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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Last Updated: September 4, 2025
You’ve packed a can of bear spray and are heading off to your favorite wildlife-populated backcountry. But somewhere in the back…
Exped Skyline 20 Daypack Review
A person packs items into a green EXPED Skyline 20L Daypack. A black lab watches from the background.

Exped Skyline 20 Daypack Review

Published: September 2, 2025
A breathable, technical daypack built for comfort and versatility. Perfect for hot hikes and multi-sport adventures with clever storage and sleek style.
Deuter Speedlite Pro 25/23 SL Daypack Review
Person wearing purple Deuter Speedlite Pro 25 pack adjusts something as they face a mountainous, treed landscape.

Deuter Speedlite Pro 25/23 SL Daypack Review

Published: September 2, 2025
A lightweight, feature-rich pack that delivers excellent comfort and support for fast-paced hikes, scrambles, and peak-bagging missions.
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Daypack Review
Person wearing a colorful Cotopaxi daypack squats by a riverside to watch the rapids.

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Daypack Review

Published: September 2, 2025
Ultralight, colorful, and easy to pack, this minimalist daypack is perfect for short hikes, travel, and spontaneous adventures when you need gear that won’t weigh you down.
Decathlon Quechua MH100 20L Daypack Review
A person holds a black Decathlon Quechua daypack by the backstrap, giving a view of the padded back panel.

Decathlon Quechua MH100 20L Daypack Review

Published: September 2, 2025
This sleek 20L daypack provides features and comfort at a price that keeps more money in your wallet for trail snacks.
Women’s Title Nine MVT 7/8 Train Hiking Leggings Review
Woman wearing bright blue leggings in a camouflage like pattern on a hike, with one foot up on a rock, stretching her calf and hamstring. She has curly hair and is wearing a purple rain jacket.

Women’s Title Nine MVT 7/8 Train Hiking Leggings Review

Published: August 29, 2025
For the hiker who prefers a compression fit with a snug waistband, these leggings are ideal for the active hiker who might even end up jogging downhill for fun.
Women’s Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Hiking Leggings Review
Woman with curly hair and sunglasses hiking in blue leggings, a dark blue tank top. She's standing on a rock with a reflective lake behind her, and pine trees in the distance.

Women’s Patagonia Maipo 7/8 Stash Hiking Leggings Review

Published: August 28, 2025
Unmatched comfort in light-weight, breathable leggings perfect for hot summer hikes and long road trips in between trails. Packable and versatile—your go-to for adventures and downtime.
Women’s Stio Glide Tech Legging Review
Women in green hiking leggings, standing on a rock in a lake, with her dog, with trees in the background on the other side of the lake.

Women’s Stio Glide Tech Legging Review

Published: August 27, 2025
Crushing fit, comfort, and features, these leggings are durable, soft, and breathable, with a waistband that stays up without squeezing. These are the pair to pack when you’ve only got room for one.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review
A hiker tightens the straps on a backpack while wearing it and the Smartwool Intraknit. Sky, mountains, and trees in the background.

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review

Published: August 24, 2025
Lightweight, breathable, and mobile, this base layer has everything you need to stay comfortable on your most serious winter adventures.
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review
a hiker in a black hooded base layer stands in an alpine environment and raises the hood on his shirt

Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
With its integrated hood and facemask, this base layer makes for a perfect sleep or active shirt in frigid weather.
Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review
a hiker stands on a wooded trail wearing a light blue base layer and a backpack

Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
Designed for cold weather activities, this base layer delivers some of the best warmth-to-weight ratios and comfort that we’ve seen.
Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review
a runner runs along a wooded trail in a black base layer.

Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review

Published: August 23, 2025
This base layer is redefining merino wool success with new spinning methods that boost warmth and durability. It’s also the lightest base layer on our list.
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

Last Updated: August 21, 2025
Discover the ultimate pocket knife for every situation—tested for durability, sharpness, and practicality. Find your perfect companion for everyday and emergency use.
7 Best Base Layers of 2026
a hiker in a hooded black base layer stands with a coffee mug in an alpine environment

7 Best Base Layers of 2026

Published: August 19, 2025
We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review
A woman hikes along a trail with a hand in the pocket of her hiking shorts.

Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
While these updated shorts are still incredibly durable with their wind and water resistance and UPF 50+ sun protection, we did have some gripes with the fit and the wider (and bulkier) belt.
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Hiking Shorts Review
A woman walks along a lush trail surrounded by greenery.

Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Hiking Shorts Review

Last Updated: August 19, 2025
This is a low-profile, stretchy, sweat-wicking, and flattering option that is a great pick for women who prefer compression shorts on the trail.
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