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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review
Close-up of a hiker reaching for snacks stashed inside a blue lumbar pack.

Black Diamond Pursuit 6 Waist Pack Review

This 6-liter waist pack provides exceptional comfort and organization with breathable padding, a spacious main compartment, and water bottle sleeves – great for day hikes and backpacking trips alike.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2026

We’ve run thousands of miles in search of the best trail running shoes to take us from tempo runs to ultras and beyond.
Men’s Brooks Cascadia 20 Review
Legs down image of a person running on rocks in the mountains on a hiking trail.

Men’s Brooks Cascadia 20 Review

These are some of our team’s all-time faves for hiking, running, and backpacking with 6,000+ miles logged on the CDT, PCT, and Colorado Trail.
Best Dog Backpacks of 2026
A dog wearing the Ruffwear Approach backpack in front of a snowy lake and marbled mountain peaks

Best Dog Backpacks of 2026

Who doesn’t want their dog to join them on the trail? These dog backpacks allow your four-legged friend to pull their weight on hikes ranging from day trips to backcountry adventures.
Best Water Bottles of 2026
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 2026

Whether you’re hoofing it on a multi-day trek or running errands around town, staying hydrated is critical. Our recommendations will point you to the best water bottle for keeping your thirst at bay.
Best Pocket Knives of 2026
Six pocket knives are laid out on a wooden background with blades open to show blade length and shape.

Best Pocket Knives of 2026

Whether you need a lightweight everyday carry or a burly blade for the backcountry, our tested and ranked picks cover every budget and blade type.
Igneous NOBO Water Bottle Review
A water bottle sits on a rock with a forest in the background.

Igneous NOBO Water Bottle Review

Designed with thru-hikers in mind, this lightweight water bottle is practical, flexible, and durable – proving that ultralight doesn’t have to be flimsy or single-use.
Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle 1000 Water Bottle Review
A close up of an open water bottle.

Cnoc Outdoors ThruBottle 1000 Water Bottle Review

Easy on the budget and pack weight, this water bottle is a thru-hiker’s dream- thanks to its ergonomic build and ultralight design.
Best Fleece Jackets of 2026
A woman unzips the chest pocket on her fleece.

Best Fleece Jackets of 2026

From mountain summits to town, these fleece jackets are our top picks for men and women to layer up for any season, trail, or trip.
Rab Evolute Hoody Review
Woman stands in boxier jacket

Rab Evolute Hoody Review

This lightweight, full-zip fleece jacket features an innovative layering of insulation and jersey fabric to create a durable hoody with incredible heat-retention properties.
Men’s Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts Review
A man stands on a summit with mountain vistas.

Men’s Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts Review

These shorts are made for those who value breathability and weight savings for all: perfect for the thru-hiker or dedicated fast-and-light enthusiast.
Marmot AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Hoody Review
Woman shows fleece jacket laying flat underneath a pack.

Marmot AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Hoody Review

The Marmot AirFleece Performance Full-Zip Hoody delivers a variety of features in a lightweight, warm, and durable jacket.
Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Half Zip Review
Woman laughs while posing in jacket

Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Half Zip Review

This flattering fleece is a midweight jacket with well-designed features, such as a large hood, kangaroo pockets, and a deep zipper.
Norrona Falketind Warm1 Active Jacket Review
Woman walks down a trail in a white jacket

Norrona Falketind Warm1 Active Jacket Review

This is an ultralight fleece that uses Polartec Micro fabric’s lofted properties to maximize heat retention at the expense of durability, additional features, and wind protection.
Fjallraven Abisko 6” Tights Women’s Hiking Shorts Review
A woman jumps from one boulder to another across the trail wearing a pair of thigh-length hiking shorts.

Fjallraven Abisko 6” Tights Women’s Hiking Shorts Review

These compression-style hiking shorts offer a supportive fit, excellent durability, and surprisingly practical storage – although we wish we had sized up for a more comfortable experience.
Black Diamond Pursuit Women’s Hiking Shorts Review
A woman wearing a pair of thigh-length hiking shorts takes a long stride to clear a shallow creek.

Black Diamond Pursuit Women’s Hiking Shorts Review

These technically savvy hiking shorts nicely balance coverage, breathability, and durability. They’re comfortable, too, with a soft and stretchy build that goes largely unnoticed throughout the day.
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