Is hiking your jam or a favorite of your furry friend? Our hiking experts have hit miles of trails with friends and canines to test the best hiking gear under the sun. Our trail enthusiasts buy and test every product for a truly unbiased view of everything, from hiking boots and top hiking shoes to daypack reviews and our favorite hydration packs. Our final test results can ensure you’re ready for whatever the journey brings.
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Best Picks in Hiking Gear Reviews

Hiking Shoes for Women
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...
10 Top Hiking Shoes
We've got you if you're hunting for the best hiking shoe. The 11 best models have been rounded up after testing over...
Best Hiking Gear
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Rain Pants for Men
Choosing a pair of rain pants is an unwanted bear of a task. We've done the dirty work, which involves sorting through...
Sun Hats
We evaluated over 50 models and purchased 20, which our team of experts put through extensive side-by-side testing. We...
Sun Shirts for Women
In the market for a UV-protective sun shirt? Each year, we test the most interesting, most popular, and highest-rated...
10 Top Hiking Boots
If you've been itching to hit the trails, get your paws on one of the top-rated hiking boots from our selection of the...
Hiking Boots for Women
Now is the time to invest in your next pair of hiking boots. But where to begin? We have narrowed down the options to...
Binoculars
What are the best binoculars? We've put nearly 50 different models through rigorous outdoor testing over the years to...
Handheld GPS
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...
Hiking Shorts for Women
Planning for an upcoming hike? We've reviewed a handful of the year's best hiking shorts with varying inseams to...
Water Bottles
We're at it again, testing this year's best water bottles. There are some familiar vessels but most are new contenders...
10 Top Trail Running Shoes
If you need a pair of trail running shoes, since 2013, we've tested more than 300 pairs in preparation for this...
Sling Bags
Looking for a sling-style bag to hit the trail, commute to work, or navigate airports? We tested 11 top-selling...
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a convenient option for carrying essentials while traveling, hiking, or exploring the city. To find...
Hydration Packs
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
Trail Running Shoes for Women
Searching for your next trail running shoe? With our expert advice and experience testing various models this season...
Daypacks for Men
Determining the ideal daypack in the market and selecting the best option for you, your requirements, and your budget...
Hiking Socks
Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing on your adventure gear list? We spent countless hours researching, purchasing...
10 Top Sunglasses
Whether you need a pair of sunglasses for a garden party, a trail run, or ripping down a mountain on your new mountain...
Softshell Jackets for Women
Finding the best softshell can be a challenging task due to the multitude of options available. Our experienced...
10 Top Fleece Jackets
Over the last ten years, we've bought and tested more than 170 fleece jackets to bring you the best options on the...
Fleece Jackets for Men
Looking for a new fleece for the colder months? We purchased the top 18 fleece jackets and rigorously tested them to...
Winter Gloves
Determined to find the best winter gloves for your needs, we researched over 30 options, from liner gloves to hardy...
Hiking Shorts for Men
Hiking shorts are an essential piece of equipment for spring and summer adventures. We buy and test the best side by...
10 Top Backpacks
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Hiking Pants for Women
To help you find your next pair of women's hiking pants, we've tested over 60 models over 10 years to bring you the...
10 Top Down Jackets
We're constantly testing the best down jackets on all our adventures. We tested down jackets for women and men, and...
10 Top Softshell Jackets
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...
Hiking Pants for Men
This side-by-side hiking pants review looks at pairs that are light and airy, as well as heavy and durable, for hiking...
Softshell Jackets for Men
We've spent years putting softshell jackets to the test, unearthing the best options for a variety of uses. Whether...
Hiking Boots for Men
We've done the homework on men's hiking boots, buying the most popular models, hiking many miles on varied terrain...
Umbrellas
When the weather goes sideways, you want an umbrella that won't. In this review, we tested the industry's leading...
Sports Sunglasses
Looking for the best pair of sport sunglasses available? We researched 100+ models and then bought the 24 best for our...
Sun Protection Shirts
Finding the right UPF-rated sun shirt can be a challenge. To help, we've picked the best options on the market and put...
GPS Sports Watches
Looking for the perfect GPS watch? Our experts spent hours looking over options before choosing 16 of the most popular...
Laptop Backpacks
We've loaded up our laptops, binders, and books in each of these for work, to travel across the globe, and to battle...
