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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Water Bottles of 2025
Blue and black HydraPak Flux water bottles fitted with Katadyn BeFree Water Filters in front of the clear-blue McKenzie River

Best Water Bottles of 2025

Hydration is critical to tackling adventures close to home and off the beaten path. Our recommendations walk you through the best water bottles.
Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review
close up of a person holding the leatherman wave+

Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review

The Leatherman Wave+ earned a top spot on our best multitool list for being a solid and reliable tool packed with quality, durability, and versatility.
Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review
The Gerber Dual force cutting hay bale netting with its knife blade.

Gerber Dual-Force Multitool Review

Compact and powerful, this tool shines with its slip-joint pliers, offering impressive strength and smooth operation for heavy-duty tasks.
Leatherman Surge Multitool Review
The Leatherman Surge held above a log, with its pliers extended.

Leatherman Surge Multitool Review

With a reputation as a jack-of-all-trades, this multitool lives up to the hype. It’s one of Leatherman’s most durable and versatile multitools, equipped with 21 tools…
REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker faces away from the camera while wearing a grey backpack with an orange sleeping pad on top and red rocks in the background.

REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Built to ease you into the style of ultralight backpacking, this pack features a sturdy hipbelt, ample airflow, luxurious padding, and a suspension system reminiscent of traditional backpacking backpacks.
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
AhikerwearingtheZPacksArcBlastBackpackinZionNationalPark-2

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

Built by extreme ounce-counters for extreme ounce-counters, this pack prioritizes function and longevity over luxury. It’s one of the lightest packs on the market without compromising on durability or weather resistance.
Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker wearing a black backpack with an orange sleeping pad strapped to the top walks along a dirt trail, with red rock formations and scrubby desert vegetation visible in the background.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review

This thoughtfully designed pack is built for thru-hikers by thru-hikers. The convenient pockets are easy to reach, and the durable, lightweight fabric will keep you going for leagues.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker looks over a frozen lake while wearing a fully loaded backpacking backpack.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

A favorite amongst thru-hikers and section-hikers alike, this pack’s superior comfort, stability, and design features have made it worthy of the most demanding long-distance hikes.
Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review
A profile shot of a hiker wearing the Nashville Pack Cutaway with an orange sleeping pad on top and an orange water bottle in the side pocket.

Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review

This ultralight backpack is built for speed. With comfy vest-style straps, a plethora of reachable pockets, and an ultra-customizable design, this pack is made to go the distance at warp speed.
ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review

A PCT staple and our favorite for hauling large loads for extended journeys, this pack boasts a wonderful balance between comfort, durability, and huge carrying capacity.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Our overall favorite ultralight pack thanks to its versatility and tried and true construction. This pack can handle anything you throw at it and gives back with thoughtful, experience-driven features.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Through functional, lightweight simplicity, this pack keeps your gear safe and dry, carries weight well, and is comfortable to wear.
Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker walks away from the camera wearing the pa'lante v2 backpack with trees and blue sky in the background.

Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review

This pack is designed specifically for dedicated ultralight adventurers. The frameless design, functional features, and lightweight construction allow you to go light and fast through the backcountry.
Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review
Side view of a hiker wearing a gray ultralight backpack in a snowy winter landscape. The hiker is wearing a black base layer and green beanie while using a trekking pole. The backpack appears to have mesh side pockets and compression straps, with bare winter trees and patches of snow visible in the background.

Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

This ultralight backpack provides unparalleled value for hikers who prioritize durability, ruggedness, and on-trail efficiency at an affordable price point.
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025

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 Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025
A person sitting on an overlook with a beautiful scene in the background, with a focus on her hiking shoes.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2025

Looking for the most comfortable, durable women’s hiking shoes around? Our team of experts tested dozens of the most promising pairs over thousands…
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