I dont hike much I just use them for everyday and they are perfect. I ordered a few models of cross-trainers, but like these the best. This product looked different but when it arrived, the finishing is much better than the other cheaper junk. Also, the headset sits too loosely on my head and doesnt provide much of a seal around my ears. The crackling is starting to wear on me though. No complaints of dropped calls or bad connections. I?m not sure if it?s a fault or if they are all like this. Its Sonic! "L" and "R" indicators are embossed on the 2?pin connectors. I may have won the lottery for them matching my ears but they were more comfortable than any other IEMs I own.