Outdoor apparel brands frequently emerge and fade, yet a few endure for years due to their reliability and the satisfaction of their clientele. One of my preferred brands that appears to be adored by outdoor enthusiasts is Kuhl clothing (formally written as KÜHL).
I hadn’t encountered Kuhl much until I began frequenting the ski slopes of the Rockies, where I soon noticed their presence everywhere. During apres-ski in winter, trekking in the mountains, and enjoying some craft beers at a pub, in the Rockies, you’ll likely spot at least one person wearing an item or two from them. If you inquire about their opinion, they’re likely to share how well the item has lasted or mention they possess those pants in another color.
<p:I chose to investigate whether the buzz was justified and packed five Kuhl clothing pieces in my luggage for a two-month sojourn through Europe in Autumn. I arrived on October 24 in Amsterdam and returned home from Madrid on December 24, donning something from this brand nearly every day across the nine countries we traversed.
Kuhl Pants: Perfect for Traveling and Built to Endure
This brand originated with robust shorts intended for rock climbers, and they’ve maintained a reputation for being the go-to choice for shorts or pants that withstand a decade or more.
Kuhl’s standing for durable garments derives from their meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and thorough testing prior to launch. In their bottoms, they frequently utilize reinforced stitching techniques and strategic fabric positioning to improve wear resistance in high-stress regions. Based on my experience with two recent pairs, it appears you’d have to work hard to wear these pants out.
I brought along the Resistor Chino and the Free Radikl pants for my time in Europe. The only occasions I wore something different were when dining at a nice restaurant (where I opted for my Western Rise pants) or when I felt particularly concerned about theft on the street (during which I used my Pickpocket Proof Pants).
Most of the time, I sported one of these, and as noted in the video further down this article, the Resistor Chino pants include a zippered back pocket, making me feel relatively secure when my wallet was stored there. They also feature an extra-long side pocket that worked well for the reading glasses I require for small fonts in dim areas, like on menus.
The Resistor Chino fabric mimics cotton but includes some stretch due to the blend of nylon and spandex. They are also water-resistant, which I appreciated when my water bottle leaked onto my leg one day and the liquid simply beaded up. Additionally, when I spilled a few drops of red wine on them, typically a permanent blemish, but not in this case.
The Free Radikl pants resemble rugged hiking gear, being lightweight yet sturdy and drying relatively fast after laundering. They are available in regular or tapered fits and are designed with articulation and breathable stretch panels, furnished with plenty of reinforced stitching that won’t tear easily.
They boast six pockets, including an extra-long pocket on each side that could accommodate a multi-tool, pocket knife, or even a cell phone if it’s not overly wide.
I’m reluctant to link to specific product pages due to frequent changes in styles and URLs, so visit their pants page for details. Yes, they offer numerous options for women, as well.
Kuhl Tops and Jackets
During the 2010s, I had a Kuhl sweater at one point that I greatly appreciated, but somehow amid multiple relocations to warmer areas, it was misplaced. However, on this two-month European trip, I wore three new items from them that I liked a lot.
The item that I wore the most during the chilly November and December was this Team Merino Quarter Zip sweatshirt. It feels soft and snug, provides ample warmth, and can be worn for extended periods between washings thanks to the properties of merino wool. This is