Outdoor gear

  1. Outdoors
  2. Outdoor gear
Good gear completely changes the experience you have while exploring the outdoors. Whether you’re just biking to work or backpacking around the world, the right gear makes a difference. That's why we take testing and reviewing gear seriously. We’ve spent thousands of hours poring over the research and hundreds of hours doing hands-on testing to help you cut through the noise and get to the fun part: being outside.
  • Five different dry bags that we tested to find the best, shown with a water bottle, flashlight, and sneakers.

    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.

  • A gray camping tent outside on top of a wooden platform.

    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.

  • A person riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk in a downtown area.

    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.

  • Two metal detectors hovering over a pile of sand containing metal debris.

    The Best Metal Detector

    by Tim Heffernan

    You might strike gold. But you should know what you’re getting into first.

  • Three first aid kits sitting next o each other amongst scattered first aid supplies.

    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.

  • All five of our picks for the best bike handlebar bag posed together in a group.

    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.

  • Our 3 picks for the best kids water bottle alongside a pair of kids sunglasses.

    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.

  • Our four picks for best headlamp placed next to each other with their lamps turned on, in front of a sand-colored background.

    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.

  • A white tote next to a straw hat on a sandy beach.

    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.

  • Nine pairs of sunglasses of varies colors and styles, neatly arranged in three rows.

    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.

  • Our picks for best thermos, shown next to each other with their caps removed and placed beside them.

    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.

  • Different bottles of bug repellent.

    The Best Bug Repellents

    by Doug Mahoney

    Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us.

  • A rolled sleeping bag next to a portable butane stove and tumbler, mug and some snacks.

    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.

  • A forest with many log cabins situated close to each other like at a summer camp, with some hammocks in the foreground.

    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.

  • A pile of trekking poles on a gravel surface.

    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 Multi-Tool

    by Doug Mahoney

    Here’s our advice on all-in-one problem solvers.

  • Two closed stick umbrellas and four regular umbrellas of different colors lean against a pair of black Hunter rain boots.

    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.

  • An orange Ricoh WG-80 waterproof camera sitting above a red OM System Tough TG-7 waterproof camera.

    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.

  • Five kids' hiking backpacks in various colors and sizes posed amongst miscellaneous hiking and camping items, including a lantern and facial sunscreen.

    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.

  • Numerous water bottles of different brands and styles.

    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.

  • Our two picks for best Portable Solar Battery Charger, displayed next to each other in front of a purple background.

    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.

  • Our pick for best cooler for casual adventures, the RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler, alongside chilled drinks.

    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.

  • Black collapsible wagon with its front wheels on a pile of sand, with children's multicolor plastic beach toys.

    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 picnic table camp stove, the Coleman Classic, shown with a cast iron skillet and a moka pot on the burners.

    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.