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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review
A hiker crosses a bridge with trekking poles, a pack, and wearing the Icebreaker Oasis 200 base layer. Trees are in the background.

Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review

This base layer offers a balance of insulation, merino wool comfort, and natural odor resistance, making it great for many outdoor activities.
Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Hiking Boot Review
Hiker stopped on a path to adjust her Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP

Women’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Hiking Boot Review

These hiking boots feature a roomy toe box, a secure heel band, and multi-directional lugs, making them a reliable option for moderate hiking.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
a hiker with their hood up in a forest in the rain.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
CleverHiker Gear Guide

CleverHiker Gear Guide

Trail-tested recommendations on the best hiking, backpacking, and camping gear for maximizing comfort, minimizing weight, and increasing smiles.
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review
Closeup of Part A and Part B Aquamira dropper bottles

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

These purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight and easy to use.
Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review
a backpacker with the katadyn steripen inserted into a waterbottle next to a clear blue green river

Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review

Like a magic wand, this UV pen kills all the bad stuff (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses) in just 90 seconds.
REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review
a backpacker on a ledge looking into a forested meadow in the mountains

Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review

This option can switch from pants to capris in a snap. Designed and constructed to outlast your burliest hikes and trails.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

An Athleta best-seller for good reason: these joggers work in so many outdoor settings that you’ll find any reason to put them on and get after whatever “it” is for the day.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review
a day hiker wearing the north face aphrodite 2.0 pants on a trail through an aspen forest

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Flow up and over passes and along valley river trails in hiking pants that feel like your favorite pair of leisurewear.
REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review
A hiker climbing down some rocks in a desert landscape wearing the REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer

REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review

If you’re only going to buy one base layer, this midweight budget friendly and comfy top is a great option. No base layer can do it all, but this one comes close.
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review
A hiker zips up the neck on the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck base layer. Trees are in the background.

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review

This is a top-of-the-line base layer offering fleece-like warmth for cold campsites, alpine starts, or that long chairlift.
Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review
A hiker hiking through the woods with a pack and trekking poles while wearing the Ortovox Rock'n'Wool base layer. Trees and a trail are in the background.

Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review

This midweight base layer features ultra-soft fine wool fibers and a comfortable, but snug fit making it feel warmer than other base layers of similar weight.
Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review
A hiker crosses a log wearing a backpack and the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review

The value of this base layer is right in the name—“classic” and “all-season.” It utilizes a timeless design without overcomplicating things. The moderate warmth and excellent breathability make it an appropriate choice all year round.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review
A hiker walks down a trail with mountains and trees in the background. He is using trekking poles and wearing a pack and the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review

This is an ultimate layer. The one that you will always bring on every trip “just in case” and end up wearing everyday.
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