Buying Guides Guides, Tips and Tricks in 2026

10 Best Trekking Poles for Backpacking (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

After 15 years of backpacking and three long-distance hikes including the John Muir Trail, I have learned that trekking poles are not optional equipment for serious backpacking. The right poles…

10 Best Waterproof Power Banks for Travel (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

I learned the hard way why waterproof power banks matter for travel. During a trip to Thailand, a sudden downpour destroyed my regular power bank along with my charging cable.…

10 Best 4 Person Tent Family Camping (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

Family camping trips create memories that last a lifetime, but nothing ruins those memories faster than a cramped, leaky tent or a 45-minute setup struggle in the dark. After testing…

8 Best Camping Hammer Lightweight (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

Ever tried to pull a tent stake out of frozen ground with your bare hands at 6 AM? I have, and my knuckles still haven’t forgiven me. A lightweight camping…

12 Best Camping Coffee Makers (March 2026) Tested for Perfect Outdoor Coffee

Buying Guides

Nothing ruins a morning in the mountains faster than burnt, gritty coffee from a cheap percolator. I’ve spent the last 15 years camping and backpacking across the country, and I’ve…

12 Best Hiking Sandals For Women (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

After hiking in everything from heavy boots to minimalist footwear, I’ve developed strong opinions about what works on trail. Hiking sandals changed my perspective on warm-weather trekking completely. The KEEN…

10 Best Merino Wool Base Layer Pants (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

There’s nothing quite like stepping outside on a freezing morning and feeling completely prepared rather than scrambling for extra layers. I’ve spent years testing cold weather gear through hiking trips,…

10 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots (March 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Buying Guides

After 15 years of hiking in everything from heavy leather boots to trail runners, I’ve learned that weight matters. Every ounce on your feet translates to 5 pounds of perceived…

10 Best Serrated Knife Sharpeners (March 2026) Complete Guide

Buying Guides

Serrated knives frustrate home cooks everywhere. Your bread knife tears through crust instead of slicing cleanly. That steak knife smashes your meat instead of cutting through. The problem is that…

10 Best Dry Bags for Hiking (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

There’s nothing worse than reaching camp after a long hike only to discover your sleeping bag is soaked from an unexpected downpour. I learned this the hard way on a…

6 Best Tilley Hat for Hiking (March 2026) Tested by a Hiker

Buying Guides

I’ve spent 15 years hiking trails across the Rockies, the Appalachians, and the desert Southwest. During that time, I’ve learned that sun protection isn’t optional, it’s essential. I’ve tested dozens…

Top 10 Best Bushcraft Gloves (March 2026) Ultimate Protection for Wilderness Work

Buying Guides

I’ve spent countless hours around campfires, processing firewood, and working with knives in the bush. After testing dozens of gloves over the years, I learned one lesson the hard way:…

10 Best Cheap Rechargeable Headlamps (March 2026) Budget-Friendly Picks

Buying Guides

I spent years relying on disposable batteries for my headlamps, constantly buying AAs and watching them die at the worst moments. After going through 12+ different rechargeable models over the…

8 Best Waterproof Pants For Dog Walking (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

Walking your dog in the rain shouldn’t mean starting your day soaked to the bone and covered in mud. The best waterproof pants for dog walking are the 33,000ft Rain…

10 Best Dog Collars For Hiking (March 2026) Tested

Buying Guides

I’ve spent countless hours on trails with my hiking companions over the past decade, and I learned the hard way that a regular collar just doesn’t cut it when you’re…

Latest Buying Guides