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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 Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026

Last Updated: January 13, 2026
Whether you’re trekking in the depths of winter or traversing north-facing slopes in spring, a pair of traction devices offers surefootedness and peace of mind in slick conditions.
How to Hike & Backpack More Comfortably While Pregnant
Pregnant person hiking on a flat trail, wearing maternity shorts and a t-shirt, with their white/yellow medium sized dog.

How to Hike & Backpack More Comfortably While Pregnant

Published: January 13, 2026
Pregnancy doesn’t have to pause your time outside. These practical tips help you hike and backpack more comfortably, safely, and confidently as your body changes.
Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026
A woman zips the Fjallraven Nuuk

Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026

Last Updated: December 27, 2025
We tested this year’s finest winter jackets and parkas in Colorado, Montana, and British Columbia to find the most stylish, toasty, and windproof layers for taking on driving snow, wintery mixes, and sub-zero temperatures.
10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain
A person is standing in a mountain meadow on a rainy day wearing a soaked pair of the Dynama pants.

10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain

Last Updated: December 22, 2025
There’s no doubt that rainy and cold conditions add an element of challenge to getting outside. Our tips will keep you happy and dry.
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026
All the boots we tested are lined up on top of the snow with mountains in the background.

Best Winter Boots for Women of 2026

Last Updated: December 20, 2025
We’ve braved the winter chill to find top-notch boots that blend function with fashion. These winter wonders will keep you stomping away with confidence.
Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026
A closeup of the leather of winter hiking boots.

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026

Last Updated: December 20, 2025
We’ve covered hundreds of miles on and off trail to bring you the best winter boots available – from heavy-duty options to some closer to insulated running shoes.
10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026
A man shows the palms of his gloves.

10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026

Last Updated: December 15, 2025
From snow and slush to icy water, we’ve dunked our hands and hiked mile after mile to find which gloves will keep your hands the warmest no matter what winter throws at you.
6 Safety Tips For Hiking with Kids

6 Safety Tips For Hiking with Kids

Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Our top safety tips for hiking with your kiddos will ensure that they have an experience that will cultivate a lifelong passion for the wilderness.
Men’s Paka Apu Parka Review
A man snowshoes through a winter landscape with mountains in the background.

Men’s Paka Apu Parka Review

Published: December 10, 2025
This jacket combines alpaca and synthetic insulation with dependable weather protection, offering warm, breathable comfort and trustworthy performance for active use in cold winter conditions.
Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SV Review
A person in a green jacket and yellow gloves stands in a snowy yard holding firewood, surrounded by snow-covered trees.

Men’s Arc’teryx Atom SV Review

Published: December 10, 2025
Lightweight yet warm, this alpine-focused jacket excels in cold, fast-moving missions, offering exceptional comfort, breathability, and packability for demanding mountain pursuits and backcountry adventures.
Men’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review
A man stands on a snowy hill overlooking the ocean at sunset.

Men’s Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review

Published: December 9, 2025
This versatile 3-in-1 jacket combines warmth, waterproof protection, and everyday style, making it a dependable choice for city commutes and cold-weather adventures alike.
100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested
CleverHiker Gift Guide Hero Image - Winter 2

100+ Best Gifts for Hikers: Expert-Tested

Last Updated: December 8, 2025
From socks to sleeping bags, we’ve got every adventure covered in this year’s outdoor gift guide. Check out our top-notch gear picks for hikers, backpackers, and weekend warriors, with something for every budget.
Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2026
A man with a backpack wearing a red REI Stormhenge winter jacket in a snowy scene

Best Winter Jackets for Men of 2026

Last Updated: December 8, 2025
We’ve taken the guesswork out of finding the best jackets to bundle up in and keep you warm and dry this winter season.
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

Published: December 5, 2025
Full-featured rain pants with thigh-length side zips, comfortable fabric, elastic waistband, all in a package made with recycled fabrics.
Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review
Demonstrating the full length side zips on the Arc'teryx Beta Pants.

Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants Review

Published: December 4, 2025
Rain pants with full-length thigh thigh zips, a three-layered GORE-TEX construction, and adjustable ankle cuffs for maximum protection and durability.
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Rain Pants Review
Hiking down some rocks in the Salomon Bonatti pants.

Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Rain Pants Review

Published: December 4, 2025
Fully waterproof, ultralight, mobility-friendly rain pants with ankle zips and an exceptionally comfortable elastic waistband tailor-made for backpacking and bikepacking trips.
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