Gear Guide
We gather and analyze gear reviews so that you buy right the first time. Our team of professional outdoor journalists bring back objectivity, transparency, and authenticity to buying gear. We want you to choose something that won't go to a landfill or hog up space in your garage. We're dedicated to making an inclusive outdoor space where everyone—regardless of how you do the outdoors—can make smart gear decisions.
Buy less junk. Help the planet. Gear for everyone.
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RECENT
FOOTWEAR
Outdoor clothing
Backpacking & Thru-hiking
HIKING
A significant upgrade from the COROS APEX 2, the APEX 4 has improved mapping capabilities as well as unique features such as adventure journaling.
We review the best ski travel bags with padding to protect skis during air travel and on buses and trains. We used skis bags from Colorado to Japan to Alaska to find what makes good luggage for carrying skis.
Improve the performance and longevity of your skis between professional tune-ups with an at-home ski tuning kit.
Tested on ice and snow from Maine to Alaska for 4 years, here’s our review of the best men’s winter boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort, and traction.
Our guide to best snowboard bags covers luggage for traveling with your snowboard, bindings, and boots - from sizing to padding to tips for plane and road trips.
We evaluate and review over 12 ski pants and snowboarding pants for downhill skiing, backcountry, or resort use. We test each for fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and more.
Is the VOORMI River Run Hoodie Sun Shirt worth it? We tested its fit, comfort, breathability, durability, and style to see how it performs hiking, bikepacking, backpacking, and thru-hiking.
We spent 8 years testing the top women’s winter boots for ice and snow from Maine to Alaska. We review the best boots for warmth, water resistance, fit, comfort and traction
We review ski boot bags and snowboard boot bags to find the best boot bags for air travel and road trips. Our goal is to have you feel more confident flying your ski gear by using a padded ski boot backpack
We reviewed the best all-mountain skis to help you find the right pair—versatile, responsive, and ready for resort or off-piste terrain.
The Kelty Cosmic 20 camping sleeping bag combines 550-fill down insulation with durable construction - our review tests real-world warmth and packability for car campers, cabin and summer camp trips, sleepovers, and entry-level backpackers.
We tested the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX hiking shoes for durability, weatherproofing, and comfort on long hikes. Here’s how it performed on the trail.
We spent 8 years testing the TOAKS Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cook Pot on backpacking trips, thru-hikes, and camping to see if its lightweight and durability hold up over time.
We tested the La Sportiva TX HIke Mid GTX Hiking Boots for durability, weatherproofing, and comfort on long hikes. Here’s how it performed on the trail.
We spent 2 years testing 12 outdoor blankets to find down, fleece, puffy, and picnic blankets that are warm, waterproof, resist stains, and are easy to wash.
Collapsible, adjustable, lightweight running poles for racing, long distance, and trail running.
We review 25 top-rated models to find the best running tights and pants for men—with compression, phone pockets , and designed for mild and cool weather runs
We tested the Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp, which won our Best Battery-Operated Headlamp, for brightness, waterproofness, functionality, and battery life
We tested the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX hiking shoes, a waterproof hiking shoe that balances the agility of trail running shoes with the stability of hiking boots
We test approach shoes for scrambling to your climbing spot considering grip, traction, sticky rubber, packability, lightweight, and support and comfort for long hikes and gear hauls.
We review the best running lights – headlamps, handhelds, and tail lights. See our expert tips for safety, comfort and visibility to stay seen and shine bright!
Mountain biking knee pads for all kinds of riders: trail, enduro, downhill and cross country. Comfortable, lightweight knee pads to pads with maximum protection.
The best hip packs for mountain biking hold all the essentials you need on the track, like your water, snacks and MTB repair kit. Here are our top 6 picks.
Save your elbows with mountain biking elbow pads. We have picks for downhill, trail, enduro, and cross-country MTB riders.
We tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX hiking shoes on a variety of terrains and conditions to assess comfort, traction, durability, stability, waterproofing, and more.
Mountain bike pedal reviews for flat and clipless pedals. We rate top MTB pedals for XC, trail, enduro, downhill, women's pedals, and beginner pedals under $50
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 50 lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight men’s and women’s base layer tops over four years. We put these base layers to work, and came out with the best base layers for warmth, durability, comfort, and ability to wick away sweat and odor over time.
