Gear Picks
Tackle Any Hike with This Lightweight Gear
Shedding ounces can make a difference on the trail. If you want to move fast and light, consider these items
$99.00
$74.00
from REI
25% off
Senior editor Ariella Gintzler loves the Houdini for its versatile, lightweight material. “The papery quality of the Houdini offers superior next-to-skin comfort; you can wear it over a short-sleeve shirt without that clammy shell sensation against your arms,” she writes. It's billed as a trail-running shell, but works just as well for hiking.
$75.00
$49.00
from Backcountry
35% off
Made with lightweight, quick-drying polyester ripstop fabric, the Sol Patrol II shirt is a warm-weather staple that also offers UPF 30 sun protection.
$80.00
$72.00
10% off
Trekking poles help keep you stable on sketchy sections of trail, and when you’re wearing a heavy pack they can transfer some of the load to your arms, relieving your back and shoulders. The Trail Backs have low-profile trekking baskets, non-slip EVA foam grips, and nylon webbing straps with woven lining for increased comfort.
$180.00
from REI
We crowned this the Gear of the Year hiking shoe in our 2019 Summer Buyer’s Guide. They’re fully waterproof, and gave us confidence to power through puddles and light streams, thanks to the Gore-Tex construction. The cherry on top was the lightweight Vibram outsole, which kept our feet secure across uneven terrain.
$90.00
from REI
Some national parks and forests require the use of bear canisters in the backcountry. But for places where ursine scavengers aren’t as much of a concern, a food bag is a good, lightweight option to keep the critters out. The Ursack is made from an incredibly tough Kevlar-based fabric, and the integrated six-foot-long cord makes it easy to string up in a tree.
$150.00
A 15-liter backpack built on a running-vest chassis, the Distance is a hybrid hauler with dual front stretch pockets for snacks, a bladder sleeve, and dual side-compression straps that keep the load close. And its water-resistant, 210-denier nylon helps keep gear dry.
$310.00
The 2400 Southwest has a 40-liter main compartment made entirely from super tough, waterproof Dyneema fabric. The whole system comes in under two pounds, making it an ultralight option for weekend adventures.
All Gear
$89
$67
25% off
Our editor-approved trail pants, now in short form. The nylon blend fabric has a water repellent finish, allowing you to hike in the rain or cross a creek without concern (the hint of stretch especially helps with that last one). They are also available in a women's version. Get 25 percent off sitewide during Stio's summer sale!
$70
$45
36% off
The Trail Runner editor-in-chief claims "this is the best sun-hoody for high-output activity I’ve ever tested." Thoughtful details like the zippered key/card pocket, thumb holes, and scuba hood are the cherry on top of the soft, wicking fabric that allows her to enjoy long alpine runs.
$160
$120
25% off
It is the lug pattern on these shoes that distinguish them from the rest. Our testers note that it feels like wearing crampons or spikes thanks to the shape, spacing, and sharpness of the lugs themselves. Grab a black pair now and your winter self will thank you in a few months.
$7499
$5999
20% off
Intended for marathon mountain bike racing, the new Mach 4 shaved off about 300-400 grams from the frame, making it light and responsive. Check out the first look review on Pinkbike.
Sponsor Content
Revo Descend N
$199
Revo's best-selling Descend N glasses features NASA-based polarized lens technology with a rimless design with panoramic views for when you need to see it all.
$119
$83
30% off
We have been fans of the Give'r 4 Season Leather Gloves since the brand launched them on Kickstarter years ago. The waterproof leather outer paired with the Thinsulate lining makes them warm and durable, great for backcountry ski days or chilly nights around the campfire.
$1599
$1199
25% off
We named the Jackson Gnarvana kayak the best kayak of 2023 in this year's Summer Gear Guide due to its combination of "speed, maneuverability, and boofing chops for everything from creeks to Class V rapids." It is fast, easy to paddle, and delivers clean lines in any water.
$30
$24
20% off
Get your caffeine fix on the go with this double-walled, stainless steel insulated mug. If you don't have a have a Yeti by now,, take your chance while they're on sale. It will soon be your go-to morning companion.
$130
$85
35% off
Named the best all-terrain trail running shoe in last year's Summer Gear Guide, these shoes are light, slim, and flexible, great for responding to all types of terrain. The lug soles provide plenty of traction on a variety of trails.
$600
$500
17% off
Take your BBQ game to the next level. The wood pellets produce a subtly smoky flavor, and it is easy enough for you to set it and forget it with perfect results every time, whether you are smoking, grilling, roasting, or braising veggies or meat.
$750
$600
20% off
The upgraded version of this best-selling ski performs incredibly reliably in any snow condition, earning it a spot in this year's Winter Gear Guide. Testers enjoyed how intuitive and responsive the skis are right out the gate, great for intermediate to advance skiers alike.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.