Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Close up from the knees down of a man climbing up a steep rock.

Men’s Salomon SpeedCross 6 Review

Last Updated: June 23, 2025

Take on big miles with these smooth and grippy trail runners. These have the glove-like fit you need for long runs on mixed terrain.

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

A close up of a hand holding the cork grip of the Leki Black Series FX Carbon pole with a forest in the background.

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Thanks to its folding design, these cork trekking poles pack down to just 16 inches. It is also quite durable and has a respectable weight. However, with an expensive price tag, it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Durston Iceline Trekking Poles Review

A person wearing a pack is standing on a rock holding their arms out and holding trekking poles in one hand. There is a rock outcrop and valley in the background.

Durston Iceline Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 22, 2025

Weight savings don’t have to mean enormous sacrifices. This trekking pole is streamlined and well thought out. Not only does that cut weight, but it makes this pole easy to use.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

A person is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Last Updated: June 21, 2025

If you’re looking for a pair of trekking poles with a great balance of strength and low weight, you can’t go wrong with the Gossamer Gear LT5s.

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 21, 2025

These poles are durable, comfortable, and user-friendly. With cork grips that absorb sweat and easy-to-adjust flick locks, they offer the perfect balance of features for the everyday hiker or backpacker. While they aren’t the lightest or most compact option, they still provide excellent value.

Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

A person's finger is looped through the heel loop on a trail running shoe. Image is close up and centered on the shoe.

Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

Last Updated: June 19, 2025

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is an excellent zero-drop trail runner that blends a huge toe box and great traction with a breathable, ergonomic design.

Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review

Close up from the knees down of a person wearing trail runners.

Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review

Last Updated: June 19, 2025

Say goodbye to squished toes — the Ultraventure 4’s ultra-roomy fit and sensitive lacing keeps you cruising comfortably from trail to town.

REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review

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

REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 19, 2025

Surprisingly tough in the field and lighter than average, these hiking poles make a good choice for the everyday hiker. We enjoyed using them in the Sky Islands and think you will too on your next adventure.

MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review

A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 19, 2025

With a solid performance all around, these trekking poles make a great option for a wide range of adventures. They are reasonably priced and come with helpful features that any hiker can appreciate.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review

A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using trekking poles in a forest.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 18, 2025

Check out why these are our favorite trekking poles overall. Basically they are comfy, not heavy, durable, simple and effective. Plus they work for snow and summer mountain pursuits!

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

A person is walking on a trail with a pair of trekking poles and a forest in the background.

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 18, 2025

These trekking poles are the best screaming deal pair we tested that aren’t made to fall apart immediately.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review

A person wearing a backpack is walking towards the camera on a trail using the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky, grassy, and hilly.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review

Published: June 16, 2025

These ultra-light, compact trekking poles are perfect for ultralight backpackers and trail runners. They pack down small, set up quickly, and offer impressively streamlined features for fast-paced adventures.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review

A person wearing a backpack and holding some poles is standing on a trail catching their breath with mountain views and a desert behind them.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 16, 2025

Carbon, cork, and long-lasting? Yes, this trekking pole has it. It isn’t the lightest, but this option is deluxe when it comes to more difficult hikes.

Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review

A person is using a pair of trekking poles to help them cross a shallow creek in the woods.

Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 16, 2025

If you sometimes need a pole or two, this might be a great fit. They are uber-ultralight and don’t cost a pretty penny.

Muttluks All Weather Dog Boot Review

A close up of a dog trotting on a dirt path wearing the Muttluks boots. There is tall, yellow grass in the background.

Muttluks All Weather Dog Boot Review

Published: June 14, 2025

Is there a middle ground between hiking boots and mushing boots? This boot is doing its best to find out! Click here to learn more.

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boot Review

Close up of a small terrier wearing the Ruffwear boots on a trail in the desert with a mountain in the background.

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boot Review

Published: June 14, 2025

Made specifically for hiking, these boots are durable with fantastic tread. Learn more about why these boots are well loved by many adventurers.