Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking is dearest to our hearts. It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the soul. Below are our detailed hiking gear reviews for 2023, including round-ups, in-depth reviews, and informational articles covering everything from hiking footwear and clothing to daypacks and trekking poles. For overnight adventures, see our detailed backpacking gear reviews.

Hiking Footwear and Clothing

Hiking Shoes (Merrell Moab 3 on rock)

Best Hiking Shoes of 2023

The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails...
Women's hiking shoes (Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX)

Best Women's Hiking Shoes of 2023

Whether you’re setting out on a casual day hike or hitting the trail with overnight gear, there’s a hiking shoe up for the task. Compared to traditional hiking boots, hiking shoes are characterized...
Hiking Boots (Lowa Renegade GTX on rock)

Best Hiking Boots of 2023

Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots...
Hiking boots (crossing stream in the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX)

Best Women's Hiking Boots of 2023

For the best combination of protection and support on the trail, look no further than a hiking boot. Compared to other forms of hiking footwear, boots are epitomized by their mid-height build...
Trail-running shoe (in alpine terrain)

Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023

Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. Below are our top trail runners of 2023, from...
Sports sandals (hiking over log on beach in Chaco sandals)

Best Hiking Sandals of 2023

Whether you spend your summer days on the trail or in the water, a quality pair of hiking sandals is likely on your must-have list. Designs run the gamut from backcountry-focused offerings that prioritize comfort, support, and grip to everyday...
Day hiking in mountains (women's hiking boots)

The Best Hiking Footwear Brands of 2022

Ask any hiker or backpacker on the trail and they’ll likely tell you that the key to success—i.e., staying comfortable mile after mile—is a good pair of hiking footwear. From well-established brands like...
Salomon hiking footwear (Quest 4 GTX splashing through puddle)

Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose

Salomon is a clear frontrunner in the hiking footwear market, with an extensive collection that ranges from capable backpacking-ready boots to light and nimble low-top shoes. At the time of publishing, their hiking lineup comprises 14 core models—many...
Rain Jacket (Marmot Minimalist along coastline)

Best Rain Jackets of 2023

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable shell. Below we break down the best rain...
Norrøna Falketind Paclite rain jacket (crossing creek)

Best Women’s Rain Jackets of 2023

Let’s face it: it rains, and sometimes it pours. Thankfully, a good rain jacket can provide a solid layer of defense against the elements. The women’s options here range from $60 to $399 and run the gamut...
Hiking in Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell hardshell jacket

Best Hardshell Jackets of 2023

Hardshell jackets are designed for the alpine: they’re highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort...
Windbreaker jackets (sitting in truck at trailhead)

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2023

Let’s get right to the point: we love windbreaker jackets. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. These small but mighty outerlayers pack a punch...
Norrona Falketind Down750 down jacket (prayer flags in Nepal)

Best Down Jackets of 2023

It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetics for easy storage. Below are the...
Feathered Friends Eos (women's down jackets header)

Best Women’s Down Jackets of 2023

As impressively warm and cozy insulators, down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear. Whether you’re looking for an uber-light alpine piece for the mountains, a casual fur-brimmed parka...
Arc'teryx Atom AR (synthetic insulated jackets)

Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2023

If you’re looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. You don’t get quite as high of a warmth-to-weight ratio as down, but synthetic jackets resist moisture, can breathe better, and are more...
Hiking pants (Arc'teryx Gamma LT in mountains)

Best Hiking Pants of 2023

A great pair of hiking pants provides comfort, freedom of movement, the versatility to perform well in a range of environments, and durability over the long haul. Many of today’s top hiking pants are made from lightweight nylon...
Arc'teryx Gamma LT women's hiking pants (Andes mountains)

Best Women’s Hiking Pants of 2023

Women know the struggles when it comes to choosing hiking pants: ill fit, lack of storage, and general discomfort. But the market has improved significantly of late, with a healthy number of leggings, joggers...
Hiking shorts (prAna Stretch Zion closeup in Utah)

Best Hiking Shorts of 2023

Most hikers know the value of a quality pair of hiking pants, but for midsummer conditions or particularly active days on the trail, we turn to hiking shorts. In addition to being more breathable and quicker to dry, most of our favorite modern hiking...
Women's hiking shorts (Topo Designs Dirt Short)

