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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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Best Hiking Daypacks of 2025
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2025

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 Hiking Fanny Packs of 2025
woman unzipping the hyperlite mountain gear versa fany pack next to a rushing white water river

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs of 2025

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 2025
Multiple energy bars on a camp table

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2025

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 2025
two people sitting on a log, one in blue leggings and one in pastel pink leggings. close-up on just the bottom half. person wearing pink leggings is touching the fabric

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2025

Whether hiking to the summit or strolling your neighborhood trails with your dog during any season, our gear testers stretched the limits of the best hiking leggings on the market. Check out our list of products designed for women that provide all the features, fit, and durability you need on the trail.
Best Trekking Poles of 2025
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

Best Trekking Poles of 2025

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

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review
A person is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Last Updated: June 21, 2025
If you’re looking for a pair of trekking poles with a great balance of strength and low weight, you can’t go wrong with the Gossamer Gear LT5s.
Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

Leki Makalu Cork Lite Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 21, 2025
These poles are durable, comfortable, and user-friendly. With cork grips that absorb sweat and easy-to-adjust flick locks, they offer the perfect balance of features for the everyday hiker or backpacker. While they aren’t the lightest or most compact option, they still provide excellent value.
Men’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review
Close up image of a person sitting on a patch of grass tying their shoes

Men’s Saucony Peregrine 15 Review

Last Updated: June 20, 2025
Fast on your feet and secure on any terrain, these shoes shine whether it’s May in the desert or August in the mountains.
Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review
A person's finger is looped through the heel loop on a trail running shoe. Image is close up and centered on the shoe.

Men’s Altra Lone Peak 9 Review

Last Updated: June 19, 2025
The Altra Lone Peak 9 is an excellent zero-drop trail runner that blends a huge toe box and great traction with a breathable, ergonomic design.
Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
Hey side facing view of the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a hiker, wearing them at high altitude with snowy peaks in the background.

Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Last Updated: June 19, 2025
The Speedgoat 6 sees a serious redesign this year, but it hasn’t lost its magic thanks to breathable uppers, plenty of support, and bright colors.
Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review
Close up from the knees down of a person wearing trail runners.

Men’s Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review

Last Updated: June 19, 2025
Say goodbye to squished toes — the Ultraventure 4’s ultra-roomy fit and sensitive lacing keeps you cruising comfortably from trail to town.
REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review
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

REI Flash Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 19, 2025
Surprisingly tough in the field and lighter than average, these hiking poles make a good choice for the everyday hiker. We enjoyed using them in the Sky Islands and think you will too on your next adventure.
MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using some trekking poles. They are in desert like area with bushes and pine trees.

MSR DynaLock Explore Carbon Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 19, 2025
With a solid performance all around, these trekking poles make a great option for a wide range of adventures. They are reasonably priced and come with helpful features that any hiker can appreciate.
Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking down a trail using trekking poles in a forest.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 18, 2025
Check out why these are our favorite trekking poles overall. Basically they are comfy, not heavy, durable, simple and effective. Plus they work for snow and summer mountain pursuits!
Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review
A person is walking on a trail with a pair of trekking poles and a forest in the background.

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 18, 2025
These trekking poles are the best screaming deal pair we tested that aren’t made to fall apart immediately.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2025
Waist-down view of a runner wearing the Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes with a view of Mt. Hood in the background

Best Trail Running Shoes for Men of 2025

Last Updated: June 17, 2025
Whether you’re chasing summits or logging miles close to home, our updated list of the best men’s trail runners has your next favorite pair.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review
A person wearing a backpack is walking towards the camera on a trail using the Distance Carbon trekking poles. The area is rocky, grassy, and hilly.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review

Published: June 16, 2025
These ultra-light, compact trekking poles are perfect for ultralight backpackers and trail runners. They pack down small, set up quickly, and offer impressively streamlined features for fast-paced adventures.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review
A person wearing a backpack and holding some poles is standing on a trail catching their breath with mountain views and a desert behind them.

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 16, 2025
Carbon, cork, and long-lasting? Yes, this trekking pole has it. It isn’t the lightest, but this option is deluxe when it comes to more difficult hikes.
Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review
A person is using a pair of trekking poles to help them cross a shallow creek in the woods.

Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles Review

Published: June 16, 2025
If you sometimes need a pole or two, this might be a great fit. They are uber-ultralight and don’t cost a pretty penny.
Muttluks All Weather Dog Boot Review
A close up of a dog trotting on a dirt path wearing the Muttluks boots. There is tall, yellow grass in the background.

Muttluks All Weather Dog Boot Review

Published: June 14, 2025
Is there a middle ground between hiking boots and mushing boots? This boot is doing its best to find out! Click here to learn more.
Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boot Review
Close up of a small terrier wearing the Ruffwear boots on a trail in the desert with a mountain in the background.

Ruffwear Grip Trex Dog Boot Review

Published: June 14, 2025
Made specifically for hiking, these boots are durable with fantastic tread. Learn more about why these boots are well loved by many adventurers.
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