform well on outdoor adventures. What I learned is that not all snap button shirts are equal. Some are more pretty than practical, while others simply can’t handle the demands of activity during a hot, summer day. But I found half a dozen pearl snap shirts that I absolutely love, each for different reasons—some are stylish layers meant for running long miles, while others are classic upgrades to your date-night wardrobe. These are my six favorites.

Best Pearl Snap Shirt Overall

Poncho: The 1969

$80 at Poncho

Poncho shirts have become my go-to this year partly because of their fit (Poncho gives you options for regular or slim fit in every size), and partly because they’re loaded with thoughtful design details for outdoor use. The 1969 has a sunglasses loop on the chest, a hidden zipper pocket that’s big enough for your phone or a small case of flies, and a lens cloth on the hem to help you keep glasses and camera lenses clean. The fabric is a light and stretchy mix of nylon and spandex that has UPF 50+ protection, and dries fast and breathes well, even in the humid summers of the Southern Appalachians. But my favorite features of this shirt, are the interior mesh panels on the chest and shoulders, as well as two large vent panels on the back, all of which help circulate air in the spots where you need it most. The result is a super versatile shirt that excels in a variety of situations, from casual to light cardio. I wore the Poncho on long travel days, date nights, pub crawls, and days at the beach.

Best for Summer BBQs

Criquet Performance Seer Sucker

$124 at Criquet

Performance seer sucker? Yeah, it’s a thing. Criquet’s version is a really lightweight, wrinkle-free blend of cotton, nylon, and polyester that’s super stretchy and does a good job wicking moisture. The pearl snaps are a nice touch, and Criquet adds collar stays in the lapels to help keep the look crisp. The shirt is too pretty for hardcore adventures, but it’s proven to be the perfect layer for summer barbecues and afternoon happy hours in the full sun. And the wrinkle-free claim is legit; this shirt looked great after being stuffed in a carry-on for days. Seer sucker isn’t just for the Kentucky Derby anymore.

Best for Date Night

Howler Brothers H Bar Snapshirt

From $63 at Huckberry $85 at Howler Brothers

Maybe the most “Western” snap shirt in this roundup, the H Bar goes a step further than just pearl snaps by adding some traditional Western detailing on the chest. It’s a pretty shirt, and it’s less performance-minded than others I tested, mostly because it’s made from a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend that honestly isn’t built for adventure. It’s not as stretchy and doesn’t wick moisture quite as well, but that’s ok, because I’m not always doing something hardcore. Sometimes, I’m trying to look nice for my lady, and that’s where the H Bar comes in; this is a date night/out on the town/try your luck at line-dancing kind of shirt. And I love the relaxed style.

Best for River Adventures

NRS Drifter

$90 at REI $90 at NRS

If the Howler Bros H Bar was meant for après, the Drifter was built for adventure. This long sleeve snap shirt is made from a light, breezy material that’s designed to get wet and dry fast. A really comfortable mesh lining on the chest adds breathability and next-to-skin softness, while double-zipper front pockets add storage for fly boxes, notebooks, phones, and other small items. I was originally put off by the long sleeve nature of the shirt, but you can roll the sleeves up high on your biceps and lock them down with buttons, giving this layer added versatility. The snaps are the same color as the shirt material, so they’re subtle. I prefer my buttons to make a statement, but I understand not everybody is into that sort of flare. I really like the hidden buttons beneath the collar, which keeps it in place, and the microfiber wipe on the hem is a nice touch on this pearl snap shirt.

Best for Fishing

Kuiu Vented SS Snap Shirt

$99 at Kuiu

Much like the Drifter, Kuiu’s Vented SS is designed for doing cool stuff in the wild, with a stretchy and lightweight material that’s given an extra layer of breathability thanks to added ventilation in key areas. Kuiu doubled down on breathability with a mesh lining that covers the shoulders and a wide strip of larger air holes down the center, all of which are hidden by a large vent on the exterior of the shirt. Perforated fabric beneath the arms also promote airflow where you need it the most. The four-way stretch material has a buttery next to skin feel, and one of the chest pockets has a zipper to keep small items safe when you’re on the move. Kuiu offers a variety of styles in the SS snap shirt, from camouflage to solid prints, but I like the topographic-inspired design, which is borderline floral without screaming “look at me!”

Best for Running

Rabbit High Country SS

$75 at REI $75 at Rabbit

The High Country doesn’t have a lot of frills—there is no microfiber lens wipe or sunglass loop—but it’s the best snap button shirt I tested in terms of performance. Rabbit is a running-specific brand and while the High Country looks like a date night shirt, it’s actually designed for moving fast in hot weather. Made from mostly recycled polyester with a hefty amount of spandex, the High Country is a super stretchy, lightweight layer that breathes well and dries fast. The entire back panel is perforated for extra ventilation, which I appreciated on muggy days in the Southern Appalachians. The metal snaps are minimalist, so they don’t weigh down the front of the shirt or chafe when you’re moving fast. You also get two chest pockets that snap shut, so you can securely carry a gel or card on a run. I wore this shirt on hikes, trail runs, and rounds of golf and was constantly impressed with how it handled moisture in the southern heat.

Graham Averill is a travel and gear columnist for Outside. Read his review of his favorite summer hiking shoes here.

I recently tested the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain jacket. This three layer rain jacket is waterproof and designed for hiking and backpacking usage. Its intended audience ranges from day hikers to backpackers and it can be used in a variety of temperatures and conditions.

