Hiking

We sent 13 testers out to hike, ski, shovel snow, and run. And we found base layers, in a variety of styles and fabrics, that will keep all types of bodies warm.

After slipping and sliding on roads and trails in Alaska and the Sierra Nevada, we’ve found the best ways to stay upright while walking, hiking, or running.

After trekking 225 miles in 20 pairs of socks, we chose the men’s and women’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew as the best hiking socks for most people.

After 140 miles of testing on trails in California’s Eastern Sierra, we’ve determined that the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles are the best for most hikers.

After 22 hours of researching and testing 12 wilderness first aid kits, we think Adventure Medical Kits’s Mountain Series Backpacker Kit is best for most weekend warriors.

After I hiked 46 miles of canyons, riverbeds, valleys, and hills in the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots, everything hurt. Except my feet.

The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex boots (in men’s and women’s) are our top pick due to their solid traction, support, and comfort for many foot shapes.

A great outdoor pack should be comfortable to carry, durable, and designed to offer easy access to hydration. Here are five backpacks we think kids will love.

After seven years of hikes, we still recommend the Osprey Skarab 18 and the Osprey Skimmer 16 to stay comfortable and hydrated. 

Our testers hiked 200 hours to find an effective sun hat for outdoor activities. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is their unanimous favorite.

After trudging through snow and ice in 30 pairs of boots, we’ve chosen 11 that will keep you warm, dry, and stable all winter long.

We share expert advice on how to fit hiking boots properly, as well as how to care for yours so they’ll last for years.

After trekking almost 100 miles, we chose the Deuter Kid Comfort as the pack to keep both parents and kids feeling like happy campers.

After testing nine new hand warmers we think the Celestron Elements FireCel+ is the best way to keep your hands warm this winter.

If you need to brave the frigid winter weather, we’ve got picks that will keep you covered from head to toe.