Traveling can be stressful and exhausting on the best of days, and not having the right accessories along for the ride can make it all that much harder. It's important to be comfortable and confident in your packing system and to have the right bags and clothing layers for your style of adventure. What you will be doing while on the move? What will the weather be like? Where are you sleeping? Our travel-focused reviews below explore accessories for carrying your bike, skis, or luggage on your car, various types of bags and backpacks for staying organized, and recommendations on clothing to keep you comfortable and lightweight. No matter what kind of traveler you are or what your journey has in store, we've tested key products to help keep your time away from home smooth, streamlined, and—most importantly—fun. 


Travel Gear | Travel Footwear & Clothing | In-Depth Reviews | Learning Center

Bags, Carrying Systems, Accessories

Travel backpacks (walking around El Chalten with Topo Designs and Cotopaxi packs)

Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Whether you’re traveling across the globe or headed out on a quick weekend getaway, a thoughtfully designed travel pack can help you stay comfortable and organized while on the move. Key considerations include carry-on compatibility for air travel...
Hiking daypacks (group hiking toward mountains)

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2024

From short day hikes and summit scrambles to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you’ll want the right pack for the job. Most people carry water and food, a layering piece and rain shell, and a few other accessories like a first-aid kit or...
Women's daypacks (hiking in group)

Best Women's Hiking Daypacks of 2024

Whether you’re embarking on a half-day hike, climbing a 14er, or seeing the sights in a foreign city, a daypack offers just-right carrying capacity alongside load-bearing support and convenient organization. Our female editors have been hitting the...
Duffel bags (sitting on bench at airport with group of duffels)

Best Duffel Bags of 2024

Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers...
Fanny pack (zipping up Free Range Equipment Canvas Phanny)

Best Fanny Packs of 2024

Once considered an unfashionable fad of the '90s, fanny packs—also known as waist, lumbar, and hip packs—are making a serious comeback in 2023. From replacing a purse while running errands around town to keeping the essentials handy on the trail, many...
Organizing stuff sacks near backpacking tent

Best Stuff Sacks of 2024

Ah, the stuff sack. Perhaps no other piece of outdoor gear packs as much function into such a small and lightweight form. From organizing toiletries, food, or clothing to compressing your backpacking tent or sleeping bag and protecting items against...
Rooftop cargo boxes (storing skis in Yakima SkyBox)

Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes of 2024

Whether you drive a small hatchback or a large SUV, adding a cargo box to your vehicle’s rooftop can go a long way toward improving organization, carrying capacity, and comfort. These boxes come in a range of sizes to accommodate your gear (including...
Hitch bike rack (loading Kuat NV 2.0)

Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2024

If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. There are a wide range of options to choose from...
Loading snowboards onto the Thule SnowPack ski snowboard rack

Best Ski and Snowboard Racks of 2024-2025

If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns. These sleek pieces of gear accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, feature glove-friendly handles and secure locks, and are...
Unzipping The North Face Trail Eco Bed sleeping bag

Best Camping Sleeping Bags of 2024

No matter where your travels take you, from national parks to backwoods to back porches, a camping sleeping bag can be a trusty companion. Since space and weight are not at a premium when you can drive to your destination, the comfort dial can get...
Camping and backpacking pillows (lined up on sleeping bag)

Best Camping and Backpacking Pillows of 2024

While small and relatively unassuming, a quality outdoor pillow can go a long way toward improving your sleep, whether you’re spending the night at your local state park or trekking miles into the...

Travel Footwear & Clothing

Women's travel pants (standing in cafe wearing Vuori Miles Jogger)

Best Women’s Travel Pants of 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...
Hiking pants (Arc'teryx Gamma LT in mountains)

Best Hiking Pants of 2024

A great pair of hiking pants offer comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. In terms of materials, many of today’s top pants are made from lightweight and stretchy...
Women's hiking pants (backpacking up pass in Rab Elevation Pants)

Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2024

Women know the struggles in finding a good pair of hiking pants: Fit, comfort, and storage considerations all can be difficult to dial in. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a range of designs that offer impressive performance and...
Hiking shorts (prAna Stretch Zion closeup in Utah)

Best Hiking Shorts of 2024

Most hikers know the value of a quality pair of hiking pants, but for midsummer conditions or particularly active days on the trail, we turn to hiking shorts. In addition to being more breathable and quicker to dry, most of our favorite modern hiking...
Women's hiking shorts (Topo Designs Dirt Short)

Best Women’s Hiking Shorts of 2024

For midsummer conditions or high-exertion days on the trail, nothing beats the easy-breezy feel of a hiking short. Today’s offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs...
Hiking shoes (water crossing in Altra Lone Peak 8)

Best Hiking Shoes of 2024

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Women's hiking shoes (Merrell Moab Speed 2 on rock)

Best Women's Hiking Shoes of 2024

Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized by their low-top design, which translates to less...
Trail-running shoe (in alpine terrain)

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2024

Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Our team has...