Shop the XeroCloud Rain Jacket

REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Specs:

MSRP: $189.00
Weight: 11.3 – 13.4 ounces
Material: 72% recycled nylon/28% recycled polyester

Circumstance of Review

I used this rain jacket on multiple day hikes and overnight backpacking trips during winter and spring months. I wore the rain jacket in both rain and snow conditions that ranged in temperatures from the 30s to the 60s (°F).

REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Overview

Three layer jackets tend to be superior for rain proofing and breathability compared to two layer jackets because they have a nylon and polyester external face fabric, a waterproof/breathable membrane, and a jersey fabric backer. They are heavier than 2.5 layer jackets (which are commonly used by thru-hikers), but this makes the three-layer jackets more breathable in humid weather.

REI’s HydroWall material is a proprietary membrane that doesn’t have as much breathability as a traditional material like Gore-Tex, but does allow for a much lower price point compared to other rain jackets.

REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Features

3-layer HydroWall™ fabric: Promotes breathability and increases rainproofing

Fully seam-sealed: Prevents water from seeping through stitched areas

Adjustable hood: Allows you to customize the fit for optimal head protection and visibility in varying conditions

Laminated visor: Helps to keep rain off your face

Pit zips: Offers quick and easy ventilation

Zippered chest and hand pockets: Securely stores essentials and keeps your hands warm

Jacket packs down into its own left-hand pocket: Helps the jacket pack down and gives you more space in your pack

Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs & a hem drawcord: Gives a better fit around your wrists and waist, keeping heat in and wind/rain out

Cord hanger loop: Gives you an easy way to hang the jacket from a hook (or tree branch!) to help it dry out the fastest

REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Pros

Waterproof: The XeroCloud definitely held up to it’s claim to be waterproof and in my opinion, is the most valuable aspect of this jacket. After wearing for multiple hours straight in the rain, the jacket still kept me dry and warm and continued to bead and wick water instead of soaking it up over time.

The drawstring waistband also helps keep in warmth and along with the length of the jacket, this really helped to keep the majority of my shorts dry while hiking during continuous rain. The adjustable Velcro wrist cuffs also proved to work great to keep water out of my sleeves even with continuous movement.

Even after taking the jacket off, I just shook it a couple times and most of the beaded water slid right off.

The structure of the hood with the ability to cinch the back with a drawstring and the sturdy visor was also a huge plus for me. There is nothing worse than having your hood constantly flying off your head while hiking in a storm and this jacket’s hood structure prevented that and kept it snug against my head.

Pockets: The XeroCloud has two hip pockets and one chest pocket, all with great, easy-zip zippers and ample room to store snacks, a wallet, a phone, and more. I was able to keep my phone in its hip pockets for hours in the rain without it soaking up any condensation. However, the chest pocket did get a little damp on the inside over the same amount of time.

The XeroCloud also has the benefit of being able to fold up and store into its own pocket for easy storage.

Comfort: The XeroCloud was extremely comfortable. The fit was true to size if you are planning on layering. I was able to wear a sweatshirt and a puffy jacket comfortably underneath it and it still didn’t feel restrictive.

Stretchiness: The stretchiness of the XeroCloud was definitely a big plus for me. There is nothing worse than hiking all day in the rain in a jacket that feels constricting or immobile and I did not have any limitations of movement with this jacket. In fact I forgot I was even wearing a rain jacket for the most part.

Breathability: The downside to most waterproof rain jackets is that they tend to not be very breathable and can cause sweating to the wearer while hiking, but even after spending hours wearing the XeroCloud while hiking in the rain, I felt warm and dry without feeling hot and sweaty!

The added feature of the pit zips is a huge selling factor for me, as we all know the struggle of trying to keep cool- but also dry- during a steep climb in the rain and the pit zips allowed for an easy way to help ventilate without having to take my jacket off.

Options: The XeroCloud comes in sizes S – 3XL for men’s and XS – 3XL for women’s and it also has a Tall option for men. It comes in five different colors: blue shale (blue shale/stargazer teal for men), stone green/celery, orange burst, raisin/peppercorn, and black which gives buyers a plethora of color options.

Price Tag: Coming in at $189 MSRP, this rain jacket is definitely a cheaper option than other 3L rain jackets.

REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Cons

Fit: While the XeroCloud is definitely waterproof and comfortable, I didn’t love how it looked on me. I felt like the bottom part of the jacket was a bit too wide and looks a little swimmy on thinner individuals.

If you are looking for a visually attractive, snug looking jacket, this is probably not it.

Weight: Ranging in weight from 11.3 to 13.4 ounces, the XeroCloud is not considered an ultralight jacket and is probably a little heavy for most ultralight thru-hikers.

Overall Value

Overall, I think the XeroCloud is a great jacket for those looking for a truly waterproof rain jacket. This is a great pick for both hikers and backpackers who are on a budget and are looking for a reliable rain jacket.

Due to its weight, I wouldn’t recommend it for ultralight thru-hikers who are looking for a  jacket to use on a drier trail like the PCT, but I actually would have preferred to have a jacket like this on a trail like the AT compared to the ultralight jacket that I brought that seemed to always soak up water.

I would definitely use this jacket as my go-to for hiking, short backpacking trips, a daily rain jacket for the winter, and would consider it for a wet thru-hike.

Shop the XeroCloud Rain Jacket

Comparable Rain Jackets

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
MSRP: $179.00
Weight: 12.4 -14.1 oz
Materials: H2NO

Arc’teryx Beta SL
MSRP: $500.00
Weight: 10.6 – 12.0 oz
Materials: GORE-TEX ePE

Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire 3L and Men’s Forary 3L
MSRP: $249.00
Weight: 13.93 – 15.3 oz
Materials: Ascentshell Dry 3L

The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L rain jacket was donated for purpose of review

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.