Best Women’s Hiking Shorts of 2023

For midsummer conditions or high-exertion days on the trail, nothing beats the easy-breezy feel of a hiking short. Today’s offerings run the gamut from technically savvy softshell designs...
Lying in field of huckleberries (sun shirts)

Best Sun Protection Shirts of 2023

Move over sunburns, heat exhaustion, and sunscreen sweat, sun shirts are the newest solar antidote. With full upper-body coverage (our picks are all hooded), UPF ratings for protection against both UVA...
Hiking in Patagonia

Best Outdoor Clothing Brands of 2023

The outdoor clothing market is vast, with everything from budget-focused brands to sustainability leaders and high-end backcountry specialists. With years of experience testing a wide range of hiking...
Hiking socks (Darn Tough socks with Oboz Bridger boots)

Best Hiking Socks of 2023

You can’t overvalue a great pair of hiking socks: they keep your feet comfortable and dry while helping to prevent blisters and hotspots. We've tested the full array of styles in varied conditions from the heat of Utah’s Canyonlands to the snow of...

Hiking Gear

Daypacks (group hiking with Arc'teryx and Osprey packs)

Best Daypacks for Hiking of 2023

A key piece of any gear closet is a go-to daypack. It’s what you grab for nearly any type of outdoor adventure, whether it’s a hike, bike ride, or day on the slopes. Generally, what most people look for…
Drinking from hydration reservoir (Osprey Mira 22 hydration pack)

Best Hydration Packs of 2023

No matter the length or location of your hike, hydration is one of the keys to staying happy and healthy on the trail. There are a number of ways to ensure that you drink enough water throughout the day, but by far the most convenient...
Trekking poles (hiking with Black Diamond poles in Washington State)

Best Trekking Poles of 2023

Serious hikers have known the great benefits of trekking poles for decades. Aside from providing stability while hauling a heavy load or moving over technical terrain, trekking poles have distinct advantages even on easy trails. They’re great for...
Child Carrier Pack (hiking near Mount Rainier)

Best Baby Carriers for Hiking of 2023

For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, it’s hard to beat a baby carrier pack. Their supportive designs allow for a comfortable and safe ride, and we’ve spent countless hours hiking with both a happy child...
Running vest (Nathan VaporHowe front pocket)

Best Running Hydration Vests and Packs of 2023

Whether you’re training for an ultra-marathon, embarking on a leisurely trail run, or tackling a ridge scramble in the alpine, a running vest is the perfect tool for hauling your essentials. These designs...
GPS watch (closeup of Coros Apex screen)

Best Sports Watches of 2023

Despite their diminutive size, sports watches can really pack a punch. These modern timepieces put the power of a GPS device onto your wrist, allowing you to track your movements, follow a preloaded route, or even navigate complex terrain—hands-free....
Casio Pro Trek PRT-B50 altimeter (ABC) watch in Patagonia

Best Altimeter (ABC) Watches of 2022

For hikers and mountaineers alike, a quality altimeter watch is a worthy addition to your gear collection. Popularly referred to by the acronym ABC (altimeter, barometer, compass)...
Satellite messenger devices (Bivy Stick, Somewear, Garmin inReach Mini, SPOT X)

Best Satellite Messengers of 2023

We’re all for big adventures that take us off the grid, but it’s never a bad idea to have a way of getting in touch. For organizing a pick up, initiating a rescue, or just checking in, a satellite messenger has become our go-to means of staying...
Handheld GPS (hiking in Patagonia)

Best Handheld GPS of 2023

Whether deep in the backcountry or on open water, proper navigation is a must. And for route finding, recording tracks or finding a geocache, there’s no more durable and long-lasting navigator than a handheld GPS...
Water Bottle (drinking from Hydro Flask on hiking trail)

Best Water Bottles for Hiking of 2023

There’s no need for us to tell you the value in staying hydrated, no matter what your day has in store. But looking for advice on which reusable water bottle to choose? That’s something we can help with...
Hydration bladder lineup (CamelBak, Platypus, Gregory, MSR, HydraPak)

Best Hydration Bladders of 2023

Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment...
Percussion massager (using the Theragun Pro 4)

Best Massage Guns of 2023

We’re all suckers for a massage, whether it’s to relax, work out a few kinks, warm up the body pre-workout, or speed up recovery after a big effort. And there’s no shortage of at-home methods, including...

