Gear

You've trusted Washington Trails for gear reviews. Here, you'll find even more outdoor gear reviews, plus comprehensive charts and related gear tips.

New Backpacks to Keep You Moving

Sample one of these new backpacks to keep your gear organized and the miles flying by.

The Washington Trails gear team, as well as some of WTA's staff, has been working hard sampling a mountain of backpacks currently on the market to determine the best models available when it comes to comfort, features and value. The selection was narrowed to some of your favorite brands—and a dew that might surprise you. Check out this selection of tried-and-true daypacks from Black Diamond, Deuter, Osprey and more to get you out on your favorite trails—and spend your time enjoying the view, and let your pack carry the load.

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Keep Your Gear Dry Too

Protect your gear and sensitive electronics with this selection of water-repellent items.

In the Mar+Apr issue of Washington Trails, we showed you how to keep yourself dry, but how about your precious gear—it can be even more sensitive to the elements than you. The WT gear team went looking for the best items to keep their stuff safe and dry—from a selection of dry bags and waterproof backpacks, to accessory cases and water-repellant treatments. Check out their favorite picks, then pick up a few of these items yourself to keep your own equipment safe from the Northwest's temperamental weather.

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Stay Dry on the Trail This Spring

Don't let the rain keep you from getting out. Gear up in one of these great shells.

We just didn't have enough room in the Mar+Apr issue of Washington Trails to share all the fantastic rain gear the WT gear team put to the test. Check out their top selections from the magazine review, then click over to see the remaining choice picks. Represented are all of your favorite outdoor brands, including some tried-and-true favorites as well as some new models—all sure to keep you warm, dry and comfortable as you hit the trails this spring.

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Now How About Some New Socks?

Get the right socks on your feet for long miles in ease and comfort

When the Washington Trails gear team put boots to the test, that was only half the battle. They also wanted to know just which socks and sock combinations offered the most comfortable and reliable wear. Check out their selections of light-, mid-, and heavyweight hiking socks, as well as recommended liners and insoles, that will keep you enjoying the scenery and not fussing over sore feet.

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Start the New Year in New Boots

Looking for a new pair of hiking footwear? Check out these hot picks!

There wasn't nearly enough room in the Jan+Feb Washington Trails Gear Closet to highlight all of our gear team's top picks for new hiking and trail running footwear. Here's the rest of their selections, all highly recommended, for everything from casual day hiking to long-distance backpacking—all from the brands you love and trust.

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WTA's Holiday Gift Guide 2011

The best and brightest gear for the outdoorsy folks on your shopping list

Check out our 2011 Holiday Gift Guide from the Nov+Dec 2011 issue of Washington Trails. Browse the detailed version, showcasing a variety of products ranging from tents and daypacks to winter apparel and must-have accessories. Or, if you are ready to buy and just looking for just the links, use this stripped-down version to get straight to the shopping.

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The Maps You Need

A quality topographic map is a hiking essential

Read this article from our July+August 2011 issue to learn more about the variety of options you have when looking for a map for your next hike. You may want a different map for different phases of your planning.

For a comparison of several different types of maps, check out our guides to paper maps and digital maps.

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Light Thy Path

Portable lighting options to illuminate trail and camp

As one of hiking's ten essentials, some form of lighting should always be with you when you are in the backcountry. Head lamps, also known as hands-free lighting, are arguably the modern hiker's illumination gear of choice.

Then see how each item measured up against the others. WTA's gear reviewers have put together a handy comparison chart to get the illumination low-down on everything from brightness and durability, to ease of use and water resistance.

Read the full article from the March+April 2011 issue of Washington Trails.

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Turn Up the Heat

Combat cold temperatures with more insulating layers

In our January+February 2011 issue, WTA's gear team took on insulation. Find the full article in Washington Trails here. And for eight more insulating pieces that impressed our reviewers, read on.