Hiking Gear Reviews
We’ve tested hiking gear from Salomon, Patagonia, The North Face, Merrell, Scarpa, Keen, Lowa, and more.
Heading out onto the trail to test some of the highest quality and most popular hiking boots for women available today.
Credit: Eric Bissell
Is hiking your jam or a favorite of your furry friend? Our hiking experts have hit miles of trails with friends and canines to test the best hiking gear under the sun. Our trail enthusiasts buy and test every product for a truly unbiased view of everything, from hiking boots and top hiking shoes to daypack reviews and our favorite hydration packs. Our final test results can ensure you’re ready for whatever the journey brings.
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Best Picks in Hiking Gear Reviews
Sunglasses for Men
Searching for the perfect shades? We sifted through hundreds of options before selecting the most promising pairs to...
10 Top Fleece Jackets
Over the last ten years, we've bought and tested more than 170 fleece jackets to bring you the best options on the...
Fleece Jackets for Women
Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? After looking over the best contenders on the market, we chose the highest...
Fleece Jackets for Men
Looking for a new fleece for the colder months? We purchased the top 18 fleece jackets and rigorously tested them to...
Best Hiking Gear
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Rain Jackets for Women
Looking for the perfect rain jacket to fit your active lifestyle? We have tested over 50 models in the past decade to...
10 Top Down Jackets
We're always testing the best down jackets on real adventures in every condition. We tested down jackets for women and...
Hiking Boots for Men
We've done the homework on men's hiking boots, buying the most popular models, hiking many miles on varied terrain...
Hiking Boots for Women
Now is the time to invest in your next pair of hiking boots. But where to begin? We have narrowed down the options to...
Winter Gloves
Determined to find the best winter gloves for your needs, we researched over 30 options, from liner gloves to hardy...
10 Top Hiking Boots
If you've been itching to hit the trails, get your paws on one of the top-rated hiking boots from our selection of the...
Rain Jackets for Men
Whether you need an all-around rain jacket or a more specialized model, rest easy knowing there's a jacket that'll fit...
10 Top Hiking Shoes
We've got you if you're hunting for the best hiking shoe. The 10 best models have been rounded up after testing over...
Hiking Shoes for Men
We selected the top hiking shoes and put them to the test. After months of hiking on all types of trails, we wrote the...
Satellite Communicators
You seek some level of communication from the wild. We have examined your options and report on our findings for your...
Hiking Shorts for Women
Planning for an upcoming hike? We've reviewed a handful of the year's best hiking shorts for women with varying...
Windbreaker Jackets for Men
Windbreakers are a lightweight, packable, cost-effective alternative to burlier outer layers and are great for keeping...
Trekking Poles
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
10 Top Trail Running Shoes
If you need a pair of trail running shoes, since 2013, we've tested more than 300 pairs in preparation for this...
Trail Running Shoes for Women
Searching for your next trail running shoe? With our expert advice and experience testing various models this season...
Sun Shirts for Women
Searching for a UV-protective sun shirt to hide out from the sun's powerful rays? Each year, we test the most...
Windbreaker Jackets for Women
Searching for the essential layer for just about any three-season adventure? Since 2015, we've tested the top women's...
10 Top Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Hiking Shoes for Women
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...
Hydration Bladders
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested 11 of today's top models for hiking...
GPS Sports Watches
Looking for the perfect GPS watch? Our experts spent hours looking over options before choosing the most popular and...
10 Top Softshell Jackets
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...
10 Top Sunglasses
Whether you need a pair of sunglasses for a garden party, a trail run, or ripping down a mountain on your new mountain...
Daypacks for Men
Determining the ideal daypack options and selecting the best one for you, your requirements, and your budget can be...
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a convenient option for carrying essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring the city. To find...
Daypacks for Women
If you're a woman in the market for a daypack, we can help. We considered 80+ different models and chose the best to...
Cheap Sunglasses
Hunting for affordable sunnies? We checked out many dozens of pairs before selecting the 21 best cheap sunglasses on...
Sunglasses for Women
To uncover the best and most stylish eye protection out there today, we wore dozens of sunnies and evaluated them for...
Walkie Talkies
We put 9 radios to a head-to-head test after exhaustive research on all of the top models on the market. After months...
Rain Pants for Women
We analyzed over 30 models before purchasing the best 10 to put through extensive testing, so you don't have to...
Rain Pants for Men
Choosing a pair of rain pants is an unwanted bear of a task. We've done the dirty work, which involves sorting through...
Sun Hats
We evaluated over 50 models and purchased 20, which our team of experts put through extensive side-by-side testing. We...
Binoculars
What are the best binoculars? We've put nearly 50 different models through rigorous outdoor testing over the years to...
Handheld GPS
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...
Water Bottles
We're at it again, testing this year's best water bottles. There are some familiar vessels but most are new contenders...
Sling Bags
Looking for a sling-style bag to hit the trail, commute to work, or navigate airports? We tested 11 top-selling...
