gear

We tested quick-dry hiking shorts for fit, stretch, pocket security, and hot-weather comfort to find the pair that works best on your trail days.

We carried six EPA-registered bear sprays on real hikes and compared reach, capsaicin content, weight and holsters so you buy the right can.

We compared queen airbeds for car camping and tent use, focusing on comfort, air retention, pump power, and packed weight.

We tested women’s low-cut hiking shoes on rock, gravel, and wet trail. Here’s the pair for wide feet, the lightest option, and the best budget buy.

We tested waterproof trail shoes on wet rock, mud and long winter miles. The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX wins, with picks for grip, light weight and budget.

We wore BOGS through slush, snow, and school runs to find the pairs worth buying, from a tall men’s boot to kids’ pairs they pull on alone.

We tested rugged GPS watches for battery, mapping and toughness: the hiking pick to buy, the solar option for long trips and the budget one.

We tested Gerber multitools for pocket, pack and keyring carry. Here’s the one that suits most people, plus the alternatives worth a look.

We tested YETI’s bottles, tumblers, coolers and camp gear to find the pieces worth buying, and the one bottle we reach for on every hike.

We tested microfleece jackets for layering, warmth per ounce, and fit. Our top pick is a light full-zip that works from trailhead to office.