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.
Jump to gear category
RECENT
FOOTWEAR
Outdoor clothing
Backpacking & Thru-hiking
HIKING
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.
Without air in your tires, you aren’t going anywhere. Keep rolling with the best bicycle pumps for road, mountain, gravel, and commuting bikes.
We researched and tested the most popular child life jackets, youth life jackets, & infant life jackets to find the best life jackets for kids. Criteria included US Coast Guard Approval, easy buckle releases, and grab straps.
Do you really need camp shoes? We say yes! Read why – and how to find the best camp shoes for backpacking, van life and getting around the campsite or ski hut.
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.
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 review 25 broad spectrum SPF sunscreens for your Face. We test lotion for oily skin, sensitive skin, and moisturizing sunscreens that block UVA and UVB rays, including gel and mineral face sunscreens
We review truly reef safe sunscreen and reef friendly sunscreen to find oxybenzone free mineral options for protecting coral and wildlife— free of banned chemical UV filters
We tested electrolyte powders, tablets, capsules, and drops in hot and harsh conditions such as hiking, running, and biking to bring you this list of the best electrolyte supplements on the market.
Is the new Big Agnes Copper Spur worth it? We tested it in the field to evaluate its comfort, weight, weather protection, and ease of use. Here's our verdict.
Looking for an ultralight tent with side entry and smart storage? We tested the Big Agnes Tiger Wall to evaluate its comfort, weather protection, and features.
We review human waste bags and wag bags for ease-of-use to find the best odorproof and leakproof toilet kits for camping, climbing, backpacking, rafting and emergencies
We put in 230 hours of research and 620 days of trail testing to review the best GPS and ABC watches for hiking, backpacking, and multisport outdoor activities.
Tested in harsh conditions on the 2,700-mile Great Divide MTB Route, the Outdoor Research Stratoburst rain jacket did not disappoint.
We interviewed dozens of PCT and CDT hikers to consider dozens of shorts models. Then we tested them over 1000s of miles of thru-hiking to find the best pair of shorts for thru-hikers of all sizes and shapes.
We tested the best sun hats hiking to find the best sun hats for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.
There is no one outdoorsy “look” that makes anyone a better outdoors person. All bodies, all intersections of people and experiences, deserve access to nature — and they deserve gear and outdoor clothing that will allow them to do so safely and comfortably.
Find the best running pants for every season and terrain. Tested for comfort, breathability, and performance to keep you moving on road and trail runs in all kinds of weather.
We review the best bobbers and strike indicators for nymphing—fishing under the water ‘s surface with nymph flies. We test for flotation, casting ergonomics, presentation, biodegradable materials, and ease-of-use for beginners
We tested the Salomon Techamphibian 5 water shoes and reviewed them based on comfort, fit, drainage ability, ventilation, grip, value, and other features.
The Nemo Tensor sleeping pads are some of the most comfortable, best warmth-to-weight ratio pads we’ve tested recently. Here’s our verdict on the pads, and a review of their similarities and differences.
We test 25 popular backpacking tents to find the solo, 2-person, and 3-person tents for all kinds of backpackers, hikers, and campers. We tested on 1000’s of miles of backpacking in climates from desert to temperate rain forest to find the best backpacking tents for most people.
We find the best backpacking stoves after testing 22 of the most popular backpacking stoves side-by-side for 3 years and over 1000s of miles.
We tested and compared 22 camping sleeping bags to find the best for car camping. Whether you're family camping, want a mummy bag, or a budget sleeping bag, we found warm, comfortable, versatile synthetic and down bags from Kelty, Nemo, Coleman, REI, Teton, and more.
A good pair of running sunglasses is comfortable, secure on your face, and UV-protective. They also mute glare and help you stay on your feet rather than tripping over obstacles.
We tested the best backpacking sleeping bags over thousands of miles on the trail, and chose the best bags based on comfort, warmth, packability, and weight.
Sleep better outdoors with top-rated pillows tailored for backpackers! Our testers found lightweight, compact, and durable options for every budget.
We tested the HOKA Mach 6 to see if its lighter build, energy return, and new upper live up to the hype for road runners chasing speed and comfort.
Water Sports

BIkepacking, Bike Touring, & road biking
Electronics & GPS
Camping
Running
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.
Find the best running pants for every season and terrain. Tested for comfort, breathability, and performance to keep you moving on road and trail runs in all kinds of weather.
A good pair of running sunglasses is comfortable, secure on your face, and UV-protective. They also mute glare and help you stay on your feet rather than tripping over obstacles.
We tested a dozen packs over thousands of miles to find the best hydration vests for running. We looked at comfort, capacity, hydration system, and more.
A dialed-in fitting system and excellent performance when both empty and full make the Salomon Adv Skin 12 our top choice for running hydration vests.
To find the best women’s running shirts, we ran in 20 running tanks, long sleeves, and t-shirts shirts. Here are the best women’s running shirts, according to a running coach and trail ultramarathoner).
The best men’s running shirts for cool, cold, and hot weather running: t-shirts, long sleeves and merino run shirts that fit well, are lightweight and breathable
We tested the On Cloudsurfer 2 to see how it performs for daily runs. Here's our review of its plush cushioning, breathability, and updated tread.
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.
Running belts are game changers. You can carry more stuff, or at least a smartphone, and still feel like you're only wearing the clothes on your back.
An in-depth review of the Altra Lone Peak 9+ trail running shoe with Vibram Megagrip outsole for running, hiking, and backpacking.
Long-term, in-depth review of the Topo Magnifly 5 road running shoe, an incredibly versatile zero-drop road shoe with minimal stack height and moderate cushion