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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 2024
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

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 Hiking Fanny Packs of 2024
Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Hiking Fanny Packs 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…
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

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

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.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review
a hiker with their hood up in a forest in the rain.

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
CleverHiker Gear Guide

CleverHiker Gear Guide

Trail-tested recommendations on the best hiking, backpacking, and camping gear for maximizing comfort, minimizing weight, and increasing smiles.
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review
Closeup of Part A and Part B Aquamira dropper bottles

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

These purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight and easy to use.
Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review
a backpacker with the katadyn steripen inserted into a waterbottle next to a clear blue green river

Katadyn Steripen Ultra Water Purifier Review

Like a magic wand, this UV pen kills all the bad stuff (protozoa, bacteria, and viruses) in just 90 seconds.
Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
The side facing view of the HOKA Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes with a lake and pretty wilderness scenery in the background.

Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

These shoes offer responsive midsoles with ample cushioning and impact absorption on rough trails. Their chunky lug pattern provide top-tier traction, and fast-drying, mesh uppers make them breathable and airy.
Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024
A waist-down photo of a female hiker wearing The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 hiking pants with the tuft columns of Smith Rock in the distance

Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024

We took to the trails to test the most promising hiking pants for women. We looked for the most comfortable, lightweight, and durable options so you’ll feel great in your new ‘fit.
REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A hiker wearing the REI Trailmade Pants crosses a stream on some rocks.

REI Trailmade Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review
A backpacker wearing the REI Sahara convertible pants kneels next to a lake surrounded by mountains.

REI Sahara Women’s Hiking Pants Review

We love these affordable, lightweight, and soft hiking pants for class 1-2 trails.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants Review
A hiker wearing the Mountain Hardwear Dynama 2 pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants Review

Hike, run, scramble, or be a couch potato in these super comfortable and streamlined joggers.
Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review
a backpacker on a ledge looking into a forested meadow in the mountains

Kuhl FreeFlex Rollup Women’s Pants Review

This option can switch from pants to capris in a snap. Designed and constructed to outlast your burliest hikes and trails.
Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review
A backpacker wearing the Athleta Trekkie pants walks on a trail in the mountains.

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger Review

An Athleta best-seller for good reason: these joggers work in so many outdoor settings that you’ll find any reason to put them on and get after whatever “it” is for the day.
The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review
a day hiker wearing the north face aphrodite 2.0 pants on a trail through an aspen forest

The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Women’s Hiking Pants Review

Flow up and over passes and along valley river trails in hiking pants that feel like your favorite pair of leisurewear.
7 Best Base Layers of 2024
A hiker stands in the woods wearing the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

7 Best Base Layers of 2024

We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review
A hiker climbing down some rocks in a desert landscape wearing the REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer

REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review

If you’re only going to buy one base layer, this midweight budget friendly and comfy top is a great option. No base layer can do it all, but this one comes close.
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review
A hiker zips up the neck on the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck base layer. Trees are in the background.

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review

This is a top-of-the-line base layer offering fleece-like warmth for cold campsites, alpine starts, or that long chairlift.
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