Hiking In-Depth Reviews

Hiking shoes

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes have a clear advantage over burlier hiking boots: by shaving significant weight and bulk, they’re much faster, nimbler, and sprightlier on the trail. You do lose some ankle support, but many hikers prefer the added...
Hiking boots

Hiking Boot Reviews

Your hiking boots are arguably the most important part of your kit: they protect your feet across technical terrain, cushion you from harsh impacts on the trail, and are built to perform mile after mile. Below we’ve compiled all of our detailed hiking...
Rain jacket

Rain Jacket Reviews

Whether you’re looking to stay protected on your daily commute or headed out on a backpacking trip in a notoriously wet environment, a quality rain jacket is a must-have to fend off the elements. Below you’ll find all of our detailed rain jacket...
Down Jacket

Down Jacket Reviews

Down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear: they’re impressively warm for their weight, pack down well, and provide a cozy haven from the cold. From performance pieces built for the backcountry to casual models that wear well around...
Synthetic jacket

Synthetic Jacket Reviews

Compared to down, synthetic jackets breathe better, resist moisture well, and are more cost-efficient, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts for activities like hiking, backcountry skiing, climbing, and more. Below we list all of our detailed...
Backpacks

Backpack Reviews

From day hikes to extended treks and high-mountain adventures, a backpack is relied on to keep your gear safe and organized while offering high levels of comfort. Below are our in-depth pack reviews, including high-capacity designs...

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Hiking shoes

Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lightweight hiking shoes have a clear advantage over burlier hiking boots: by shaving significant weight and bulk, they’re much faster, nimbler, and sprightlier on the trail. You do lose some ankle support, but many hikers prefer the added...
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoe (holding Quicklace cinch)

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Every few years, Salomon revamps their best-selling X Ultra line, and they launched the latest “4” last spring. Building on the success of the prior generation, the retooled shoe features a modernized and sleeker upper, updates to the lacing system and...
Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes (standing on edge of rock)

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe Review

With only three iterations in well over a decade on the market, Merrell has taken a slow and steady approach to updating their extremely popular Moab collection. The latest “3” was released in late spring...
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight hiking shoes (close up)

The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Review

Fast-paced day hikes call for sprightly footwear, and the Fastpack from The North Face is a prime example. Combining TNF’s Vectiv plate and responsive midsole with a waterproof/breathable Futurelight upper and impressive SurfaceCTRL outsole, the...
Scarpa Rush hiking shoe (Laguna Torre)

Scarpa Rush Hiking Shoe Review

In 2022, the line between trail runners and hiking shoes is growing increasingly blurry, and for good reason. As more and more hikers push their mileage and speed, the need for nimble yet protective footwear is paramount. Scarpa’s new Rush collection...
Merrell MQM 3 GTX hiking shoe (up close)

Merrell MQM 3 Gore-Tex Hiking Shoe Review

Most hikers know Merrell by their popular Moab hiking shoe and boot, which are on the feet of many a casual trail-goer. But while the Moab is decidedly classic, it’s not a particularly technically savvy offering. Enter Merrell’s MQM series—short for...

Hiking Boot Reviews

Hiking boots

Hiking Boot Reviews

Your hiking boots are arguably the most important part of your kit: they protect your feet across technical terrain, cushion you from harsh impacts on the trail, and are built to perform mile after mile. Below we’ve compiled all of our detailed hiking...
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid hiking boot (closeup)

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Salomon’s X Ultra lineup is legendary in the world of hiking footwear, and they overhauled the flagship collection last year. We brought the mid-height version of the X Ultra 4 into Washington’s Hoh Rainforest and found that it retained most of the...
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (detail)

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot Review

Merrell’s Moab is about as classic as hiking boots come and an extremely popular first pair of hiking footwear for many (including multiple editors on our staff). Updated for spring 2022, we tested one of the...
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX hiking boot (standing on rock)

