Home > Hiking

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.

Popular Content

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.
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.
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!
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 Stuff Sacks of 2026
A closeup of a stuff sack

Best Stuff Sacks of 2026

Last Updated: August 12, 2026
Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way to effectively store them.
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: August 6, 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.
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: August 4, 2026
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 Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026
Close up image from knees down of a person ascending a steep sandy rock in hiking sandals

Best Hiking Sandals for Men of 2026

Last Updated: July 30, 2026
From buttery trails to talus fields, we put the best hiking sandals out there to the test. Whether you want comfort, traction, or versatility, you’ll find the pair you’re looking for here before getting outside.
Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026
A woman zips the Fjallraven Nuuk

Best Winter Jackets for Women of 2026

Last Updated: July 29, 2026
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 Best Winter Gloves of 2026
A man shows the palms of his gloves.

10 Best Winter Gloves of 2026

Last Updated: July 28, 2026
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.
Best Hydration Packs of 2026
A closeup of a person wearing a backpack in a wilderness area.

Best Hydration Packs of 2026

Last Updated: July 27, 2026
Need a hydration pack that won’t let you down? We’ve tested the best — whether you’re hiking, biking, or running, we’ve got the lowdown on weight, comfort, storage, and more!
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

Last Updated: July 22, 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 Power Banks for Backpacking of 2026
The Iniu 20000 PD power bank sitting on a granite slab while charging a rechargeable Biolite headlamp with the Wallowa Mountains at sunset in the background

Best Power Banks for Backpacking of 2026

Last Updated: July 17, 2026
Supercharge your backcountry adventures with our guide to the most portable, dependable, and lightweight power banks out there.
Lems Switchback Knit Sandal Review
Showing off the grip on a steep pitch of a flatiron scramble in the Lems Switchback Knit sandals.

Lems Switchback Knit Sandal Review

Published: July 13, 2026
These lightweight hiking sandals offer excellent comfort, traction, and versatility with a contoured footbed and colorful styling options perfect for difficult trails or lounging at the beach.
Hoka Infini Hike TC Sandal Review
Showing off the side profile of the Hoka Infini Hike TC's on Mount Lincoln.

Hoka Infini Hike TC Sandal Review

Published: July 13, 2026
Looking for Vibram quality traction with quick-drying comfort? These comfy hiking sandals are built for summer adventures that involve tough terrain and long days in and out of the water.
Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review
Standing on a boulder in the Tread Lab Redway sandals in Salt Lake City.

Tread Labs Redway Hiking Sandal Review

Published: July 10, 2026
These highly comfortable sandals are one of our go-to’s for dependable durability, top-notch traction, and around-town comfort, making them perfect for hiking, backpacking, and casual wear on any terrain.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker hikes away from the camera wearing a black backpack with red straps.

Mountainsmith Zerk 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026
This tactical/ultralight hybrid pack features a utility-forward design without the weight penalty, delivering streamlined functionality and true ultralight performance for covering serious miles.
Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review
A green backpack with a trekking pole attached sits on red sandstone.

Evolved Supply Co. The Ranger Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026
Designed by one of the most seasoned thru-hikers out there, this dialed ultralight pack is purpose-built for the fastest and lightest of adventurers.
Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker stands in the woods wearing a backpack with his back to the camera.

Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Ultralight Backpack Review

Published: July 10, 2026
This high-tech ultralight pack offers vest-like comfort, efficient load support, and trustworthy waterproofing for fast, technical adventures in demanding backcountry conditions.
Women’s Brooks Cascadia 19 Review
Runner tying the laces on the Brooks Cascadia 19

Women’s Brooks Cascadia 19 Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026
These trail runners will provide you with cushioned ground feel, excellent traction, and plenty of room in the toes.
1 2 3 … 38