Best Rugged Cameras – Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof
Find the best rugged camera for outdoor adventures, with field-tested picks for waterproofing, shock resistance, image quality, battery life, and ease of use.
Recent Outdoor Gear Reviews
Gear Reviews
I tested the Yakima EXO SwingBase while living full time on the road
We tested the Yakima EXO SwingBase, the hitch-mounted foundation for Yakima's modular EXO cargo and bike system.
Gear Reviews
Best Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) of 2026
A rafting guide tested the best life jackets and PFDs for kayaking, rafting, fishing, rescue use, women, and budget buyers.
Gear Reviews
Alpacka Raft Mage Review: A Playful Packraft Built to Respond Fast in Whitewater
The Alpacka Raft Mage is a fun, quick-responding whitewater packraft for intermediate to advanced paddlers. Our tested review covers all the details.
Gear Reviews
Alpacka Raft Chinook Review: A Packraft That Moves Faster and Tracks Straighter on Flatwater
We tested the Alpacka Raft Chinook on the Colorado River and Colorado lakes. Here’s how this $1,700 flatwater packraft handles multiday trips and portages.
Gear Reviews
NRS Neutron Review: The Widest Whitewater Packraft We’ve Tested Still Handles Rapids Well
After taking the NRS Neutron on numerous adventures, we found it’s a dependable whitewater packraft for intermediate and novice packrafters on multiday adventures.
Gear Reviews
Kuat Piston Pro Review: The Easiest-Loading Bike Rack We've Tested
The Kuat Piston Pro is a premium, frameless-contact tray hitch rack that's easy to load, rock-solid on rough roads, e-bike capable, and expandable to four bikes.
Outdoor destination guides
Where to Go
Guide to Cycling the Great Allegheny Passage
With 150 miles of gravel hike-and-bike trail, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) is one of the East’s best pathways, perfect for leisurely bike rides. The old railroad follows beautiful waterways, weaving around Allegheny mountains and hills.
Where to Go
San Diego Trans County Trail: A Guide to Thru-hiking and Backpacking
The ~155-mile San Diego Trans County Trail (aka Sea to Sea Trail) is a winter thru-hike. This guide has a route, water, and resupply plan, and a gear list.
Where to Go
Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail Guide
Hiking and climbing Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona has gained a reputation as one of the region’s most challenging peaks because of its steep climb. We include tips, strategies, getting there, water and more.
Where to Go
Hiking Mesa Verde National Park
Walk in the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde National Park. It offers narrow and beginner-friendly trails where you’ll traverse mesa and ancient cliff dwellings in an interactive park accessible to folks of all ages and abilities.
Where to Go
Great Range Traverse Hiking and Backpacking Guide
Hike the Great Range Traverse in New York with this detailed guide covering distance, elevation gain, difficulty, camping, water, parking, gear, and route beta.
Where to Go
Northville-Placid Trail Backpacking and Thru-Hiking Guide
The Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) is an approximately 135-mile (218 km) route highlighting a less-traveled region of New York’s Adirondack Park. This north-south footpath links rivers, valleys, and remote lakes through the valleys and high plateaus of the Adirondack Wilderness.
Where to Go
The Long Trail in Vermont Backpacking Guide
Trip guide to Vermont’s Long Trail, 272-mile thru-hiking path in Green Mountain National Forest. We cover camping, shelters, resupply, gear lists, planning, transportation, logistics and more
Where to Go
Bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail
Find out what makes bikepacking the Lower Deschutes River Trail unique — and why it’s Oregon’s best trail for your first overnight mountain biking trip.
Where to Go
Thru-hiking the Via Dinarica White Trail in the Balkans
Our guide to the scenic Via Dinarica White Trail, which traverses Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania, with karst plateaus and small mountain villages
Where to Go
West Highland Way Scotland Backpacking Guide
The West Highland Way is a gorgeous, rainy trail, accommodating to hikers of nearly all experience and ability levels as it weaves through the Scottish Highlands from Milngavie to Fort William.
Where to Go
Accessible Fishing Guide to the Uncompahgre River at PA-CO-CHU-PUK
Fish scenic southern Colorado at one of the best fishing spots for wheelchair users. We cover rules/licenses, flies and gear, guided trips and disabled access
Where to Go
Guide to Rafting the Ruby-Horsethief Canyons on the Colorado River
Want a beginner-friendly, flatwater river trip with great views? Visit Ruby Horsethief Canyon to experience 25-mile, year-round rafting down the Colorado River with red rock arches, sandy beaches, and side hikes from Colorado to Westwater, Utah.
Where to Go
Bikepacking the White Rim Trail
The White Rim Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance mountain bikepacking rides in the West. Traveling through remote canyon country, White Rim Road makes a 100-mile loop through the “Island in the Sky” district of Canyonlands National Park.
