Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

A person using the Legacy poles and wearing a pack is walking up a trail towards the camera with pinion and juniper trees and a mesa in the background.

LEKI Legacy Lite Trekking Poles Review

Published: April 7, 2026

Affordable trekking poles with comfortable cork grips and ventilated handles that help keep hands cool. A dependable no-frills option for beginners and hikers seeking simple trail support.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Review

A person wearing a backpack and using the cascade poles is walking up a trail towards the camera. There are trees juniper trees in the background.

Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber Quick Lock Review

Published: April 7, 2026

Durable carbon fiber trekking poles with excellent value, versatile accessories, and comfortable cork grips. A great choice for hikers seeking strong performance without paying premium prices.

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review

Side close-up of a person wearing a Petzl headlamp over a beanie while adjusting the light with one hand.

Petzl ACTIK CORE Headlamp Review

Last Updated: April 6, 2026

This headlamp is a longtime favorite with bright and reliable performance, simple controls, and a recent upgrade to USB-C charging.

Coast FL97R Headlamp Review

Close-up of the Coast FL95R Headlamp front lens and reflector, resting in dry pine needles.

Coast FL97R Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026

This is a feature-rich headlamp with serious brightness, intuitive beam control, and a warm area light that works as propped up in a tent as it does on your head.

Petzl SWIFT LT Headlamp Review

Close-up of the Petzl Swift headlamp worn around the neck like a necklace, shining light onto a jacket.

Petzl SWIFT LT Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026

This is an ultralight headlamp that earns its place in fast-and-light kits, with a stable fit that stays put at a dead sprint and enough brightness for most trail use.

BioLite Range 500 Headlamp Review

Published: April 6, 2026

This headlamp is light enough for trail runs, tough enough for downpours, and back to fully charged before you finish packing up camp.

Best Down Jackets of 2026

Front view of a person smiling while wearing the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody with the hood fully zipped, standing in a snowy landscape with trees in the background.

Best Down Jackets of 2026

Last Updated: March 31, 2026

Down for an adventure? It’s time to layer up! Stay warm, cozy and comfy from city sidewalks to snowy slopes with our guide to the best puffy jackets for men and women.

HIMALI Accelerator Down Jacket Review

A male hiker shows the HIMALI Down Jacket layered underneath his rain jacket on a test hike

HIMALI Accelerator Down Jacket Review

Published: March 20, 2026

This down jacket’s performance and value rank among the best models we’ve tested and reviewed. Find out why this one became a team favorite almost immediately.

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026

Knee-down view of a hiker walking a ridge in the Cascade Mountains in the Men's Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Hiking boots deliver crucial ankle support and cushioning for tough trails, but not all boots are created equal. Here are the favorites we’ve tested and reviewed.

GR11 Backpacking Guide – Spanish Pyrenees

a hiker traverses a narrow ledge over a cliff with green mountains in the background

GR11 Backpacking Guide – Spanish Pyrenees

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Plan your backpacking trip on the GR11, a stunning 500-mile high-mountain route through the Spanish Pyrenees full of views, refugios, and challenging terrain.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Packing List Under 10 lbs

a hiker stands on a log next to a pond with a yellow backpack on her back

Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Packing List Under 10 lbs

Published: March 13, 2026

This ultralight backpacking gear list will keep you moving fast on trail comfortable in camp. Putting together a base weight under 10 pounds has never been easier.

Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026

A woman looks out at mountain peaks in the distance in front of a lake, wearing her sun hat.

Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Our guide to sun hats has you covered (literally). From paddleboarding at the lake to backyard hangs, see why these hats are the best of the best for comfort, protection, and more.

How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

All rain gear eventually needs some TLC – and maybe more often than you think. This guides walks you through the steps for successfully retreating your gear when…

Top Gear Picks of 2026

A hiker posing on top of a mountain at sunset

Top Gear Picks of 2026

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.

Half Dome Hiking Guide – Yosemite National Park

hiker standing on top of half dome in yosemite national park

Half Dome Hiking Guide – Yosemite National Park

Last Updated: January 24, 2026

Standing 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is without a doubt a US National Park icon. Here’s how to hike it:

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

Last Updated: January 21, 2026

Blisters don’t need to be a bummer on trail. This guide explains how to prevent blisters and how to treat them if they do pop up.