We ran 2,000 miles in 24 of the most popular trail running shoes to find the best trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking, road-to-trail running, narrow feet, wide feet, beginner trail runners, and distance running.
We test 18 jackets to find the best fleece for hiking, running, camping, climbing and in town. We consider micro grid fleece, polar fleece, sherpa fleece for windproof and water resistance and extra warmth.
Water Sports

BIkepacking, Bike Touring, & road biking
Electronics & GPS
Camping
Running
A significant upgrade from the COROS APEX 2, the APEX 4 has improved mapping capabilities as well as unique features such as adventure journaling.
Collapsible, adjustable, lightweight running poles for racing, long distance, and trail running.
We tested the Black Diamond Spot 400 headlamp, which won our Best Battery-Operated Headlamp, for brightness, waterproofness, functionality, and battery life
We review the best running lights – headlamps, handhelds, and tail lights. See our expert tips for safety, comfort and visibility to stay seen and shine bright!
An in-depth review of the HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoes, a highly cushioned, responsive shoe ideal for long, technical runs
A long-term, in-depth review of a reliable, bright headlamp with a rear light, great for hiking, backpacking, running, and other nighttime outdoor activities.
An in-depth review of the On Cloudvista, a minimalist trail running shoe that balances cushion and responsiveness, based on multi-tester input on trail and gravel
An in-depth review of the Saucony Hurricane 25, a super plush daily trainer and road running shoe for active recovery and daily training runs.
An in-depth review of the Saucony Ride 18 road running shoe, a budget-friendly daily trainer with balanced cushion and responsiveness for a smooth ride.
A brand new line of headlamps from BioLite that charge fast and are fully waterproof and dustproof.
In-depth, long-term review of the Biolite Dash 450 rechargeable headlamp for brightness, battery life, and a comfortable headband
We tested and reviewed the La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX trail running shoes, a waterproof shoe with great traction ideal for snowy or icy winter trail conditions.
Based on 500 miles of testing and multi-tester input, long-term review of the Altra Olympus trail running shoes for running, hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking
A brand new adventure watch from COROS, the Nomad has unique features such as adventure journaling and fishing profiles.
Stay hydrated on the run with the best running water bottles —featuring portable, easy-to-carry options for every type of runner.
We tested and reviewed the best road running shoes for women to help you elevate your running experience with the best cushioning, support, and style.
Based on 500 miles of testing and multi-tester input, an in-depth, long-term review of the La Sportiva Prodigio Max trail running shoes for running, hiking, and backpacking.
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.
We tested and reviewed 17 SPF lip balms to find the best based on wearability, longevity, moisturizing qualities, taste, smell, meltiness, packaging, and more.
Help tired feet recover with recovery shoes for runners—sandals, slides, and slippers. We tested passive and active recovery shoes for easing pain or plantar fasciitis.
Find the best road running shoes for men in 2025, tested for comfort, speed, and durability. Explore top picks for daily training, racing, and long-distance runs.
Choosing the right pair of trail running shorts matters. Make sure they're breathable, moisture-wicking, lightweight, and have a good waistband and pockets.
A lightweight and responsive trail running shoe with plush cushioning, a wide fit, and nitrogen-infused foam for long-distance comfort.
We review the best socks for runners— running socks to prevent blisters, best socks for hot weather runs, best socks for cold weather, compression, and toe socks.
Incredible battery life and extensive tracking metrics make the Garmin Instinct 3 our favorite GPS watch for hiking.
Are the Patagonia Wind Shield Pants worth it? We tested their wind resistance, breathability, and comfort to see how they perform in wet and cold-weather activities.
Chafing can ruin a good time outdoors, so the Treeline Review staff share their favorite anti-chafing solutions for running, hiking, backpacking, and biking.
We tested and reviewed the best fastpacks for hiking and trail running based on capacity, comfort, storage, weight, materials, features, and more.
The best men’s shorts for running on trails, from liner and liner-less options to compression shorts, racing shorts, and shorts for thick thighs
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.