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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

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: April 7, 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.
LEKI Legacy Lite Trekking Poles Review
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
Side profile of a person wearing a red headlamp while standing outdoors at dusk with trees in the background.

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 Hiking Pants for Women 2026
A person is standing on a rock and holding the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky with some trees surrounding the wash. There are some rocky, desert peaks in the distance.

Best Hiking Pants for Women 2026

Last Updated: April 2, 2026
From comfort to durability, we tested a variety of hiking pants to find the best options for every adventure. Discover which pants offer the perfect balance of value, mobility, and performance.
Best Rain Pants of 2026
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Best Rain Pants of 2026

Last Updated: April 1, 2026
We’ve trekked thousands of miles in drizzles, downpours and snow to find the most protective, versatile, and comfy rain pants out there. Any weather is hiking weather with the right gear!
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.
Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026
A man relaxes with his legs out and hands behind his head on a small backpacking chair.

Best Backpacking Chairs of 2026

Last Updated: March 28, 2026
Whether you see them as a luxury or a necessity, the best backpacking chairs make campsites more comfortable. These 11 chairs are worth the weight.
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: March 26, 2026
Our trail-tested sandal recommendations go the distance to help you find the perfect pair for lounging, trekking, playing in the water, or thru-hiking the AT.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2026

Last Updated: March 25, 2026
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026
Waist-down view of a hiker standing on a rocky trail in the men's Patagonia Quandary hiking shorts

Best Hiking Shorts for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 24, 2026
Discover your new favorite trail-ready hiking shorts from Patagonia, prAna, REI, and more. Our experts bring you tailored suggestions for the best in comfort, durability, and style from trail to town.
Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026
Woman standing on a rock outcropping overlooking the scenery below.

Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2026

Last Updated: March 23, 2026
From sunny summits to rugged trails, our handpicked selection of the best women’s hiking shorts will keep you comfortable, dry and stylish on every trek.
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

Last Updated: March 20, 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.
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