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Hiking Gear Reviews, Expert Tips, & Trail Guides

Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review
A man shoveling snow from around the vestibule of his tent. It's a sunny day, and snow is flying through the air from the shovel.

Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Review

Published: February 7, 2025
Looking for unmatched warmth in a sleek, lightweight design? This alpine mid-layer balances high-performance insulation, packability, and weather resistance, excelling in outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review
A person wearing sunglasses and the Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hoody with the hood up, standing in a snowy forest.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoody Review

Published: February 7, 2025
A durable and stretchy down jacket offering excellent mobility, cozy warmth, and versatility for outdoor activities and casual wear, ideal for shoulder seasons and active adventures.
10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025
Semi-aerial view of dozens of electrolyte powders and mixes on a camping table

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2025

Last Updated: February 6, 2025
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.
Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Brooks Women's Catamount 4 close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Published: February 6, 2025
Built for speed with plenty of cushion and just enough traction to grip a wide variety of terrain without compromising weight, these shoes will propel you up and down the trail.
Gregory Zulu 30 Daypack Review
Close up of a man wearing a large daypack from the side.

Gregory Zulu 30 Daypack Review

Published: February 6, 2025
The Gregory Zulu 30 is a comfortable and supportive day pack with extra room for day hikers with bulky gear
Rab Protium 27 Daypack Review
A man looks off in the distance as he bends over and digs through his backpac.

Rab Protium 27 Daypack Review

Published: February 6, 2025
The Rab Protium’s price won’t work for everybody, but it’s worth every penny if you’re after a robust and versatile daypack
LL Bean Stowaway pack Review
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LL Bean Stowaway pack Review

Published: February 6, 2025
Weighing only 14 ounces, the LL Bean Stowaway is seriously portable daypack for travel and shorter hikes.
REI Trail 25 pack Review
Closeup image of a man wearing a backpack with a foam sleeping pad on the bottom and two hiking poles attached.

REI Trail 25 pack Review

Published: February 6, 2025
After testing this pack for 150+ miles in Colorado, we recommend it to hikers who want lots space on a budget.
MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review
A person wearing the MontBell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka, standing outdoors on a snowy trail while adjusting the front zipper.

MontBell Plasma 1000 Down Parka Full Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Ultralight and incredibly warm, this down jacket is perfect for thru-hikers and backcountry travelers seeking exceptional warmth-to-weight performance for minimalist, three-season adventures.
REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review
Person standing in a snowy forest wearing the REI Magma 850 Down Hoody, facing sideways with the hood up.

REI Magma 850 Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
A lightweight, versatile down jacket with great warmth, packability, and thoughtful features. It’s sustainably made and balances performance with comfort, ideal for backpacking or around town.
8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review
A person sits in a red tent pitched on snow, wearing a lightweight down jacket with snow-covered boots.

8000+ Miles Logged: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This ultralight and packable down jacket is built for adventure. With an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and compact design, it’s the ultimate choice for backpackers, climbers, and anyone pushing the limits outdoors.
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review
A person wearing the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody with the hood up, surrounded by a snowy forest landscape.

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie Review

Published: February 5, 2025
This rugged down jacket combines high-quality insulation and waterproof fabric for durability and moisture resistance, making it perfect for shoulder-season adventures in light rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. Reliable and versatile.
Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review
A man walks down a rocky ridge over an ocean view in the winter.

Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Parka Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Combining premium down insulation with stretchy, durable fabric, this parka offers unmatched warmth and freedom of movement.
REI Flash 22 Daypack Review

REI Flash 22 Daypack Review

Published: February 5, 2025
Ultralight and frameless, the REI Flash 22 is one of our top picks – and for an excellent price, too.
Osprey Talon/Tempest 22 Daypack Review
A person wears a backpack facing away from the camera in a snowy setting.

Osprey Talon/Tempest 22 Daypack Review

Published: February 5, 2025
The Osprey Talon 22 and Tempest 20 are ideal for men (Talon) and women (Tempest) who want a versatile, comfortable, fully featured pack.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack Review
Close up of a backpack on a person's back in the desert.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack Review

Published: February 5, 2025
After 250 miles of testing, the Osprey Daylite Plus earned a spot on our list of the best daypacks for hiking. Here’s why we like it:
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