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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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10 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

10 Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024

Whether you are bagging peaks or packing a picnic, our trail-tested recommendations for the best daypacks will help you keep all your essentials close at hand.
10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024
Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024

Fanny packs may have been considered a fashion faux-pas at one point, but nowadays it seems like we don’t make it a mile…
10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2024
A runner eating a Clif Bar

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2024

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!
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024
A blonde backpacker sitting on a rock in front of an icey lake in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024

We’ve tested the best hiking leggings and tights to keep you moving effortlessly through any terrain. We tested models with just the right combo of mobility…
7 Best Trekking Poles of 2024
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

7 Best Trekking Poles of 2024

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

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

How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes
A hiker in a red rain jacket sitting on a rock to tie his Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots

How to Lace Hiking Boots & Shoes

How many ways can you tie your shoes? If you like to hike, you’ll need more than one.
How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots
Closeup of a hiker's feet crossing a creek in a muddy pair of Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 hiking boots

How to Clean Hiking Shoes & Boots

In this guide, we walk you through how to take care of your footwear – so your footwear can take care of you.
100 Best Gifts For Hikers, Backpackers & Campers 2024

100 Best Gifts For Hikers, Backpackers & Campers 2024

Give the gift that gets them outside with our guide to the best gifts for hikers and backpackers.
7 Best Trekking Poles of 2024
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

7 Best Trekking Poles of 2024

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…
10 Best Rain Jackets of 2024
A backpacker wearing an orange Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket in Yosemite National Park

10 Best Rain Jackets of 2024

From drizzles to downpours, we’ve got your back. Our team of seasoned hikers weathered the storm to find the best rain jackets for performance and protection.
Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review

Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review

The Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System is similar to other popular squeeze filters on the market but stands out…
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it a top choice among weight-conscious backpackers and mountaineers who need the ability to self-arrest while crossing glaciers and steep snowfields.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.
10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2024
A backpacker drinking from a water bottle filled with pink hydration mix

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2024

Sip, sip, hooray! We’ve trail-tested the most flavorful, nutritious, and delicious hydration mixes out there so you can stay fueled up on your adventures.
10 Best Stuff Sacks of 2024
A hiker holding an orange REI Lightweight Drawstring Stuff Sack with a backpacking tent and a mountain peak in the background

10 Best Stuff Sacks of 2024

Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way…
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight…
7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

Ready for some fun in the sun? Stay protected with our trail-tested expert recommendations for the best sun shirts available.
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024
A blonde backpacker sitting on a rock in front of an icey lake in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024

We’ve tested the best hiking leggings and tights to keep you moving effortlessly through any terrain. We tested models with just the right combo of mobility…
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

The Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Drop + Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are strong, comfortable to hold, and – best of all – they’re super affordable.
Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs because they take up almost no pack space, they weigh next to nothing, and they…
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