Gear Reviews
Looking for a new pair of hiking boots? How about some help finding the perfect midlayer? Maybe you want to know what other folks have said about that pack you've been eyeing before making the commitment.
We love talking about gear, and we love sharing what we find with you. Here's a collection of our best advice about packs, boots, poles and more.
Worn Wear: WTA Staff's Favorite Gear With a Story
Jun 16, 2021
All of our gear has a story to tell. It comes along with us on all of our adventures, big or small, and accumulates layers of sweat, dirt and memories over the years.
Read More
Baby Carriers for the Trail: Pros and Cons of 5 Styles
Hiking with a baby or toddler is a lot easier with the right carrier or backpack. Here are the pros and cons of five different styles.
Read More
Gear Up For Winter
Dec 16, 2019
We reviewed some of our favorite cozy layers, sturdy backpacks and other winter essentials for a day on trail.
Read More
Stability and Strength: Choosing the Right Trekking Poles for You
Oct 11, 2019
Here's what you need to know to pick a pair of trekking poles — and make hiking and backpacking just a bit easier.
Read More
Gear Review: Headlamps
Jun 24, 2019
What you need to know to find the right one.
Read More
This Year's Favorite Gear
Dec 20, 2018
Washington Trail's staff spend a lot of time outdoors — and we try out a lot of new gear. Here are our favorites from the year that we love enough to recommend to you.
Read More
How to Fix Tent Woes
Here are tips to overcome the most common tent challenges you’re likely to face while backpacking or camping.
Read More
Gear Review: Tents
May 24, 2018
Our gear experts review four of our favorite lightweight tents.
Read More
Winter Ready Gear
Feb 23, 2018
To be a sage hiker, you need some basic gear: a raincoat, maybe some rain pants or a rain wrap. But what about other gear that will keep you warm and dry in the winter? We've been testing some new gear that can make your winter hikes a lot mroe fun. Here are some of our favorites.
Read More
Gear Review: Shoes
Oct 16, 2017
The shoes you wear are the literal base for your adventure on trail. Choosing the right ones can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are four shoes that our gear team has tried out recently, from a sturdy four-season boot to a water-friendly light hiker.
Read More
How to Pick a Pack
A comfortable pack can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time on trail. A well-designed, well-fitting pack makes your load feel lighter and the miles a bit easier. Before you buy your first pack—or upgrade an old one—here are some tips to find one that will serve you well for years to come.
Read More
Gear Review: Backpacks
Jul 06, 2017
The WTA gear team has been hard at work getting ready for prime hiking season. Here are four packs that we’ve tried out recently, to fit a wide range of hiking needs.
Read More
Be Kind to Your Feet: Our Favorite Socks
Dec 04, 2020
For hikers, there is no more important tool than your feet. You want to take care of them so they can carry you for endless miles. Here are a variety of socks that our staff and gear testing team recommend.
Read More
Wrap it Up: We Review Rain Skirts, Kilts and Wraps
Jan 23, 2017
The problem: Rain pants are hot and annoying to get on or off. The solution: Rain wraps. They go on and off in seconds, have excellent ventilation and pack down to almost nothing. (Bonus: They're usually cheaper than rain pants!)
Read More
Our Favorite Things: WTA Staffers Pick Their Go-To Gear
Nov 04, 2016
From well-loved shirts to the latest and greatest in footwear, WTA staff share their favorite hiking gear picks.
Read More
Rain Gear Review: 7 Jackets and Gloves for Staying Dry
Feb 12, 2016
Staying dry while hiking is one of the most important things you can do, particularly when temperatures drop. These rain gear options will make sure you have a dry, enjoyable outing.
Read More
Winter Elixirs and Insulated Bottles to Hold in the Heat
Jan 12, 2016
When you craft a tasty concoction, you'll need a bottle to keep it warm. Keep your winter beverages and soups piping hot when the temperatures drop.
Read More
Gear Review: 5 Modern Flashlights, Headlamps and Mini Lanterns to Light Your Way this Fall
Sep 25, 2015
No more fumbling in the dark for the tent zipper. These light options will keep your campsite glowing and the trail illuminated.
Read More
Lighten Your Load
Sep 13, 2015
These minimalist packs will help you reach the summit and stay light on your feet for day hikes.
Read More
Treat Your Feet
Sep 03, 2015
Footwear is one of the most important pieces of gear a hiker can invest in. These three choices will make sure you get to camp in comfort.
Read More
Three Hammocks and a Pack Raft
Aug 26, 2015
We reviewed some of the summer's best hammocks and rafts so you can pick the right one for your outing.
Read More
Trail Shoe Review: Three Lightweight Autumn Strides
Nov 01, 2014
We review a sampling of the latest light hiking shoes from Chaco, Lowa and The North Face, looking for the best in comfort, water repellency and beefy tread to keep you sure-footed on the trails this fall
Read More
Sleeping Bag Review: 4 Bags, 1 Pad
Jul 15, 2014
A good night’s sleep is not as elusive as it seems—the key is a good sleeping bag. We review a few new and notable offerings from Sierra Designs, Selk'bag, Therm-a-Rest, NEMO and Klymit.
Read More
Tent Review: Six Top 2-3 Person Tents
May 24, 2014
Looking to invest in your first tent or replace an old one? WTA gives you the low-down on six great tents for 2-3 people: The Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5, NEMO Galaxi 2, Big Agnes Fishhook UL2, Sierra Designs Flashlight 2UL, MSR Hubba Hubba NX (redesigned), The North Face Talus 3.
Read More
Backpack Review: Ten Pack Picks from Hydration to Trekking
May 24, 2014
From hydration pack to day pack to ultralight and backpacking, WTA's gear team field-tested and rated ten new packs: the Osprey Rev 12, Outdoor Research Levitator 16, Outdoor Products Amphibian 20, Osprey Stratos 34, Gregory Z40, REI Crestrail 48, Gregory J53, GoLite Quest 65, Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70.
Read More
Gifts to Inspire a Trail Runner
Nov 26, 2013
Three great gifts to inspire and equip a trail runner.
Read More
Practical Gifts to Keep Hikers Safe
Nov 22, 2013
Like the idea of holiday gifts that really matter? Make sure your outdoor friends and family are going out well-equipped by wrapping up a few of the ten essentials in a bow this holiday season.
Read More
Treats for Tots (and Older Kids, Too)
Dec 04, 2013
Stuck on what to get a certain young one for the holiday season? Get the budding outdoor enthusiasts in your life something on our list and you're sure to hear about how cool it is all next hiking season.
Read More
A Pack for Pups and Other Gifts for Great Dogs
Nov 11, 2013
Gift ideas for your best bud and most reliable hiking companion. Check out these three great gift ideas for hiking dogs and get our tips for choosing and acclimatizing your dog to a new pack.
Read More
Gear Review: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Vest
Oct 03, 2013
Dogs' biology makes them more susceptible to overheating and dehydration than human hikers, so even though things are cooling down across Washington, 70 degree weather with no shade can be plenty hot enough to put some dogs in the danger zone. John Soltys and his dog Treen put the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler Cooling Vest to the test, to see how it performed cooling hot dogs on the trail.
Read More