Trekking Poles
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
Hiking Shoes for Men
We selected the top hiking shoes and put them to the test. After months of hiking on all types of trails, we wrote the...
Rain Jackets for Men
Whether you need an all-around rain jacket or a more specialized model, rest easy knowing there's a jacket that'll fit...
Rain Jackets for Women
Looking for the perfect rain jacket to fit your active lifestyle? We have tested over 40 models in the past decade to...
Cheap Sunglasses
Hunting for affordable sunnies? We checked out hundred of pairs before selecting the 17 best cheap sunglasses on the...
Fleece Jackets for Women
Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? After looking over the best contenders on the market, we chose 13 of the...
Energy Bars
With literally hundreds of choices available in the energy bar world, it can be hard to figure out which are the best...
Windbreaker Jackets for Women
Searching for the essential layer for just about any three-season adventure? For the last 9 years, we've tested the...
Satellite Communicators
You seek some level of communication from the wild. We have examined your options and report on our findings for your...
Windbreaker Jackets for Men
Windbreakers are a lightweight, packable, cost-effective alternative to burlier outer layers and are great for keeping...
Sunglasses for Men
Searching for the perfect shades? We sifted through hundreds of options before selecting these 14 most promising pairs...
Rain Pants for Women
We analyzed over 30 models before purchasing the best 10 to put through extensive testing, so you don't have to...
Daypacks for Women
If you're a woman in the market for a daypack, we can help. We considered 80+ different models and chose 11 of the...
Sunglasses for Women
Ready to don your perfect pair of shades? We researched hundreds of options before choosing the most promising 15...
Hydration Bladders
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested today's top models for hiking, running...
Walkie Talkies
We put 9 radios to a head-to-head test after exhaustive research on all of the top models on the market. After months...
Hats for Women
After perusing over 100 of the best hats for women on the market, we selected 8 to test side by side. We wore each...
Budget Rain Jackets for Women
Not everyone needs an expensive coat that can withstand a hurricane. We pitted the top budget options head to head to...
Budget Wind Jackets for Women
Searching for that final layer to keep you cozy? Over the course of 8 years, we've tested a huge range of...
Headlamps
Need a headlamp? Our comprehensive review is here to help. We researched over 50 models before subjecting the best 27...Hiking Gear Reviews Learning Center

How To Choose Binoculars For Your Needs and Budget
Binoculars are probably the world's most used optical instrument. That's not to say that telescopes don't have their...
How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles
Ten years ago hardly anyone used trekking poles. Now it's rare to see someone on an overnight adventure without them...
How to Choose Hiking Pants
Choosing the correct hiking pant can be a difficult task, with many different factors going into your decision. In...
How to Choose a Daypack for Hiking
A daypack is a simple purchase, with complicated ramifications. A good day pack will accompany you for far more than...
How to Choose a GPS Watch
Thinking of purchasing a GPS watch but you're not sure where to begin? The market is full of different options ranging...
How to Choose the Right Rain Jacket
A rain jacket that keeps you dry when the skies let loose may be the first piece of performance outdoor clothing you...Recent Gear Reviews in Hiking Gear Reviews

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La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX for Women Review
The TX Hike Mid Leather GTX is one of the most comfortable hiking boots that we tested, thanks to a flexible nubuck...
Top Pick
The North Face VECTIV Fastpack for Women Review
If you're looking to shed some extra weight and bulk in order to perform on the trails, The North Face VECTIV Fastpack...
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Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex for Women Review
The Salomon X Ultra 5 is the perfect hiking shoe for those seeking a little extra support and protection for their...
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Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap Review
The Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap is the most versatile and protective hat in this review, and is a great value. For...
Editors' Choice
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Review
The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure is the highest performing hat for high-output sunny activities and wins our...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX for Women Review
If you're looking for a comfortable hiking boot that offers protection from the elements while moving quickly through...
Editors' Choice
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 for Women Review
The Hoka Matafe Speed 4 is the Hoka-made shoe our veteran gear testers have been dreaming of. Lighter weight than...
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Altra Mont Blanc Carbon for Women Review
Finally! A carbon-plated zero-drop shoe that is zippy, equipped for rugged trails, and largely comfortable. The Altra...
