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
We tested the YETI Hopper Flip to see if its HydroLok zipper, ColdCell insulation, and cubed design deliver on portable cooling performance for day trips.
We tested the NEMO Aurora Highrise to see if its standing-height design, steep sidewalls, and family-friendly features deliver on spacious camping comfort.
We tested the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Tote soft cooler to see if its MagShield access, 42-can capacity, and tote design deliver on large-group portable cooling performance.
The REI Co-op Trailgate 30L promises a removable liner and tabletop surface—we tested whether these features justify the price for weekend campers.
Protect your dog’s eyes during outdoor adventures with the best dog goggles —ideal for hiking, biking, swimming, and more.
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 Sawyer Squeeze water filter on backpacking trips and thru-hikes to assess its ease of use, flow rate, filtration, packability, and more
We spent 3 years testing the top-rated cooler bags and insulated totes, cooler backpacks, and soft shell small coolers ranked for ice retention, zippers, and portability.
We tested inflatable kayaks with professional water sports guides, with extensive experience in Alaska and Montana waters, to find the best inflatable kayaks for stability, durability, maneuverability, and performance in varying conditions.
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.
We researched 62 of the most-talked about fanny packs in outdoor media and popular news stories. Then we tested the 11 most promising waist packs for hiking. After an estimated 75 miles of hiking, long bike rides, and visits to the farmer’s market, here are the best fanny packs for leisurely strolls, intense hikes, or a ride through town.
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
We tested and reviewed the best helmets for climbers based on their protection, durability, comfort, ventilation, shock absorption, features, and more.
Stay safe, stay connected, and stay found in the backcountry with a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.
Our favorite choices for the best climbing quickdraws. We’ve tested the best options for beginners, lead climbers, sport climbing, alpine climbing, trad climbing, and more. Learn what to look for before you buy.
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.
Explore the best MTB jerseys built for performance and comfort—featuring designs that handle sweat, heat, impact, and long days on the trail.
Keep your pup hydrated on walks, hikes, and road trips with the best dog water bottles. Compact, easy-to-use, and designed for active, thirsty dogs on the go.
Stay hydrated on every ride with our guide to the best bike water bottles —covering top options for fit, function, and ease of use.
Help your dog stay warm and cozy outdoors with the best dog sleeping bags —featuring insulated, packable picks designed for camping and travel.
We tested the best adventure travel backpacks in 6 countries and 14 states—lightweight, versatile packs perfect for exploring cities, trails, and everything in between on your next journey.
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.
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.
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 the REI Co-op Base Camp tent to see if its storm-worthy construction, full-coverage rainfly, and thoughtful features deliver on rugged car camping comfort.
If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be happy. A comfortable pair of trail running shoes is crucial for a good experience while on the trail. We'll help you find them.
Our long-term, in-depth review of the Zenbivy Ultralight Bed, a lightweight backpacking quilt and bivy system for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking.
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 review the best men’s and women’s lightweight hiking boots for day hikes and lightweight backpacking, including the top waterproof and Gore-Tex models.
Water Sports

BIkepacking, Bike Touring, & road biking
Electronics & GPS
Camping
Running
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.
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.
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.
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
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.