Camping & Hiking

Best Hiking Gear

20 products reviewed · Updated for 2026

About Our Best Hiking Gear Reviews

Every great hike starts with the right gear. From boots that support your ankles on rocky terrain to trekking poles that save your knees on long descents, we've tested the essential hiking equipment that makes every mile on the trail more enjoyable.

Every product below is something outdoor enthusiasts actually buy and recommend. We research, compare, and rank each item so you can make confident purchasing decisions.

Best Overall
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
1

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Advanced Chassis for stability on terrain
GORE-TEX waterproof membrane
Contagrip MA outsole for grip
Best Value
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles
2

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Natural cork grips absorb moisture
FlickLock Pro adjustable mechanism
Carbide tech tips for traction
Editor's Pick
Osprey Talon 22 Daypack
3

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

AirScape back panel for ventilation
Adjustable harness fits all torsos
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment
Best Budget
CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack
4

CamelBak M.U.L.E. 12 Hydration Pack

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

3L Crux reservoir with on/off valve
Air Support back panel for comfort
Bike-specific but trail-versatile
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
5

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Bellows tongue keeps debris out
Vibram TC5+ outsole for traction
Contoured EVA midsole for support
LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles
6

LEKI Makalu FX Carbon Trekking Poles

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

100% carbon fiber shafts
Aergon grip with extended foam
Speed Lock 2 adjustment system
Gregory Zulu 40 Backpack
7

Gregory Zulu 40 Backpack

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

FreeFloat A3 suspension system
QuickStow sunglasses attachment
Rain cover included
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
8

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Double injection EVA midsole
3D Flex ankle system
Impact brake system on downhill
Osprey Hydraulics 2L Reservoir
9

Osprey Hydraulics 2L Reservoir

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Slide-seal top for easy filling
Quick-connect hose and magnet
BPA and PVC free materials
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Sock
10

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Sock

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Merino wool for temperature regulation
Unconditional lifetime warranty
Seamless toe for blister prevention
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot
11

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boot

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase
Lightweight EVA midsole cushion
GORE-TEX waterproof protection
REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack
12

REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Ultralight at 2 lbs 10 oz
Ventilated back panel
Removable top lid and hipbelt
Superfeet Green Insoles
13

Superfeet Green Insoles

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Deep heel cup for support
High-density foam for shock absorption
Fits most hiking boots
Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles
14

Gossamer Gear LT5 Carbon Trekking Poles

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Only 4.9 oz per pole
Carbon fiber shaft durability
Cork and EVA grip combination
Deuter Speed Lite 21 Daypack
15

Deuter Speed Lite 21 Daypack

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Aircomfort sensic back system
Stretch side pockets for bottles
Lightweight at 1 lb 4 oz
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boot
16

Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boot

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

BDry waterproof breathable membrane
Nylon shank for stability
EVA midsole with TPU chassis
Nathan QuickStart 6L Hydration Vest
17

Nathan QuickStart 6L Hydration Vest

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

1.5L bladder for running and hiking
Bounce-free secure fit
Multiple storage pockets
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System
18

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Stainless steel spikes for ice
Stretchy elastomer harness fits any boot
Compact and lightweight carry
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes
19

MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Uni-body deck with modular traction
DuoFit bindings fit any boot
22-inch length for most terrain
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
20

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Two-way text messaging via satellite
Interactive SOS with GEOS rescue
Location tracking and sharing

Buying Guides

In-depth guides to help you make informed buying decisions. Each guide includes expert advice and our top product recommendations with links to Amazon.

From our network: Check out more reviews from our sister sites.