Best Hiking Boots of 2024

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Women's hiking boots (La Sportiva boots stepping in water)

Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2024

For the best combination of protection and support on the trail, look no further than a hiking boot. Compared to other forms of hiking footwear, boots are epitomized by their mid-height build, which offers best-in-class stability on technical terrain...
Sports sandals (hiking over log on beach in Chaco sandals)

Best Hiking Sandals of 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...
Rain Jackets (Hiking with the Arc’teryx Beta LT in The Winds) (t)

Best Rain Jackets of 2024

With a long history in the Pacific Northwest, the Switchback team knows a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpours in the mountains, we're acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell—not...
Norrøna Falketind Paclite rain jacket (crossing creek)

Best Women’s Rain Jackets of 2024

Let’s face it: It rains, and sometimes it pours. Thankfully, a good rain jacket can provide a solid layer of defense against the elements. Our female editors have tested dozens of designs on trails near and far to bring you our 18 favorites below...
Windbreaker jackets (sitting in truck at trailhead)

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024

Let’s get right to the point: We love windbreaker jackets. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. These small but mighty outer layers pack a punch, offering serious protection from the elements for hikers...
Backpacking in the Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoody (softshell jacket)

Best Softshell Jackets of 2024

For high-output activities, it’s hard to beat a softshell jacket. Their breathable and stretchy fabrics offer fantastic performance and a really comfortable fit that moves with you. As long as you don’t take them out in a rain storm, their durable...

In-Depth Reviews

Osprey Talon 22 daypack (hiking in Utah)

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack Review

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. In testing the...
REI Co-op Flash 22 daypack (hiking above lake)

REI Co-op Flash 22 Daypack Review

When it comes to outdoor gear, we often find ourselves forced to make decisions between weight savings and functionality. Ultralight gear is great for moving quickly, but it usually comes with significant tradeoffs in terms of comfort, function, and...
Osprey Daylite Plus daypack (hiking on the PCT)

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack Review

Osprey is a leader in the daypack market, and the Daylite is their entry-level collection. We put the 20-liter “Plus” model to the test and found that it offers a good amount of storage and capacity, has a healthy number of features, and is very well...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak daypack (standing in Peru mountains)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack Review

Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear is well known among ultralight enthusiasts for their premium packs and tents made with Dyneema—a naturally water-resistant material that’s incredibly strong for its weight. Their Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is case...
Yakima SkyBox NX 16 roof box (putting snowboard in box)

Yakima SkyBox NX 16 Review

The roof box market is a pretty stagnant space, so it’s notable when a big-time product gets a revamp. And that’s just what happened with the Skybox NX, which effectively replaces the Carbonite model in Yakima’s lineup. Offered in 16- and 18-cubic-foot...
Thule Motion XT XL Roof Box (loading Paddle)

Thule Motion XT XL Review

Thule’s rooftop cargo box collection is undeniably extensive, from luxurious designs with felt-lined interiors and built-in lighting to soft-sided models for cheap and compact storage. The Motion slots in as their premium all-rounder ...
Thule T2 Pro XTR hitch rack (side profile)

Thule T2 Pro XTR Bike Rack Review

Sweden-based Thule is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of car racks and bike accessories, and the T2 Pro XTR is their core hitch-mounted offering. An evolution of the popular T2 Classic, this is a fully featured rack with an easy-to-use tilt...
Kuat Transfer V2 hitch bike rack (two bikes behind Jeep)

Kuat Transfer v2 2-Bike Rack Review

In the wide-ranging hitch bike rack market, Kuat’s Transfer v2 hits a real sweet spot in price and performance. The platform-style rack is user-friendly, can handle an impressive array of wheel sizes and tire widths, and carries two bikes with no frame...
Hitch bike rack (Kuat Racks NV Base 2.0 on van)

