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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.
10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026

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 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 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

Last Updated: June 3, 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.
Osprey Stratos 24/Sirrus 24 Daypack Review
Close up of a man in a red hiking shirt wearing a blue Osprey Stratos daypack in a redrock slot canyon

Osprey Stratos 24/Sirrus 24 Daypack Review

Last Updated: June 3, 2026
For a comfortable, durable, and well-organized daypack, it’s hard to beat this Osprey standout. It’s one of the most comfortable and supportive we’ve tested.
Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Daypack Review
A male hiker stares at pink streaked hoodoos with the Black Diamond Pursuit on his back.

Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Daypack Review

Published: June 3, 2026
If you’re into scrambling, peak-bagging, or fastpacking, we like this lightweight, body-hugging daypack that borrows some of the best features from running vests.
Rab Syclon XP 30L Daypack Review
A hiker stares at a hoodoo while wearing a blue and black Rab Sylon XP daypack.

Rab Syclon XP 30L Daypack Review

Published: June 3, 2026
If you’re not a fair-weather day hiker, we’re big fans of this waterproof daypack with an exceptionally comfortable back panel.
Osprey Sportlite 20 Daypack Review
Our gear analyst hiking through a redrock slot canyon with the Osprey Sportlite 20 on his back.

Osprey Sportlite 20 Daypack Review

Published: June 3, 2026
Compared with other budget-friendly options, Osprey’s entry-level daypack offers hikers more features for less money.
Best Multitools of 2026
Top-down view of a variety of colorful multitools on a black background

Best Multitools of 2026

Last Updated: May 28, 2026
Equip yourself like a pro and elevate your everyday carry with our definitive guide to the best multitools of the year based on price, number of functions, and durability.
Roxon Flex Multitool Review
A hand holds a multi tool with all of its implements spread

Roxon Flex Multitool Review

Published: May 28, 2026
With an innovative modular system and excellent ease of use, this multitool made us rethink what we want from our multitools.
Rocktol Gen R Multitool Review
A multi tool with its implements spread wide sits on a desk surrounded by plants

Rocktol Gen R Multitool Review

Published: May 28, 2026
We thought highly of this feature-packed tool, loving its combination of quality, price, and performance. It’s our go-to recommendation for a general-purpose multitool that anyone can be happy with.
Nextool F12 Multitool Review
A multi tool on a desk with the knife extended

Nextool F12 Multitool Review

Published: May 28, 2026
With big pliers and big scissors packed into a seriously compact frame, we were delighted by this little multitool, and would easily reach for it to adorn our pockets any day of the week.
Best Running Hydration Vests & Packs of 2026
Runner wearing a Black Diamond Women's Distance 4 Hydration Vest

Best Running Hydration Vests & Packs of 2026

Last Updated: May 26, 2026
Whether you’re looking for a hydration companion for race day or a workhorse storage solution to keep you powering along in the mountains, we’ve got the running vest for you.
The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 Review
Close-up of the back of a black running vest.

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 Review

Published: May 26, 2026
Whether you’re racing or training, this streamlined vest offers excellent organization, lightweight fabrics, and a breathable construction for hard efforts on the trail.
Patagonia Slope Runner Vest Review
Close-up of a woman wearing a black running vest standing in front of greenery.

Patagonia Slope Runner Vest Review

Published: May 26, 2026
A minimalist vest that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, this well-rounded design offers a streamlined hydration and storage solution for runs of varying lengths.
Black Diamond Distance 8 Review
Close-up image of a blue running vest from the back. The person wearing it has her hands on her hips.

Black Diamond Distance 8 Review

Published: May 26, 2026
Combining the harness system of a running vest with the capacity of a mountain daypack, this design is a standout for fast-paced alpine adventures.
UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest Review
Close-up image of the front of a black running vest.

UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest Review

Published: May 26, 2026
This vest offers plenty of organization and capacity for running essentials. along with handy water bottle pockets at the front and back – a rarity in the market.
Osprey Dyna Pro 7 Running Vest Review
Woman running on a flat, forested trail wearing a purple hydration vest.

Osprey Dyna Pro 7 Running Vest Review

Published: May 26, 2026
This hydration vest offers plenty of space for hydration, calories, layers, and essentials, making it a versatile option for training, racing, and even technical mountain adventures.
Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026
Our tester wearing the Earth Runner Alpha sandals on a hike.

Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2026

Last Updated: May 25, 2026
Whether you’re heading out for a paddle or setting off on a grand hiking adventure, your perfect pair of sandals is on our list.
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