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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A remarkably light, vented shell works well for backpackers who count ounces and can take extra care of thin fabric.
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A mobile, midweight option is worth considering, but heavier three-layer alternatives offer more confidence in prolonged heavy rain.
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review
A man reaches in a wet and icy cave.

Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Quiet, stretchy fabric feels unusually comfortable on the trail, although the hood and cuff details are not our favorites for severe storms.
REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A stretchy, three-layer design balances features and price, although its packed weight is less attractive to dedicated ultralight hikers.
REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a maroon rain jacket.

REI Trailmade Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
A comfortable low-cost jacket suits short, easy outings, but poor breathability, limited storm protection, and bulky weight restrict its use.
Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review
A front shot of an orange rain jacket showing the different pockets.

Norrona Falketind Dri1 Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Low weight and supple movement suit quick mountain adventures, while limited venting and cuff adjustment compromise versatility.
Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review
A rear view of a hiking reclining on a mountain ridge at 12,000 feet in the Norrona trollveggen waterproof jacket

Norrona Trollveggen GORE-TEX Pro Light Review

Last Updated: October 15, 2026
Guide-oriented weather protection, articulation, and airflow come at a price that makes sense primarily for demanding alpine use.
Best Hiking Pants for Women of 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 of 2026

Last Updated: October 13, 2026
From durable softshells to breathable budget picks and comfortable joggers, these are the women’s hiking pants that earned a place in our current lineup after extensive field testing
Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

Women’s REI Trailmade Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Your bank account will love these hiking pants.
Women’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

Women’s REI Sahara Convertible Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Are they pants? Are they shorts? They’re convertible hiking pants!
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review
A person wearing the Dynama pants is wearing a backpacking and walking on a trail in the mountains.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Perfect for townie hikes and everyday wear, these pants combine comfort, breathability, and style. Durable enough for light use, but less ideal for rugged terrain or wet conditions.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
We like big pockets and we cannot lie…
Women’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants Review
a day hiker wearing the north face aphrodite 2.0 pants on a trail through an aspen forest

Women’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Comfort and practicality: the best of both worlds.
Women’s Baleaf Laureate Pants Review
A person wearing the Baleaf pants is resting against a tree in the woods drinking water from a water bottle.

Women’s Baleaf Laureate Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Durable, breathable, and affordable, these women’s hiking pants offer great value for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort and performance in dry, warm conditions. Perfect for various activities.
Women’s Duluth Dry on the Fly Pants Review
View of a person's lower legs. The leg on the left features the Duluth pants rolled up with the snap feature. The leg on the right demonstrates the pants when worn rolled down. They are wearing boots and standing in a pine forest.

Women’s Duluth Dry on the Fly Pants Review

Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Designed for durability and packed with pockets, these pants shine both on the trail and in daily life, making them a go-to choice for active outdoor adventurers.
Men’s Arc’teryx Gamma Pants Review
A man walks on an alpine ridge in the sunshine.

Men’s Arc’teryx Gamma Pants Review

Last Updated: October 11, 2026
A premium softshell-style hiking pant that balances strong mobility with excellent durability and weather protection, especially for cool and demanding mountain conditions.
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