Outdoors
Apparel
See all Apparel reviewsThe Best Hiking Socks
by Ebony Roberts
After hiking 160 miles in 18 pairs of hiking socks, we chose the men’s and women’s Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew as the best hiking socks for most people.
The Best Wearable Sleeping Bags to Keep You Warm
by Annemarie Conte
Wearable sleeping bags are the perfect way to keep your arms free and your core warm while hanging outside or even working a desk job in an underheated room.
The Best Cheap Sunglasses
by Zoe Vanderweide
The right pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes while broadcasting your own personal style. We found seven high-quality pairs that won’t break the bank.
Camping
See all Camping reviewsThe Best Camping Tents
by Claire Wilcox, Kit Dillon, and Kalee Thompson
After sleeping in 51 tents, we think the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the best for two people and Kelty’s Wireless 6 is best for most families.
The Best Headlamp
by Jenni Gritters
For late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we think the comfortable and durable Black Diamond Spot 400 is the best headlamp.
The Best Sleeping Bag
by Claire Wilcox and Sam Schild
The plush, cozy REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is our pick for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.
Hiking
See all Hiking reviewsThe Best First Aid Kit for Hiking and the Outdoors
by Kyle Fitzgerald
After 22 hours of researching and testing 12 wilderness first aid kits, we think Adventure Medical Kits’s Mountain Series Backpacker Kit is best for most weekend warriors.
After a 46-Mile Hike, Everything Hurt. Except My Feet in These Boots.
by Jason Chen
After I hiked 46 miles of canyons, riverbeds, valleys, and hills in the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots, everything hurt. Except my feet.
The Best Hiking Boots
by Ebony Roberts and Jenni Gritters
The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex boots (in men’s and women’s) are our top pick due to their solid traction, support, and comfort for many foot shapes.
Outdoor gear
See all Outdoor gear reviewsThe Best Roll-Top Dry Bag
by Nicole Gull McElroy
After we tested 15 models on land and water, the durable and watertight Ortlieb Dry-Bag emerged as the standout winner.
The Best Electric Scooter
by Nick Guy
If you’re looking for a fun way to commute or do light errands, we recommend Segway Ninebot’s KickScooter Max G30LP electric scooter.
The Best Metal Detector
by Tim Heffernan
You might strike gold. But you should know what you’re getting into first.
Snow
See all Snow reviewsThe Best Thermal Underwear
by Trey French
We sent 13 testers out to hike, ski, shovel snow, and run. And we found base layers, in a variety of styles and fabrics, that will keep all types of bodies warm.
The Best Winter Boots
by Trey French and Eve O'Neill
After trudging through snow and ice in 30 pairs of boots, we’ve chosen 11 that will keep you warm, dry, and stable all winter long.
The Best Sleds
by Doug Mahoney
Looking for a fast-flying snow tube? A plastic toboggan that’ll hold up for years? A minivan-like sled capable of holding the whole clan? We have suggestions.
Swim
See all Swim reviewsSwimming in Glasses Is Terrible. These Prescription Goggles Are Far Better.
by Annemarie Conte
Prescription swim goggles are inexpensive, effective, and potentially life-changing.
The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More
by Kit Dillon
After seven years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.
The Best Kids Swimsuits, Rash Guards, Sun Hats, and Other Beachwear
by Kalee Thompson
Time at the beach, lake, or pool is more fun for everyone with kids outfitted in comfortable, protective swimsuits, rash guards, sun hats, and more.
More Outdoors Posts
The Best Trail Camera Under $100
by Sarah Witman
We think the Wildgame Innovations Mirage 18 is the best trail camera if you want something to monitor wild critters and game.
The Best First Pedal Bike
by Laura Motley
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. Depending on the bike, the process can be either unnecessarily frustrating or, well, like a ride in the park.
Wirecutter’s Summer of Giveaways
by Wirecutter Staff
The Best Outdoor Projector
by Adrienne Maxwell
If you’re looking for a more rugged, portable projector to take outdoors, the easy-to-use Nebula Mars 3 offers good brightness and a long battery life.
The Best Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack Chair
by Annemarie Conte
This beach chair reigns supreme in portability, versatility, and durability.
Outdoor and Backyard Lighting We Love
by Sarah Witman
Whether you’re looking to illuminate a backyard or balcony, or a picnic table or tent, we have recommendations for 8 delightful and weather-safe options.
Do You Need a Purse for Your Water Bottle? Honestly, Maybe.
by Elissa Sanci
A water bottle carrier might seem like an unnecessary accessory, but the right one is a versatile multitasker.
The Best Hybrid Bike
by Christine Ryan
After riding more than a dozen hybrid bikes in hilly San Francisco, we’ve pegged the Marin Fairfax 1 as our favorite (and most affordable) bike for commuters.
The Best Bike Handlebar Bag
by Sam Schild
After testing dozens of bike handlebar bags, we’ve chosen six that can carry all your riding essentials, no matter where you’re headed.
The Ultra-Light Cooler I Swear By As A Caterer In Hawaii
by Kit Dillon
I’ve dragged my RITC down cliffs and across park paths. I haven’t been particularly kind to it. But this cooler is more than a sidekick—it’s a survivor.
The Best Folding Bike
by Amy Roberts and Duncan Niederlitz
After 85-plus hours of pedaling, shifting, folding, and unfolding, we’re convinced that the Dahon Mariner D8 is the best folding bike for most commuters.
7 Cheap(ish) Things for a Park Hang
by Elissa Sanci
Heading to the park? These affordable Wirecutter picks will make your outing more enjoyable.
How to Clean a Fire Pit
by Christine Ryan
Fire pits (smokeless or otherwise) don’t require much maintenance. To keep yours burning brightly, go easy on the water, and follow these simple steps.
The Best Bike Panniers
by Eve O'Neill
After spending five years testing dozens of panniers, we’ve chosen five that’ll be great for daily duty no matter what you’re toting or where you’re going.
I Can’t Get Enough of These Steel Tubs in My Garden
by Jackie Reeve
Behrens steel tubs lend flexibility and style to my garden. Mine have remained rust-free for three springs in the PNW, and are affordable enough to collect.
The Best Bike Storage Ideas
by Christine Ryan
After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.
The Best Bike Pump
by Eve O'Neill, Matthew Edwards, and Dave Yasuda
After seven years of tests, we believe the Lezyne Classic Drive 3.5 is the best floor pump for most commuters, and the Lezyne Pressure Drive is the best handheld.
The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters
by Lindsay Warner
In our tenth year of testing bike helmets, we recommend the Met Downtown Mips for most commuters. We also have other picks for other needs.