Gear Guide

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.

Find the best climbing harnesses with options for comfort, safety, and reliable performance—whether you’re at the gym or on the crag.

We tested the Black Diamond Pursuit Hiking Poles to see how they perform for comfort, adjustability, and grip. Here’s how they held up in mountain terrain.

We tested and reviewed the MSR WindBurner Duo stove, an integrated backpacking stove great for group cooking at camp or on the go, no matter the weather.

We spent 6 years testing and reviewing waterproof, breathable, and packable rain gear for hiking, backpacking, and travel to find the best lightweight rain jackets.

Find the best climbing gloves for grip, comfort, and durability—tested for performance across a range of climbing styles and conditions.

We spent a year testing the Jetboil Flash 1.0L stove on camping trips and thru-hiking to see if its 120-second boil time, FluxRing technology, and integrated design deliver on backpacking cooking efficiency.

From rain jackets to boots, we tested and reviewed to build this essential guide to best kids rain gear to keep your little ones dry and happy on rainy days!

We spent 400+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.

We tested the Sea to Summit Comfort Deluxe self-inflating sleeping pad and reviewed its features and performance, including warmth, comfort, and setup while camping.

An in-depth review of the HOKA Mafate 5 trail running shoes, a highly cushioned, responsive shoe ideal for long, technical runs

We review 20+ pairs of MTB shorts for trail, downhill, hot and cool weather and knee pad compatibility to find the best mountain bike shorts for men based on ventilation, pockets, waistband, DWR and more

A long-term, in-depth review of our favorite cooler with durable, all-terrain wheels. This heavy-duty cooler is ideal for trips to the park, campground, river, and more.

We tested 20+ pairs of women's MTB shorts to find the best for fit, comfort, pockets, durability and all kinds of riding–bibs, baggies, chamois and plus size

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

Our testers know moisture and take the statement “waterproof” seriously. If they can’t withstand submersion in a river bank, deep puddle, or boggy mud for an hour at a time, we won’t call them waterproof. 

To find the best men’s rain boots, we review 50+ waterproof boots and test the most promising work boots, commuter boots, and rubber boots for fit, traction, and performance in mud, water, and snow.

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.

We test 30+ camping lanterns from battery powered lights for survival to lightweight packable lanterns for backpacking and solar lanterns for backyard picnics

Long-term review of the insulated Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping pad based on thousands of miles of cold-weather backpacking, thru-hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring on this inflatable, lightweight pad.

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.

We’ve tested the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT for over 8,000 miles. Long-term review of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping pad based on thousands of miles of backpacking, thru-hiking, and camping on this inflatable, lightweight pad.

Keep your dog cozy at camp with the best camping dog beds —portable, insulated, and trail-tested for outdoor comfort and durability.

We spent 3 years testing 30 MTB helmets for Trail, Enduro, and downhill. We judged by helmet protection safety technology including MIPS and Koroyd, comfort, ventilation, fit adjustment, coverage, and budget

We tested the top mountain biking shoes for all riders: enduro, downhill, trail, cross country, gravel, and bikepacking. We rate the best men’s and women’s MTB shoes, whether you ride flat or clipless, lace or BOA.