Outdoor gear
A Lighter, Better-Fitting Pack for Day Hikes
The Osprey Tempest 24 balances a light load, women’s-specific fit, and easy-access pockets. Compare five packs for hot trails, short…
Hydro Flask 32 Oz Leads Best Hiking Water Bottles
The Hydro Flask 32 oz Wide Mouth keeps ice through hot days and won't leak in your pack. Compare top…
6 hiking boots built for wide feet that actually fit
Wide feet need a foot-shaped last and roomy toebox, not just a wider size label. Here are six boots that…
Best Hiking Sunglasses for UV Protection on Bright Trails
If you love hiking, you know how crucial good sunglasses are. They’re not just for style. They protect your eyes…
Best windproof tent: Hilleberg Jannu tops our picks
The Hilleberg Jannu leads our windproof tent picks for serious storm protection, with alternatives like the North Face Mountain 25…
REI Passage 2 Leads Best Hiking Tents Under $200
Compare 10 durable hiking tents under $200, tested for weight, waterproofing, and real-world performance. Find your match for backpacking trips.
4-Season Tents for Extreme Weather: Four Picks Compared
Four 4-season tents compared for extreme weather: Hilleberg Nammatj 2 GT, Mountain Hardwear Trango 2, MSR Remote 2, NEMO Kunai…
Best Backpacking Compass: Suunto MC-2 Wins
The Suunto MC-2 leads our picks for backpacking compasses, offering mirror sighting and adjustable declination for off-trail navigation and map…
Best Budget Tents: Coleman Sundome, ALPS Lynx 2
The Coleman Sundome at $120 leads our budget tent picks for car camping. Compare the ALPS Lynx 2 and Wenzel…
Softshell vs. Hardshell Jackets: Which is Best for Hiking?
In the debate about hiking gear, there’s a discussion on hardshell vs. softshell jackets. Each type has benefits for different…
Merino vs Synthetic Base Layers for Hiking
Synthetic dries faster for hot day hikes; merino stays warm when damp on cold multi-day trips. Choose based on your…
Top Tents with Built-In Screens for Bug-Free Camping
I’m a big fan of camping, and picking the right gear is critical for comfort. A tent with a built-in…
Gaiters vs. Hiking Pants: Which Provides Better Trail Protection?
Efficient trail gear is crucial for a good hiking experience. There’s a big debate among hikers about gaiters versus hiking…
Best Tents for Heavy Rain: REI Base Camp 6 Leads
The REI Co-op Base Camp 6 tops our picks for heavy rain camping with storm-focused design that handles wind-driven rain…
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Boots: Which Should You Choose?
When you’re outside, the right shoes make a big difference. Especially if it might get wet. Do you work in…
Trekking Poles vs Hiking Sticks: When to Use Which
Trekking poles offer stability and load sharing for steep trails and heavy packs, unlike single hiking sticks for easy walks…
Down vs. Synthetic Sleeping Bags: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right gear is key when heading into the wild. One major decision is between down and synthetic sleeping…
Top 10 Best Waterproof Jackets for Hikers in Any Weather
The right gear can make a huge difference during our hikes. A good waterproof jacket keeps us dry and comfy.…
Synthetic vs. Wool Hiking Socks: Which Is Better for Long Hikes?
Every hiker understands the importance of choosing the right socks for a long hike. There are many options, but the…
The Right Way to Wash and Dry a Hydro Flask
Hot water, mild soap, and full air-drying keep a Hydro Flask fresh. This guide covers bottles, lids, straws, gaskets, odors,…