Hiking & Camping Reviews
From hiking boots to tents, our experts test the best from Osprey, Black Diamond, REI, Salomon, Big Agnes, Kelty, and more
Not only does a closed-cell foam pad create a pop-free barrier between inflatables and the ground, but it also adds a significant insulation layer between your body and warmth-sucking granite.
Credit: Brian Martin
Whether you love hiking, backpacking, or camping, our team of backcountry experts has been testing products side-by-side for over 12 years. Our process: we purchase the top 10-20 products in each category (like backpacking tents and top sleeping pads) and then we send our expert testing team into the field. After months of using products in a wide range of conditions, we rate and score how each product performed and make recommendations based on key performance metrics. Whether you need a backpack, a sleeping bag, or a just curious about the best camping tents, or the top coolers, let us help you find the perfect product for you.
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The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist
Looking for a great camping packing list? We've got you covered. Our expert camping editors have compiled this...
Best Hiking Gear
After years of playing in the outdoors and getting our hands on a wide variety of gear, we have had the chance to...
The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist
Looking for a quality backpacking gear packing list to help you prepare for an upcoming trip. Our backpacking expert...
10 Best Hiking Boots
Sure, any 'ol boots will get you outside, but the right pair of hiking boots will make your favorite trail even more...
The Best Hiking Boots for Men
Have your hiking essentials ready to go? Backpack? Check. Sun protection? Check. Granola bars? Check. Boots? You'll...
The Best Hiking Boots for Women
No, your feet don't have to hurt out on the trails. Whether you're bagging peaks or strolling in the dusty desert...
10 Best Hiking Shoes
While it's true that you could wear any old shoe hiking, a dedicated pair of hiking shoes will offer support and...
10 Best Rain Jackets
Whether your forecast calls for a soggy commute, a rainy day weekend adventure, or there's a chance of a surprise...
The Best Down Jackets for Men
Whether you're throwing on a jacket to walk the dog around the block or gearing up for an alpine adventure, the right...
The Best Down Jacket for Women
A down jacket is more than just a great way to stay warm through the depths of winter. Of course, you want it to be...
The 10 Best Backpacks
The best backpack has a place for all your daily carries and is so comfortable to wear that you barely notice it's...
The Best Backpacking Tents
Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or just diving into the activity for the first time, our expert camping and...
The Best Camping Tents
Tents can be expensive, and if you're going to spend your hard-earned money on one, you want to make sure it's going...
The Best Ultralight Tents
At GearLab, we've been testing and reviewing ultralight tents since 2012. Our expert ultralight fast-packers have...
The Best Bivy Sack
Our testers used the bivy sacks in this review over all sorts of terrain - hanging off the sides of cliffs, basking in...
The Best 4-Season Tents
If you like to get outside no matter what the weather forecast says, a 4-season tent is a good investment. The best...
The Best Rooftop Tents
What's wrong with a good old sleeping pad and a tent on the ground? RTTs offer several advantages over classic tents...
The Best Hammocks
Hammocks are great for relaxing, but if you plan to sleep in your hammock, you're going to want to find the comfiest...
The Best Handheld GPS
Getting lost is the last thing you need on any outing. A handheld GPS unit can help you find your way even in remote...
The Best GPS Watches
A GPS watch can be a handy sidekick for the backcountry, fitness training, or daily activities, providing you with...
The Best Canopy Tents
A canopy tent gives you instant shelter wherever you need it—shade for outdoor events, a home base for vendors and...
The Best Coolers
New cooler models are better insulating than ever. But are they worth the extra weight and cost? Our team is here to...
The Best Soft Coolers
Soft coolers offer the portability and versatility that traditional hard coolers can't. From lunchboxes to beach days...
The Best Electric Coolers
An electric cooler keeps your food and drinks perfectly chilled on the go—no ice, no mess—whether you're camping...
The Hunt for the Best Headlamps
We've extensively tested 63 of the best headlamps over the past 6 years. For our current iteration, we bought, tested...
