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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 2024

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

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024

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 2024

Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2024

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 2024

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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…

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2024

A hiker standing on a snowbank in the Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter boots with blue mountains on the horizon

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2024

Last Updated: December 13, 2024

Get the traction you need and keep the chill off your toes with a pair of our favorite winter hiking boots. These kicks are cozier than a snow day with a side of hot cocoa.

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024

Waist-down view of a hiker taking a rest break by sitting on some rocks in the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots with rocky, high-desert clifs in the background.

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024

Last Updated: December 12, 2024

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…

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review

A hiker crouches by a creek to fill a water bottle while wearing the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe base layer. Rocks and trees are in the background.

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review

Published: December 11, 2024

Perfect for high-output activities, this base layer provides just enough warmth while keeping you dry and comfortable.

Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review

a women smiling and putting her hair behind her ear with the other hand in her pocket of the patagonia mult trails shorts while on a dirt road in next to sage brush and ponderosas

Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review

Published: December 10, 2024

If you’re looking for affordable, durable shorts that work for hikes and casual outings, the Patagonia Baggies 5″ shorts are for you

Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe Review

A man adjusts the binding on a pair of snowshoes.

Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe Review

Published: December 10, 2024

This beginner-friendly snowshoe comes equipped with high-quality features that exceed its more budget-friendly price tag.

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Hiking Boot Review

Hiker wearing the Merrell Moab 3 WP Women's Hiking Boots

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 11, 2024

Perfect for weekend hikes and casual adventures, these boots are comfortable and durable. They have a trail-runner feel at an affordable price.

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boot Review

Hiker starting up a rocky ridge wearing the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Women's Hiking Boots

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 9, 2024

These hiking boots have a balance of comfort, ankle support, and waterproof protection, making them ideal for backpackers embarking on challenging, wet terrains.

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Hiker wearing the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Women's Hiking Boots and walking up a rocky trail.

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Published: December 7, 2024

These boots have excellent stability, weather resistance, and durability, making them great for long hikes and backpacking trips over rugged, uneven terrain.

Women’s Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Review