Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

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

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.

Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

A backpacker standing in front of a lake in the men's Kuhl Deceptr hiking pants

Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 20, 2026

Whether you need to crush big days in comfort or blaze your own path through the backcountry, these are the best pants for hiking, backpacking, and big adventures.

HIMALI Accelerator Down Jacket Review

A male hiker shows the HIMALI Down Jacket layered underneath his rain jacket on a test hike

HIMALI Accelerator Down Jacket Review

Published: March 20, 2026

This down jacket’s performance and value rank among the best models we’ve tested and reviewed. Find out why this one became a team favorite almost immediately.

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2026

Two hikers wearing the Keen Targhee IV WP and Merrell Moab 3 WP Women's Hiking Boots

Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2026

Last Updated: March 17, 2026

After rigorous on-trail testing, we’ve narrowed down our list of the most comfortable, durable, and lightweight hiking boots to keep you moving on…

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026

Knee-down view of a hiker walking a ridge in the Cascade Mountains in the Men's Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots

Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Hiking boots deliver crucial ankle support and cushioning for tough trails, but not all boots are created equal. Here are the favorites we’ve tested and reviewed.

GR11 Backpacking Guide – Spanish Pyrenees

a hiker traverses a narrow ledge over a cliff with green mountains in the background

GR11 Backpacking Guide – Spanish Pyrenees

Last Updated: March 14, 2026

Plan your backpacking trip on the GR11, a stunning 500-mile high-mountain route through the Spanish Pyrenees full of views, refugios, and challenging terrain.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Packing List Under 10 lbs

a hiker stands on a log next to a pond with a yellow backpack on her back

Ultralight Backpacking Gear: Packing List Under 10 lbs

Published: March 13, 2026

This ultralight backpacking gear list will keep you moving fast on trail comfortable in camp. Putting together a base weight under 10 pounds has never been easier.

Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2026

A hiker standing on a rock wearing the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a beautiful view of craggy mountain peaks in the background at high altitude.

Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2026

Last Updated: March 4, 2026

We’ve hiked thousands of miles in the best hiking shoes available to see which ones gained the most traction with our team of experts…

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

two people sitting on a log, one in blue leggings and one in pastel pink leggings. close-up on just the bottom half. person wearing pink leggings is touching the fabric

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

Last Updated: February 22, 2026

Whether hiking to the summit or strolling your neighborhood trails with your dog during any season, our gear testers stretched the limits of the best hiking leggings on the market. Check out our list of products designed for women that provide all the features, fit, and durability you need on the trail.

Best Camping Lanterns of 2026

Nine lanterns- the LE 1000LM LED lantern, Black Diamond Moji, GoalZero Lighthouse 600, GoalZero Lighthouse Micro Flash, LuminAid String Light, Coleman Rugged Rechargeable, BioLite AlpenGlow 500, LuminAid Packlite Max 2-in-1, and LightUpCamp LED Solar Powered Foldable Camping Light- sit beside each other on a rock. The last remaining daylight illuminates the peaks of mountains in the background.

Best Camping Lanterns of 2026

Last Updated: February 15, 2026

When daylight fades, don’t fumble in the dark. Whether you need a lantern that’s bright, tough, or tricked out, these are the best of the best to keep the good times glowing after dark.

Best Hiking Gaiters of 2026

A closeup of hikng giaters with a mountainous background.

Best Hiking Gaiters of 2026

Last Updated: February 15, 2026

Tired of rocks in your shoes? We put the best gaiters on the market toe-to-toe with gravel, mud, and rain. Find out which models keep your feet protected, dry, and happy.

Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026

A woman looks out at mountain peaks in the distance in front of a lake, wearing her sun hat.

Best Sun Hats for Hiking of 2026

Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Our guide to sun hats has you covered (literally). From paddleboarding at the lake to backyard hangs, see why these hats are the best of the best for comfort, protection, and more.

How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

How To Wash A Rain Jacket and Pants

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

All rain gear eventually needs some TLC – and maybe more often than you think. This guides walks you through the steps for successfully retreating your gear when…