Kuat NV Base 2.0 Review

Founded just over a decade ago, Kuat is a relative newcomer to the world of bike racks, but they haven’t wasted any time in creating functional, polished designs. Their NV Base 2.0 is a solid hitch-mounted rack that is comparable to class-leading...
Prana Halle (hiking in Grand Canyon)

Prana Halle Hiking Pant Review

Perhaps no other women’s hiking pant is as ubiquitous and revered as the Prana Halle. In fact, when I bought my first pair, the two female sales associates spotted my purchase and began raving about their experiences wearing the Halle to work, out to...
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoe (holding Quicklace cinch)

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Every few years, Salomon revamps their best-selling X Ultra line, and they launched the latest “4” in spring 2021. Building on the success of the prior generation, the retooled shoe features a modernized and sleeker upper, updates to the lacing system...
Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes (standing on edge of rock)

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe Review

With only three iterations in well over a decade on the market, Merrell has taken a slow and steady approach to updating their extremely popular Moab collection. The latest “3” was released in late spring 2022 and builds on its predecessor with a...
La Sportiva Spire GTX (standing on rock)

La Sportiva Spire GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Released a couple years ago, La Sportiva’s Spire GTX is a backpacking-ready hiking shoe. In many ways, it performs like a low-top boot: the shoe is sturdy, moderately stiff, and offers solid protection on the trail...
Altra Lone Peak 8 (standing on rock)

Altra Lone Peak 8 Shoe Review

Altra’s Lone Peak 8 has garnered a loyal following among thru-hikers and minimalist trail runners for its accommodating fit and excellent out-of-the-box comfort. Building off the success of the outgoing 7, the latest iteration retains the same roomy...
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX hiking shoe (closeup on rock)

Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

The Merrell Moab is a staple on trails across the country, and the aptly named Speed takes the winning design and trims it down for quick-moving day hikes and other lightweight adventures. We recently took the updated “2” to Chilean Patagonia for...
Salomon Sense Ride 5 trail running shoe (standing on rock)

Salomon Sense Ride 5 Trail Running Shoe Review

Trail running shoes are a dime a dozen these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy finding a design that’s equally at home on quick door-to-trail runs as it is during ultra-distance pursuits. Enter Salomon’s Sense Ride 5, a do-it-all option that can...
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid hiking boot (closeup)

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Salomon’s X Ultra lineup is legendary in the world of hiking footwear, and they overhauled the flagship collection a few years back. We brought the mid-height version of the X Ultra 4 into Washington’s Hoh Rainforest and found that it retained most of...
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Mid Hiking Boot (traction while scrambling on rocks)

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (Women’s) Review

Salomon’s X Ultra boot has earned legendary status among hikers for its great on-trail performance in a lightweight build. In 2021, Salomon overhauled the entire X Ultra series, and the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX features a modernized upper, redesigned cuff ...
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (detail)

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot Review

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...
Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boot (grip over wet log)

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boot Review

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...
Salomon Quest 4 womens (side profile of boot)

Salomon Quest 4 GTX (Women's) Review

Salomon’s Quest 4 has been one of the most capable backpacking boots on the market for years running, and the latest version carries the torch. I took the women’s version of the boots on a demanding...
Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 hiking boot (up close detail 2

Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 Review

Altra’s Lone Peak collection has long kept feet happy on the trail, thanks to signature features like a roomy toe box, zero-drop footbed, and lightweight construction. The recently updated Lone Peak Hiker 2 puts a stylish yet functional spin on the...
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid hiking boot (standing on rock above lake)

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (Women’s) Review

Lowa has been making boots since the early 1920s, and the Renegade is their flagship model designed for covering serious ground over rough terrain with a full pack. I wore the women’s version of the mid-height...
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody (zipping up jacket)

Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody Review

Softshell jackets had their heyday almost a decade ago, but the push for lighter and more packable options rendered them nearly obsolete for true performance-oriented activities. Instead, climbers and skiers turned to less breathable windbreakers for...
Arc'teryx Gamma MX Hoody (standing in snowy backcountry)

Arc’teryx Gamma Heavyweight Hoody Review

Slotting in as the warmest and most weather-ready softshell in Arc’teryx’s Gamma family, the Gamma Heavyweight Hoody (formerly the Gamma MX) is built for serious backcountry pursuits like skiing and ice climbing. Throughout a season of testing in the...
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (hiking by alpine lake)