Hydration Packs
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
Hiking Socks
Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing on your adventure gear list? We spent countless hours researching, purchasing...
Softshell Jackets for Women
Finding the best softshell can be a challenging task due to the multitude of options available. Our experienced...
Hiking Shorts for Men
Hiking shorts are an essential piece of equipment for spring and summer adventures. We buy and test the best side by...
Hiking Pants for Women
To help you find your next pair of women's hiking pants, we've tested over 60 models over 10 years to bring you the...
Hiking Pants for Men
This side-by-side hiking pants review looks at pairs that are light and airy, as well as heavy and durable, for hiking...
Softshell Jackets for Men
We've spent years putting softshell jackets to the test, unearthing the best options for a variety of uses. Whether...
Umbrellas
When the weather goes sideways, you want an umbrella that won't. In this review, we tested the industry's leading...
Sun Protection Shirts
Finding the right UPF-rated sun shirt can be a challenge. To help, we've picked the best options on the market and put...
Laptop Backpacks
We've loaded up our laptops, binders, and books in each of these for work, to travel across the globe, and to battle...
Energy Bars
With literally hundreds of choices available in the energy bar world, it can be hard to figure out which are the best...
Hats for Women
After perusing over 100 of the best hats for women on the market, we selected 8 to test side by side. We wore each...
Budget Rain Jackets for Women
Not everyone needs an expensive coat that can withstand a hurricane. We pitted the top budget options head to head to...
Headlamps
Need a headlamp? Our comprehensive review is here to help. We researched over 50 models before subjecting the best 27...Hiking Gear Reviews Learning Center
How To Choose Binoculars For Your Needs and Budget
Binoculars are probably the world's most used optical instrument. That's not to say that telescopes don't have their...
How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles
Ten years ago hardly anyone used trekking poles. Now it's rare to see someone on an overnight adventure without them...
How to Choose Hiking Pants
Choosing the correct hiking pant can be a difficult task, with many different factors going into your decision. In...
How to Choose a Daypack for Hiking
A daypack is a simple purchase, with complicated ramifications. A good day pack will accompany you for far more than...
How to Choose a GPS Watch
Thinking of purchasing a GPS watch but you're not sure where to begin? The market is full of different options ranging...
How to Choose the Right Rain Jacket
A rain jacket that keeps you dry when the skies let loose may be the first piece of performance outdoor clothing you...Recent Product Reviews in Hiking Gear Reviews
Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody for Women Review
We love the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody for its stretchy, soft fabrics and technical performance. The full-zip hooded...
Top Pick
Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody for Women Review
The Patagonia R1 Air is a great all-around fleece that quickly became our go-to layer for traveling and camping. Its...
Top Pick
Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
Full-length zippered fleece jackets can be a great choice, but pullovers like the Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody...
Best Buy
Rab Downpour for Women Review
The Rab Downpour is a great rain jacket for those who want to get outdoors for active adventures even when it's...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Aspire 3L for Women Review
The Outdoor Research Aspire 3L offers sufficient water resistance and lots of breathability, thanks to full-length...
Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Review
The Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is a midweight durable leather boot that blends a throwback classic hiker style with...
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Review
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is one of our favorite lightweight hiking boots. Most sizes weigh under a pound per...
Top Pick
Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP for Women Review
The Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP became the new favorite of our testing team for those with wider feet thanks to an...
Top Pick
On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof for Women Review
The On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof strikes the perfect balance between the all-day comfort of your favorite running shoe...
Best Buy
Columbia Hikebound II Review
Rain jackets can get pricey, especially when you start adding tons of bells and whistles, but the Columbia Hikebound...
Top Pick
Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX Review
The Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX is our top pick for explorers who need a waterproof shoe for zooming over varied ground...
Top Pick
On Cloudrock Low Waterproof Review
The On Cloudrock Low Waterproof is easily the best urban trail cruiser for anyone who wants to connect life in town...
Editors' Choice
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short for Women Review
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Bermuda Short brings comfort and versatility to a whole new level. The fabric is...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts for Women Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts are a stand-out pair for their comfort, construction quality, pocket sizes, and...
Best Buy
Rab Vital Hoody for Men Review
The Rab Vital Hoody is an easy choice for overall value. It doesn't sacrifice breathability or weight but is still...
Editors' Choice
Patagonia Houdini for Men Review
The Patagonia Houdini is the highest-rated wind jacket in this review and is also one of the most affordable. This...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Trail Back Review
The Black Diamond Trail Back is a budget-friendly trekking pole that can handle rough terrain and is comfortable for...
Best Buy
Saucony Peregrine 15 for Women Review
Known for its staunch and reliable performance, the Saucony Peregrine is back with a few key updates. This shoe...
Top Pick
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro for Women Review
We test a lot of shoes. Very rarely do all of the elements come together to create a near-perfect trail companion. The...
Editors' Choice
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody for Women Review
The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody continues to beat out some stiff competition to be our favorite sun shirt for...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie for Women Review
The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is an impressively lightweight, breathable sun shirt. In fact, this hoodie received a...
