Trusted Reviews and Advice on Mountain Gear for All Levels of Experience

Written by experts with years of experience in the alpine, our mountain gear reviews are carefully created in line with rigorous product testing standards and unbiased reporting guidelines.

Whether you're looking for the lightest, the best value, or the top performing product, you'll find detailed advice and testing results you can trust in the AlpInsider gear articles collection.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Woman holding skis
Gear

6 Best Hardpack Skis For The East Coast

Buckle up, buttercup; the east coast is here to challenge your skiing chops. Armor up with our reviews for the best skis for ice coast extremes.
Tent
Gear

8 Best Cabin Tents For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Discover the 8 best cabin tents designed for ultimate comfort and convenience on your next outdoor adventure. Find the perfect tent with our expert reviews.
Gear

Best Women’s Water Shoes For Hiking Wet Trails

Planning a hike with ample water crossings or soggy sections of trail? Water shoes can save your feet! Find the best women’s water shoes for hiking here.
Sleeping bag on a tent
Gear

7 Best Sleeping Bags & Quilts For Hot Weather (2023)

Light and breathable summer sleeping bags and quilts are perfect for hot weather camping. In this guide, I review some of the best options available today.
Camping tents
Gear

The Best Tall Tents For Camping, Hiking & Mountaineering

Sleeping outdoors is tough, and squishing tall folks into small tents won’t help. In this guide, I’ve gathered the best tall tents to keep camping fun.
Inside a tent
Gear

6 Best 3-Room Tents For Increased Comfort, Space & Privacy

The best 3-room tents provide ample space to hang out with friends and family while enjoying nature's splendor. Check out our expert reviews in this guide!
Person stood on a mountain
Gear

7 Best Convertible Hiking Pants For All-Season Adventures!

7 Best Convertible Hiking Pants For All-Season Adventures!
Man wearing a backpack hiking
Gear

7 Best Daypacks For Hiking: Expert Reviews & Buyers Guide (2023)

Check out our reviews of the best daypacks that strike the perfect balance between lightweight and functional, making your day hikes more efficient & enjoyable.
Woman hiking wearing a dress
Gear

7 Best Hiking Dresses For Outdoor Adventures (2023)

Want a versatile hiking outfit that feels and looks good both on and off trail? A dress is it! Read on for the best hiking dresses for outdoor adventures.
Woman hiking
Gear

6 Best Women’s Rain Pants For Wet Weather Adventures

Find yourself avoiding wet weather adventures? Proper gear makes all the difference! Read on for the best women’s rain pants for staying dry outdoors.
Tent in the sunshine
Gear

9 Best Tents For Hot Weather

In this guide, I review the best hot weather tents. Each one features ample ventilation and unique features that set them apart for summer camping adventures.
Woman tying hiking boots
Gear

8 Best Women’s Hiking Boots For All Trails & Terrain (2023)

Trailblazing females looking for trusty new hiking footwear, look no further. I’ve rounded up the best women’s hiking boots for all trails and terrain.
Hiking packpack
Gear

8 Best Hiking Backpacks With Hydration

Dehydration can wreck a whole hike and even prove fatal in hot, summer weather. Avoid this happening to you by grabbing a hiking backpack with hydration.
Hiking Boots
Gear

10 Best Hiking Boots For Comfort And Durability

Take a look at our review of the best hiking boots of 2023 if you want to maximize comfort and durability while out on the trail.
Sleeping Bag
Gear

8 Best Sleeping Bag Liners For Added Warmth & Comfort

Convenience meets cleanliness - Easy to maintain and travel-friendly, sleeping bag liners are a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover our top picks here!
Hiking boots and socks
Gear

7 Best Sock Liners For Hiking: Top Picks To Keep Your Feet Comfy & Dry

Proven to reduce blisters, hot spots, and general discomfort, sock liners are awesome. We list the best sock liners for hiking to keep your feet happy.
First aid kit
Gear

7 Best First Aid Kits for Hiking & Backpacking

Injuries in the backcountry can be scary. We review the best first aid kits to treat on-site accidents deep in the arms of the wilderness.
Man hiking
Gear

10 Best Long-Sleeve Hiking Shirts For Hot Weather

Don’t let the sun stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. Snap up one of the best long-sleeve hiking shirts for continuous sun protection.
Hiking boots
Gear

