Best Hiking Gear

Black Diamond, Petzl, and Fenix are known for making great headlamps, and that showed up in our testing. They aren’t the only ones that impressed us, though.

Rugged (but heavy) boots are the classic hiking footwear, but many people are now turning to breezy trail runners. The choice depends on your fitness and the terrain you’re tackling… oh, and your sense of style.

From Unbound Merino to Darn Tough, these top merino wool brands deliver the absolute best performance from this amazing fiber.

Big Agnes earned our top pick for the best sleeping bag brand, but there are some great alternatives, too.

MSR is our favorite tent brand overall, but depending on what you’re looking for, one of these other brands might be a better fit.

Hiking boots from these top brands are grippy and rugged without compromising on weight and style.

A hiking backpack is more than just a bag to carry your stuff. It needs to be a comfortable extension of your body that makes long hikes enjoyable.

Chaco and Teva are the dominant names in hiking sandals. You’ll just have to decide if you want rugged and chunky, or flexible and comfy.

A good hiking shirt needs to protect you from the sun and keep you comfy in all weather. It also doesn’t hurt if it looks good enough to wear around town after you get back from the trail.

You don’t have to look like a dork to wear hiking pants that are comfortable, breathable, and durable.

Trail running shoes combine lightness and agility, making your hikes more effortless. You won’t get the same rugged protection as old-school boots, but the comfort and flexibility is hard to beat.

From high-tech synthetic fills to classic fleece, the best midlayers are designed to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in any environment.

Not all rain jackets are created equal. Whether you need featherweight water resistance or burly four-season protection, a good rain jacket needs to be waterproof, breathable, and durable.

On the hunt for the best camera backpack for hiking to snap some panoramic shots of those mountain views? We’ve got you covered.

Your tent is your fortress in the wilderness. The best backpacking tents shelter you from rain, wind, condensation, and bugs without weighing down your pack.

Dress right for your next hike by wearing moisture-wicking fabrics, dressing in layers, and preparing for the weather.

From Arc’teryx to Cotopaxi, our top outdoor clothing brands all get one thing right: they make versatile apparel that will keep you comfortable in the outdoors.