Merrell now in India: Hiking Gear Review

The TOJ team reviewed a few Merrell products to celebrate the latest outdoor brand to hit Indian stores.

We at The Outdoor Journal share a few core beliefs with the American outdoor brand Merrell. They, like us, think that everyone can be an outdoors person with a little bit of inspiration and some quality gear.

Established in 1981, Merrell started out as a company dedicated to making durable hiking boots. Clark Matis and John Schweizer joined forces with Randy J. Merrell after reading an article about his custom made $500 boots in Backpacker magazine. A partnership was formed and the first Merrell Gore-Tex boot was launched in 1983.

R.J. Merrell left the company soon after, and went back to making custom made leather boots; he left his name and legacy to the brand. The rest as they say, is history; in 1989, Merrell crossed the Atlantic and made it to the UK. By 2006, they had introduced apparel, becoming a head to toe brand for outdoor gear.

Last year, I took a Merrell Women’s Leelani half-zip top to Morocco, and wore it over two days of rigorous hiking on Mt. Toubkal. I like my gear to be productive and pretty, and Merrell delivered. The moisture wicking fabric moved with my body keeping me comfortable and dry, and the colours on the top matched the Moroccan sky at sunset. The colour is appropriately named “Evening” - with purple, pink and blue hues melting into one.

I was sold. And needless to say, I’m excited that Merrell is now in India. You can buy their products either online at Jabong, Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart, or at Merrell stores in Bangalore and Dehradun.

Here are a few Merrell products that were tried and testing by The Outdoor Journal team:

Merrell Men’s SS Poly Tee / Men's Tech Logo Tee

Merrell hasn't been known too long for its clothing, but this outdoor lifestyle and hiking brand has evolved into more than just hiking footwear. This tee is cool, soft on skin and surprisingly classy and well designed, especially if you're a little particular about your fashion in the outdoors. Reflective gel print for low light visibility.

Merrell SelectWind

The SelectWind is a lightweight softshell that's wind and water-resistant yet breathable. Wear it when you need a little bit of packable warmth and protection, yet high mobility for enhanced freedom of movement.

Women’s Short Sleeve Poly Tee

Stay cool and dry with moisture-wicking gear from Merrell during aerobic and outdoor activities. The fabrics capture moisture, move it away from your skin, and redistribute it to accelerate the evaporation process and drying time. So hiking or running, that moisture-wicking apparel keeps you going.

Women’s Woven Short

Made for mobility and multiple adventures stacked together, this stretch woven short with interior comfort brief integrates airy fabric and breathable side mesh panels to keep things cool on the run. It's also water-resistant and quick-drying, in case you get wet in the monsoon.

Merrell Women's Woven Pants

Designed to handle your biggest treks and adventures, this stretchy, straight-leg pant gives you unlimited freedom to explore. The low-profile, snap-closure waist is comfy under a pack belt. Quick-drying, water-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric feels soft and fuzzy against skin.

Merrell Pulsate Mid Waterproof

Merrell's Pulsate leather hiker comes in various models. We tried out the mid-ankle height version with a waterproof/breathable membrane, for stability and protection. There's also an air cushion in the heel, deep lugs for traction, and molded nylon shank to ease your walk. And a treated footbed to control odor on those long trips. While the fancier brands might offer specialized benefits, Merrells are really like the Toyotas of the hiking shoe world. Great-looking, comfortable and good to wear for miles and miles on the street or on the trail.

Merrell Trail Glove 2

If you're really looking for fast and light - and you're looking for the minimalist experience while in the outdoors, this zero-drop model has it all. These barefoot running trail shoes feel great when you slip them on, are Vibram-soled to give you excellent traction and support on cold (or hot) rocky trails, as well as padding in the forefoot for extra protection, an anti-odor lining and a highly breathable fabric mesh upper.

For latest updates on their latest offerings, you can follow the Merrell India Facebook page: Merrell India

If you liked this, check out the Gear section of our Summer ‘14 issue, in stores now!