Where to Go
Cottonwood Lakes Loop Sierra Backpacking Trip Guide
Cottonwood Lakes is a 23.3 mile loop surrounding High Sierra Landscapes. Hike by alpine lakes, vistas, wildflower-lined streams, and twisted ancient foxtail pine forest straight out of Ansel Adams— under the shadow of 14,000-foot tall Mt. Langley.
Where to Go
Backpacking the Colorado Collegiate Loop
A trip guide for the 160-mile loop along the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail with trailheads, gear list, resupply trail towns and suggested itinerary
Where to Go
Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Guide
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a 310-mile backpacking trail in Minnesota along the North Shore of Lake Superior. We explain campsites, logistics, resupply and how to hike the SHT
Where to Go
Four Pass Loop Backpacking And Trail Running Guide
Here’s everything I learned that you should know about backpacking, running, or hiking the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop.
Where to Go
Monadnock Sunapee Greenway Backpacking Guide
The Monadnock Sunapee Greenway is a 52-mile trail winding through southern New Hampshire, between the beautiful summits of Mt. Sunapee and Mt. Monadnock.
Where to Go
Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide
Mount Rainier’s premier trail, the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, is a backpacker’s dream. On this 5- to 10-day backpacking trip, you will circumnavigate Washington’s Mt. Rainier, the most topographically prominent mountain in the lower 48.
Where to Go
Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail
The definitive guide from a 2-time thru-hiker to backpacking the High Sierra Trail. To call the HST an alternative to the John Muir Trail would be to minimize its standing as a world-class trail in its own right.
Where to Go
Blue Mountains Trail Backpacking & Thru-Hiking Guide
The 565-mile Blue Mountains Trail (BMT) is Oregon’s newest thru-hike trail. Leaving Wallowa Lake State Park, it forms a spiral to finish at John Day. It passes through the lands of the Nez Perce, and Confederated Tribes of Umatilla and Warm Springs.
Where to Go
Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park based on unique features, high peaks, alpine lakes, challenging obstacles, and stunning hikes in Colorado.
Where to Go
Tahoe Rim Trail Backpacking and Thru-hiking Guide 2026
Read our backpacking and thru-hiking guide to the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 174-mile hike in California and Nevada. We cover gear, permits, camping, water, logistics, and more.
Where to Go
The Presidential Traverse Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide
The Presidential Traverse is a 19-mile technical hike through the heart of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, with epic views and historic mountain huts with amenities.
Where to Go
Guide to Canoeing in Voyageurs National Park
Visit Voyageurs National Park, one of the least visited national parks, for a 3-day canoeing or kayaking trip on Kabetogama Lake during Spring, Summer, and Fall. You can see island campsites and Ellsworth Rock, garden, fish, star watch, and hike.
Where to Go
Colorado Trail Thru-hiking and Backpacking Guide
Thru-hiking guide to the Colorado Trail, a 485-mile hiking trail from Denver to Durango including gear, water, camping, permits, planning, logistics and more
Where to Go
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail Hiking, Backpacking, and Trail Running Guide
Everything you need to know to run, hike, camp, or backpack the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail (PRLT) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which includes views of Lake Superior, sweeping sand dunes, interesting rock features, and dense woods.
Where to Go
C&O Canal Towpath Bicycling Guide
The C&O Canal Towpath is one of the East Coast’s premiere bicycle pathways. This car-free hike and bike trail is 185-miles long, following the Potomac River from DC to Maryland. Campsites, hostels, bike shops, and more make this a pleasurable ride.
Where to Go
Rafting the Main Fork of the Salmon River
The reason they call the Salmon ‘The River of No Return’? You’ll never wanna leave! This 4-6 day whitewater rafting trip down the Main Fork of the Salmon, over beautiful high volume class III-IV rapids and pool-drop water, is a dream come true!
Where to Go
Pinhoti Trail Thru-hiking and Section Hiking Guide
The Pinhoti Trail has scenic ridgelines, forests, waterfalls, and strong community connections. This shoulder-season and winter trail is great for backpackers of all experience levels
Learn Outdoor Skills
Learn Outdoor Skills
Hiking with Dogs: A Complete Guide to Safe and Fun Trail Adventures
Learn how to safely hike with dogs from training tips to trail etiquette. Expert advice on gear, emergency care, and building your dog's fitness.
Learn Outdoor Skills
Tips for Running in the Rain
With a little preparation, running in the rain can actually be fun! Read our tips for how to run in the rain.
Learn Outdoor Skills
How to get to (and go home from) the Northern Terminus of the Continental Divide Trail
We use our experience thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail to share logistics and tips on how to get to, and go home from the northern CDT terminus (also the Pacific Northwest Trail eastern terminus and Great Divide Trail southern terminus)
Learn Outdoor Skills
Outdoor Battery Strategy Guide: How to Keep Your Electronics Charged on the Trail
Stop running out of battery in the backcountry. A thru-hiker's guide to power banks, charging routines, and cold-weather battery management for hikers.
