Gear Guide

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.

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.