Hiking Gear Reviews
We’ve tested hiking gear from Salomon, Patagonia, The North Face, Merrell, Scarpa, Keen, Lowa, and more.
Heading out onto the trail to test some of the highest quality and most popular hiking boots for women available today.
Credit: Eric Bissell
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 the best 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
Best Hiking Gear of 2024
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
Best Energy Bars of 2024
With literally hundreds of choices available in the energy bar world, it can be hard to figure out which are the best...
Best Windbreaker Jacket For Women of 2024
Searching for the essential layer for just about any three-season adventure? For the last 9 years, we've tested the...
Best Hiking Socks of 2024
Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing on your adventure gear list? We spent countless hours researching, purchasing...
Best Hiking Shorts for Women of 2024
Planning for an upcoming hike? We've reviewed a handful of the year's best hiking shorts with varying inseams to...
Best Satellite Messengers of 2024
You seek some level of communication from the wild. We have examined your options and report on our findings for your...
Best Windbreakers of 2024
Windbreakers are a lightweight, packable, cost-effective alternative to burlier outer layers and are great for keeping...
Best Sunglasses for Men of 2024
Searching for the perfect shades? We sifted through hundreds of options before selecting these 14 most promising pairs...
Best Rain Pants of 2024
Choosing a pair of rain pants is an unwanted bear of a task. We've done the dirty work, which involves sorting through...
Best Rain Pants for Women of 2024
We analyzed over 30 models before purchasing the best 10 to put through extensive testing, so you don't have to...
Best Laptop Backpack of 2024
We've loaded up our laptops, binders, and books in each of these for work, to travel across the globe, and to battle...
Best Hydration Packs of 2024
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
Best Daypacks of 2024
Determining the ideal daypack in the market and selecting the best option for you, your requirements, and your budget...
10 Best Down Jackets of 2024
We're constantly testing the best down jackets on all our adventures. We tested down jackets for women and men, and...
Best Daypacks for Women of 2024
If you're a woman in the market for a daypack, we can help. We considered 80+ different models and chose 11 of the...
Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women of 2024
In the market for a UV-protective sun shirt? Each year, we test the most interesting, most popular, and highest-rated...
10 Best Backpacks of 2024
We're always looking for the best backpacks to fuel our adventures. We tested hundreds of models this year and these...
Best GPS Watches of 2024
Looking for the perfect GPS watch? Our experts spent hours looking over options before choosing 16 of the most popular...
Best Cheap Sunglasses of 2024
Hunting for affordable sunnies? We checked out hundred of pairs before selecting the 17 best cheap sunglasses on the...
Best Umbrellas of 2024
When the weather goes sideways, you want an umbrella that won't. In this review, we tested 12 of the industry's...
10 Best Softshell Jackets of 2024
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...
Best Softshell Jackets for Men of 2024
We've spent years putting softshell jackets to the test, unearthing the best options for a variety of uses. Whether...
Best Softshell Jackets for Women of 2024
Finding the best softshell can be a challenging task due to the multitude of options available. Our experienced...
Best Sun Hats of 2024
We evaluated over 50 models and purchased 20, which our team of experts put through extensive side-by-side testing. We...
Best Binoculars of 2024
What are the best binoculars? We took 16 different models through rigorous outdoor testing to find out. We went...
Best Rain Jackets for Men of 2024
Whether you need an all-around rain jacket or one suited for specific types of applications or budgets, we have a pick...
Best Sport Sunglasses of 2024
Looking for the best pair of sport sunglasses available? We researched 100+ models and then bought the 24 best for our...
Best Sunglasses for Women of 2024
Ready to don your perfect pair of shades? We researched hundreds of options before choosing the most promising 15...
Best Hiking Pants
This side-by-side hiking pants review looks at pairs that are light and airy, as well as heavy and durable, for hiking...
Best Hydration Bladder of 2024
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested today's top models for hiking, running...
Best Handheld GPS of 2024
Looking to improve your backcountry navigation? We bought and tested 4 of the best GPS units on the market to help you...
Best Walkie Talkies of 2024
We put 9 radios to a head-to-head test after exhaustive research on all of the top models on the market. After months...
Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2024
We selected the top hiking shoes and put them to the test. After months of hiking on all types of trails, we wrote the...
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...
10 Best Hiking Shoes of 2024
We've got you if you're hunting for the best hiking shoe. The 10 best models have been rounded up after testing over...
Best Sling Bags, Fanny Packs, and Crossbody Bags of 2024
Looking for a sling-style bag to hit the trail, commute to work, or navigate airports? We tested 17 top-selling...
Best Hiking Boots for Men of 2024
We've done the homework on men's hiking boots, buying the most popular models, hiking many miles on varied terrain...
10 Best Hiking Boots of 2024
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...
Best Water Bottles of 2024
We're at it again, testing this year's best water bottles. There are some familiar vessels but most are new contenders...
Best Fleece Jackets for Men of 2024
Looking for a new fleece for the colder months? We purchased the top 16 fleece jackets and rigorously tested them to...
10 Best Fleece Jackets of 2024
Over the last 10 years, we've bought and tested over 124 fleece jackets to bring you the best options on the market...
Best 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...
Best Hiking Boots for Women of 2024
Now is the time to invest in your next pair of hiking boots. But where to begin? We have narrowed down the options to...
