gear

We tested headlamps on night trails to find the ones worth carrying: a 2.4-ounce rechargeable for most hikers, plus brighter picks for big descents.

We hiked with these framed child carriers to find the ones that stay comfortable over hours, keep a toddler secure, and suit different budgets.

We tested hiking gloves for warmth, grip, breathability, and touchscreen use, from lightweight liners to waterproof winter pairs.

We compared wide-brim boonies, bucket hats, neck-flap sun hats and quick-dry caps to find the hiking hat that suits your trail, your pack and your head.

We tested caps, boonies, and wide-brim sun hats for breathability, coverage, and fit that holds in wind. Here is what to wear on the trail.

Six hiking fleeces we tested, ranked: the Columbia Steens Mountain Full Zip wins on venting and warmth, with picks for women, layering, and budgets.

We tested hiking gaiters for snow, mud, scree and brush. What seals over a boot, stays up on the climb, and survives the under-sole strap.

Ten essentials we pack for the trail, from a 45-gram water filter to a ferro rod that works wet, and the trade-offs that decide which you need.

A waterproof hard shell, a five-ounce pouch and a group kit that carries real medicine: the hiking first aid kits we recommend and who each one suits.

We tested ultralight titanium pots, nonstick skillets, and complete mess kits to find the best hiking cookware for solo boils, two-person meals, and basecamp cooking.