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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 person with a black dog looks out over a rocky landscape filled with pines. An EXPED brand pack is on their bag and a fly fishing rod is strapped to the side.

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

Osprey Mira 24/Manta 24 Hydration Pack Review
A woman stands on a trail showing the front of her hydration pack.

Osprey Mira 24/Manta 24 Hydration Pack Review

Last Updated: April 17, 2026
This is a mid-sized pack perfect for longer day hikes, bike rides, and outdoor adventures, featuring a breathable back panel, adjustable torso, easy-to-use compartments, and a rain cover.
CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack Review
A woman hikes, a long trail wearing her hydration pack.

CamelBak Cloud Walker 18 Hydration Pack Review

Published: April 17, 2026
This is a simple, lightweight, minimalist, and affordable unisex hydration pack that is easy to take on the go.
Osprey Raven 14/Raptor 14 Hydration Pack Review
A woman walks across a bridge with her day pack.

Osprey Raven 14/Raptor 14 Hydration Pack Review

Published: April 17, 2026
This is a small, well-organized hydration pack, specifically designed for biking, but it still fits the bill for day hiking.
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.
LuvdBaby Toddler Carrier Backpack Review
Tester wearing the Luvdbaby Premium child carrier while walking through a snowy pine forest with a child seated in the pack.

LuvdBaby Toddler Carrier Backpack Review

Published: April 10, 2026
A framed carrier that punches above its weight on the accessories list, with a sunshade, rain cover, insulated pocket, and diaper pad all included at a budget price.
Osprey Poco Soft Child Carrier Review
Tester hiking in snowy conditions with a child riding in the Osprey Poco Soft, showing the carrier’s back panel and compact shape.

Osprey Poco Soft Child Carrier Review

Published: April 10, 2026
A soft carrier designed with hikers in mind: ripstop nylon construction, a structured hipbelt that actually moves weight to your hips, three carry positions, and a deployable sunshade.
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