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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.
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!
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

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.
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 13, 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.
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.
Women’s Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner Review
Close up of the Altra Experience Wild 3+

Women’s Altra Experience Wild 3+ Trail Runner Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026
Trail ready with plenty of room for your toes and thick cushioning this shoe will take you from trail to summit and back again.
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review
Side profile of a pair of Hoka shoes.

Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026
This cushioned trail running shoe marries deep lugs and a Vibram outsole with lightweight upper materials to make an aggressive trail running shoe that won’t weigh you down.
Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review
Close up of the of the Lowa Skyterra

Lowa Skyterra Women’s Trail Runner Review

Published: July 9, 2026
This durable shoe has a grippy outsole, breathable upper and maximum cushion. It accommodates wide or high-volume feet and is at home on a wide variety of terrain.
Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review
Close up of a runner wearing the Hoka Challenger 8

Women’s HOKA Challenger 8 Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2026
This shoe is the perfect combination of highly breathable, wide foot friendly, and extra grippy as well as lightweight and comfy.
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review
A woman adjusts the tongue on her shoe.

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 16 Review

Last Updated: July 8, 2026
This non-fussy, lightweight, high traction shoe provides maximum performance on a variety of trails. Therefore, it will appeal to a wide array of runners and hikers.
Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review
Runner wearing the Topo Terraventure 5

Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review

Last Updated: July 8, 2026
This update to a rockstar shoe features a sturdy build, minimal drop, moderate cushion, and incredible traction that will take you anywhere you want to run.
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

Last Updated: July 7, 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.
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