9 Best Hiking Boots For Plantar Fasciitis (2023)

Check out our complete guide to selecting the best hiking boots for plantar fasciitis. Includes the top picks from HOKA, KEEN, Salomon, and more!
Sleeping pad outside of a tent
Gear

9 Best Foam Sleeping Pads for Backpacking (2023)

Discomfort can ruin a night in the outdoors. We rank the best foam sleeping pads for backpacking so you can get the rest you need.
Woman sat on a mountain wearing hiking shoes
Gear

7 Best Hiking Shoes For Flat Feet (2023)

Are foot-powered adventures a struggle because of painful, collapsed arches? Read on for the best hiking shoes for flat feet, so you can hike with comfort.
Woman hiking
Gear

8 Best Hiking Leggings For Comfort & Durability On The Trail

Prefer form-fitting pants and leggings for your outdoor adventures? Read on for the best hiking leggings and technical tights for performance on the trail.
Person stood in the rain on a mountain
Gear

7 Best Rain Pants For Hiking, Backpacking, & Mountaineering

Don’t let the rain stop you from enjoying outdoor adventures. I’ve compiled the best rain pants to keep you dry when severe weather threatens.
Sleeping bags on a rock outdoors
Gear

10 Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Backpacking gear is heavy. Make things easier on yourself by investing in the best ultralight sleeping bag. We review the finest options out there.
Hiking boots and socks
Gear

9 Best Waterproof Hiking Socks For All Weather Conditions (2023)

Soggy feet are the ultimate hike killer. I’ve created a guide reviewing the nine best waterproof hiking socks for any obstacle Mother Nature throws at you.
A camping fan
Gear

The 9 Best Camping Fans to Help Beat the Summer Heat!

Summer camping is a blast, but it can also be unrelentingly hot. We list out the best camping fans to keep you cool and comfortable.
Hiking shoes
Gear

Best Hiking Shoes For Beginners - Top 6 Picks for 2023

Check out our in-depth review of the best beginner hiking boots for every trail. It Includes boots from Merrell, Salomon, Columbia, and more!
Solar charger charging a phone
Gear

6 Best Solar Chargers For Backpacking (2023)

Solar chargers are a game changer for juicing up devices on longer hiking trips. Read on for our roundup of the best solar chargers for backpacking.
Hiking boots
Gear

8 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots With Ankle Support (2023)

Keep trailblazing all year long with top-notch hiking footwear. Here’s the latest on the eight best hiking boots with ankle support.
Gear

Best 6-8 Person Tents For Comfortable & Spacious Camping

Camping is a wonderful group activity, but you’ll need a big tent to house everyone. We found the best 6 to 8 person tents for outdoor bliss.
Food cooking in a pan on campfire
Gear

10 Best Campfire Cooking Kits For Quick & Delicious Meals

We analyze the best campfire cooking kits on the market today. Find the perfect option for your needs & cook up a storm on your next outdoor adventure!
Woman skiing
Gear

8 Best Women’s All Mountain Skis (2023)

Want a one-stop ski quiver for whatever the mountain throws at you, ladies? We’ve rounded up the best women’s all-mountains skis built to handle it all.
Woman sat on a rock in the mountains
Gear

10 Best Hiking Shirts For Women That Go The Distance (2023)

A good hiking shirt is a crucial piece of any hiking adventure. Read on as we round up the best hiking shirts for women, so you’re prepared on the trail.
Person wearing ski boots and skis
Gear

5 Heated Insoles For Ski Boots That Actually Work!

Skiing with frozen feet is a shortcut to bad moods and discomfort. A pair of the best heated insoles will keep your feet warm and happy on the slopes.
Man wearing a hiking jacket
Gear

10 Best Hiking Jackets For Cold Weather

Winter hiking can be a blast with the right clothing. If you want to chase trails all year, we have the best hiking jackets for cold weather.
Man stood infront of a two-person tent
Gear

8 Best Two-Person Tents For Beginners

Check out our guide to the best two-person tents for beginners! Lightweight, durable, and wallet-friendly options from Nemo, REI, Big Agnes, and more!
Family of 3 and a big tent
Gear

Best 4-Person Backpacking Tents For Friends & Families

The outdoors are best enjoyed with friends and family. Check out our guide to the best 4-person backpacking tents for every camping adventure.
Woman standing on a mountain
Gear

10 Best Hiking Jackets For Women (2023)

With versatile options for every budget and style, I reviewed the best hiking jackets for women from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, The North Face, and more.
Man with camera attached to helmet
Gear

