Allovers Made Life So Much Easier on the Trail

I love a Pacific Northwest rugged look—cabin-core, if you will. Some of what I choose is fashion, an expression of how I feel inside and the life I want to live. But I also choose my clothes for durability. Because for me, it’s not just about the look. What I wear has to hold up through the colder months and harsh elements. It has to work on the trails, in the snow, and when I’m brave enough to winter camp.

I’ve tried many brands of overalls, and most of them just don’t work for me. I have sensory sensitivities, so certain materials and hardware— buttons, zippers, buckles, clasps–can be a dealbreaker. And then there’s the practical problem I’ve been trying to solve: finding a pair of overalls that I can actually pee in comfortably when I’m on the trail.

I was geeked when I came across Allovers, overalls designed for hikers, bikers, climbers, and pretty much any outdoorsperson. They’re casual enough for everyday wear, but built to withstand brutal days in the backcountry. I’ve had my first pair for six months now, and I’m still baffled by how something can be this tough and this comfortable at the same time.

Here’s how Allover’s all-season overalls and other gear hold up–and whether the brand’s new winter pair deserves a place in your outdoor wardrobe.

Allover Apparel Made Me Fall In Love With Overalls Again

I’d planned to test my Allovers, specifically the Women’s Lookout Overalls, on a backpacking trip to Stehekin, Washington, a tiny town at the head of Lake Chelan, tucked into the North Cascades and surrounded by rugged peaks rising more than 9,000 feet. When that trip was cancelled, I had to find another way to put the overalls to the test.

So I wore them for months, often on back-to-back days around my property in Eastern Washington–chasing my kids, walking the trails near my home, and letting them get thoroughly rained on. I still haven’t washed them. And somehow, there isn’t a single stain, tear, or hint of smell on them.

The Materials

The overalls are 94 percent recycled polyester and 6 percent spandex. What they feel like: smooth, soft, stretchy, and moisture-resistant. They are BluesignⓇ approved, meaning the overalls have been designed to reduce the environmental and health impacts of textile production.

The Buckles

The buckles are one of the reasons I’m obsessed with Allovers. They aren’t cold metal. They don’t unhook or unsnap. They’re nonrelease, with thick, comfortable, adjustable straps that don’t cut into your shoulders at all.

The Zippers

Allovers have seven pockets total, the most fun being the hidden pocket in the interior chest (where I put my Beats). And the zippers are hidden within a thick, soft strip of fabric. This has been a sensitivity of mine in the past. I usually feel the zipper through the material, and there’s a stiffness to the material that surrounds it. Not with Allovers. I can’t feel any of the hardware on them.

A Way to Pee—Comfortably

Allovers have a side zipper in just the right spot (about mid-thigh for me) for when you have to use the bathroom outdoors. Other overall brands market such zippers, but I’ve found there usually isn’t enough give and clearance to pee comfortably and cleanly. With the stretchiness of the straps and material, Allovers are so easy to zip down and pull around when nature calls. They can stay on and so can your pack. I have to admit, I use them this way even when I wear them around town. Note: I buy a size up for this reason, to have space for layers and extra flexibility.

The Women’s Lookout Overalls, also known as the OG Overalls, are lightweight and work in all four season. They come in four colors: grey, brown, blue, and green, and run from sizes XS to 2X. Mine are a large because I like wearing my pants a bit baggy. I dig a more relaxed, loose fit.

Fooses Winter Overalls

After two years of winning over the outdoor community with its Lookout Overalls, Allover announced a winter pair earlier this year. Just like the all-weather pair, Fooses are built for everyday winter life, like a walk in the park with your dog, but are durable for long winter hikes, snowshoeing, Nordic Skiing, hut trips, you name it.

I was sent a large pair of Fooses, and though I haven’t winter-tested them yet, I have worn them outside in the middle of the night when the temp was down in the 30s, and been just fine. I slipped off into dreamland under the stars because it felt like I was wearing a comfy sleeping bag. The material is windproof and waterproof, with the same soft interior and incredible amount of stretch. I look forward to wearing them skiing because I know they won’t feel stiff and bulky like other gear. The fit is relaxed and easy, with a wide leg that falls over the ankle for added coverage from cold air and snow. The Fooses feature eight functional pockets including two secure zippered pockets for phone and valuables inside.

But something to note: the Fooses run bigger than the Women’s Lookout pair, likely to fit in layers and other gear. If you aren’t an outdoorsy person, and just looking for mountain wear, I’d go a size down from where you’re comfortable for the winterized pair.

The Daily Driver Pant and the Rope Brim Camp Hat

Since I’m so Allover obsessed, I had to also snag a pair of their Daily Driver Pants. They’re the most comfortable pants I own (and that’s saying something). They’re high rise with plenty of stretch around the hips, with full-length, wide-legs that snap at the bottom if you want to create a cuffs. They run large, so size down from the size you’re comfortable in. I got a medium, since my overalls are a large. Note: If you’re 5’8 or taller, select the long inseam. If you’re shorter than 5’8, select the regular inseam.

I took a risk getting the Rope Brim Camp Hat, since I don’t enjoy flat-bills. But this hat surprised me. It’s more flexible than most designed this way, with an adjustable back strap and lightweight ripstop fabric. I love the matcha green color, too.

It’s safe to say I’m an Allover junkie. The price may be a bit steep, but for overalls that deliver on style, comfort, and durability, I think they’re worth every penny. I expect these to be a staple in my outdoor wardrobe for years to come. I plan to get plenty of miles out of mine.