Outdoors
More Outdoors Posts
The Best Portable Solar Battery Charger
by Sarah Witman
The Allpowers SP012 Solar Panel 100W is the best choice for charging a phone and other essential devices in the great outdoors.
The Best Coolers
by Kit Dillon
After years of research and gallons upon gallons of melted ice, we have picks for hard and soft coolers, plus backpack and high-end roto-molded options.
The Best Outdoor Projector Screen
by Adrienne Maxwell and Geoffrey Morrison
If you want to get the cleanest, brightest picture for your outdoor movie night, use an outdoor projector screen like Elite Screens’s Yard Master Series.
The Best Collapsible Folding Wagons
by Katharine Gammon
Whether you’re headed to the beach or hauling groceries, we’ve found the folding wagons to best help you lug your gear.
The Best Camping Stove
by Kit Dillon
Whether we’re making a morning cup of coffee or grilling up burgers, the Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove is our choice for campfire cookouts.
The Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers
by Jenni Gritters
After seven years of hikes, we still recommend the Osprey Skarab 18 and the Osprey Skimmer 16 to stay comfortable and hydrated.
The Best Respirator Mask for Smoke and Dust
by Tim Heffernan
These masks work to block particulate inhalation in conditions ranging from wildfire smoke to dusty home projects.
Wirecutter Picks to Help You Throw an Unforgettable Barbecue
by Wirecutter Staff
Everything you’ll need to host a memorable barbecue this summer, from our favorite grilling gear to bug-battling essentials.
The Best Action Camera
by Geoffrey Morrison
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.
Citronella Candles Don’t Really Work. Stop Buying Them.
by Elissa Sanci
Don’t waste your money on citronella candles and other gimmicky mosquito-repellents. Here’s what to buy instead.
The Best Telescopes for Beginners
by Signe Brewster and Colin Rosemont
We’ve tested 14 top-rated telescopes over the years, and we’re certain the Celestron NexStar 5SE provides the best functionality for a dedicated beginner.
The Best Rain Pants
by Jenni Gritters
The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, which come in men’s and women’s sizes and multiple lengths, are the pants that kept us comfortable and dry through wet weather.
Build a Bike Patch and Flat Kit
by Eve O'Neill
If you own a bike, you need a patch kit. After 96 hours of testing, here are our picks for the best levers, patches, hand pumps, and more for most bike owners.
The Best Canopy Tent for Camping and Picnics
by Kalee Thompson
The easy-to-set-up REI Co-op Screen House Shelter is our canopy tent pick, with good sun and insect protection and a bright, roomy feel.
The Best Portable Hammock
by Colin Rosemont
We spent 35 hours testing 10 packable camping hammocks on hikes and in the park, and found that ENO’s SingleNest Hammock is the best choice for most people.
The Best Bike Repair Stand
by Christine Ryan
If you want to repair your bike at home, a sturdy, easy-to-use stand helps. After testing 12 stands, we recommend the Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Bike Repair Stand.
The Best Sun Hat for Hikers
by Liz Thomas
Our testers hiked 200 hours to find an effective sun hat for outdoor activities. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is their unanimous favorite.
The Best Picnic Blanket
by Kit Dillon and Dorie Chevlen
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 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen
by Nancy Redd
Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50 is our favorite reef-safe sunscreen. It’s also a great option for anyone who prefers sunscreens without chemical UV filters.
The Best Packable Daypack for Travel
by Kit Dillon
We chose four packable daypacks that you can keep on hand, whether you’re trekking across the globe or just on your daily commute.
I Hate Sleeping in a Tent. So I Turned My Car Into a Cozy Camping Haven.
by Elissa Sanci
In the last two years, I’ve fine-tuned my overlanding setup, which hinges on a car air mattress. Here’s what I use to feel close (but not too close) to nature.
The Best Camping Chairs
by Kyle Fitzgerald and Kalee Thompson
The Coleman Cooler Quad Chair is a classic camping chair to keep you comfortable in most situations. But we recommend other seating options too.
The Best Sandals
by Dorie Chevlen and Zoe Vanderweide
Whether you’re hitting the beach or heading out for a night on the town, we found nine pairs of comfy, well-made sandals to suit a range of styles and budgets.
The Best Swim Goggles for Adults and Kids
by Seth Berkman
A great pair of swim goggles can make your time in the water safer and more enjoyable. Our picks include effective, highly adjustable pairs for adults and kids.
The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping
by Jenni Gritters
The supportive and cozy Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad is the best choice for car campers. We also have picks for backpackers, couples, and more.
