The Best Outdoor Gear Stories of 2025
Reader’s favorite stories in 2025
December 29th, 2025
Home > News
It’s hard to believe that 2025 is already coming to a close. When the sun sets on Dec. 31, Treeline Review will have tested and published about more than 5,000 pieces of gear this year. You loved so many, from our Best Of stories to Gear Lists and Where to Go stories. We are thrilled and excited that you are part of our community.
So we looked at the numbers and what our readers loved in 2025. Here are your favorite stories.
We create reader-supported, mission-driven, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Top Treeline Review Stories of 2025
We tested the latest GPS and ABC hiking watches for battery life, mapping, accuracy, and durability to find the best models for day hikes, backpacking, and mountain travel.
We spent 8 years testing the top women’s winter boots for ice and snow from Maine to Alaska. We review the best boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort and traction
Tested on ice and snow from Maine to Alaska for 4 years, here’s our review of the best men’s winter boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort, and traction.
We trail-tested over 25 models to put together our list of the best hiking shoes for men looking at comfort, waterproofing, protection, and support.
From cushioned everyday hikers to technical trail shoes, we tested 50+ women’s models and chose the top picks for fit, support, waterproofing, and all-season performance.
We researched the 100 most popular winter gloves, liner gloves, heated gloves, and mittens to find the best gloves for running, cycling, extreme cold, and touchscreen usage.
We tested dozens of electrolyte supplements across 1000s of miles of hiking, running, and biking to help you find the best electrolyte powder for your needs.
We tested and reviewed the best GPS dog collars based on accuracy, reliability, usability, tracking range, features, value, fit, and more.
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
10. Best Headlamps
We spent 400+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.
We’ve tested our fair share of hiking, wool, and synthetic socks over the years. But for really wet conditions in the outdoors, waterproof socks can be key.
We ran 2,000 miles in 24 of the most popular trail running shoes to find the best trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking, road-to-trail running, narrow feet, wide feet, beginner trail runners, and distance running.
We tested and reviewed the best satellite messengers and personal locator beacons to help you stay safe, connected, and found in the backcountry.
Explore the best running accessories to enhance your comfort, safety, and performance, including hydration, recovery, and must-have gear for every run.
Expert reviews of the best lightweight hiking boots. Compare waterproof, breathable options for men and women based on comfort, durability, and performance testing on real trails.
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.
We test 35 SPF lotions to find the best body sunscreen for outdoor activities and best everyday sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection.
Our testers share the best rain boots based on waterproofness, comfort, durability, traction, and style, whether you're working outside or walking around town.
We reviewed ultralight backpacking and bike tents from Big Agnes, Six Moon Designs, Nemo, and MSR to determine the best picks for solo and group bikepacking.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
We review human waste bags and wag bags for ease-of-use to find the best odorproof and leakproof toilet kits for camping, climbing, backpacking, rafting and emergencies
A long-term, in-depth review of the Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED for hiking, cycling, and endurance activities based on mapping, battery life, ease of use, and more
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.
We researched and tested the best cameras for your backcountry adventures, looking at waterproof, freeze-proof, drop-proof, shock-proof cameras that function in extreme of weather and environments.
We test running packs and fast packs for hydration vest style straps, ventilation, ease of use with water bottles and hoses, and more.