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

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...
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket (with pack on)

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket (Women’s) Review

Patagonia’s Torrentshell is one of the most popular rain jackets on the market, and for good reason. For a very approachable $179, you get trustworthy 3-layer protection, great durability, and a class-leading sustainability focus—all wrapped up in a...
Arc'teryx Beta LT hardshell jacket (hiking in snowy forest)

Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket Review

Arc’teryx’s hardshell collection is highly revered among avid backcountry-goers, and their Beta LT has been a mainstay for years. Updatedseveral seasons back, the latest jacket represents a fairly substantial shift from the past-generation LT...
Patagonia Houdini windbreaker jacket (zipping up during mountain biking break)

Patagonia Houdini Jacket Review

Patagonia’s Houdini jacket is a standard bearer and in many ways defines the ultralight windbreaker category. We tested this long-time favorite in high winds while backpacking and hiking in Patagonia and during late winter/early spring hikes and...

Learning Center

Lightweight hiking shoes (backpacking with mountain views)

Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners

As lightweight gear gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, above-the-ankle hiking boots are quickly becoming obsolete. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now opting for lightweight hiking shoes and trail...
Waterproof hiking shoes (crossing creek in Adidas Terrex Free Hiker)

Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

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...
Hiking footwear (crossing creek in Salomon Quest 4)

Best Hiking Footwear Brands of 2024

Ask any hiker or backpacker on the trail and they’ll likely tell you that the key to success—i.e., staying comfortable mile after mile—is a good pair of hiking footwear. From well-established brands like...
Backpacking checklist (tent set up by lake)

Backpacking Checklist

Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, everyone could use a good packing list to make sure they’re prepared before hitting the trail. Our detailed checklist below covers everything from critical backpacking equipment (tent, pack...
Backpacking Gear

How to Pack a Backpack

One of the first steps to enjoying a backpacking trip is learning how to load your pack properly. There are a lot of considerations that go into a well-packed backpack, from nailing the capacity and balancing your pack's contents to keeping critical...
Campsite scene (group prepping meal)

Camping Checklist

Whether it’s your first time car camping or you’ve been at it for years, it never hurts to have a good checklist. To help you get out of the house with all of the essentials in tow, we’ve outlined everything you need including campsite and sleeping...
Camping stove (cooking by creek)

How to Choose a Camping Stove

There are quite a few factors to consider when choosing which camping stove is right for you. How many people are you cooking for? Do you like to make intricate meals? How far will you have to shuttle your gear from the car to the campground? To help...
Day hiking in Castle Valley (Moab)

Day Hiking Checklist

A day hike can be as simple as walking a well-maintained trail near your home or as complex as a dawn-to-dusk journey through a remote wilderness area. The items you bring may vary depending on the difficulty and length of the hike, but no matter how...
Fall hiking gear essentials (crossing stream)

Fall Hiking Gear Essentials

Fall is our favorite time of the year to hike: the temperatures have cooled off, the bugs are mostly gone, and the colors in the mountains are incredible. For this shoulder season, we always make some adjustments to our hiking gear kit, adding a little...
Roofnest Sparrow Eye rooftop tent (climbing ladder and dog)

Best Rooftop Tent Brands of 2024

Rooftop tents have come a long way since their dusty beginnings in the wild outback of Africa and Australia. Originally designed for overlanders with rugged off-roading vehicles, they’re now popular among campers and casual weekenders worldwide. And...
Ski trip packing list (riding chairlift)

Ski Trip Packing Checklist

There’s something truly satisfying about skiing in bounds, despite the potential for crowds. Maybe it’s the fact that you can accomplish thousands of feet in a day, or just the convenience of a warm lodge nearby to thaw cold hands and feet. But when...
Switchback team testing merino shirts while backpacking

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

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...
Winter camping

Winter Camping Checklist

Whether you're planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right camping equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips quickly can turn dangerous—or uncomfortable at the very...
Down jacket (sitting on tailgate in REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0)

How to Choose a Down Jacket

For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. That said, the category covers a wide range of options, from lightweight and packable designs for backcountry use to stylish and hardwearing models for your winter...
What is a Softshell

What is a Softshell Jacket?

Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. They stretch for movement and breathe well, yet still offer better protection from the elements than...