The Best Lanterns
A great lantern can light up the campsite or even your backyard hangout spot. It's also a great backup to have on hand...
The Best Binoculars
Sometimes, a little extra magnification is all you need to maximize your views and enhance your adventures. Whether...
Best Backpacking Backpacks
We've tested over 100 backpacking packs spanning over more than a decade now, so we feel confident saying we know what...
Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women
Designed with women in mind, backpacking packs for women are tailored to the female form to enhance comfort...
The Best Ultralight Backpack
The right ultralight backpack provides just enough capacity to stash all your basic backpacking essentials while...
The Best Sun Hats
The right sun hat can make your time outside more comfortable and protect your skin. Since 2010, we have tested over...
The Best Umbrellas
Stormy days require the right tool: a high-quality umbrella that will not only shield you from the elements but also...
Best Budget Backpacking Pack
A budget backpacking pack is a smart choice for beginners, thrifty adventurers, or anyone who only backpacks...
The Best Hiking Daypacks
The perfect daypack makes it easy to keep all your essentials with you, whether going on an adventure or commuting to...
The Best Hiking Daypacks for Women
A trusty daypack is not only a trail essential for every hiker. It can also quickly become a favorite accessory when...
The Best Hydration Packs
Whether you're hiking or biking, a hydration pack is a nifty companion. It can stash all the water and essentials you...
Best Running Hydration Vest for Women
When the distances get longer and days get hotter, bringing hydration and fuel with you on your run is essential. We...
Best Running Hydration Vest for Men
Staying properly fueled and hydrated for your runs can be a challenge in itself; how you choose to carry your supplies...
10 Best Hydration Vests for Running
Looking for the perfect hydration vest for your runs? Our expert run testers put these packs through a grueling...
The Best Hydration Bladder
Our outdoor experts have tested 21 of the best hydration bladders over the last 8 years. This updated review features...
10 Best Sleeping Bags
A great sleeping bag can make your overnights in the outdoors more comfortable, more fun, and hopefully more...
Best Camping Sleeping Bags
When you're snoozing under the stars, a camping sleeping bag tops the list of gear essentials. The best ones keep you...
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bag
You can't put a price on a great night's sleep, and staying warm and comfortable in the backcountry is not just an...
Best Laptop Backpack
No matter if you are flying across the country for meetings, headed to a local cafe for a change of scene while...
The Best Sleeping Bags for Women
A warm and cozy sleeping bag is at the top of the list for essential pieces of gear. Whether you're after the lightest...
The Best Sling Bags
Headed out? Phone, wallet, keys - check. Now you just need somewhere to keep them safe and handy. What better than a...
The Best Fanny Packs
We are happy to report that fanny packs have come a long way since the 80s. Don't worry, you can still opt for vibrant...
The Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag
Over the last ten years, we have bought and tested over 45 ultralight sleeping bags. This review compares 17 of the...
The Best Trekking Poles
A solid pair of trekking poles provides you with support to tackle the trail ahead, giving you leverage on the climb...
Best Winter Sleeping Bags
We have tested 60 of the best winter sleeping bags side-by-side over the past decade to find the warmest, most...
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads
It can be a challenge to get a great night of sleep in the backcountry, but if you can achieve it, there's nothing...
The Best Sleeping Pad for Women
The difference between an okay and the best sleeping pad can make or break your outdoor slumber. A quality sleeping...
The Best Camping Mattress
If you want a comfortable night's sleep in your tent or car, you want a camping mattress. The best options will not...
The Best Camping Cot
We bought the 10 most promising camping cots and took them to our favorite campsite for side-by-side testing. Night...
The Best Budget Hammock
We researched over 50 of the best hammocks and bought the top eight budget models for testing. Hours of lying around...
The 5 Best Camping Blankets
Our camping experts researched over 50 of the best camping blankets before purchasing 16 to cozy up with or set up a...
The Best Camping Pillows
You could just use any old pillow while camping, but when you're trying to save space and weight, it's helpful to have...
