Gear Guide
We gather and analyze gear reviews so that you buy right the first time. Our team of professional outdoor journalists bring back objectivity, transparency, and authenticity to buying gear. We want you to choose something that won't go to a landfill or hog up space in your garage. We're dedicated to making an inclusive outdoor space where everyone—regardless of how you do the outdoors—can make smart gear decisions.
Buy less junk. Help the planet. Gear for everyone.
Jump to gear category
RECENT

FOOTWEAR
Outdoor clothing
Backpacking & Thru-hiking
HIKING
Sun protection is essential when spending time outdoors, so we trail-tested UPF clothing to bring you this review of the six best sun shirts for men and women.
We researched and tested backpacking cooking pots—ones with positive reviews in outdoor media as well as users. We found the best cook pots for backpacking including titanium, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and cook sets. We considered cooking efficiency, heat distribution, and weight.
The best fly fishing combos — fly rod, fly line and reel — for beginner anglers, plus expert advice so you can gear up and get out on the water.
A review of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX—an update to the classic waterproof hiking boot with a durable Vibram outsole and eco-friendly materials
To find the best sleeping pads, we tested 20 pads over 1000s of miles of backpacking, bikepacking, and bicycle touring. See our top picks for best overall, 4-season, budget, foam, side-sleeper, and hybrid.
After 4 years of heavy use in diverse conditions, we think the Torrentshell rain jacket is the best combination of performance, durability, and value on the market.
From rain jackets to boots, discover the essential guide to best kids rain gear and keep your little ones dry and happy on rainy days!
Finding the perfect hiking shirt isn't just about comfort and durability—it's about finding a companion that stands the test of time and terrain. The search for the ultimate hiking shirt led us to test over 10 shirts to find the best in terms of performance, versatility, and more.
An ultralight tent or tarp is key if you want to move quickly and comfortably. These shelters will protect you from wind, rain, snow, and sleet.
You want a high-quality boat that you can transport in the trunk of your car. Should you buy a folding Oru Kayak?
To find the best women’s running shirts, we ran in 20 running tanks, long sleeves, and t-shirts shirts. Here are the best women’s running shirts, according to a running coach and trail ultramarathoner).
Trekking poles are one of the most multi-purpose gear items you can carry into the backcountry. We've tested dozens of models over thousands of miles to find the best.
In-depth review of the max cushioned HOKA Bondi 9 shoes for running, walking, travel, active recovery runs or days on your feet. Here's differences from the Hoka Bondi 8 and 7
We tested 15 hiking shirts on trails from Virginia to Maine to find the best men's hiking shirts–quick dry, lightweight, long-sleeves, t-shirts, and sun hoodies
The best men’s running shirts for cool, cold, and hot weather running: t-shirts, long sleeves and merino run shirts that fit well, are lightweight and breathable
Lightweight and designed to withstand the breeze, windbreaker jackets are a good option for any outdoor activity when all you need is a light jacket.
When a base layer isn’t enough, but a fleece or insulating puffy jacket is too much, windbreakers are that “just enough” layer — easy to take on any trip, just in case.
An in-depth, long-term review of our favorite backpack for carrying babies and toddlers, the Osprey Poco Plus child hiking carrier.
To find the best child hiking carrier for babies and toddlers, we reviewed backpacks and tested the Osprey Poco line, Deuter Kid Comfort, Kelty, Thule, and more
We tested and reviewed bouldering crash pads for climbers based on performance, features, portability, and durability
We test the best backpacking trowels for lightweight, durable, and efficient cathole digging. Leave No Trace in rocks, roots, and sand with an ultralight potty trowel.
The best wool and synthetic hiking and backpacking socks — hiking socks to prevent blisters, the best socks for hiking in hot weather, compression, and more.
We tested the best plus size ski and snow pants for warmth, waterproofing, and style. Perfect for slopes, snowshoeing, or winter fun.
We test running packs and fast packs for hydration vest style straps, ventilation, ease of use with water bottles and hoses, and more.
We tested the zero-drop Altra VIA Olympus 2 road running shoe to see if its max cushioning, rocker geometry, and roomy toe box deliver on long-distance comfort and efficiency for the road.
We test the best men’s hiking underwear and travel underwear for weight, quick-drying, odor control, moisture-wicking, and comfort.
One of the best ways to move from surviving to thriving in nature is to sleep in a well-ventilated, durable, weatherproof camping tent. We found camping tents that are easy to set up and durable enough for repeated use by teenagers.
We tested the Altra Torin 8 to see how its zero-drop, high-cushion design performs for daily road runs. Read our findings and review here!
Water bottles are vital to keeping us hydrated outdoors- whether it’s for a day hike, a camping trip, or backpacking. We tested wide mouth Nalgenes, collapsible, glass, and vacuum insulated bottles from Yeti, Hydro Flask, and Klean Kanteen and more, comparing 17 bottles side-by-side.
We tested the Anon M5S Ski Goggles to see how they perform in visibility, comfort, and lens-swapping while skiing and snowboarding. Read our in-depth review before hitting the slopes.
Water Sports
BIkepacking, Bike Touring, & road biking
Electronics & GPS
Camping
Running
To find the best women’s running shirts, we ran in 20 running tanks, long sleeves, and t-shirts shirts. Here are the best women’s running shirts, according to a running coach and trail ultramarathoner).
The best men’s running shirts for cool, cold, and hot weather running: t-shirts, long sleeves and merino run shirts that fit well, are lightweight and breathable
We tested the On Cloudsurfer 2 to see how it performs for daily runs. Here's our review of its plush cushioning, breathability, and updated tread.
Help tired feet recover with recovery shoes for runners—sandals, slides, and slippers. We tested passive and active recovery shoes for easing pain or plantar fasciitis.
Find the best road running shoes for men in 2025, tested for comfort, speed, and durability. Explore top picks for daily training, racing, and long-distance runs.
Running belts are game changers. You can carry more stuff, or at least a smartphone, and still feel like you're only wearing the clothes on your back.
An in-depth review of the Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoe with Vibram Megagrip outsole for running, hiking, and backpacking.
Long-term, in-depth review of the Topo Magnifly 5 road running shoe, an incredibly versatile zero-drop road shoe with minimal stack height and moderate cushion
A dialed-in fitting system and excellent performance when both empty and full make the Salomon Adv Skin 12 our top choice for running hydration vests.