Charlotte

We tested men’s hiking sandals on rock, gravel, and stream crossings to find the best closed-toe, open, budget, and long-mile picks.

We tested hiking sandals for trail grip, arch support, secure straps, and water-friendly comfort. Here are the picks we trust for light hikes and travel.

We tested packable shells for wet trails. The Columbia Watertight II is our do-it-all pick, with women’s, budget, and premium alternatives.

We tested hiking poles on trails and in packs to find the pair that locks hard, adjusts fast, and fits your height — plus lighter carbon and budget picks.

We hiked in eight pairs of women’s hiking pants to find the ones that fit, dry fast and hold a phone in a zippered pocket without sliding down.

Fast-drying budget pairs, long inseams, zip-off legs and a men’s pant that sheds drizzle: the hiking pants worth buying, ranked and explained.

We tested hiking first-aid kits for weight, pack fit, and what’s really inside, so you know what to carry on a day hike and what to leave at camp.

We hiked, scrambled, and shivered in these leggings to find the pairs that stay opaque, stay up under a hip belt, and carry a phone.

We tested hiking leggings on real trails to find pairs that stay opaque, hold a phone, and keep their waistband put under a pack.

We tested hiking jackets in rain, wind and cold to find the best shells and softshells for the trail, from packable raincoats to warm fleece-lined picks.