The Best Backpacking Stoves
Ways to stay nourished while on backcountry excursions have come a long way from throwing a can of beans on the fire...
Best Camping Cookware Sets
We put the top camping cookware sets to the test, taking them on expeditions, backpacking trips, and casual...
The Best Fire Pits
The right fire pit will bring you together with friends and family without leaving you coughing and smelling like a...
The Best Camping Stoves
Looking for a stove for your next camping trip? From one-pot magic and sauce-simmering marathons to wind-resistance...
Best Camping Coffee Maker
There's truly nothing like rolling out of your sleeping bag and brewing some fresh beans in the wilderness. A great...
The Best Portable Grills
The best portable grills are compact, easy to haul, and output enough power to grill up a tasty meal outdoors wherever...
The Best Camping Chairs
Sick of a numb bum and ready for comfort? We bought 17 of the best camping chairs and spent months rigorously testing...
The Best Backpacking Chairs
You could sit on a rock or a stump, but sometimes you want some creature comforts when you're out in nature...
The Best Camping Tables
If your campsite lacks a picnic table (or if you simply need an additional one), a portable camping table can make a...
The Best Spork
After 10 years of analyzing the best sporks, we've bought and tested just about every design out there. This review...
10 Best Sunglasses
Whether you need sunglasses for daily wear or ones that stay secure during your next run, the right pair ensures...
The Best Cheap Sunglasses
You want sunglasses that look great and perform well. We do too. But some of us are prone to losing or breaking our...
The Best Running Sunglasses
Running sunglasses do more than complete the look -- they're a crucial piece of gear that protects your eyes from...
10 Best Solar Chargers
A good solar charger lets you power your essential communication and outdoor electronics, no matter how far off the...
The Best Power Stations
A power station is a convenient way to provide emergency backup power, charge electronics when away from AC outlets...
Best Portable Solar Chargers
A dead device is deadweight when an electrical outlet is nowhere in sight, which is when a portable solar charger...
Best Solar Panels for Camping
A camping solar panel can keep your phone and key electronics charged without relying on noisy generators. This review...
Best Satellite Communicators
We took 13 satellite communicators into the backcountry and assessed their emergency and non-emergency functions...
The Best Walkie Talkies
The best walkie-talkies provide dependable range and clear communication to keep you connected during outdoor...
The Best Energy Bars
We bought 17 top energy bars and meal replacements and had our food experts conduct blind texture and taste tests with...
The Best Duffel Bags
There are all kinds of different styles of travel bags, but the classic duffel is one of the most versatile. They can...
The Best Water Bottles
Water is vital for health, with experts advising at least 8 glasses daily, or more for active individuals. A water...
Best Backpacking Water Filters
Clean water: You need it, and we want to be sure you've got it, wherever you go. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa...
The Best Camping Shower
Outside doesn't have to mean dirty with a camping shower. We researched 60+ options before purchasing the 10 best to...
The Best Folding Saws
Folding saws can be an incredibly versatile tool to have on hand, whether stashed in your garage for quick pruning...
The Best Pocket Knives
A pocket knife can be a useful tool throughout your day. We look for models with quality blades, ergonomic handles...
The Best Multi Tools
Carrying a multi-tool is a little bit like carrying a toolbox in your pocket. Having one on hand can allow you to...
The Best Axes
From survival to recreation, a sturdy axe is your trusty sidekick for limbing branches, clearing brush, and splitting...
The Best First Aid Kits
Need a first aid kit for your home, car, or next outdoor adventure? Our first aid professionals, ski patrollers, and...
The Best Fishing Lines
We bought 7 of the best fishing lines on the market and rigorously tested each one side-by-side to give you the...
The Best Fishing Reel
Fishing often grows from a childhood hobby into a lifelong passion we share with others. But nothing ruins a great day...
The Best Fishing Net
Ready to land that trophy fish? After thoroughly researching the market, we bought 8 of the best fishing nets and...
The Best Fishing Rod
Ready to haul in the catch of the day? We took an in-depth look at today's market, bought 9 of the best spinning rods...