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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  • Nine pairs of sunglasses of varies colors and styles, neatly arranged in three rows.

    The Best Cheap Sunglasses

    by Zoe Vanderweide

    The right pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes while broadcasting your own personal style. We found seven high-quality pairs that won’t break the bank.

  • Our pick for best hiking boots, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex, next to a headlamp and insect repellent spray.

    The Best Hiking Boots

    by Ebony Roberts and Jenni Gritters

    The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex boots (in men’s and women’s) are our top pick due to their solid traction, support, and comfort for many foot shapes.

Camping

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  • Our four picks for best headlamp placed next to each other with their lamps turned on, in front of a sand-colored background.

    The Best Headlamp

    by Jenni Gritters

    For late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we think the comfortable and durable Black Diamond Spot 400 is the best headlamp.

  • A rolled sleeping bag next to a portable butane stove and tumbler, mug and some snacks.

    The Best Sleeping Bag

    by Claire Wilcox and Sam Schild

    The plush, cozy REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is our pick for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.

  • A forest with many log cabins situated close to each other like at a summer camp, with some hammocks in the foreground.

    What to Pack for Summer Camp

    by Kalee Thompson

    Summer-camp packing lists can be long—and sometimes intimidating. Here’s how to choose fun but practical gear that’ll last for many seasons to come.

Hiking

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  • A pile of trekking poles on a gravel surface.

    The Best Trekking Poles

    by Ryan Bradley

    After 40 hours of testing on trails, streets, beaches, and more, we’re determined that the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Poles are the best for nearly everyone.

  • Five kids' hiking backpacks in various colors and sizes posed amongst miscellaneous hiking and camping items, including a lantern and facial sunscreen.

    The Best Kids Hiking Backpacks

    by Jenni Gritters and Kalee Thompson

    A great outdoor pack should be comfortable to carry, durable, and designed to offer easy access to hydration. Here are five backpacks we think kids will love.

Outdoor gear

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Snow

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  • 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.

  • A selection of our picks for the best winter boots, lined up side-by-side.

    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.

  • 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.

Swim

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  • Close view of the fins, mask, and snorkel of our top pick set.

    The Best Basic Snorkel Set

    by Paulette Perhach

    After testing eight snorkel sets in Central Florida and Key West, we think the Cressi Palau LAF Set is the best snorkel set for most people.

  • Our top pick, the Brooklinen Beach Towel, shown in a striped pattern with shoes, books, and sunglasses.

    The Best Beach Towel

    by Kit Dillon

    After testing beach towels all over the country, we have four great options—plus a towel alternative that’s ideal for families with babies.

More Outdoors Posts

  • A selection of the sunscreens we tested to find the best for your face.

    The Best Sunscreens for Your Face

    by Caira Blackwell

    Sunscreen is personal, and the one you choose to slather on your face is even more so. Here are 10 options to suit different preferences and budgets.

  • The Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike, our top pick first pedal bike, shown leaning on its kickstand with a water bottle and bucket of chalk next to it.

    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 white tote next to a straw hat on a sandy beach.

    The Best Beach Bag

    by Kit Dillon

    After testing beach bags in Northern California and Hawaii, we’re convinced that the L.L.Bean Boat and Tote is a classic for very good reasons.

  • All five of our picks for the best bike handlebar bag posed together in a group.

    The Best Bike Handlebar Bag

    by Sam Schild

    After testing dozens of bike handlebar bags, we’ve chosen six that can carry all your riding essentials, no matter where you’re headed.

  • Our picks for best thermos, shown next to each other with their caps removed and placed beside them.

    The Best Thermos

    by Trey French and Jordan McMahon

    The Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle 2.5 QT is the most comfortable thermos to carry and pour from, and it keeps your drinks hot over a long workday.

  • Our pick for best bike lock, the Kryptonite New-U Evolution Mini-7 With Double Loop Cable, shown installed on a bike.

    The Best Bike Lock

    by Duncan Niederlitz and Eve O'Neill

    We tested 35 bike locks, and the Kryptonite Evolution Mini-7 is the most affordable lock that will most likely need a power tool to be defeated.

  • Different bottles of bug repellent.

    The Best Bug Repellents

    by Doug Mahoney

    Our repellent recommendations are EPA approved, backed by experts, and tested by us.

  • Our three favorite scooters for kids.

    The Best Kids Scooters

    by Katharine Gammon

    We’ve compared 19 kids scooters over the past six years, and we’re confident that the popular Micro Maxi is a worthwhile investment in longtime fun.

  • The Best Pocket Knife

    by Doug Mahoney

    After testing 28 pocket knives in over 60 hours of research, we found the Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Drifter is the best for most people.

  • The Best Multi-Tool

    by Doug Mahoney

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

  • Two closed stick umbrellas and four regular umbrellas of different colors lean against a pair of black Hunter rain boots.

    The Best Umbrellas for Wind and Rain

    by James Austin, Daniel Varghese, and Sarah J. Robbins

    Through rain, wind, and snow, we tested 48 umbrellas until we found the six best.

  • Our four picks for the best sunscreens, shown with a pair of sunglasses and a towel.

    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.