Hiking Gear

The ultimate guide to slip on hiking shoes

Hiking Boots

Vintage hiking boots: timeless appeal, durability, and style

Hiking Boots

25/06/2025

Best Hiking Boots of 2025: Top Picks for Every Trail and Terrain

Hiking suspenders: an essential guide for your outdoor adventures

Hiking Manufacturers

+ Very good heel hold and ankle support, especially on steep or uneven ground

Hiking suspenders: an essential guide for your outdoor adventures

Our latest product comparisons

Comparison

Ranking of the 3 best premium hiking boots (2026)

Salewa

Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes 10 UK Black Sulphur Spring

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.5/10

+ Strong waterproofing with Gore-Tex and protective rubber rand for rough use

Salomon

X Ultra Pioneer Mid Gore-Tex Women's Outdoor Shoes, Waterproof, Secure foothold, and Stable & cushioned 9 UK Black Magnet Monument

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.3/10

Salomon

Quest Element Gore-Tex Men's Outdoor Shoes, Waterproof, All-terrain stability, and Outdoor essentials 10 UK Black Deep Lichen Green Olive Night

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.2/10

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Comparison

Which hiking boots for professional hikers to choose? Top 4 (2026)

Härkila

Pro Hunter Light Mid GTX - Professional Hunting Clothes & Equipment - Scandinavian Quality Made to Last 10 UK Shadow Brown

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 9.0/10

+ Very tough build with Cordura, reinforcement mudguard and Vibram sole

+ Reliable waterproofing with Gore-Tex and quick drying compared to full leather

Salewa

Ms Firetail Evo Mid Gtx, Mens Trekking and Hiking Boots 9 UK Black Cactus

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.5/10

Meindl Burma GTX Men's Ankle-High Brown Gore-Tex Boots (UK Size: Numeric) 8 UK Brown

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.4/10

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Our latest product reviews

Merrell

Men's Moab 3 Mid GtxHiking Shoe 8 UK Pecan

The reliable all-round hiking boot that just works

8.3/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Value for money ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Design ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Comfort ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Materials ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Read full review

Mammut Mercury Iv Mid GTX Men's Trekking & Hiking Shoes Dark...

Light hiking boots that handle real weather without killing your feet

8.4/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Value for money ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Design ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Comfort ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Materials ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Read full review

Last posts

Salewa Crow Gore-Tex Review: stiff, precise boots that shine in the mountains but not in town

17/06/2026

Salewa Crow Gore-Tex Review: stiff, precise boots that shine in the mountains but not in town

The Salewa Crow Gore-Tex men’s boots are serious, stiff mountain boots that do their job well when used for the right kind of trips. They shine on rocky, steep and mixed terrain where you want a solid platform underfoot, reliable waterproofing and good ankle support. The heel hold and lacing system...

Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Review: stiff mountain boots that feel secure straight out of the box

For me, the Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Gore‑Tex is a solid choice if you’re serious about rough terrain and want a boot that feels secure and precise. The main strengths are the stiff, protective sole, the very good heel and ankle hold, and the tough upper with the full rubber rand. Straight out of...

Dr. Scholl's Heavy Duty Support Insole Review: budget-friendly relief for big guys on their feet all day

If you’re a bigger guy (around 200 lbs or more), or tall, or just spend a lot of time in work boots on concrete, these Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support insoles are a practical upgrade over the thin, useless inserts that come in most shoes. They give you better heel cushioning, moderate arch support,...

EINSKEY Wide Brim Sun Hat Review: cheap, practical shade for brutal sun days

After using the EINSKEY Wide Brim Sun Hat in real conditions – mowing, hiking, beach wind, light rain – my takeaway is simple: it’s not pretty, but it works. The wide brim and UPF fabric give real coverage for face, ears, and neck, and the mesh sides plus sweatband keep it reasonably comfortable eve...

NORTIV 8 Men's Tactical Boots Review: budget-friendly duty boots with a handy side zipper

Overall, the NORTIV 8 Men’s Military Tactical Work Boots are solid mid-range tactical boots that do what they’re supposed to do without trying to be something they’re not. They’re comfortable enough after a short break-in, the side zipper is genuinely convenient, traction is good for everyday surfac...

Best Backpacking Boots Right Now: What Beats the Salomon Quest 5 for Stability, and the Hoka Kaha 3 for Comfort

Field tested guide to the best backpacking boots right now, comparing Salomon Quest 5 stability, Hoka Kaha 3 comfort, and key alternatives for real mountain miles.

Trekking Pole Inflation: Why $200 Carbon Poles Cracked in the Sierra While $40 Aluminum Held

Hiking Poles

Trekking Pole Inflation: Why $200 Carbon Poles Cracked in the Sierra While $40 Aluminum Held

Field tested analysis of carbon vs aluminum trekking poles in real Sierra conditions, explaining why $40 aluminum survived impacts and cold while $200 carbon cracked.

