Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

Last Updated: July 22, 2024

We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum—some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others...

Best Hiking Sandals

Last Updated: July 19, 2024

Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday...

Does Your Down Jacket Need a Hood?

Last Updated: July 17, 2024

A down jacket is a wonderful insulating piece: It’s light, packable, and offers premium warmth that you simply can’t find in a synthetic equivalent. In choosing your perfect puffy, one of the forks in the road is whether to go with a hood or without...

Patagonia Granite Crest Rain Jacket (Women's) Review

Last Updated: July 15, 2024

There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Patagonia’s new Granite Crest stands out with its sustainably built design. Made from recycled fishing nets and featuring a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, this...

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Last Updated: July 12, 2024

Patagonia’s Torrentshell 3L rain jacket is about as popular as it gets in the outdoor apparel space. The hardwearing 3-layer build offers excellent protection and durability, you get a wide variety of color options, and it's very reasonably priced for...

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

Last Updated: July 9, 2024

Merino wool, the ultra-soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we break down the pros and cons of merino wool, including...

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: July 9, 2024

Salomon’s Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the fourth-generation model carries the torch. We put the latest Quest 4 through its paces in Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, where it faced wet and...

Best Women’s Travel Pants

Last Updated: July 9, 2024

Traveling can be an involved and exhausting undertaking, but staying comfortable on long plane rides and packed buses can help make the experience a little more bearable. Travel pants can be a key part of this equation. Many of today’s leading designs...

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: July 3, 2024

Merrell’s Moab is about as classic as hiking boots come and an extremely popular first pair of hiking footwear for many (including multiple editors on our staff). We tested one of the best-selling variations—the mid-height waterproof model—which checks...

Best Climbing Harnesses

Last Updated: July 1, 2024

Whether you’re top roping in the gym, projecting 5.14, or climbing Cerro Torre in Patagonia, you’ll want the best harness for the job. In addition to being a vital part of every climber’s safety, harnesses offer varying levels of comfort, adjustment...

REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent Review

Last Updated: July 1, 2024

REI Co-op’s Trail Hut offers a spacious interior, durable fabrics, and excellent weather protection for just $229. We put the two-person model to the test in southern Patagonia, where it outperformed tents over twice the price in terms of comfort and...

How Much Should You Spend on a Mountain Bike?

Last Updated: June 28, 2024

The mountain bike market has drastically changed over the last couple decades, but there’s one fact that’s stayed steady: The sport is expensive. It's no exaggeration that carbon full-suspension builds can top the price of a nice used car. That said...