Outdoors
Apparel
See all Apparel reviewsThe Best Rain Pants
by Jenni Gritters
The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, which come in men’s and women’s sizes and multiple lengths, are the pants that kept us comfortable and dry through wet weather.
The Best Sun Hat for Hikers
by Liz Thomas
Our testers hiked 200 hours to find an effective sun hat for outdoor activities. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is their unanimous favorite.
The Best Water Shoes
by Zoe Vanderweide
Water shoes keep your feet safe when you’re splashing around. But they can be stylish, too. We’ve found five great pairs to suit a range of tastes and needs.
Camping
See all Camping reviewsThe Best Canopy Tent for Camping and Picnics
by Kalee Thompson
The easy-to-set-up REI Co-op Screen House Shelter is our canopy tent pick, with good sun and insect protection and a bright, roomy feel.
The Best Portable Hammock
by Colin Rosemont
We spent 35 hours testing 10 packable camping hammocks on hikes and in the park, and found that ENO’s SingleNest Hammock is the best choice for most people.
I 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.
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 Telescopes for Beginners
by Signe Brewster and Colin Rosemont
We’ve tested 14 top-rated telescopes over the years, and we’re certain the Celestron NexStar 5SE provides the best functionality for a dedicated beginner.
The Best Picnic Blanket
by Kit Dillon and Dorie Chevlen
After lounging on 19 top-rated picnic blankets, we found that the Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket offers the best combination of comfort, durability, and easy cleaning.
The Best Bug Repellents
by Doug Mahoney
Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us.
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 Reef-Safe Sunscreen
by Nancy Redd
Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 is our favorite reef-safe sunscreen. It’s also a great option for anyone who prefers sunscreens without chemical UV filters.
The Best Sunscreen
by Nancy Redd
It takes a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen to adequately cover a body in a swimsuit. Look for broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and a scent and feel you like.
The 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.
More Outdoors Posts
Citronella Candles Don’t Really Work. Stop Buying Them.
by Elissa Sanci
Don’t waste your money on citronella candles and other gimmicky mosquito-repellents. Here’s what to buy instead.
The Best Outdoor Speakers
by Brent Butterworth
The OSD Audio AP650 is the best all-around choice in a passive outdoor speaker because it sounds great and has a rugged, sealed design with a versatile mount.
Build a Bike Patch and Flat Kit
by Eve O'Neill
If you own a bike, you need a patch kit. After 96 hours of testing, here are our picks for the best levers, patches, hand pumps, and more for most bike owners.
The Best Bike Repair Stand
by Christine Ryan
If you want to repair your bike at home, a sturdy, easy-to-use stand helps. After testing 12 stands, we recommend the Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bike Repair Stand.
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.
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.
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 Sandals
by Dorie Chevlen and Zoe Vanderweide
Whether you’re hitting the beach or heading out for a night on the town, we found nine pairs of comfy, well-made sandals to suit a range of styles and budgets.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.