Outdoors
Apparel
See all Apparel reviewsThe Best Sandals
by Dorie Chevlen and Zoe Vanderweide
Whether you’re hitting the beach or heading out for a night on the town, we found 9 pairs of comfy, well-made sandals to suit a range of styles and budgets.
The Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats
by Zoe Vanderweide and Jackie Reeve
Want to stay dry? Our four favorite raincoats and rain jackets—in different styles, materials, and lengths—have you covered.
The Best Leggings
by Ingrid Skjong
We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you.
Camping
See all Camping reviewsI Hate Sleeping in a Tent. So I Turned My Car Into a Cozy Camping Haven.
by Elissa Sanci
In the last two years, I’ve fine-tuned my overlanding setup, which hinges on a car air mattress. Here’s what I use to feel close (but not too close) to nature.
The Best Camping Chairs
by Kyle Fitzgerald and Kalee Thompson
The Coleman Cooler Quad Chair is a classic camping chair to keep you comfortable in most situations. But we recommend other seating options too.
The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping
by Jenni Gritters
The supportive and cozy Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is the best choice for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.
Hiking
See all Hiking reviewsI Visited 14 National Parks In One Year. Here Are the Apps I Used to Plan and Pull Off Those Trips.
by Elissa Sanci
To explore national parks across the country successfully, I relied on these trusted apps to plan out every last detail.
The Best Thermal Underwear
by Trey French
We sent 13 testers out to hike, ski, shovel snow, and run. And we found base layers, in a variety of styles and fabrics, that will keep all types of bodies warm.
The Best Winter Boots
by Trey French and Eve O'Neill
After trudging through snow and ice in 30 pairs of boots, we’ve chosen 11 that will keep you warm, dry, and stable all winter long.
Outdoor gear
See all Outdoor gear reviewsThe 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 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.
Snow
See all Snow reviewsThe Best Sleds
by Doug Mahoney
Looking for a fast-flying snow tube? A plastic toboggan that’ll hold up for years? A minivan-like sled capable of holding the whole clan? We have suggestions.
How to Shop for Warm, Waterproof Boots
by Elissa Sanci
Here’s how to find a pair of winter boots that’ll keep you warm, dry, and on your feet even in the most treacherous weather.
The Shovel That Beat the Snowpocalypse and Saved My Back
by Christine Ryan
Believe it or not, it’s actually a joy to shovel snow with the True Temper Mountain Mover, which we’ve recommended for a decade.
Swim
See all Swim reviewsThe Best Swim Goggles for Adults and Kids
by Seth Berkman
A great pair of swim goggles can make your time in the water safer and more enjoyable. Our picks include effective, highly adjustable pairs for adults and kids.
How to Shop for a Hot Tub
by Tim Heffernan
This guide will help you plan out the purchase for the hot tub of your dreams.
The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More
by Kit Dillon
After six 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.
More Outdoors Posts
The Best Packable Daypack for Travel
by Kit Dillon
We chose four packable daypacks that you can keep on hand, whether you’re trekking across the globe or just on your daily commute.
What to Pack for Camping Trips With Kids
by Kalee Thompson
Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.
How to Stop Mosquitoes From Multiplying
by Rose Maura Lorre
To keep mosquitoes at bay, you have to take away their preferred breeding grounds. Here are several Wirecutter-approved ways to do just that.
The Best Bike Storage Ideas
by Christine Ryan
After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.
The Best First Pedal Bike
by Laura Motley
Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. Depending on the bike, the process can be either unnecessarily frustrating or, well, like a ride in the park.
The Best Trail Camera Under $100
by Sarah Witman
We think the Wildgame Innovations Mirage 18 is the best trail camera if you want something to monitor wild critters and game.
With a Pee Funnel (or Portable Toilet), the World Is Your Bathroom
by Nancy Redd
Peeing and pooping without a standard toilet can be tricky. These portable tools may help ease the strain.
The Best Commuter Bike Lights
by Lindsay Warner
After testing some 115 lights over the past 10 years, we can recommend the best headlight and the best taillight for most people who commute by bicycle.
The Best Kids Bike Seats
by Caitlin Giddings
A kids seat mounted to your bike is a good way to begin to nurture your child’s own love of riding for transportation—or just for fun.
The Best Gear for Going on a Walk
by Elissa Sanci
Take a walk. No, really—it’s good for you. And these Wirecutter picks will make it even better.
The Best Charcoal Grill
by Tim Heffernan, Lesley Stockton, and Michael Sullivan
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″ has been our pick since 2017. It’s solidly constructed and easy to control, offering great value.
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 Cheap Sunglasses
by Justin Krajeski
The perfect pair of sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun while matching your own personal style. Try one of these 11 comfy, high-quality pairs.
The Best Balance Bikes
by Jenni Gritters and Chris Dixon
We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages.
Wearing Fans Around Our Necks Has Been More Pleasant Than You’d Expect
by Thom Dunn
We were skeptical—but then we stopped sweating.
The Best Outdoor Dinnerware
by Dorie Chevlen
From festive melamine and bamboo plates to classic enamelware, our favorite outdoor tableware pieces are perfect for taking dinner outdoors.
The Best Deals From REI’s Annual Member-Only Sale 2024
by Kaitlin Mahar
REI’s member sale offers REI Co-op members the opportunity to save—but not every deal is worth it. These are the best.
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.