Danner Recrafting Is $100 and Limmer Resoles Boots from the 1970s: When Resoling Beats Replacing, and When It Does Not

Hiking Boots

Danner Recrafting Is $100 and Limmer Resoles Boots from the 1970s: When Resoling Beats Replacing, and When It Does Not

Field tested guide to hiking boot resoles, from Danner Recrafting to Limmer repairs, with clear math on cost per mile and when resoling beats replacing.

Bseash 80L Backpack Review: huge capacity on a small budget, with a few trade-offs

Bseash 80L Backpack Review: huge capacity on a small budget, with a few trade-offs

After using the Bseash 80L backpack on several trips, my take is pretty simple: it’s a large, budget‑friendly pack that works well for light to moderate use, but it’s not built for heavy loads or hardcore trekking. The big advantages are the massive capacity, low weight, and practical features like...

by Jacques-André Dubois

BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack Review: a compact packable daypack that keeps things simple

BECOJADDE 15L Small Hiking Backpack Review: a compact packable daypack that keeps things simple

Overall, the BECOJADDE 15L foldable backpack is a simple, lightweight daypack that does what it promises without trying to be more than it is. It’s light, packs down small, and has enough pockets to keep your essentials somewhat organized. The straps are comfortable enough for light loads, and the e...

Friction Labs Magic Chalk Ball Review: premium chalk in a simple refillable sock

After using the Friction Labs Magic Chalk Ball across climbing, pull-ups, and barbell work, my take is pretty straightforward: it’s a high-quality chalk ball that does its job well and feels better than the cheap stuff, but you’re also paying a bit extra for that. The chalk is fine, consistent, and...

Heel Slip on Hiking Boots: Lacing Locks, Tongue Pads, and the Two-Sock System That Actually Stops Hot Spots

Field-tested fixes for heel slip in hiking boots, from surgeon knots and heel locks to insoles, tongue pads, and two-sock systems that stop hot spots.

Apple's Satellite SOS Is Not Replacing Your inReach in 2026: Where the Free Phone Lifeline Actually Stops Working

Hiking Accessories

27/05/2026

Apple's Satellite SOS Is Not Replacing Your inReach in 2026: Where the Free Phone Lifeline Actually Stops Working

Detailed comparison of Apple iPhone Emergency SOS via satellite and Garmin inReach for hikers and backpackers, with coverage maps, battery life data, rescue coordination, and practical recommendations by trip type.

Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe Review: a sturdy everyday work-hike hybrid that prioritises comfort

22/05/2026

Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe Review: a sturdy everyday work-hike hybrid that prioritises comfort

The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe in wide fit is a solid, no-nonsense option if you care more about comfort, protection, and durability than style or lightness. It feels like a trimmed-down work boot that you can happily take on a muddy trail. The wide fit, cushioned heel, and stable base make it...

Berghaus Men's Hillwalker II Gore-Tex Review: solid British-weather boots for everyday hiking

Overall, the Berghaus Men’s Hillwalker II Gore-Tex boots are solid, no-nonsense leather hiking boots that do the basics well: they keep your feet dry, they grip nicely on typical UK terrain, and they’re comfortable enough once you’ve given them a short break-in period. They feel like a good match fo...

Berghaus Women's Expeditor Ridge 2.0 Review: solid everyday hiking boots that keep your feet dry

After using the Berghaus Women’s Expeditor Ridge 2.0 boots in real, messy conditions, my take is pretty straightforward: they’re solid, practical boots that focus on keeping your feet dry and supported, with a bit of extra weight and stiffness as the trade-off. The waterproofing actually works, the...

Salewa MS Alp Trainer Mid Gore-TEX Review: solid all-round hiking boots if you get the fit right

The Salewa MS Alp Trainer Mid Gore-TEX is a solid mid-cut hiking boot aimed at people who spend real time on rocky, uneven terrain and want proper support and protection. The grip from the Vibram sole is reliable, the waterproofing works, and the 3F system keeps the heel nicely locked in. Once you’v...

Mammut Mercury IV Mid GTX Review: solid midweight hiking boots that just get the job done

After putting some real miles into the Mammut Mercury IV Mid GTX, my overall take is pretty straightforward: it’s a solid, no-nonsense hiking boot that does what it’s supposed to do. Grip is good, waterproofing works, comfort is decent out of the box and better after a couple of outings, and the bui...

Best Hiking Boots for First-Time Buyers: The Three Decisions That Matter More Than the Brand

Learn how to choose the best hiking boots for your terrain, pack weight and foot shape, including mid cut waterproof hiking boots for backpacking and the best hiking boots for wide or narrow feet.

Day Pack Volume for Mountain Hikes: The 18, 28, and 38-Liter Lines Most Hikers Cross by Accident

Hiking Backpack

20/05/2026

Day Pack Volume for Mountain Hikes: The 18, 28, and 38-Liter Lines Most Hikers Cross by Accident

Learn how to choose the best day hiking backpack by matching pack volume, weight, and features to your trip system. Compare 18L, 28L, and 38L daypacks, see realistic packing lists, and find the right fit for your hiking style.

What the experts say

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