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 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...
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 Hiking Gear of 2024
Our experts list our favorite hiking gear picks so you can have the best experience on the trail.
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 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...
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 Sport Sunglasses of 2024
Looking for the best pair of sport sunglasses available? We researched 100+ models and then bought the 25 best for our...
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 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 Trekking Poles of 2024
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
Best Windbreakers of 2024
Windbreakers are a lightweight, packable, cost-effective alternative to burlier outer layers and are great for keeping...
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 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 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 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...
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 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...
10 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024
If you need a pair of trail running shoes, we've spent the last twelve years testing more than 300 pairs in...
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 Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2024
Looking for a new pair of trail runners? We have tested over 120 of the most popular models in the past decade, and...
Best Hiking Pants of 2024
This side-by-side hiking pants review looks at pairs that are light and airy, as well as heavy and durable, for hiking...
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 16 top-selling...
Best Softshell Jackets for Women of 2024
It can be challenging to find the best softshell because there are so many types and styles. Our reviewers have spent...
Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2024
Finding the right UPF-rated sun shirt can be a challenge. To help, we've picked 16 of the best options on the market...
Best Hiking Shorts of 2024
Hiking shorts are an essential piece of equipment for spring and summer adventures. We buy and test the best...
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 Softshell Jackets of 2024
Our review tests the top softshell jackets and lets you know which ones are the best for the activities you regularly...
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 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 Fleece Jackets for Men of 2024
Looking for a new fleece for the colder months? We purchased the top 17 fleece jackets and rigorously tested them to...
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...
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 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 Hiking Socks of 2024
Is a bomber hiking sock the next thing on your adventure gear list? We spent countless hours researching, purchasing...
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...
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 Daypacks of 2024
Determining the ideal daypack in the market and selecting the best option for you, your requirements, and your budget...
Best Winter Gloves of 2024
Determined to find the best winter gloves for your needs, we researched the top 20 before buying and testing 9 of them...
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...
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 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 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 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 Hiking Pants for Women
To help you find your next pair of women's hiking pants, we've tested over 50 models over 10 years to bring you 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...
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 GPS Watch of 2024
Looking for the perfect GPS watch? Our experts spent hours looking over options before choosing 13 of the most popular...
Best Hydration Bladder
Searching for the best hydration bladder? Our experts have personally tested today's top models for hiking, running...
Best Satellite Messengers of 2024
We are wilderness professionals and recreationists who understand technology. We look at satellite messaging...
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 Hiking Shorts for Women
Planning for an upcoming hike? We reviewed a handful of the year's best hiking shorts with varying inseams to...
Best Walkie Talkies
We put 11 radios to a head-to-head test after scouring all of the top models on the market. After 190+ hours of...
Best Cheap Sunglasses
Hunting for affordable sunnies? We checked out hundred of pairs before selecting the 16 best cheap sunglasses on the...
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 Personal Locator Beacon
What device should you buy and for what application? Below we break it down. Once finished, however, do read our...
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...Recent Gear Reviews in Hiking Gear Reviews
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
Garmin GPSMAP 66st Review
The Garmin GPSMAP 66st is essentially a suped-up version of other models offered in the already high-end GPSMAP series...
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...
Top Pick
Merrell Moab 3 Review
The Merrell Moab 3 is the latest version of the beloved Moab line and proves to be a recommendable shoe due to its...
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...
Top Pick
Altra Lone Peak 8 - Women's Review
The Altra Lone Peak 8 is a reliable and faithful trail running shoe that has been restored to its former glory. Altra...
Top Pick
Altra Lone Peak 8 Review
The Altra Lone Peak 8 continues to provide all-day comfort for long days on the trail. The main change found is a...
Best Buy
Brooks Divide 4 - Women's Review
The Brooks Divide 4 is a great deal for a great shoe. With rigid support and plenty of cushion, this light trail shoe...
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
The North Face Denali - Women's Review
The North Face Denali stands out for its heavyweight design that provides warmth and comfort on the coldest nights. It...
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
The North Face Summit Series FutureFleece Full-Zip Hoodie Review
The North Face FutureFleece Full-Zip Hoodie offers excellent performance at a weight that's simply jaw-dropping...
Best Buy
Columbia Crestwood - Women's Review
The Columbia Crestwood features a suede leather and mesh combination upper that offers a sneaker-like feel and out of...
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...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch Review
The Outdoor Research Foray Super Stretch is our Top Pick for Mobility and Freedom of Movement. An updated Gore-Tex...
Best Buy
Columbia Crestwood - Women's Review
The Columbia Crestwood really impressed our testing team with its affordable and lightweight design. These boots felt...
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...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible - Women's Review
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible pants offer excellent performance, stellar comfort, and top-notch features at a...
Best Buy
Balios Double Canopy Review
The Balios Double Canopy is a classy and well-built compact umbrella. The solid wooden handle adds style and feels...
Top Pick
totes Auto Open Wooden Review
The totes Auto Open Wooden is both classic and modern in style, with reliable rain coverage and a nostalgic feel...
Editors' Choice
Outdoor Research Aspire II - Women's Review
The Outdoor Research Aspire II offers the pinnacle of performance in both water resistance and breathability, with...
Editors' Choice
Gregory 3D Hydro Review
The Gregory 3D Hydro surprised us with its dominating performance, combining durability and ease of use better than...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Trail 25 - Women's Review
The REI Trail 25 is just as at home on hiking trails, as commuting to work, as on a short backcountry skiing...
Best Buy
Baleaf UPF 50 Crew - Women's Review
The Baleaf Crew is a basic sun shirt that provides pretty good sun protection for an impressively low cost, making it...
Top Pick
O'Neill Basic Skins L/S Crew - Women's Review
If you're in the market for an excellent rash guard, this is the right choice for you. Heading on a tropical vacation...
Top Pick
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Review
The Apple Ultra Watch 2 is our go-to recommendation for fitness enthusiasts seeking prolonged battery life and robust...
Editors' Choice
Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 Review
The Zeiss Victory SF 10x42 is a step above many of the other binoculars we tested and provides a distinct difference...
Top Pick
Incase Icon Review
The Incase Icon is one of our favorite backpacks for those who have a lot of tech to tote around. It has excellent...
Best Buy
Coros Pace 3 Review
The Coros Pace 3 remains a standout choice for an affordable GPS watch, leading our test lineup in value and catering...
Top Pick
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Review
The REI Co-op Sahara Convertible is a comfortable and breathable pair of pants and is our favorite convertible model...
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...
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...
Top Pick
Arc'teryx Proton FL Hoody - Women's Review
This is a top-notch hybrid that aims to provide wind resistance and warmth. The latest version of the Arc'teryx Proton...
Top Pick
Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack Review
In the world of high-tech, fancy framed daypacks, the Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack may seem a bit underwhelming. But...
Top Pick
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex - Women's Review
Much like the versions that came before it, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex is a high-performing boot that scored...
Top Pick
Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex Review
The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX is the latest edition of a long line of great boots, and we did not think there was much...
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
Outdoor Research Helium Pant Review
The Outdoor Research Heliums are our favorite lightweight rain pants. At roughly half the weight and packed size of...
Editors' Choice
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant - Women's Review
The updated Torrentshell from Patagonia is a very impressive improvement on an old classic. Patagonia employed 3 layer...
Best Buy