Outdoor gear

We’ve tested 17 top-rated telescopes over the years, and we’re certain the Celestron NexStar 5SE provides the best image quality and ease of use for beginners.

Whether your sleeping bag is filled with down or down alternative, here’s how to clean it.

After testing 34 hand warmers over six years, we recommend the Zippo HeatBank 9s Plus as the best way to keep your hands warm this winter.

We tested 18 fishing rods in waters near and far, and the tough, affordable Ugly Stik Carbon Inshore Spinning Rod emerged the best for most casual anglers.

The plush, cozy REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag is our pick for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.

For late-night hikes, evening runs, and stargazing sessions, we think the comfortable and durable Black Diamond Spot 400 is the best headlamp.

All the gear you’ll need for a successful tailgate this football season, according to a seasoned tailgater.

If you’re looking for a fun way to commute or do light errands, we recommend Segway Ninebot’s KickScooter Max G30LP electric scooter.

A professional ornithologist tested 25 field-ready binoculars against his $2,500 Leica Ultravids and picked the Athlon Optics Midas ED pair as the best.

After sleeping in 51 tents, we think the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the best for two people and Kelty’s Wireless 6 is best for most families.

After testing dozens of bike handlebar bags, we’ve chosen six that can carry all your riding essentials, no matter where you’re headed.

​​Whether you’re headed to the beach or hauling groceries, we’ve found the folding wagons to best help you lug your gear.

Bust wood apart with rhythm and ease using a hefty, well-balanced splitting axe.

We spent 60 hours testing packable towels and are convinced the odor-controlled PackTowl Personal microfiber towel is the best option for drying off just about anywhere.

Hard-core bike commuters share seven items—from storm-worthy gloves to rugged tires—that keep them (and their stuff) safe and dry in the winter.

Car camping can be challenging for wheelchair users, but with the right gear and information, anyone can feel confident spending a night in the great outdoors.

The Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Chug Cap is our choice to keep your water cold for hours, wherever you may take it.

Bird photography can be difficult. We spoke with photographers to find the best strategies and resources for making beautiful photos.

When is the best time to buy camping, hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor gear? Our experts weigh in on when to buy.

After slipping and sliding on roads and trails in Alaska and the Sierra Nevada, we’ve found the best ways to stay upright while walking, hiking, or running.

The Shibumi Shade is a lightweight, nimble beach shelter that works better than most umbrellas.

After 140 miles of testing on trails in California’s Eastern Sierra, we’ve determined that the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles are the best for most hikers.

After lounging on 19 top-rated picnic blankets, we found that the Nemo Victory Picnic Blanket offers the best combination of comfort, durability, and easy cleaning.

The Coleman Cooler Quad Chair is a classic camping chair to keep you comfortable in most situations. But we recommend other seating options too.

If you want to take photos and videos in any situation, even extreme weather, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the best option for most people.

After we tested 15 models on land and water, the durable and watertight Ortlieb Dry-Bag emerged as the standout winner.

You might strike gold. But you should know what you’re getting into first.

After 22 hours of researching and testing 12 wilderness first aid kits, we think Adventure Medical Kits’s Mountain Series Backpacker Kit is best for most weekend warriors.

After seven years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

This beach chair reigns supreme in portability, versatility, and durability.

A water bottle carrier might seem like an unnecessary accessory, but the right one is a versatile multitasker.

I’ve dragged my RITC down cliffs and across park paths. I haven’t been particularly kind to it. But this cooler is more than a sidekick—it’s a survivor.

Heading to the park? These affordable Wirecutter picks will make your outing more enjoyable.

This rock-solid beach umbrella won’t fly away in the wind.

Our picks include metal and plastic water bottles that are easy to use, a cinch to clean, and the least likely to leak.

A sunshade can give you a lot more shade than an umbrella, with a lot less drama. We like the four-person Sun Ninja shade best, but we have other options, too.