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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2025
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 2025

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.
10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2025
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2025

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 Daypacks of 2025
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2025

Whether you are bagging peaks or packing a picnic, our trail-tested recommendations for the best daypacks will help you keep all your essentials close at hand.
Salomon Trailblazer 20 pack Review

Salomon Trailblazer 20 pack Review

We recommend the Salomon Trailblazer 20 for hikers who need a streamlined daypack for just the essentials.
Mystery Ranch Gallagator Daypack Review

Mystery Ranch Gallagator Daypack Review

The Mystery Ranch Gallagator unzips at the front for easy access – making it great for shlepping our cameras, binoculars, and packable fishing poles.
Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Daypack Review
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Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Daypack Review

For comfortable, durable, and well-organized daypacks, we recommend twins from Osprey – the Stratos 24 for men and Sirrus 24 for women.
Venture Pal 35 Daypack Review
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Venture Pal 35 Daypack Review

The most afforable daypack we recommend, the Venture Pal 35 pairs a lot of storage capacity with not a lot of weight.
Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review
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Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review

Looking for unmatched warmth in a sleek, lightweight design? This alpine mid-layer balances high-performance insulation, packability, and weather resistance, excelling in outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review
A person wearing sunglasses and the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody with the hood up, standing in a snowy forest.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review

A durable and stretchy down jacket offering excellent mobility, cozy warmth, and versatility for outdoor activities and casual wear, ideal for shoulder seasons and active adventures.
10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025
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10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025

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.
Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Brooks Women's Catamount 4 close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Built for speed with plenty of cushion and just enough traction to grip a wide variety of terrain without compromising weight, these shoes will propel you up and down the trail.
Gregory Zulu 30 Daypack Review
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Gregory Zulu 30 Daypack Review

The Gregory Zulu 30 is a comfortable and supportive day pack with extra room for day hikers with bulky gear
Rab Protium 27 Daypack Review
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Rab Protium 27 Daypack Review

The Rab Protium’s price won’t work for everybody, but it’s worth every penny if you’re after a robust and versatile daypack
LL Bean Stowaway pack Review
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LL Bean Stowaway pack Review

Weighing only 14 ounces, the LL Bean Stowaway is seriously portable daypack for travel and shorter hikes.
REI Trail 25 pack Review
Closeup image of a man wearing a backpack with a foam sleeping pad on the bottom and two hiking poles attached.

REI Trail 25 pack Review

After testing this pack for 150+ miles in Colorado, we recommend it to hikers who want lots space on a budget.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
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