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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 2025
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2025

Whether you are bagging peaks or packing a picnic, our trail-tested recommendations for the best daypacks will help you keep all your essentials close at hand.
10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2025
Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2025

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 2025
A runner eating a Clif Bar

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2025

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 2025
A blonde backpacker sitting on a rock in front of an icey lake in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2025

We’ve tested the best hiking leggings and tights to keep you moving effortlessly through any terrain. We tested models with just the right combo of mobility…
Best Trekking Poles of 2025
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 2025

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

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

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
Person standing in a snowy forest wearing the REI Magma 850 Down Hoody, facing sideways with the hood up.

REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review

A lightweight, versatile down jacket with great warmth, packability, and thoughtful features. It’s sustainably made and balances performance with comfort, ideal for backpacking or around town.
8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review
A person sits in a red tent pitched on snow, wearing a lightweight down jacket with snow-covered boots.

8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review

This ultralight and packable down jacket is built for adventure. With an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compact design, it’s the ultimate choice for backpackers, climbers, and anyone pushing the limits outdoors.
Wet Weather Warrior: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
A person wearing the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody with the hood up, surrounded by a snowy forest landscape.

Wet Weather Warrior: Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

This rugged down jacket combines high-quality insulation and waterproof fabric for durability and moisture resistance, making it perfect for shoulder-season adventures in light rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Reliable and versatile.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review
A man walks down a rocky ridge over an ocean view in the winter.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review

Combining premium down insulation with stretchy, durable fabric, this parka offers unmatched warmth and freedom of movement.
REI Flash 22 Daypack Review

REI Flash 22 Daypack Review

Ultralight and frameless, the REI Flash 22 is one of our top picks – and for an excellent price, too.
Osprey Talon/Tempest 22 Daypack Review
A person wears a backpack facing away from the camera in a snowy setting.

Osprey Talon/Tempest 22 Daypack Review

The Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20 are ideal for men (Talon) and women (Tempest) who want a versatile, comfortable, fully featured pack.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack Review
Close up of a backpack on a person's back in the desert.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack Review

After 250 miles of testing, the Osprey Daylite Plus earned a spot on our list of the best daypacks for hiking. Here’s why we like it:
Gregory Citro 24 H2O/Juno 24 H2O Review
A closeup of a person wearing a backpack in a wilderness area.

Gregory Citro 24 H2O/Juno 24 H2O Review

For a durable pack with a stellar hydration system, look no further than the men’s Gregory Citro 24 H20 and women’s Juno 24 H20.
Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack Review
Close up image from behind of a person wearing a backpack.

Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack Review

Based on 250 miles of testing, we recommend the The Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack for minimalists who need space for gear-intensive day hikes.
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review
A man in a puffy jacket smiles as he walks through a desert canyon.

Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review

Warm and durable, with 800-fill down and weather-resistant fabric, this retro-inspired jacket is perfect for outdoor adventures or everyday wear. It effortlessly balances style, comfort, and performance.
Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review
A man in winter gear hikes through deep snow in a field.

Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket Review

Packed with hydrophobic down and offering unbeatable warmth, this jacket is lightweight, water-resistant, and built for extreme cold.
REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review
A man snowshoes through a blizzard

REI Stormhenge 850 Hybrid Winter Jacket Review

Perfect for hiking or everyday wear, this jacket features responsibly sourced down, breathable fabric, and smart features for all your adventures.
New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review
A person adjusting the zipper on the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody, with the hood up, standing outdoors in a snowy forest setting.

New Favorite: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody Review

We went looking for a jacket that balances warmth and weight without compromising performance, and this one is one of the best.
Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review
A person standing in snowy terrain wearing the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket fully zipped with the hood up for maximum protection.

Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket Review

Built for cold-weather adventures, this jacket combines 700-fill hydrophobic down with a Pertex Quantum shell for reliable warmth and durability. Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing insulation over weight.
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review
Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

This versatile down jacket offers warmth, comfort, and weather resistance for cool-weather adventures. Though not the lightest, it excels in moderate conditions and is a reliable choice for everyday use.
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