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Backpacking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024
Knee-down view of a hiker standing on a white granite rock in a pair of teal Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 hiking shoes in front a lake in Glacier National Park.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024

Looking for the most comfortable, durable women’s hiking shoes around? Our team of experts tested dozens of the most promising pairs over thousands…
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review
picture of a hiker wearing peregrine 14's walking over a log and dry grass

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review

We think these hiking shoes are a fantastic pick for ultralight backpackers, trail runners, and hikers who value speed and breathability.
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 Review
close up of a hiker wearing altra lone peak 8's on small boulders

Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

Lace up and go farther with this versatile shoe. With a refined ripstop mesh upper, grippy outsole, and responsive midsole, and a roomy toe box and zero drop design, it’s perfect for thru-hikers and trail runners alike.
Women’s Merrell Moab 3 Review
hiker's feet wearing the merrell moab 3 on loose gravel

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 Review

A no fuss shoe with comfort, durability and versatility, now even softer, grippier and more supportive.
Women’s Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review
a woman walking in the high desert brush

Women’s Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review

We loved wearing this light and agile pair from Merrell on day hikes and a long-weekend backpacking trip.
Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

This is a high-performing technical pair of trail shoes. They effectively make you feel solid on the ground, yet light on your feet as you devour the trail before you.
Best Fleece Jackets of 2024
A female backpacker wearing the Eddie Bauer Super Sevens Fleece Pullover in front of jagged mountain peaks in Glacier National Park

Best Fleece Jackets of 2024

We took to the mountains to find the best fleece jackets for taking off the chill. Explore our top picks for staying comfortable and toasty when temps start to dip.
REI Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket Review
a hiker wearing a fleece jacket while seated on a rocky mountain next to their dog smiling for the camera. Mountains rise in the background.

REI Flash Hyperstretch Fleece Jacket Review

Sleek and durable on the outside and ultra-soft on the inside make this an ideal layer for staying warm while on the move in the elements.
Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Review
A man in a hat and blue fleece looks off while hiking on a trail.

Columbia Steens Mountain / Benton Springs Fleece Jacket Review

Designed for comfort and blanket-like protection for a fraction of its competitor’s price, we love this classic jacket.
Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket Review
A hand unzips a chest pocket on a fleece.

Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Jacket Review

Popular as a layer during ski season and as outerwear on a climb or hike, this packable fleece will keep you warm without overheating.
Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Review
a man with a cap on wearing a patagonia fleece zip jacked in green overlooking a flat body of water

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket Review

Built like it’s never going out of style, this classic fleece is a dependable insulator whenever cold weather threatens a good time.
Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review
a backpacker stands near a stream with a water bottle on the ground between their feet for support while they squeeze a quickdraw water bladder through a filter.

Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review

Outstanding for its fast flow rate, durable build, and easy maintenance, this squeeze micro filter is a great option for treating water in the wild.
Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review
a packet of micropur chlorine tablets

Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

These chlorine treatment tabs take up almost no pack space, they weigh next to nothing, and they provide safe drinking water if your filter fails or the water is contaminated.
Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp Review
The image shot a blue Black Diamond Spot 400 - R headlamp sitting on a rock surrounded by water.

Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp Review

A rechargeable, dependable, thoughtfully designed headlamp that stays put on your head and has an impressive burn time.
Petzl Actik CORE Headlamp Review
The image shows the Petzl Actik Core headlamp laying on a log in the forest.

Petzl Actik CORE Headlamp Review

Because of its brightness, reliability, and user-friendly interface, this headlamps consistently ranks at the top of gear guides.
Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Review
The image shows a black Nitecore NU25 UL sitting on the beach.

Nitecore NU25 UL Headlamp Review

A functional and ultralightweight headlamp that is quickly changing the game in lightweight, powerful headlamps.
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