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Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Review
Closeup of someone wearing the black Patagonia Torrentshell rain pants.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Review

These rain pants combine top-tier waterproofing with eco-friendly materials, offering reliable protection in heavy rain. Lightweight and durable, they feature H2No® technology and practical design elements like zippered side vents.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants Review
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants Review

Compact, lightweight rain coverage for backpackers and occasional storms, with limited airflow and less comfort in prolonged downpours.
Columbia Rebel Roamer II / Storm Surge Rain Pants Review
Image of someone wearing the black Columbia Rebel Roamer II on a trail.

Columbia Rebel Roamer II / Storm Surge Rain Pants Review

A straightforward, inexpensive weather barrier that skips pockets and side zips, best for simple trail and everyday rain coverage.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants Review

A minimalist waterproof layer for hikers focused on ounces, not pockets, long zippers, or protection against abrasive terrain.
Outdoor Research Men’s Foray / Women’s Aspire Rain Pants Review
Closeup of someone wearing the Outdoor Research Foray pants on a snowy trail.

Outdoor Research Men’s Foray / Women’s Aspire Rain Pants Review

Highly ventilated and protective rain pants for foul-weather hikers who can accept added weight, cost, and a roomy cut.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Pants Review
Closeup of a person's legs in the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch pants

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Pants Review

A lightweight, stretch-focused shell for active hikers who value natural movement more than extra layering room or extreme durability.
REI Trailmade Rain Pants Review
Closeup of someone wearing the green REI Trailmade rain pants.

REI Trailmade Rain Pants Review

Affordable, light rain pants for occasional wet hikes, with clear limitations in breathability, abrasion resistance, and boot access.
Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants Review
Scrambling on some rock in the Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic rain pants.

Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic Rain Pants Review

Soft, quiet waterproof pants with excellent mobility and real venting, although brush resistance is not their strongest suit.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review
Demonstrating the full length side zips on the Arc'teryx Beta Pants.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review

Protective, feature-rich alpine rain pants for cold and exposed terrain, with a substantial price and less comfortable everyday fit.
Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Boots and shoes are still mainstays of the trail, but hiking sandals have a lot of merits that might just make you a convert.
20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

Desert hiking offers some of the most stunning scenery. In this guide, we offer our tips and tricks for staying safe and healthy in this beautiful but harsh landscape.
Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide
Contemplative Hiker Above Himalayan Valley

Trekking In Nepal – A Comprehensive Guide

Nepal is a backpacker’s dream come true, and planning a trek in Nepal isn’t as difficult as you might think. This guide will help you plan your next trip
Cirque of the Towers 3-Day Backpacking Loop – Wind River, WY
alpenglow on a granite craggy ridgeline reflecting over a lake

Cirque of the Towers 3-Day Backpacking Loop – Wind River, WY

The Wind River Range in Wyoming is a place you truly have to see to believe. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s dream come true. Where immense glacier-carved granite spires tower over crystal-clear lakes, rolling meadows, and fields choked with high-alpine wildflowers.
How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes
A hiker in a red rain jacket sitting on a rock to tie his Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots

How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes

How many ways can you tie your shoes? If you like to hike, you’ll need more than one.
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

Outdoor gifts handpicked by our team, including gear we’ve tested and additional finds for hikers, campers, and backpackers.
Mount Adams Backpacking Guide

Mount Adams Backpacking Guide

The Mount Adams Wilderness should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for the rare backpacking adventure in the Pacific Northwest that’s not overcrowded.
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