6 Best Cameras For Snowboarding: Freeze Your Epic Moments

Looking for a durable, weatherproof camera to capture your finest snowboarding moments on the slopes? Read on for the 6 Best Cameras for Snowboarding.
Gear

9 Best Knee Braces For Hiking: Find The Support You Need

Don’t let knee pain stop you from doing the things you love. Our list of the best knee braces for hiking will help you continue chasing trails.
Woman skiing
Gear

7 Best Women's Skis For Beginners (2023)

The right pair of skis is pivotal for progression. Read on as we list the best women’s skis for beginners looking to take their riding to the next level.
Man skiing
Gear

8 Best Ski Watches With GPS, ABCs, Weather Updates & More (2023)

Adventure ski watches can hang with you through the extremes of resort and backcountry skiing. We have the best ski watches of 2023 right here.
Group of hikers hiking up a mountain
Gear

10 Best Hiking Pants For Every Hiker

Finding the best hiking pants can be challenging. I’ve compiled the best options to help you obtain the ideal solution for your next outdoor activity.
Skis
Gear

9 Best Mogul Skis Of 2023: Expert Reviews & Recommendations

Mogul skiing is a test of skiing skill, endurance, and durability. With the best mogul skis of 2023, you’ll be slicing through them like a professional.
Man snowboarding
Gear

8 Best Ski Knee Braces For Extra Support On The Slopes

Are you an avid skier or snowboarder that contends with knee issues? Read on to find the best ski knee brace out there for utmost support on the slopes.
Two people skiing wearing base layers
Gear

The Best Base Layers For Skiing This Winter

Itchy, bulky, and restrictive base layers for skiing are enough to drive anyone crazy. Find the best base layers for skiing here.
Woman snowboarding
Gear

10 Best Women’s Snowboards For All Types Of Riding In 2023

Finding the right snowboard is essential for an epic day on the slopes. I’ve rounded up the best women’s snowboards for all types of female riders in 2023.
Ski boots and skis
Gear

9 Best Ski Boots For Narrow Feet

For the narrow-footed folks out there looking to avoid blisters, shin bang, and toe bruises, we've got the best ski boots for narrow feet in 2023.
Woman rock climbing wearing a harness
Gear

8 Best Climbing Harnesses For Women In 2023

No matter how or what you climb, nearly every climbing objective requires a reliable harness. Join us as we review the best climbing harnesses for women.
Powder skis
Gear

9 Best Powder Skis For Deep Snow

Sometimes, nature smiles at you & provides a biblical powder day. When that happens, you want the best powder skis for the job. Find them all right here.
Two people sat on a mountain with skis
Gear

9 Best Ski Helmet Headphones For 2023

Keep your ski day movin’ and groovin’ with the 9 best ski helmet headphones. Listen to audio books, podcasts, & music safely on the slopes with our picks!
Two women hiking
Gear

10 Best Hiking Underwear For Women In 2023

Gearing up for a hike or backpacking trip, ladies? Don’t forget the importance of comfy, quick-dry underwear. Find the best women’s hiking undies here.
Person wearing a neck gaiter and ski goggles
Gear

10 Best Neck Gaiters For Skiing & Snowboarding In 2023

Winter winds and snow burns are no joke, so you need a neck gaiter. In this guide, we break down the best neck gaiters for skiing.
A sleeping pad
Gear

8 Best Sleeping Pads For Side Sleepers

Finding a comfortable sleeping pad is key to getting a good night’s sleep in the backcountry. We review the 8 best sleeping pads for side sleepers.
Ski gloves
Gear

11 Best Ski Gloves For Every Skier

With a list of the best ski gloves available, you’ll be able to find the warmth, protection, and comfort you need for ski season.
Person wearing heated socks and skis
Gear

10 Best Heated Ski Socks For Every Skier

Keeping your feet warm while skiing is essential. We’ve rounded up the best-heated ski socks to help you spend longer on the slopes.
Snowboard boots
Gear

8 Best Beginner Snowboard Boots For 2023

When learning to snowboard, your boots are just as important as your board. Read on for the best beginner snowboard boots to start you off right.
A pair of skiing gloves
Gear

8 Best Glove Liners For Skiing & Cold Weather Adventures

Keep your hands from sweating on the uphill and warm on the downhill with the 8 best glove liners for skiing, touring, and mountaineering.
Person wearing an avalanche airbag backpack
Gear