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX Review

La Sportiva makes some of our favorite climbing shoes on the market, and that technical expertise has translated nicely to their hiking boot lineup. The Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is case in point: It’s impressively light at just over 2 pounds and has a...
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX boot (walking across stream)

Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Hiking Boot Review

Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus GTX is a fully supportive yet exceptionally lightweight boot ideal for handling high-mileage days with a heavy load. This midweight hiker is designed to shine in environments when a mountaineering boot is overkill but a low-top...
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX (closeup on rock)

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX Review

Adidas has really leaned into their Terrex outdoor collection of late, with a rapidly growing line of mountain-ready apparel and footwear. The Terrex Free Hiker 2 lands in a popular new segment of hiking shoes: It’s not a full-on boot, but you get over...

Rain Jacket Reviews

Rain jacket

Rain Jacket Reviews

Whether you’re looking to stay protected on your daily commute or headed out on a backpacking trip in a notoriously wet environment, a quality rain jacket is a must-have to fend off the elements. Below you’ll find all of our detailed rain jacket...
Marmot PreCip Eco jacket (hiking through forest)

Marmot PreCip Eco Rain Jacket Review

Being from Seattle, we get asked for rain jacket recommendations a lot, and we often steer people to the Marmot PreCip. The reasons for this are fairly simple: the jacket punches well above its $100 price with quality waterproofing, a versatile feature...
Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket (up close hiking)

Norrøna Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket Review

Waterproof protection comes in all forms, from burly, ski-specific hardshells to ultralight emergency layers and casual rain jackets. Finding a really functional middle ground is the Falketind Gore-Tex Paclite, Norrøna’s lightest and most packable...
Marmot Minimalist rain jacket (in the forest)

Marmot Minimalist Rain Jacket Review

Marmot’s Minimalist jacket isn’t new, but its combination of price and performance keeps it among our favorite rain shells year after year. With proven Gore-Tex waterproofing, a thoughtful feature set, and premium build quality, the...
​​Patagonia Storm10 Alpine Jacket (standing on rocky outcrop)

Patagonia Storm10 Jacket Review

Ultralight without being ultra-compromised, Patagonia’s new Storm10 Jacket is purpose-built for moving quickly in unpredictable mountain environments. With a protective 3-layer H2No construction, functional feature set, and...

Down Jacket Reviews

Down Jacket

Down Jacket Reviews

Down jackets are one of our favorite pieces of outdoor gear: they’re impressively warm for their weight, pack down well, and provide a cozy haven from the cold. From performance pieces built for the backcountry to casual models that wear well around...
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (at trailhead)

Best Cheap Down Jacket: REI Co-op 650 2.0

Here at Switchback Travel, we’re passionate about our down jackets. We’ve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Montbell. While...
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody (standing in mountains)

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Review

Climbers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers of all types have enjoyed Patagonia’s Down Sweater for years. It’s a go-to piece that has defined a jacket category, and they’ve given it a significant revamp for fall 2022. Key changes include a new, more...
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody (snowy hike)

Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody Review

Always designed with a specific purpose in mind, Arc’teryx offers a wide range of insulated jackets, and the Cerium LT is one of its most popular. With premium 850-fill down and Coreloft synthetic in areas prone to moisture, it’s a great option for...
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 jacket (fall colors)

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody Review

Ultralight without feeling ultra-compromised, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is one of the lightest fully featured down jackets on the market. Despite hitting a sub-9-ounce weight (for the men’s hoody model), Mountain Hardwear managed to...
Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody (collecting wood on beach)

Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Hoody Review

The Outdoor Research Transcendent Hoody is a longtime favorite that was updated last year with wider baffles, a softer shell and lining, and responsibly sourced insulation. The latest version is among the more comfortable down jackets on the market...

