sun protection & hydration

We field-tested hiking fanny packs, waist packs, and lumbar packs for comfort, fit, storage, bounce, and durability. See our top picks for 2026.

The REI Flash Shade Hoodie is lighter and faster-drying than the beloved REI Sahara. We tested both to help you pick the right UPF 50 sun hoodie for the trail.

Sun protection is essential when spending time outdoors, so we trail-tested UPF clothing to bring you this review of the 11 best sun shirts for men and women.

A good pair of running sunglasses is comfortable, secure on your face, and UV-protective. They also mute glare and help you stay on your feet rather than tripping over obstacles.

We tested electrolyte powders, tablets, capsules, and drops in hot and harsh conditions such as hiking, running, and biking to bring you this list of the best electrolyte supplements on the market.

We tested and reviewed 11 spray sunscreens to find the best based on ease of application, absorption, protection, and other user experience factors, and more.

A bike water bottle holder is perhaps the humblest accessory for your bike. You don’t have to spend much for a bottle cage, and these are worth it.

We tested and reviewed 17 SPF lip balms to find the best based on wearability, longevity, moisturizing qualities, taste, smell, meltiness, packaging, and more.

We review truly reef safe sunscreen and reef friendly sunscreen to find oxybenzone free mineral options for protecting coral and wildlife— free of banned chemical UV filters

We tested the best sun hats hiking to find the best sun hats for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.

The perfect running hat is so comfortable that you have to periodically check if it’s still on your head, keeps salty sweat out of your eyes, dries quickly, and is easily adjustable on the fly.

Power your phone and electronics with our review of the best portable solar chargers and panels with power banks for camping, basecamping, and outdoor adventures.

We tested 35 SPF lotions to find the best body sunscreen for outdoor activities and best everyday sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection.

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.

Clean drinking water is essential when you head into the backcountry. An effective, reliable water filter or purifier ensures that you have it. We field-tested 20 systems over 6 years to find the one for you.

We tested 12 hiking umbrellas over hundreds of desert and rainy miles. Here are the best options for sun, rain, and wind — with lightweight picks for backpackers.

We review 25 broad spectrum SPF sunscreens for your Face. We test lotion for oily skin, sensitive skin, and moisturizing sunscreens that block UVA and UVB rays, including gel and mineral face sunscreens

A modern MTB bike backpack is an essential piece of gear that will keep the weight low and close to the body, minimizing pack movement without impinging on rider mobility. We review 18 mountain bike hydration packs to find the best for riders from enduro to downhill

We tested and reviewed the Sawyer Squeeze water filter on backpacking trips and thru-hikes to assess its ease of use, flow rate, filtration, packability, and more