What to Pack for Camping Trips With Kids
by Kalee Thompson
Investing in some high-quality basics can get kids excited about camping out—and help you avoid a mid-trip detour to the nearest big-box store.
How to Stop Mosquitoes From Multiplying
by Rose Maura Lorre
To keep mosquitoes at bay, you have to take away their preferred breeding grounds. Here are several Wirecutter-approved ways to do just that.
The Best Men’s and Women’s Rain Jackets and Raincoats
by Zoe Vanderweide and Jackie Reeve
Want to stay dry? Our four favorite raincoats and rain jackets—in different styles, materials, and lengths—have you covered.
The Best Leggings
by Ingrid Skjong
We assessed the fabric, fit, performance, and style of an array of workout leggings to find six excellent pairs for whatever moves you.
With a Pee Funnel (or Portable Toilet), the World Is Your Bathroom
by Nancy Redd
Peeing and pooping without a standard toilet can be tricky. These portable tools may help ease the strain.
The Best Commuter Bike Lights
by Lindsay Warner
After testing some 115 lights over the past 10 years, we can recommend the best headlight and the best taillight for most people who commute by bicycle.
The Best Kids Bike Seats
by Caitlin Giddings
A kids seat mounted to your bike is a good way to begin to nurture your child’s own love of riding for transportation—or just for fun.
The Best Gear for Going on a Walk
by Elissa Sanci
Take a walk. No, really—it’s good for you. And these Wirecutter picks will make it even better.
The Best Charcoal Grill
by Tim Heffernan, Lesley Stockton, and Michael Sullivan
The Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″ has been our pick since 2017. It’s solidly constructed and easy to control, offering great value.
The Best Balance Bikes
by Jenni Gritters and Chris Dixon
We subjected a fleet of balance bikes to cadres of kids and found the best bikes for different budgets and ages.
Wearing Fans Around Our Necks Has Been More Pleasant Than You’d Expect
by Thom Dunn
We were skeptical—but then we stopped sweating.
The Best Outdoor Dinnerware
by Dorie Chevlen
From festive melamine and bamboo plates to classic enamelware, our favorite outdoor tableware pieces are perfect for taking dinner outdoors.
The Best Deals From REI’s Annual Member-Only Sale 2024
by Kaitlin Mahar
REI’s member sale offers REI Co-op members the opportunity to save—but not every deal is worth it. These are the best.
5 Cheap(ish) Things for a Lovely Front Porch
by Christina Williams
Here are the best (relatively) inexpensive items for a comfortable porch hangout.
This $28 Garden Tool Cut My Weeding Time in Half
by Sebastian Compagnucci
I love gardening. I hate weeding. Thankfully, I have my trusty hoe by my side.
The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
by Kalee Thompson
The right sleeping bag will keep a kid warm and comfy, and it will be a longtime companion on camping trips and at sleepovers.
How to Photograph a Total Solar Eclipse
by Phil Ryan
We spoke with three pro photographers and an astronomer for advice about photographing a total solar eclipse.
How to Shop for a Hot Tub
by Tim Heffernan
This guide will help you plan out the purchase for the hot tub of your dreams.
The Best Puffy Blanket
by Hannah Weinberger
After wrapping ourselves in thirteen different puffy blankets, we found the Rumpl Down Puffy is the best insulated blanket to take outside.
The Best Running Gear
by Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter Staff
The right running gear can help you make the most of your training. After extensive research and testing with passionate runners, here’s what we recommend.
The Best Sports Bras
by Christina Colizza, Anna Perling, and Ingrid Skjong
To find the right sports bra, your best bet is to try as many as possible. We recommend 13 options to kick-start your search.
The Best Stroller Wagons
by Liz Iversen
Got kids and gear you need to schlep to the soccer field, the beach, or the neighborhood block party? A stroller wagon might be for you.
The Best Down Jacket
by Catherine Harnden and Jenni Gritters
The Montbell Alpine Light Down Jacket (in women’s and men’s sizes) has a lightweight yet toasty fit to keep you cozy in snow, rain, and cold.
The Best Filtered Water Bottles
by Tim Heffernan
You can get cleaner, better-tasting water with a filtered bottle that can travel with you—but other filtered water options may be more convenient overall.
There’s a Best Time of Day to Try On Hiking Boots (And 9 More Boot-Buying Tips)
by Ebony Roberts and Elissa Sanci
We share expert advice on how to fit hiking boots properly, as well as how to care for yours so they’ll last for years.