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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 22, 2026
We hit the ground running to find the best trail runners for every type of terrain. From mountain ridges to forest paths, we’ll help you find the right shoe for you.
Best Hydration Bladders of 2026
A hiker drinks from a water bladder without a hose. A desert sunset is in the background.

Best Hydration Bladders of 2026

Last Updated: April 21, 2026
We’ve logged miles upon miles on the trails and hours of research to select and test this year’s best hydration bladders.
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

Last Updated: April 15, 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.
Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review
Closeup of hiking shoes while standing on a log.

Women’s Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 Low GTX Review

Last Updated: April 15, 2026
This hiking shoe is a standout choice for rugged adventures thanks to great cushioning, protection, and long-term durability.
Best Headlamps of 2026
A backpacker reading a map in his tent at night using the Black Diamond Spot headlamps

Best Headlamps of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve trail-tested over 40 of the most promising headlamps on long night hikes, family camping trips, and pre-dawn climbs – so you don’t have to.
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026
A person sitting on an overlook with a beautiful scene in the background, with a focus on her hiking shoes.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
We’ve logged countless miles on trail to find the best hiking shoes for different hiking styles, foot shapes, and weather. Lace up and get outside with our guide to footwear for happy feet.
Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review
A woman cinches up her hiking shoe.

Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low Review

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
This is an excellent all-around pick for a comfy, durable, high-performance, and lightweight trail shoe that excels in any terrain.
Women’s Altra Olympus 6 Review
A woman walks across a mossy log.

Women’s Altra Olympus 6 Review

Last Updated: April 14, 2026
This shoe offers reliable protection, durability, and comfort over long distances – surpassing the popular Lone Peaks in these metrics.
Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review
Side profile of a pair of Hoka shoes.

Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review

Published: April 14, 2026
The newest version of this shoe offers an impressive upgrade in performance, including improved comfort, responsiveness, and grip.
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review
A woman adjusts the tongue on her shoe.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review

Last Updated: April 13, 2026
This lightweight, grippy, and breathable shoe provides well-rounded performance for trail runners and hikers alike.
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: April 10, 2026
From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026
Our tester wearing the Earth Runner Alpha sandals on a hike.

Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026

Last Updated: April 10, 2026
Whether you’re heading out for a paddle or setting off on a grand hiking adventure, your perfect pair of sandals is on our list.
Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2026
10 baby backpack carriers lineup up in front of a wood pile with pine trees in the background.

Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: April 10, 2026
Explore the top baby backpack carriers ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. We have evaluated the leading models based on comfort, durability, features, and value to identify the best options tailored to each unique requirement.
Nitecore NB Air Power Bank Review
Closeup of the NB Air sitting on a rock charging a Nitecore headlamp. There is a pinion-juniper forest in the background.

Nitecore NB Air Power Bank Review

Published: April 10, 2026
This compact, ultralight power bank is ideal for overnight trips, delivering fast recharging, excellent portability, and just enough power for quick top-offs on the trail.
Nitecore NB10000 Gen4 Power Bank Review
Closeup of the Nitecore NB10000 sitting on leaves on the ground.

Nitecore NB10000 Gen4 Power Bank Review

Published: April 10, 2026
Ultralight and highly efficient, this compact power bank delivers fast charging, excellent portability, and thoughtful features, making it a favorite for backpackers who want dependable power at minimal weight.
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

Published: April 10, 2026
If you’re a guide or beast-mode hiker needing the most rugged, PFAS-free, GORE-TEX shell for high-altitude adventures, the Norrona trollveggen Pro Light may be the best investment.
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