Featured
Outdoor Footwear
Best Road Running Shoes for Men of 2026
The best men's road running shoes of 2026, tested for comfort, cushioning, responsiveness, weight, and durability.
Featured
Outdoor Apparel
Best Women’s Travel Pants of 2026
We tested the best women’s travel pants for comfort, packability, and versatility — whether you're on a long-haul flight, exploring a city, or heading into the backcountry. Here are our top picks.
Featured
GPS & Electronics
Best Hiking and Backpacking Watches of 2026
We tested GPS and ABC hiking watches across 400+ days of thru-hiking and backpacking. Top pick: the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, with strong mapping and battery picks from Garmin and COROS.
Featured
Hiking Gear
Best Baby and Toddler Carriers for Hiking of 2026
To find the best child hiking carrier for babies and toddlers, we reviewed backpacks and tested the Osprey Poco line, Deuter Kid Comfort, Kelty, Thule, and more
Location Specific Guides
See All Gear Lists
Gear Lists
PCT Southbound Gear List & Strategy 2026
One of few people to thru-hike the PCT northbound and southbound weighs in on the differences in gear and strategy. Here’s the gear, strategy, and plan for PCT NOBO vs. SOBO.
Gear Lists
PCT Gear List and Strategy for 2026
More than just a gear list, read our comprehensive gear strategy for the Pacific Crest Trail. As weather and ecosystems change, so should your gear. Here’s what we’ve learned in 20,000 PCT miles of trial-and-error.
Gear Lists
Appalachian Trail Gear List & Strategy 2026
Updated for 2025, our gear list and strategy for the Appalachian Trail prepares you for a thru-hike or long distance section of the AT. As weather and ecosystems change, so should your gear. Here’s what we’ve learned from 5 thru-hikes and 11,000 AT miles of trial-and-error.
gear buying advice & how to’s
See All How to Choose
How to Choose Gear
Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes
When are trail runners best? When are hiking shoes best? We dive into the details of the great hiking footwear debate.
How to Choose Gear
Which is better: a down or synthetic jacket?
Trying to decide between a down or synthetic jacket? Our definitive guide (and quiz) will help you decide! We’ll help you consider warmth-to-weight ratio, DWR treatment, insulation type, weather conditions, packability, cleaning and care, and more!
How to Choose Gear
How to Choose a Backpacking Stove
Here’s what to consider when choosing a backpacking stove including fuel type, price, and accessories. Prioritize pack weight and weigh the pros and cons of liquid fuel stoves, wood-burning stoves, and alcohol stoves to find the right one for you.
How to Choose Gear
Eco-Friendly Gear Swaps to Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Looking to reduce your environmental impact in 2024 when it comes to gear? Shop these brands! These sustainable and eco-friendly products are viable alternatives to some basic outdoor gear and a great place to start shopping more consciously.
How to Choose Gear
Ski Boot Sizing: What Size Ski Boot Do I Need?
More than any other ski gear, boots must fit your foot right to perform well, and everyone’s feet are different. Here's how to find the right fit for you.
How to Choose Gear
Ski Bindings: What are They and How to Choose
Learn all about ski bindings! From types to tips about choosing the right ones, our comprehensive guide ensures you hit the slopes with confidence.
How to Choose Gear
How to Choose Trekking Poles
Find the right trekking poles for on- and off-trail hiking and backpacking trips. Choose wisely, hike confidently!
How to Choose Gear
Should I use insoles with my hiking shoes?
For hikers, backpackers, and trail runners, even a marginal improvement in foot pain or fatigue is worth it. Insoles can provide this relief.
How to Choose Gear
Used Gear: A More Environmentally-Friendly Alternative to Buying New Gear
Reduce consumption by opting for used gear. We delve into why used gear, what to get used, the environmental impact, and how to change culture around used.
How to Choose Gear
All About PFAs and PFC-Free Waterproofing
Outdoor companies are producing gear without PFAs and PFCs – without sacrificing performance. Here's why it matters.
Gift Guides
Gift Guides
Best Adventure Books
We consider the best adventure books for gifting or reading yourself—from memoirs to adventure classics to nature poetry to outdoor skills how-to books. These books inspire, thrill, and get anyone daydreaming about the outdoors.
Gift Guides
41 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers, Campers, Runners, Skiers, and Bikers
Stocking stuffer gift guide for hikers, campers, bikers, runners, and skiers. Ideas include wireless earbuds, socks, a pocket knife, hand warmers, and more.
Gift Guides
Best Ultralight Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers
As ultralight backpackers, we believe cottage-grown brands are important to the hiking culture. Here are Ultralight and Cottage Gear by Small Businesses that make great gifts for ultralight backpackers, hikers, thru-hikers, and weekend warriors.