Best Rain Jackets for Women of 2024
Looking for the perfect rain jacket to fit your active lifestyle? We have tested over 40 models in the past decade to...
Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2024
Finding the right UPF-rated sun shirt can be a challenge. To help, we've picked the best options on the market and put...
10 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024
If you need a pair of trail running shoes, since 2013, we've tested more than 300 pairs in preparation for this...
10 Best Sunglasses of 2024
Whether you need a pair of sunglasses for a garden party, a trail run, or ripping down a mountain on your new mountain...
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Searching for your next trail running shoe? With our expert advice and experience testing various models this season...
Best Winter Gloves of 2024
Determined to find the best winter gloves for your needs, we researched 30 of the best options on the market before...
Best Trekking Poles of 2024
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
Best Fleece Jackets for Women of 2024
Seeking a deliciously warm fleece jacket? After looking over the best contenders on the market, we chose 11 of the...
Best Hiking Shorts of 2024
Hiking shorts are an essential piece of equipment for spring and summer adventures. We buy and test the best...
10 Best Patagonia Jackets, Pants, & Gear of 2024
We have exposed ourselves to the weather for over a decade to test over 270 different Patagonia goods, including more...
Best 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...
Best 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...
Best Budget Windbreaker for Women
Searching for that final layer to keep you cozy? Over the course of 8 years, we've tested a huge range of...
The Hunt for the Best 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 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...
How to Choose Hiking Boots
Why buy a pair of hiking boots when the salesperson at the local gear shop told you that all hikers are wearing trail...Recent Gear Reviews in Hiking Gear Reviews
Best Buy
Hugut Lightweight Cargo - Women's Review
The Hugut Lightweight Cargo shorts are very affordable and relatively functional for days when you are moving...
Top Pick
Kuhl Freeflex 10" Cargo - Women's 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 Talon 22 Review
The Osprey Talon 22 continues to be a top performer in almost every metric, making it a great all-around daypack...
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 - Women's 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...
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...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Lightweight Hoody - Women's 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 - Women's Review
The Patagonia R1 CrossStrata Hoody is a technical fleece and softshell hybrid designed for women navigating rapidly...
Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Beta LT Review
The Arc'teryx Beta LT is our favorite rain jacket overall. It kept us almost completely dry throughout our testing and...
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
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Review
The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is our favorite hiking shoe, without a doubt. Blending running shoe-inspired comfort with...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Spire GTX - Women's Review
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is a sporty yet incredibly stable hiking shoe with ample comfort for both wide and narrow...
Best Buy
Merrell Moab 3 - Women's Review
The Merrell Moab 3 is a comfortable hiking shoe with a ton of support for high arches. The bellow tongue and ankle...
Editors' Choice
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Review
The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX takes the cake regarding comfort. With 2 inches of compression molded EVA midsole to absorb all...
Top Pick
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Review
By our assessment, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex is one of the best men's hiking boot available. This model builds on...
Top Pick
Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Review
The Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 is our favorite jacket for maintaining mobility. The stretch fabric flexes with the body...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Gamma Pant - Women's Review
The Arc'teryx Gamma pants are well-built softshells that offer solid technical performance, excellent comfort, and...
Editors' Choice
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX - Women's Review
If you're looking for a comfortable hiking boot that offers protection from the elements while moving quickly through...
Best Buy
Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP - Women's Review
Merrell's Moab line has been a bestseller for years, and this updated version of the women's Moab 3 Mid WP continues...
Top Pick
Ketl Nofry Hoodie Review
Always on the go? The Ketl Nofry Hoodie was made just for you. Featuring lightweight fabric with an almost perfect...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro Hoody Review
After thorough testing, we are impressed by the Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody and its ability to stand up to anything...
Top Pick
Saucony Peregrine 14 - Women's Review
Slipping your feet into the new and very-improved Saucony Peregrine 14 is like finding the best friend you never knew...
Top Pick
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon - Women's Review
Finally! A carbon-plated zero-drop shoe that is zippy, equipped for rugged trails, and largely comfortable. The Altra...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody - Women's Review
Ranking as one of our favorite midweight jackets, the Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody stands out for its stretchy soft fabrics...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Pursuit Review
The Black Diamond Pursuit provides exceptional performance at a lower price than other top-of-the-line options. The...
Top Pick
Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Review
The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt is a GMRS radio that can handle an adventurous life, from being submerged in a river to...
Top Pick
Backcountry Access BC Link Mini Review
The BCA BC Link Mini is an excellent FRS radio when packability is as important as performance. The small profile and...
Top Pick
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Review
Weighing in at a mere 10 ounces, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z wins our Top Pick for Best Lightweight Pole...
Top Pick
Fitbit Charge 6 Review
The Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the most simple GPS trackers in our lineup, and it's great for those who want the basics...
Editors' Choice
Filson Summer Packer Review
The Filson Summer Packer stormed to the top of our test group this year to earn one of our Editors' Choice Awards for...
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...
Editors' Choice
Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Review
If you're looking for the best binoculars for less than a grand, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42 should be at the top of your...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece - Women's Review
The REI Co-op Trailmade is a low-priced traditional polyester fleece that scores about average in almost every metric...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody Review
The Arc'teryx Kyanite Hoody is an impressively versatile fleece for hanging around town or adventuring. With a Nylon...
Top Pick