Best Buy
Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Review
The Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 is a foldable and adjustable trekking pole that comes at a very attractive price. We love its...
Editors' Choice
Rab Vital Hoody for Women Review
The Rab Vital is a standout in wind protection with special features you'll find yourself reaching for repeatedly...
Top Pick
Fjallraven High Coast for Women Review
The Fjallraven High Coast is a stylish windbreaker that does a great job of being that extra layer between strong...
Top Pick
On Cloudrock Low Waterproof for Women Review
The On Cloudrock Low is most ideal for those hikers seeking all-day comfort, a responsive and stable midsole, truly...
Top Pick
MSR DromLite Bags Review
If you seek a versatile and lightweight liquid reservoir, the MSR DromLite Bag is our best recommendation. During our...
Top Pick
HydraPak HydraSleeve Review
Enjoy gushing cold water all summer long with the HydraPak Hydrasleeve hydration system. This tester favorite uses a...
Garmin Instinct 3 Review
The latest in the Instinct line blends rugged durability with useful upgrades, including a bright AMOLED display...
Amazfit T Rex 3 Review
The Amazfit T Rex 3 offers standout value in the rugged GPS watch subset. It features a bright AMOLED display...
Top Pick
NEMO Persist 30L All-Adventure Review
The Nemo Persist 30L All-Adventure boasts a 300-900 denier ripstop Nylon construction, making it one of the most...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Traverse 35 Review
The REI Co-op Traverse 35 is the latest and greatest version of REI's well-loved Traverse model. This design brings...
Top Pick
Cardo Packtalk Outdoor Review
The Cardo Packtalk Outdoor stands out in our review lineup as a radio that specifically shines in group riding sports...
The North Face VECTIV Fastpack for Women Review
If you're looking to shed some extra weight and bulk in order to perform on the trails, The North Face VECTIV Fastpack...
Top Pick
Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts Review
The Patagonia Baggies Longs are a super casual pair of hiking shorts. They look very simple, but they are up to...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short Review
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi are so comfortable and lightweight that they can be worn for nearly any outdoor activity...
Editors' Choice
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Review
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack for daily use. It has all the pockets needed to keep our...
Best Buy
The North Face Recon Review
The latest version of The North Face Recon features many changes -- mostly improvements -- that make it an excellent...
Editors' Choice
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Straw Review
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth is a slender bottle with vacuum-sealed insulation that keeps water cool for hours. The...
Editors' Choice
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L breaks the mold as a top-performing rain jacket that doesn't cost an entire paycheck...
Best Buy
The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Review
The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie is a budget-priced fleece that impressed us throughout our real-world testing...
Editors' Choice
Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion Review
The Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion has been our go-to hiking sock for many years. The fabric is soft and comfortable...
Injinji Liner Crew Review
If you need a good liner for the gear bag, the Injinji Liner Crew is our top choice. Not only does this sock hug the...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the best device on the market with the best service and features. It uses the...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus scores a touch higher than the inReach Messenger because it can send photos and...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Tempest 20 Review
The Osprey Tempest 20 packs a punch. It's a versatile little daypack with an adjustable torso length along with great...
Editors' Choice
Decathlon Quechua MH100 for Women Review
You'll be hard-pressed to find another daypack for this price that performs this well. The Decathlon Quechua MH100 is...
Top Pick
Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody Review
The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody is an excellent option for cooler temperatures and conditions, with great ventilation...
Best Buy
Rab Borealis Review
The Rab Borealis is a lightweight softshell that's among the most breathable options we've ever tested in this...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is among the first we throw in our packs for any occasion. It is a solid...
Top Pick
Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody for Women Review
The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody is a technical fleece and softshell hybrid designed for women navigating rapidly...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Pants Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade Hiking Pants performs well across the board, making it one of the best hiking pants for users...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Pant Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma offers superior weather protection and is one of our favorite hiking pants. This pair is made for...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Pant for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma pants are well-built softshells that offer solid technical performance, excellent comfort, and...
Top Pick
Ketl Nofry Hoodie Review
Always on the go? The Ketl Nofry Hoodie was made just for you. Featuring lightweight fabric with an almost perfect...
Top Pick
Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Review
The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt is a GMRS radio that can handle an adventurous life, from being submerged in a river to...
Editors' Choice
Filson Summer Packer Review
The Filson Summer Packer stormed to the top of our test group this year to earn one of our Editors' Choice Awards for...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible for Women Review
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible pants offer excellent performance, stellar comfort, and top-notch features at a...
Best Buy
Balios Double Canopy Review
The Balios Double Canopy is a classy and well-built compact umbrella. The solid wooden handle adds style and feels...
Editors' Choice
EuroSCHIRM Swing Trek Liteflex Review
The EuroSCHIRM Swing Trek Liteflex hiking umbrella is a stunning product. It performed well in all of our tests and...
Swarovski EL 8.5x42 Review
Swarovski is renowned for high-end jewelry and has translated that craft to create exceptional binocular lenses. That...
Top Pick