Top Pick
Patagonia Baggies Longs Shorts Review
The Patagonia Baggies Longs are a super casual pair of hiking shorts. They look very simple, but they are up to...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Short Review
The Outdoor Research Ferrosi are so comfortable and lightweight that they can be worn for nearly any outdoor activity...
Best Buy
Rab Borealis Review
The Rab Borealis is a lightweight softshell that's among the most breathable options we've ever tested in this...
Editors' Choice
Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Review
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite laptop backpack for daily use. It has all the pockets needed to keep our...
Best Buy
The North Face Recon Review
The latest version of The North Face Recon features many changes -- mostly improvements -- that make it an excellent...
Best Buy
Iron Flask Insulated Review
The Iron Flask Insulated bottle is the winner of our Best Buy award for water bottles. It is a lightweight...
Top Pick
Nalgene Wide-Mouth Review
The terms "Nalgene" and "water bottle" are often used synonymously, reflecting this bottle's continued popularity over...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Beta SL for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Beta SL is a burly rain jacket built for comfortable, non-restrictive movement while keeping you dry in...
Editors' Choice
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L breaks the mold as a top-performing garment that doesn't cost an entire paycheck...
Best Buy
Columbia Watertight II Review
The Columbia Watertight II is among the least expensive rain jackets we've yet tested, with decent scores in several...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch for Women Review
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch is the perfect rain jacket for those outdoor enthusiasts counting every ounce of...
Top Pick
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Review
If technical trails, rocky summits, and extended periods of off-trail travel are your scene, then take a hard look at...
Editors' Choice
Outdoor Research Foray Pants Review
Of the pants made with high-end brand-name fabric, these are easily among the lightest and most compact. The Outdoor...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Traverse 32 Review
The REI Co-op Traverse 32 offers a refreshing take on a large day pack. REI's design brings the best of large backpack...
Best Buy
The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie Review
The North Face Canyonlands Hoodie is a budget-priced fleece that impressed us throughout our real-world testing...
Editors' Choice
Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion Review
The Darn Tough Hiker Full Cushion has been our go-to hiking sock for many years. The fabric is soft and comfortable...
Best Buy
Danish Endurance Unisex Merino 3-Pack Review
On a budget? The Danish Endurance Unisex Merino Wool is an excellent boot-length sock that kept our testers trucking...
Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody stands out for its stretchy soft fabrics and technical performance. The full-zip hooded...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch- Women's Review
The REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch really impressed our testing team in overall performance, especially considering its...
Best Buy
Hugut Lightweight Cargo for Women Review
The Hugut Lightweight Cargo shorts are very affordable and relatively functional for days when you are moving...
Top Pick
Kuhl Freeflex 10" Cargo for Women Review
The KUHL Freeflex 10" Cargo is a wonderful take on the traditional hiking short. The fabric feels soft and has some...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Plus Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus is the best device on the market with the best service and features. It uses the...
Editors' Choice
Garmin inReach Messenger Review
The Garmin inReach Messenger Plus scores a touch higher than the inReach Messenger because it can send photos and...
Best Buy
Venture Pal 35L Review
The Venture Pal 35L is an impressively lightweight daypack that's among the least expensive options on the market...
Editors' Choice
Osprey Tempest 20 Review
The Osprey Tempest 20 packs a punch. It's a versatile little daypack with an adjustable torso length along with great...
Editors' Choice
Decathlon Quechua MH100 for Women Review
You'll be hard-pressed to find another daypack for this price that performs this well. The Decathlon Quechua MH100 is...
Top Pick
Garmin Enduro 3 Review
The Garmin Enduro 3 remains our top choice for serious ultra athletes, especially for expedition use. This latest...
Top Pick
Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody Review
The Patagonia R2 TechFace Hoody is an excellent option for cooler temperatures and conditions, with great ventilation...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody for Women Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody is among the first we throw in our packs for any occasion. It is a solid...
Top Pick
Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody for Women Review
The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody is a technical fleece and softshell hybrid designed for women navigating rapidly...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Trailmade Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade performs well across the board, making it one of the best hiking pants for users on a budget...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Pant Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma offers superior weather protection and is one of our favorite hiking pants. This pair is made for...
Best Buy
Columbia Crestwood Review
The Columbia Crestwood is living proof that you can find a good quality pair of hiking shoes for under a hundred...
Editors' Choice