Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew (women’s) review: cushion where it counts
A women’s-cut merino hiking sock that regulates across seasons and dries overnight in a sink. Check the size chart carefully before buying several.
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Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew (men’s) review: the everyday hiking sock
Light cushioning, true sizing and merino temperature control in the sock most hikers should default to. The heel is where it eventually gives ground.
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Columbia Powder Lite (men’s) review: the versatile puffy
The versatile men’s puffy — warmer and less bulky than fleece, tolerant of damp where down struggles, packable, and priced below premium down.
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Merrell Moab 3 (women’s) review: the do-it-all trail boot
The do-it-all women’s trail boot — comfortable from the first mile, grippy, durable, and waterproof; the proven 3-season default for day hikes and lighter backpacking.
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Marmot PreCip Eco (men’s) review: the do-more hiker’s rain shell
A light, packable 2.5-layer rain shell with pit-zip venting and recycled materials — the proven default for hikers in weather. Our field review of the Marmot PreCip Eco.
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MERIWOOL Merino 250 (men’s) review: value wool for men who move
The value merino base layer for men who move — real 250 wool that regulates, wicks, and resists odor for days, at a friendlier price than the boutique brands.
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Marmot PreCip Eco (women’s) review: the packable hiker’s rain shell
The packable hiker’s rain shell for women — light, breathable 2.5-layer NanoPro with pit-zip venting; the proven default for hiking in weather.
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Columbia Powder Lite (women’s) review: the versatile puffy
The versatile women’s puffy — warmer and less bulky than fleece, tolerant of damp where down struggles, packable, and priced below premium down.
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MERIWOOL Merino 250 (women’s) review: value wool for women who move
The value merino base layer for women who move — real 250 wool that regulates, wicks, and resists odor for days, at a friendlier price than the boutique brands.
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Merrell Moab 3 (men’s) review: comfort straight out of the box
Nothing ends a hike faster than unhappy feet. The Merrell Moab 3 has been the default answer to “what hiking boot should I buy?” for years, and the Mid Waterproof version is popular for one big reason: it is comfortable almost immediately, with very little break-in.