Synthetic Jacket Reviews

Synthetic jacket

Synthetic Jacket Reviews

Compared to down, synthetic jackets breathe better, resist moisture well, and are more cost-efficient, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts for activities like hiking, backcountry skiing, climbing, and more. Below we list all of our detailed...
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie (fall colors)

The North Face ThermoBall Eco Hoodie Review

Now in its fourth generation, The North Face ThermoBall remains an extremely popular insulated jacket. With its puffy synthetic fill and smooth shell, the latest “Eco” version does a pretty good...
Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody (smiling in snowy forest)

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody Review

The Atom LT from Arc’teryx is a legend. This popular synthetic piece crosses over between daily wear and backcountry use as well as anything on the market, thanks to its truly impressive balance of warmth, comfort, and styling. Arc’teryx gave the...
Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket (standing in front of lake)

Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket Review

Patagonia’s Nano-Air took the active insulation market by storm, designed to be a synthetic jacket that truly can be worn all day through a variety of conditions and activities. After testing the past-generation hoody while ski touring, we took the...
Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie (putting on hood in Patagonia)

Outdoor Research SuperStrand LT Hoodie Review

Down-mimicking synthetic insulation isn’t exactly a new trend—Patagonia has been honing their recipe for years with their legendary Micro Puff series. But Outdoor Research has come up with a very competitive formula in their new SuperStrand LT Hoodie...
Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody (wearing jacket while fly fishing)

Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody Review

Patagonia’s Nano Puff remains one of the most popular and recognizable insulated jackets on the market today. But with a fresh crop of new rivals, we felt it was time to take another look at this legendary synthetic piece. What we found is that the...

Other Hiking Reviews

Osprey Stratos 24 daypack (hiking in Utah)

Osprey Stratos 24 Daypack Review

Osprey is a leader in the pack market, and their Stratos line is an all-around favorite for day hiking. We’ve owned multiple variations over the years, and all have delivered nearly flawless performance through extended, rough use. We’ve been testing...
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak daypack (standing in Peru mountains)

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Daypack Review

Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear is well known among ultralight enthusiasts for their premium packs and tents made with Dyneema—a naturally water-resistant material that’s incredibly strong for its weight. Their Daybreak Ultralight Daypack is case...
Osprey Talon 22 daypack (hiking in Utah)

Osprey Talon 22 Daypack Review

Osprey’s Talon is the daypack we see on the trails more than any other. And there’s good reason for its popularity: it’s light, has a nice fit, is made in a wide range of sizes and bright colorways, and hits a desirable price point. In testing the...
Prana Halle (hiking in Grand Canyon)

prAna Halle Hiking Pant Review

Perhaps no other women’s hiking pant is as ubiquitous and revered as the prAna Halle. In fact, when I bought my first pair, the two female sales associates spotted my purchase and began raving about their experiences wearing the Halle to work, out to...
MSR Guardian purifier (header)

MSR Guardian Purifier Review

MSR has been a longstanding leader in the world of backpacking filters, so it’s no surprise their Guardian has become our go-to pump for trips abroad. We took this hybrid filter and purifier along to Peru’s...

Hiking Gear Learning Center

Waterproof hiking footwear (crossing mountain stream)

Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?

We get this question a lot: Do your hiking shoes or boots need to be waterproof, or can you do without? Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum: some prefer the unparalleled breathability...
Down jacket (sitting on tailgate in REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0)

How to Choose a Down Jacket

For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. That said, the category covers a wide range of options, from lightweight and packable designs for backcountry use to stylish and hardwearing models for your winter...
Day hiking in Castle Valley (Moab)

Day Hiking Checklist

A day hike can be as simple as walking a well-maintained trail near your home, or as complex as a dawn-to-dusk journey through a remote wilderness. The items you bring may vary slightly depending...
Down jacket (insulation closeup)

Down vs. Synthetic Insulation

As the weather cools down each year, the great down-versus-synthetic insulation debate heats up. Goose and duck down fill are among the premier insulators on earth, trapping air and creating pockets of warmth around your body with very little weight...
Merino wool

Merino Wool: Is It Worth It?

Merino wool, the ultra soft fabric most commonly found in performance baselayers and socks, is one of the most sought-after materials in the outdoor gear world. But is it worth the hype? Below we...
Fall hiking gear (hiking in mountains)

Fall Hiking Gear Essentials

Fall is our favorite time of the year to hike: the temperatures have cooled off, the bugs are mostly gone, and the colors in the mountains are incredible. For this shoulder season, we always make some adjustments to our hiking gear kit, adding a little...