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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

We hope to inspire adventure and promote wilderness conservation through in-depth gear reviews, skill-based tutorials, and comprehensive trip guides.

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Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
A person with a black dog looks out over a rocky landscape filled with pines. An EXPED brand pack is on their bag and a fly fishing rod is strapped to the side.

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026

From fast summit missions to gear-heavy winter hikes, these are the daypacks that stood out after extensive side-by-side trail testing.
Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2026

Fanny packs are making a comeback, and we’re on board. We stuffed these packs full and dragged them through rocks, dirt, and water to see which ones held up best.
Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2026

We’ve taste-tested the best energy bars for hiking and they’re almost as satisfying as finally reaching the summit. Let your snacking adventure begin!
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

Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2026

Whether you’re hiking to the summit or strolling neighborhood trails with your dog, these tights are up to the task with ample features and durability for hitting the trail.
Best Trekking Poles of 2026
A female backpacker hiking up to the top of a red, rocky mountain pass in Glacier National Park using the REI Flash Carbon trekking poles

Best Trekking Poles of 2026

We’ve rigorously tested these trekking poles over thousands of miles to find the sturdiest and most lightweight options. Get more stability on tough terrain…
Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist
Two women hiking, featuring hiking leggings of two different styles and patterns, one plain blue, and another also blue but camouflage like. Also a small dog, yellow fur. Both women are wearing day packs and rain jackets. The background is green plants and trees. The women are looking out at the view.

Ultimate Day Hiking Checklist

We love a good checklist to help us prepare for a trip – even if we’re just going out for a day hike…

All Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides Content

ULA Equipment Circuit Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Equipment Circuit Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2026
Thru-hikers carrying lightweight to moderate loads get a durable, simple pack with unusually good load transfer for its weight, but its 68-liter capacity can be more volume than a dialed-in kit needs.
Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Does Bear Spray Really Work?

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
Bear spray is a must-have in many wilderness areas, but it’s only effective if you know how to use it. Read on for helpful deployment tips, buying considerations, and more.
How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide
the tools for pooping in the woods (trowel, hand sanitizer and a baggie of toilet paper

How to Poop in the Woods: A Backpacker’s Guide

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
When nature calls, we’ve got steps to turn a backcountry bathroom break into a five-star experience. Plus, properly disposing of your #2 keeps our wild places and waterways clean and pristine.”
A Guide to Backpacking & Hiking in Patagonia

A Guide to Backpacking & Hiking in Patagonia

Last Updated: October 6, 2026
We’ve been fortunate enough to hike and backpack extensively in Patagonia. Here’s what we’ve learned about this magical region after many years of travels to South America.
Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026
A person with a black dog looks out over a rocky landscape filled with pines. An EXPED brand pack is on their bag and a fly fishing rod is strapped to the side.

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2026

Last Updated: October 5, 2026
From fast summit missions to gear-heavy winter hikes, these are the daypacks that stood out after extensive side-by-side trail testing.
Pinhoti Trail Guide
A person wearing a rain jacket is sitting on a rock on the edge of a ridge looking out at the ridge on the other side of the valley. There is a small terrier standing next to them and the day is overcast.

Pinhoti Trail Guide

Last Updated: October 5, 2026
Stretching across eastern Alabama and western Georgia, this thru-hike offers an extended hiking season, unique trail towns, and relatively gentle terrain.
REI Flash 22 Review

REI Flash 22 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A remarkably light, inexpensive daypack for minimalist hikers and travel, with simple storage and a removable sit pad but limited load support.
Osprey Daylite Plus Review
Close up of a backpack on a person's back in the desert.

Osprey Daylite Plus Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A light, compressible commuter and travel pack that handles casual hikes well but gives up the support and ventilation of dedicated hiking daypacks.
REI Trail 25 Review
Closeup image of a man wearing a backpack with a foam sleeping pad on the bottom and two hiking poles attached.

REI Trail 25 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A cushioned, durable budget daypack with a useful rain cover and lots of lash points, but limited ventilation, support, and on-the-go access.
Exped Skyline 20 Review
A person packs items into a green EXPED Skyline 20L Daypack. A black lab watches from the background.

Exped Skyline 20 Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A durable, versatile 20-liter daypack with strong materials, useful ventilation, and an included rain cover, though comfort varies by body shape.
Cotopaxi Batac 16L Review
Person wearing a colorful Cotopaxi daypack squats by a riverside to watch the rapids.

Cotopaxi Batac 16L Review

Last Updated: October 2, 2026
A colorful, highly packable 16-liter bag for travel and casual outdoor use, best for light loads rather than serious day hiking.
Osprey Talon 22 / Tempest 22 Review
A person wears a backpack facing away from the camera in a snowy setting.

Osprey Talon 22 / Tempest 22 Review

Last Updated: October 1, 2026
A highly organized, supportive daypack with an adjustable fit, excellent trail access, and a durable build for frequent hikers.
Gregory Citro 24 H2O / Juno 24 H2O Review
A closeup of a person wearing a backpack in a wilderness area.

Gregory Citro 24 H2O / Juno 24 H2O Review

Last Updated: October 1, 2026
A comfortable, supportive hydration daypack with an included 3-liter reservoir and enough organization for long, gear-heavy day hikes.
Gregory Zulu 30 / Jade 28 Review
Close up of a man wearing a large daypack from the side.

Gregory Zulu 30 / Jade 28 Review

Last Updated: October 1, 2026
A roomy, highly supportive daypack for long days, winter hiking, hut trips, and other outings where comfort under heavier loads matters most.
Rab Protium 27L Review
A man looks off in the distance as he bends over and digs through his backpac.

Rab Protium 27L Review

Last Updated: October 1, 2026
A rugged, highly adjustable daypack with excellent storage and an included rain cover for hikers who want one pack for demanding year-round use.
Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Review
Close up of a man in a red hiking shirt wearing a blue Osprey Stratos daypack in a redrock slot canyon

Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Review

Last Updated: October 1, 2026
A highly ventilated, supportive daypack for hikers who carry extra water and gear and value comfort more than low weight or compact storage.
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