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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Running
Looking for a way to stay upright in icy conditions? Sure-footed traction in snow and ice allows you to carry your outdoor life into the shoulder seasons and beyond.
We test top-rated running poles for ultrarunning, fastpacking, racing, or winter running. We provide tips on choosing the perfect fit for all terrains and budgets.
The newest Altra Lone Peak is one of the best iterations yet with improved durability,
We tested two dozen 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 top-rated models to find the best running tights and pants for men—with compression, phone pockets , and designed for mild and cool weather runs
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!
Not all running leggings and tights are created equal; that’s why we thoroughly researched and tested this critical piece of gear for ourselves to find the best options for winter runners everywhere.
We spent 200+ nights testing the best headlamps for brightness, battery life, comfort, and ease of use for backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, and camping.
Our in-depth review of the supportive, stable, techincal Salomon Speedcross 6 shoe for trail runners.
Not just for elite athletes – anyone can benefit from the Coros Apex 2's data, feedback, excellent battery life, app, and customizable interface.
A running jacket is an essential piece of gear for weather protection, temperature regulation, moisture management, wind resistance, and visibility, to name a few reasons.
The Salomon Sense Ride 5 trail running shoes offer an excellent balance of lightweight comfort, stability, durability, and responsiveness. With this versatility and price, it’s a great value.
With long battery life, durability, full smartwatch capabilities, and superior mapping capabilities, the fenix 7 Pro is our top pick for endurance activities.
Long-term, in-depth review of the Garmin Forerunner 55 running watch, as written by a smartwatch noob. Spoiler alert – the watch converted her from a technophobe to a believer!
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.
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.
Help tired feet recover with recovery shoes for runners—sandals, slides and slippers. We review passive and active recovery shoes for easing pain or plantar fasciitis
We tested a dozen packs over hundreds of miles to find the best hydration vests for running. We looked at comfort, capacity, hydration system, and more.
Stay safe, stay connected, and stay found in the backcountry with a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon.
With a gorgeous AMOLED touchscreen and too many features to list, Garmin hit it out of the park with the epix Pro (Gen 2) GPS watch.
We test running packs and fast packs for hydration vest style straps, ventilation, ease of use with water bottles and hoses, and more.
Choosing the right pair of running shorts matters. Make sure they're breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight and have a good waistband and pockets.
We tested electrolyte powders, tablets, capsules, and drops in hot and harsh conditions hiking, running and biking to bring you this list of the best electrolyte supplements on the market.
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.
Water bottles are vital to keeping us hydrated outdoors- whether it’s for a day hike, a camping trip, or backpacking. We tested wide mouth Nalgenes, collapsible, glass, and vacuum insulated bottles from Yeti, Hydro Flask, and Klean Kanteen and more, comparing 17 bottles side-by-side.
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.
In-depth review of the Cloudeclipse running shoe, well-balanced neutral stability max cushion shoe for runners with a springy feel and roomy volume for wider feet.
Sun protection is essential when spending time outdoors, so we trail-tested UPF clothing to bring you this review of the six best sun shirts for men and women.
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 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.