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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Rain Jackets of 2026
A man smiles while wearing a rain jacket in the alpine.

Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Our field-tested rain jacket picks balance rain protection, comfort, ventilation, durability, weight, and price for different trails and conditions.
REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review
A closeup of the front of a rain jacket.

REI Rainier Rain Jacket Review

A budget-friendly shell offers thoughtful features for short hikes but wets out during extended heavy rain and can run large.
Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man stands in front of a yellow meadow with fall foliage.

Outdoor Research Foray 3L / Aspire 3L Rain Jacket Review

Extra-long torso vents make this a strong choice for hikers who overheat in wet weather, but the fit and weight are worth checking.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A man walks through wet vegetation

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

A durable three-layer shell with a long record in heavy rain is an outstanding all-around value, provided you can accept a bulkier, warmer fit.
Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review
A man wearing a running vest runs through fall colors

Montbell Versalite Rain Jacket Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We like big pockets and we cannot lie…
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