5 Best Avalanche Airbag Backpacks For Backcountry Skiers & Snowboarders In 2023

Avalanche airbags provide an extra margin of safety when backcountry skiing and snowboarding. We review the 5 best avalanche airbag packs for 2023.
Person on a snowboard
Gear

8 Best Women's Snowboard Boots For All Riders In 2023

Snowboard boots are the most important piece of gear you’ll need riding. We’ve rounded up the top choices for female riders keen on charging the slopes.
Ski helmet
Gear

10 Best Ski Helmets For 2023

Ski accidents can become very scary very quickly. Protect your noggin and your season with the best ski helmets available.
Gear

10 Best Ski Gloves For Women In 2023

Finding the right pair of ski gloves is essential for keeping your fingers warm on the mountain. We review the 10 best ski gloves for women.
Skis and ski poles
Gear

10 Best All Mountain Skis For 2023

The best all-mountain skis can handle most conditions. Armed with skis from this guide, you’ll be one step closer to shredding the whole mountain.
Woman hiking wearing shorts
Gear

10 Best Hiking Shorts For Women In 2023

Looking for shorts for hot hiking days? We’ve created this handy guide to hiking shorts for women to help you find the perfect one for the trail.
Ski goggles
Gear

9 Best Ski Goggles For Every Skier

A full ski setup isn't complete without eye protection, which is why you need goggles. In this guide, we break down the best ski goggles for every skier.
Man using a sleeping bag
Gear

8 Best Winter Sleeping Bags For Backpacking & Mountaineering In 2023

Getting the right sleeping bag is key to staying warm overnight in the winter. We review the 8 best winter sleeping bags for backpacking & climbing.
Woman rock climbing
Gear

9 Best Climbing Pants For Women In 2023

Durable, stretchy and comfortable, we review the best climbing pants for women in 2023 and our expert buying guide helps you send your routes in style.
Dog in front of a camping tent
Gear

6 Best Camping Tents That Dogs Love!

Camping with dogs is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, but you'll need a large and durable tent. Here are the best options for you and your furry friend.
Person carrying cross country skis
Gear

8 Best Cross-Country Skis For All Levels

Cross-country skiing, also called nordic skiing, is a unique, satisfying full-body winter workout. Check out our list of the best cross-country skis.
Backpack on a mountain
Gear

10 Best Backpacking and Mountaineering Pillows

Poor sleep can ruin a day in the mountains. We review the 10 best backpacking pillows that'll help you rest up for outdoor adventures.
Woman hiking wearing a hat
Gear

10 Best Hiking Hats For Women In 2023

We got our thinking caps on and created this ultimate guide to hiking hats for women. You’ll be covered and ready for adventure come sun or snow!
Womens mountaineering boots
Gear

9 Best Women’s Mountaineering Boots In 2023

Find the best women’s mountaineering boots for your high-altitude adventures with our expert reviews and buying guide for 2023.
Two people sat on a snowy mountain with their skis
Gear

10 Best Ski Boots For Every Skier In 2023

Don’t let the wrong pair of ski boots ruin your day on the slopes. We’ve compiled the 10 best ski boots for every skier so you can shred in style.
Gear

9 Best Intermediate Skis For Getting Serious About Skiing

So, you’re ready to buy your first pair of skis. We round up the best intermediate ski options and provide expert advice to help get you started.
Woman wearing hiking sandals
Gear

10 Best Hiking Sandals For Women In 2023

Tired of sweaty feet? We’ve created the ultimate guide to hiking sandals for women to help you choose the perfect pair to let your feet breathe.
Woman wearing ski boots and holding skis
Gear

10 Best Ski Boots For Women In 2023

With the ski season coming up soon, we reviewed the best ski boots for women in 2023 and put together a detailed guide to help you choose the perfect pair.
Person skiing
Gear

7 Best Ski Boots For Wide Calves

Wide calves used to make ski boot selection tricky. But now it’s getting easier to find the best ski boots for wide calves. Check out our 2023 shortlist!
Woman backcountry skiing
Gear

9 Best Backcountry & Alpine Touring Skis In 2023

We review the 9 best backcountry skis for ski touring, ski mountaineering, and more. Read on to find the best touring skis for any type of terrain.
Man using a flashlight
Gear

7 Best Flashlights For Hiking And Backpacking

Hiking in the dark can be a scary and challenging experience. Dispel the darkness, and your fears, with the best flashlights for hiking and backpacking.
Ski boots attached to skis
Gear

