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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Dog Backpacks of 2025
A dog wearing the Ruffwear Approach backpack in front of a snowy lake and marbled mountain peaks

Best Dog Backpacks of 2025

We sniffed out the best dog backpacks for our pup pals to take on trail. These bags are rigorously tested for canine comfort.
Best Dog Boots of 2025

Best Dog Boots of 2025

Our dogs trail-test their gear too! We have the pick of the litter for the most protective, comfortable, and durable dog boots.
Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2025
A backpacker wearing the Black Diamond Alpine Start Windbreaker while hiking in Glacier National Park in June

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2025

When the wind whispers, your style should roar! Let one of our trail-tested windbreaker picks lead your next summit push.
10 Best GPS Watches for Hiking & Backpacking of 2025
Closeup of the Coros Apex 2 GPS Watch on a backpacker's wrist with steep mountains in the background

10 Best GPS Watches for Hiking & Backpacking of 2025

Lost? Not on our watch. Plot a course to adventure with our guide to the best GPS watches.
Best Hydration Bladders of 2025
Waist-down view of a female hiker pulling the Gregory 3D Hydro hydration bladder out of her backpack along a trail

Best Hydration Bladders of 2025

Hydration bladders all serve the same basic purpose: convenient hydration on the go. But there are some key differences to look…
Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2025
A hiker posing on a rock in the women's Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandals

Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2025

Whether you’re heading out for a paddle or setting off on a grand hiking adventure, your perfect pair of sandals is on our list of tested…
7 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2025
The HART Extended First Aid Kit on a rock with moss and ferns

7 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking of 2025

We never venture into the wilderness without at least a basic first aid kit. A small selection of supplies and some know-how will help…
How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes
A hiker in a red rain jacket sitting on a rock to tie his Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots

How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes

How many ways can you tie your shoes? If you like to hike, you’ll need more than one.
Best Stuff Sacks of 2025
A hiker holding an orange REI Lightweight Drawstring Stuff Sack with a backpacking tent and a mountain peak in the background

Best Stuff Sacks of 2025

Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way…
How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots
Closeup of a hiker's feet crossing a creek in a muddy pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 hiking boots

How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots

In this guide, we walk you through how to take care of your footwear – so your footwear can take care of you.
Top Gear Picks of 2025
A hiker posing on top of a mountain at sunset

Top Gear Picks of 2025

This is where we highlight a wide range of exceptional choices, and talk about our personal favorites.
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it a top choice among weight-conscious backpackers and mountaineers who need the ability to self-arrest while crossing glaciers and steep snowfields.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Drop + Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are strong, comfortable to hold, and – best of all – they’re super affordable.
ULA Alpha Knife Review

ULA Alpha Knife Review

The ULA Alpha Knife is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers.
Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

We love a good checklist to help us prepare for a trip – even if we’re just going out for a day hike…
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