Field-Tested · Independent · Reader-Supported
Gear that earns its place in your pack.
We hike hundreds of miles with every jacket, boot and backpack we review — then tell you exactly what's worth your money, and what isn't.
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What are you gearing up for?
Rain Jackets & Shells
Hardshell and rain jackets tested in real storms.
Hiking Boots & Shoes
Boots, hikers and trail runners for every terrain.
Backpacks
Daypacks and backpacking packs that carry comfortably.
Tents & Sleep Systems
Tents, sleeping bags and pads for nights outside.
Base Layers & Fleece
Merino, synthetics and fleece for smart layering.
Hiking Essentials
Poles, checklists and the small gear that matters.
Editor's picks
Field-tested favorites
The gear our testers reach for trip after trip. Every pick bought with our own money or tested for a full season.
Best OverallArc'teryx Beta AR Jacket
The gold-standard all-round hardshell. Gore-Tex Pro shrugs off multi-day storms while the fit layers cleanly over a puffy.
Best ValuePatagonia Torrentshell 3L
A 3-layer shell at a 2.5-layer price. Reliable waterproofing, pit zips, and Patagonia's repair program make it the default recommendation.
Best OverallSalomon X Ultra 4 GTX
A light, agile low-cut hiker with a locked-in fit and Contagrip outsole that grips wet rock better than anything else we tested.
Best OverallOsprey Atmos AG 65
The AntiGravity suspended mesh back panel makes 40 lbs feel like 25. Our testers' favorite pack for week-long trips, four years running.
Best Overall TentBig Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The benchmark ultralight 2P tent: 3 lbs, two doors, near-vertical walls, and enough storm-worthiness for three-season backpacking.
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Fresh from the trail
Latest guides & reviews
Organizing a Daypack for Short Hikes: What Stays Reachable
Even a one-hour hike needs water, navigation, snacks, a rain shell, sun protection and a small safety kit, because a wrong turn can stretch the outing. Keep those critical essentials easy to reach, start with the bag you own, and trim the load before hanging gear outside.
Choosing a Headlamp Beam Pattern for Walking Trails: Flood, Spot or Mixed
For most walking trails, choose a mixed or switchable beam: a wide flood for foot placement plus a focused spot for scanning markers and terrain ahead. Favor a longer spot only on open, unfamiliar ground, and remember that lumens alone don't predict beam distance.
Matching Hiking Sock Thickness to Shoe Fit: A Decision Guide
Choose footwear first and fit it with the socks you plan to hike in. Snug or lightweight shoes usually suit thin socks; roomier, sturdy boots suit thicker ones. Expect to shift only about one thickness step in the same pair, and if the heel still lifts after break-in, the shoe size is the problem, not the sock.
Why trust us
Reviews you can stake a trip on
No press samples with strings attached, no pay-to-play rankings. Every product we recommend has been carried, worn or slept in by a real tester — and we publish the cons right next to the pros.
How we test