8 Best Ski Boots For Beginner Skiers

Looking for the perfect ski boots to learn how to ski? We review the 8 best ski boots for beginner skiers that offer comfort and control.
Ski gloves
Gear

5 Best Heated Ski Gloves

Don’t let cold fingers destroy your day on the slopes, check out the 5 best-heated ski gloves for 2023.
Womanwearing a daypack
Gear

10 Best Daypacks For Women

Confused about which women’s daypack to choose? We reviewed the best daypacks for women and created a guide to help you choose the perfect one.
Hiking boot and sock
Gear

9 Best Hiking Socks To Prevent Blisters

Blisters are painful reminders that your socks aren’t doing their job. In this guide, we review 9 of the best hiking socks to prevent blisters.
Man using a walkie talkie
Gear

6 Best Skiing Walkie Talkies In 2023

Two-way radios are essential equipment for skiers today. We review the top 6 walkie-talkies of 2023 for resort and backcountry skiing.
Man hiking a mountain
Gear

9 Best Hiking Belts In 2023

Saggy pants can lead to possible discomfort, embarrassment and injury. We review the 9 best hiking belts of 2023 to help keep your pants and spirits up.
Gear

9 Best Hiking Pants For Hot Weather

To deal with summer extremes, you need the best hiking pants for hot weather. We’ll review the top 9 including roll-ups, zip-offs and ultralight pants for 2023.
Microspikes on a hiking boot
Gear

8 Best Microspikes For Hiking In 2023

When hiking in snow and ice, you need traction to keep you upright. We review the 8 best microspikes available today.
People using bivy sacks
Gear

7 Best Bivy Sacks For Outdoor Adventures In 2023

A bivy sack provides emergency shelter in the mountains and can be a lightweight alternative to a tent. We review the 7 best bivy sacks for mountaineering.
Mans arm wearing a watch
Gear

Best Watches For Hiking And Mountaineering

A hiking watch will help you explore further and keep you safer than ever before. We review the 10 best watches for hiking and mountaineering.
A belay device
Gear

8 Best Belay Devices For 2023

Belay devices are critical for rock climbing, mountaineering, and glacier travel. We review the 8 best belay devices for all types of technical adventures.
Ski boots attached to skis
Gear

10 Best Ski Boots For Intermediate Skiers

Ready to find your new favorite ski boot? Our reviews of 10 best intermediate ski boots will have you wishing it was winter all year long.
Person skiing
Gear

7 Best Ski Boot Dryers For 2023

Ski boot dryers can make a big difference in how you maintain your gear. We review the top 7 boot dryers for keeping your gear dry.
A man sat at the top of a mountain
Gear

5 Best Personal Locator Beacons For Hiking & Mountaineering

A personal locator beacon can make a life-saving difference if you have an accident in the mountains. We review the 5 best PLBs for hiking and mountaineering.
A pair of ice climbing boots
Gear

The 5 Best Ice Climbing Boots In 2023

Shopping for ice climbing boots? Before you buy, be sure to check out the best technical ice and mixed climbing boots on the market, right here.
A person skiing
Gear

The 7 Best Ski Boots For Wide Feet In 2023

Are your feet feeling a little cramped in your current ski boots? Check out the list we compiled of the best alpine ski boots for wide feet in 2023.
A tent pitched on a mountain
Gear

The 6 Best Cold Weather Camping Tents

If you’re shopping for a new cold weather camping tent, we put together a list of the best 4-season winter camping tents to help you make a smart buy.
A person mountaineering
Gear

The 8 Best Gaiters For Mountaineering And Hiking In 2023

Gaiters are fantastic at keeping water, ice, rocks, and dirt out of your boots while you hike. Click here to find the perfect pair for what you love to do.
A person mountaineering wearing a headlamp
Gear

The 7 Best Headlamps For Backpacking And Mountaineering In 2023

Finding the right backpacking headlamp for you can be daunting. Here are the best headlamps on the market and a few tips to find the right one.
A pair of snowshoes for mountaineering
Gear

The 7 Best Snowshoes For Mountaineering In 2023

Snowshoes are a great tool to keep you active in the winter. Here, I’ll help you find the right pair of mountaineering snowshoes for your next winter hike.
Two people wearing helmets mountaineering
Gear

The 7 Best Mountaineering Helmets In 2023

Your brain is your most valuable tool in the mountains. We rate the best mountaineering helmets to protect your head from whatever the mountain throws at you.