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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 fast summit missions to gear-heavy winter hikes, these are the daypacks that stood out after extensive side-by-side trail testing.
Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026

Fanny packs are making a comeback, and we’re on board. We stuffed these packs full and dragged them through rocks, dirt, and water to see which ones held up best.
Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

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!
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

Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

Whether you’re hiking to the summit or strolling neighborhood trails with your dog, these tights are up to the task with ample features and durability for hitting 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 Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
A hiker pumps with the msr guardian filter. the pre filter is submerged in murky water and a nalgene bottle is attached to the bottom of the filter.

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: October 16, 2026
Our favorite backpacking water filters and purifiers, chosen for real-world usability, source conditions, long-term performance, and weight.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
a hiker with their hood up in a forest in the rain.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Extremely low weight and useful coverage appeal to long-distance backpackers, while thin fabric and missing pockets are real compromises.
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Minimal weight is the draw for emergency rain protection; a lack of vents limits its usefulness during strenuous wet-weather hiking.
Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Our field-tested rain jacket picks balance rain protection, comfort, ventilation, durability, weight, and price for different trails and conditions.
REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A budget-friendly shell offers thoughtful features for short hikes but wets out during extended heavy rain and can run large.
Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man stands in front of a yellow meadow with fall foliage.

Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Extra-long torso vents make this a strong choice for hikers who overheat in wet weather, but the fit and weight are worth checking.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A durable three-layer shell with a long record in heavy rain is an outstanding all-around value, provided you can accept a bulkier, warmer fit.
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A remarkably light, vented shell works well for backpackers who count ounces and can take extra care of thin fabric.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A mobile, midweight option is worth considering, but heavier three-layer alternatives offer more confidence in prolonged heavy rain.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review
A man reaches in a wet and icy cave.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Quiet, stretchy fabric feels unusually comfortable on the trail, although the hood and cuff details are not our favorites for severe storms.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A stretchy, three-layer design balances features and price, although its packed weight is less attractive to dedicated ultralight hikers.
REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a maroon rain jacket.

REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A comfortable low-cost jacket suits short, easy outings, but poor breathability, limited storm protection, and bulky weight restrict its use.
Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review
A front shot of an orange rain jacket showing the different pockets.

Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Low weight and supple movement suit quick mountain adventures, while limited venting and cuff adjustment compromise versatility.
Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review
A rear view of a hiking reclining on a mountain ridge at 12,000 feet in the Norrona trollveggen waterproof jacket

Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Guide-oriented weather protection, articulation, and airflow come at a price that makes sense primarily for demanding alpine use.
Best Hiking Pants for Women of 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 of 2026

Last Updated: October 13, 2026
From durable softshells to breathable budget picks and comfortable joggers, these are the women’s hiking pants that earned a place in our current lineup after extensive field testing
Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Your bank account will love these hiking pants.
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