Outdoors

Looking for outdoor gear to get lost with? We’ve researched and tested the best outdoor accessories to help make any excursion more enjoyable. Explore new trails with our pick for the best hiking boots, head for the shore with our favorite beach towel and umbrella, or light up your campsite with the brightest inflatable lantern.

Apparel

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  • An assortment of sandals, in a wide variety of colors and styles, that we tested to find the best sandals.

    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 9 pairs of comfy, well-made sandals to suit a range of styles and budgets.

  • two people standing side by side wearing our pick for the best leggings, the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High-Rise Legging.

    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

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Hiking

See all Hiking reviews

Outdoor gear

See all Outdoor gear reviews
  • A white hard cooler full of cans of soda, bottles of beer, and ice.

    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 Multi-Tool

    by Doug Mahoney

    Here’s our advice on all-in-one problem solvers.

  • three sea to summit dry bag in a group on the beach

    The Best Roll-Top Dry Bag

    by David Fine

    Durable and watertight, the Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag was the standout winner after we tested 28 models on land and water.

Snow

See all Snow reviews
  • One of our kid testers trying out the the L.L. Bean Sonic Snow Tube.

    The 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.

  • Two pairs of winter boots shown side by side.

    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.

Swim

See all Swim reviews

More Outdoors Posts

  • Two people stand under the stars next to two camping tents.

    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.

  • Four people linger outside around a table and chairs on a gravel patio at the edge of a woodland.

    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 Racks for Small Homes and Apartments

    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.

  • Three colorful pedal bikes (colors left to right: blue, purple, and red) lined up in a row next to each other.

    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.

  • A trail camera strapped to the trunk of a tree

    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.

  • Three commuter bike lights attached to the handlebars of a bicycle.

    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.

  • A bicycle next to our four best bike seats the Thule Yepp Maxi, Thule Yepp Nexxt Maxi, Thule Yepp Nexxt Mini and Burley Dash.

    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.

  • A person walking on a paved walking path in a park filled with trees and wooden benches.

    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.

  • A few people flipping burger patties on charcoal grills.

    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.

  • Black collapsible wagon with its front wheels on a pile of sand, with children's multicolor plastic beach toys.

    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.

  • A selection of models tested for our review of the best cheap sunglasses.

    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.

  • Three balance bikes next to each other.

    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.

  • Several different dinnerware plates in multiple colors and patterns.

    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.

  • A gray camping tent outside on top of a wooden platform.

    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.

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