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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.
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 Hiking Underwear For Men of 2026
A guy wearing many pairs of underwear

Best Hiking Underwear For Men of 2026

Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Whether it’s superior odor resistance, ultra breathability, or cozy comfort, a good pair of underwear goes a long way towards increasing your comfort on trail.
Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026
the fork end of a plastic spork sticks out of the top of a backpacking meal with a mountain in the background.

Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026

Last Updated: August 31, 2026
Stir things up with our brand new guide to the best camping utensils. From plant-based plastic to finely crafted titanium, we dig into which sporks, spoons and sets have us coming back for seconds.
35 Great Deals at REI’s Labor Day Sale 2026
A person places a can inside a soft-sided cooler. There are mountains and a lake in the background.

35 Great Deals at REI’s Labor Day Sale 2026

Published: August 28, 2026
REI’s Labor Day Sale is here! Dig into the deals with our guide to the best camping, backpacking, and hiking gear to fuel your fall adventures.
Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2026
10 baby backpack carriers lineup up in front of a wood pile with pine trees in the background.

Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: August 27, 2026
Explore the top baby backpack carriers ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures. We have evaluated the leading models based on comfort, durability, features, and value to identify the best options tailored to each unique requirement.
10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2026
Semi-aerial view of dozens of electrolyte powders and mixes on a camping table

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2026

Last Updated: August 25, 2026
Sip, sip, hooray! We’ve trail-tested the most flavorful, nutritious, and delicious hydration mixes out there so you can stay fueled up on your adventures.
Best Hiking Underwear For Women of 2026
Six pairs of the women's hiking underwear tested laid out on a fence

Best Hiking Underwear For Women of 2026

Last Updated: August 24, 2026
Stay comfortable on the trail with the best women’s hiking underwear. Check out our top-tested picks for moisture-wicking, chafe-free, and durable designs made for adventure.
15 Pieces of Game-Changing Gear from Outdoor Retailer 2026
A collage of different products from Outdoor Retailer 2026

15 Pieces of Game-Changing Gear from Outdoor Retailer 2026

Published: August 24, 2026
Check out our lineup of the best gear we saw at Outdoor Retailer 2026. It’ll change the way you think about backpacking.
Best Dog Boots of 2026
A close up of a German Shepherd Dog wearing the Expawlorer jumping in the snow in a forest.

Best Dog Boots of 2026

Last Updated: August 21, 2026
We’ve spent thousands of miles hiking with our dogs. From hot pavement to deep snow, we’ve rounded up the best dog boots to keep your pup’s toe beans safe for any adventure.
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

Last Updated: August 18, 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 Shoes for Kids of 2026

Best Hiking Shoes for Kids of 2026

Last Updated: August 18, 2026
Kiddos need reliable footwear out on trail as much as adults. Check out our review of the best hiking shoes for kids so your little one can cruise along with you on your next adventure.
Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026
A closeup of the leather of winter hiking boots.

Best Winter Boots for Men of 2026

Last Updated: August 17, 2026
We’ve covered hundreds of miles on and off trail to bring you the best winter boots available — from heavy-duty options to some closer to insulated running shoes.
Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: August 14, 2026
We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will keep you safe in the backcountry.
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.
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