Essentials

For years, our editor thought toe socks looked dumb and were useless on the trail. After spending a winter testing them out, he's ready to admit that he was wrong about at least one of those things.

Should the Yonder replace your Nalgene?

Some of our favorite gear is garbage. And that's why we love it so much.

From what to buy to what to leave behind, our ultralight columnist offered up essential advice this year.

Washing your face or bowl with Dr. Bronner's? Sure. Using it to cure congestion? Maybe. Using it as toothpaste? Hmm.

Choose a brighter future with this eco-friendly new headlamp

Skip the ounce-counting with a new tent, quilt, and pack from one of ultralight’s best-loved brands.

Keep your hands warm all winter long

Whether because of poorly-fitting shoes, moisture, or just bad luck, every hiker’s tangled with those raw, fluid-filled bumps. Science can tell you how they form—but can it stop you from getting them?

Featuring dual-compatibility for power and 50:50 burn time, these two headlamps are ready for any adventure

The next time you find yourself camping by a wild body of water, catch your own dinner with this packable fly fishing gear

Is the PürTrek pole-filter mashup a brilliant idea or a Frankensteinian mess?

Perfect for the on-the-go adventurer, these portable sticks make sunscreen application—and reapplication—easy

These shelters score major comfort points

Keep your pup safe and stylish on the trail with these seven accessories

These accessories might not make or break your trip, but you’ll sure be glad you packed them

A five-star kit for base-camp meals

These bags’ innovative features make them standouts for adventure travel

REI and Exped’s ultra-cush foam sleeping mats go head-to-head.

From hot cocoa to hot soup to hot toddies, carry a little warmth with you using these 5 winter-ready vessels.

Plus: the best winter kit for your canine.

We take a deep dive into a popular avalanche safety device.

Staying away from resort crowds this winter? The backcountry can offer solitude, a wilderness experience, and the satisfaction of earning your turns. These gear picks will help you make the most of lung-busting uphills and whoop-worthy descents.

Keep your little ones warm and dry with this cold-weather kit.

A car camping trip is a chance to enjoy the outdoors in luxury: You get to bring everything that will help you lounge in comfort, without worrying about weight or how much space you have in your pack. Help your loved ones take their trips to the next level with these 12 covetable gifts, ranging from $20 to $1,000.

Spending a little extra time in the fall cleaning and repairing your precious gear can help extend its life by years.

Because whiskey and safe hiking go hand-in-hand.

Keep your hands warm with these dextrous touchscreen-friendly gloves.

Piece of mind in just a few ounces.

If you toss and turn in your tent all night, try these snooze-inducing tools.

If you don't pay attention to your hiking socks, you could find your trip going sideways. Just ask thru-hiker Sammy Potter.

The Lumma disc is the answer.

So fresh and so clean.

This tried-and-true filter is guaranteed to last.

Finally: A filter good enough to make you stop dreading water duty.

There's more than one way to see the backcountry. Hit the dirt with our favorite bike for the bikepacking-curious.

Check out Chris Meehan's author page.

It’s better than a foam roller, and way easier to fit in your pack.

The XStream Straw offers lightweight, packable filtration for backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and other outdoor endeavors.

You could cast to lunkers from alongside the road—but hiking to wild streams and lakes pushes the bliss factor even higher. Outfit your next angling mission with these gear picks.

You won’t want to forget your Leatherman on your next trip to the backcountry

Go big with this packable, multifunctional towel.

These four offer different takes on a humble, yet essential, piece of gear.

Keep your pack—and your sanity—in order with these gear organizers.

Get an insider price on this classic light.

This long-lasting sock will carry you down the trail in comfort for years.

See clearly on the trail with these durable shades.

Make your next trip fun for the whole family with these five smart picks.

Don't let trail conditions or weather keep you from going light and fast this spring.

Store everything you need for a fast-and-light run in this waist-hugging pack.

The lightest of the ultralight trim their packs lists to help them become stripped-down mile-making machines.

These handy brushes will make your reservoir sparkle like new.

This handy phone case will keep your phone warm and safe on your winter adventures.

Night bikers and skiers will have a hard time outrunning this light's powerful beam.

These brain buckets provide lightweight protection on backcountry adventures.