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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

We hope to inspire adventure and promote wilderness conservation through in-depth gear reviews, skill-based tutorials, and comprehensive trip guides.

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Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026

From summit scrambles to scenic strolls, the right daypack makes all the difference. Check out which packs made our list before you hit the trail.
10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026

Fanny packs may have been considered a fashion faux-pas at one point, but nowadays it seems like we don’t make it a mile…
10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026

We’ve taste-tested the best energy bars for hiking and they’re almost as satisfying as finally reaching the summit. Let your snacking adventure begin!
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026
two people sitting on a log, one in blue leggings and one in pastel pink leggings. close-up on just the bottom half. person wearing pink leggings is touching the fabric

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

Whether hiking to the summit or strolling your neighborhood trails with your dog during any season, our gear testers stretched the limits of the best hiking leggings on the market. Check out our list of products designed for women that provide all the features, fit, and durability you need on the trail.
Best Trekking Poles of 2026
A female backpacker hiking up to the top of a red, rocky mountain pass in Glacier National Park using the REI Flash Carbon trekking poles

Best Trekking Poles of 2026

We’ve rigorously tested these trekking poles over thousands of miles to find the sturdiest and most lightweight options. Get more stability on tough terrain…
Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist
Two women hiking, featuring hiking leggings of two different styles and patterns, one plain blue, and another also blue but camouflage like. Also a small dog, yellow fur. Both women are wearing day packs and rain jackets. The background is green plants and trees. The women are looking out at the view.

Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

We love a good checklist to help us prepare for a trip – even if we’re just going out for a day hike…

All Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides Content

Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2026
A hiker standing on a rock wearing the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a beautiful view of craggy mountain peaks in the background at high altitude.

Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 4, 2026
We’ve hiked thousands of miles in the best hiking shoes available to see which ones gained the most traction with our team of experts…
Best Hiking Pants for Women 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 2026

Last Updated: March 2, 2026
From comfort to durability, we tested a variety of hiking pants to find the best options for every adventure. Discover which pants offer the perfect balance of value, mobility, and performance.
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Last Updated: February 28, 2026
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, PrAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
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: February 26, 2026
We’ve trekked thousands of miles in drizzles, downpours and snow to find the most protective, versatile, and comfy rain pants out there. Any weather is hiking weather with the right gear!
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: February 24, 2026
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
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

Last Updated: February 24, 2026
Whether you need to crush big days in comfort or blaze your own path through the backcountry, these are the best pants for hiking, backpacking, and big adventures.
Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026

Last Updated: February 23, 2026
From summit scrambles to scenic strolls, the right daypack makes all the difference. Check out which packs made our list before you hit the trail.
Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2026
Two hikers wearing the Keen Targhee IV WP and Merrell Moab 3 WP Women's Hiking Boots

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2026

Last Updated: February 23, 2026
After rigorous on-trail testing, we’ve narrowed down our list of the most comfortable, durable, and lightweight hiking boots to keep you moving on…
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: February 23, 2026
Every year we round up the best women’s hiking shoes and test them in the mountains to bring you a complete review of which are most comfortable, durable, supportive, and trail-worthy.
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026
two people sitting on a log, one in blue leggings and one in pastel pink leggings. close-up on just the bottom half. person wearing pink leggings is touching the fabric

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Whether hiking to the summit or strolling your neighborhood trails with your dog during any season, our gear testers stretched the limits of the best hiking leggings on the market. Check out our list of products designed for women that provide all the features, fit, and durability you need on the trail.
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: February 22, 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.
Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026
Knee-down view of a hiker walking a ridge in the Cascade Mountains in the Men's Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026

Last Updated: February 21, 2026
Hiking boots deliver crucial ankle support and cushioning for tough trails, but not all boots are created equal. Here are the favorites we’ve tested and reviewed.
Best Camping Lanterns of 2026
Nine lanterns- the LE 1000LM LED lantern, Black Diamond Moji, GoalZero Lighthouse 600, GoalZero Lighthouse Micro Flash, LuminAid String Light, Coleman Rugged Rechargeable, BioLite AlpenGlow 500, LuminAid Packlite Max 2-in-1, and LightUpCamp LED Solar Powered Foldable Camping Light- sit beside each other on a rock. The last remaining daylight illuminates the peaks of mountains in the background.

Best Camping Lanterns of 2026

Last Updated: February 15, 2026
When daylight fades, don’t fumble in the dark. Whether you need a lantern that’s bright, tough, or tricked out, these are the best of the best to keep the good times glowing after dark.
Best Hiking Gaiters of 2026
A closeup of hikng giaters with a mountainous background.

Best Hiking Gaiters of 2026

Last Updated: February 15, 2026
Tired of rocks in your shoes? We put the best gaiters on the market toe-to-toe with gravel, mud, and rain. Find out which models keep your feet protected, dry, and happy.
Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026
A woman looks out at mountain peaks in the distance in front of a lake, wearing her sun hat.

Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Our guide to sun hats has you covered (literally). From paddleboarding at the lake to backyard hangs, see why these hats are the best of the best for comfort, protection, and more.
How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

Last Updated: February 11, 2026
All rain gear eventually needs some TLC – and maybe more often than you think. This guides walks you through the steps for successfully retreating your gear when…
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