Blog | CleverHiker

Hoka Infini Hike TC Sandal Review

Published: July 13, 2026

Looking for Vibram quality traction with quick-drying comfort? These comfy hiking sandals are built for summer adventures that involve tough terrain and long days in and out of the water.

Lems Switchback Knit Sandal Review

Showing off the grip on a steep pitch of a flatiron scramble in the Lems Switchback Knit sandals.

Lems Switchback Knit Sandal Review

Published: July 13, 2026

These lightweight hiking sandals offer excellent comfort, traction, and versatility with a contoured footbed and colorful styling options perfect for difficult trails or lounging at the beach.

Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026

Close up image from knees down of a person ascending a steep sandy rock in hiking sandals

Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026

Last Updated: July 13, 2026

From buttery trails to talus fields, we put the best hiking sandals out there to the test. Whether you want comfort, traction, or versatility, you’ll find the pair you’re looking for here before getting outside.

Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review

Standing on a boulder in the Tread Lab Redway sandals in Salt Lake City.

Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review

Published: July 10, 2026

These highly comfortable sandals are one of our go-to’s for dependable durability, top-notch traction, and around-town comfort, making them perfect for hiking, backpacking, and casual wear on any terrain.

Best Rain Boots for Women of 2026

Close-up of purple ankle boots standing just under ankle deep in a shallow, rocky pool.

Best Rain Boots for Women of 2026

Last Updated: July 10, 2026

We wore these boots in the river, in the snow, and through the muck to see which held up best to the elements. Whether you’re looking for something to wear on muddy trails, around the farm, or in rainy cities – there’s something on this list for every occasion.

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

A hiker hikes away from the camera wearing a black backpack with red straps.

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026

This tactical/ultralight hybrid pack features a utility-forward design without the weight penalty, delivering streamlined functionality and true ultralight performance for covering serious miles.

Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review

A green backpack with a trekking pole attached sits on red sandstone.

Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026

Designed by one of the most seasoned thru-hikers out there, this dialed ultralight pack is purpose-built for the fastest and lightest of adventurers.

Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review

A hiker stands in the woods wearing a backpack with his back to the camera.

Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026

This high-tech ultralight pack offers vest-like comfort, efficient load support, and trustworthy waterproofing for fast, technical adventures in demanding backcountry conditions.

Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026

Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026

Last Updated: July 10, 2026

Now that you’ve got your ultralight kit dialed in, it’s time to upgrade your pack to match. Dive into our top picks to find which pack is best for you.

Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad Review

The Captain Comfort propped up against a picnic table shows horizontal air cells that provide comfort and support

Big Agnes Captain Comfort Deluxe Camp Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

The top of our list of the best camping mattresses is crowded with thick, luxury sleeping pads. But only one of them is 5 inches thick.

NEMO Flyer Cloud Sleeping Pad Review

The Nemo Flyer Cloud inflated inside our tester's tent

NEMO Flyer Cloud Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

This new sleeping pad combines air and foam for a 3-inch thick bed that’s less expensive and more packable than luxury campground sleep systems.

Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

Our tester in a hood faces away from the camera while laying on his side on the Camp Plus sleeping pad

Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self Inflating Sleeping Pad Review

Published: July 9, 2026

This budget-friendly sleeping pad may not be as luxurious as other self-inflating sleeping pads we recommend, but it’s a solid buy for its price.

Best Camping Mattresses of 2026

The Exped MegaMat Duo camping mattress in the REI Half Dome 4 Plus tent

Best Camping Mattresses of 2026

Last Updated: July 9, 2026

After months of side-by-side testing, we’ve curated our short list of the most comfortable sleeping pads for the campground. Which picks from Exped, Therm-a-Rest, REI, and other brands made the cut?

Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026

This cushioned trail running shoe marries deep lugs and a Vibram outsole with lightweight upper materials to make an aggressive trail running shoe that won’t weigh you down.

Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review

Close up of a runner wearing the Hoka Challenger 8

Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026

This shoe is the perfect combination of highly breathable, wide foot friendly, and extra grippy as well as lightweight and comfy.

Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review

Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review

Published: July 9, 2026

This durable shoe has a grippy outsole, breathable upper and maximum cushion. It accommodates wide or high-volume feet and is at home on a wide variety of terrain.