Outdoor gear
- Outdoors
- Outdoor gear
The 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 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 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.
The 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.
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 Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack Chair
by Annemarie Conte
This beach chair reigns supreme in portability, versatility, and durability.
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 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.
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.
Beach Umbrellas Are Dangerous and Inconvenient. I Love This Majestic (and Safe) Alternative.
by Kit Dillon
The Shibumi Shade is a lightweight, nimble beach shelter that works better than most umbrellas.
I Used to Hate the Beach. Then I Got This Sturdy Umbrella.
by Annemarie Conte
This rock-solid beach umbrella won’t fly away in the wind.
The Best Kids Water Bottles
by Ellen Lee
Our picks include metal and plastic water bottles that are easy to use, a cinch to clean, and the least likely to leak.
The Best Beach Umbrella Is Not Actually an Umbrella
by Kit Dillon
A sunshade can give you a lot more shade than an umbrella, with a lot less drama. We like the four-person Sun Ninja shade best, but we have other options, too.
How to Pack a Cooler So You Don’t End Up With Soggy, Spoiled Food
by Rose Maura Lorre
Easily pack food and drinks in a cooler so that everything stays chilled as long as possible, no matter how hot it is at your campsite or cookout.
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 Beach Bag
by Kit Dillon
After testing beach bags in Northern California and Hawaii, we’re convinced that the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is a classic for very good reasons.
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.
The Best Thermos
by Trey French and Jordan McMahon
The Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 2.5 QT is the most comfortable thermos to carry and pour from, and it keeps your drinks hot over a long workday.
The Best Bug Repellents
by Doug Mahoney
Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us.
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.
The Best Pocket Knife
by Doug Mahoney
After testing 28 pocket knives in over 60 hours of research, we found the Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Drifter is the best for most people.
The Best Binoculars for Birds, Nature, and the Outdoors
by Daniel S. Cooper
A professional ornithologist tested 25 field-ready binoculars against his $2,500 Leica Ultravids and picked the Athlon Optics Midas ED pair as the best.
What to Pack for Summer Camp
by Kalee Thompson
Summer-camp packing lists can be long—and sometimes intimidating. Here’s how to choose fun but practical gear that’ll last for many seasons to come.
The Best Trekking Poles
by Ryan Bradley
After 40 hours of testing on trails, streets, beaches, and more, we’re determined that the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are the best for nearly everyone.
The Best Umbrellas for Wind and Rain
by James Austin, Daniel Varghese, and Sarah J. Robbins
Through rain, wind, and snow, we tested 48 umbrellas until we found the six best.
The Best Waterproof Tough Camera
by Phil Ryan
If you want to take pictures underwater, while you’re out skiing, or in other tough conditions, the OM System Tough TG-7 is the best choice.
The Best Kids Hiking Backpacks
by Jenni Gritters and Kalee Thompson
A great outdoor pack should be comfortable to carry, durable, and designed to offer easy access to hydration. Here are five backpacks we think kids will love.
The 8 Best Water Bottles
by Eve O'Neill and Sam Schild
We’ve found eight different picks—water bottles suited for everyone from gym rats to frequent travelers.
This Legless “Chair” Is My Solution for Uncomfortable Summer Seating
by Elissa Sanci
The ALPS Mountaineering Weekender is the perfect chair for outdoor lounging, bleacher seating, and any other situation where your back or butt might need some support.
The Best Portable Solar Battery Charger
by Sarah Witman
The Allpowers SP012 Solar Panel 100W is the best choice for charging a phone and other essential devices in the great outdoors.
The Best Coolers
by Kit Dillon
After years of research and gallons upon gallons of melted ice, we have picks for hard and soft coolers, plus backpack and high-end roto-molded options.
The Best Collapsible Folding Wagons
by Katharine Gammon
Whether you’re headed to the beach or hauling groceries, we’ve found the folding wagons to best help you lug your gear.
The Best Camping Stove
by Kit Dillon
Whether we’re making a morning cup of coffee or grilling up burgers, the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove is our choice for campfire cookouts.