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Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Our field-tested rain jacket picks balance rain protection, comfort, ventilation, durability, weight, and price for different trails and conditions.
Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026
A backpacker standing in front of a lake in the men's Kuhl Deceptr hiking pants

Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

From airy warm-weather trail pants to durable softshells and practical convertibles, these are our favorite men’s hiking pants after side-by-side testing.
Best Rain Pants of 2026
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Best Rain Pants of 2026

Find the right rain pants for your next hike, from rugged three-layer shells to soft, breathable designs and ultralight backup layers.
Best Hiking Socks of 2026
Closeup of a hiker's feet in the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks and Salomon X Ultra shoes on the rim of the Grand Canyon

Best Hiking Socks of 2026

Keep blisters at bay with the perfect pair of well-cushioned hiking socks. Check out our top picks to pamper your feet on your next backpacking adventure.
Best Sun Shirts of 2026
Woman in floral sun shirt looking out at view of foothills in high desert detting

Best Sun Shirts of 2026

Here comes the sun – and along with it our recommendations for the best sun shirts to keep you protected all summer long on adventures from casual day hikes to Triple Crown attempts.
Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026

From durable softshells to breathable budget picks and comfortable joggers, these are the women’s hiking pants that earned a place in our current lineup after extensive field testing

All Outdoor Clothing Reviews Content

REI Gift Guide 2026: Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers
A man stands facing the camera wearing a blue REI 650 Down Jacket, zipped up with a hood underneath a cap, set against a snowy winter forest at sunset.

REI Gift Guide 2026: Best Gifts for Hikers & Backpackers

Published: October 22, 2026
Outdoor gifts handpicked by our team, including gear we’ve tested and additional finds for hikers, campers, and backpackers.
Best Rain Pants of 2026
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Best Rain Pants of 2026

Last Updated: October 21, 2026
Find the right rain pants for your next hike, from rugged three-layer shells to soft, breathable designs and ultralight backup layers.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
a hiker with their hood up in a forest in the rain.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Extremely low weight and useful coverage appeal to long-distance backpackers, while thin fabric and missing pockets are real compromises.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Minimal weight is the draw for emergency rain protection; a lack of vents limits its usefulness during strenuous wet-weather hiking.
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Our field-tested rain jacket picks balance rain protection, comfort, ventilation, durability, weight, and price for different trails and conditions.
REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A budget-friendly shell offers thoughtful features for short hikes but wets out during extended heavy rain and can run large.
Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man stands in front of a yellow meadow with fall foliage.

Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Extra-long torso vents make this a strong choice for hikers who overheat in wet weather, but the fit and weight are worth checking.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A durable three-layer shell with a long record in heavy rain is an outstanding all-around value, provided you can accept a bulkier, warmer fit.
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A remarkably light, vented shell works well for backpackers who count ounces and can take extra care of thin fabric.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A mobile, midweight option is worth considering, but heavier three-layer alternatives offer more confidence in prolonged heavy rain.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review
A man reaches in a wet and icy cave.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Quiet, stretchy fabric feels unusually comfortable on the trail, although the hood and cuff details are not our favorites for severe storms.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A stretchy, three-layer design balances features and price, although its packed weight is less attractive to dedicated ultralight hikers.
REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a maroon rain jacket.

REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A comfortable low-cost jacket suits short, easy outings, but poor breathability, limited storm protection, and bulky weight restrict its use.
Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review
A front shot of an orange rain jacket showing the different pockets.

Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Low weight and supple movement suit quick mountain adventures, while limited venting and cuff adjustment compromise versatility.
Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review
A rear view of a hiking reclining on a mountain ridge at 12,000 feet in the Norrona trollveggen waterproof jacket

Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Guide-oriented weather protection, articulation, and airflow come at a price that makes sense primarily for demanding alpine use.
Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women of 2026

Last Updated: October 13, 2026
From durable softshells to breathable budget picks and comfortable joggers, these are the women’s hiking pants that earned a place in our current lineup after extensive field testing
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