Best trekking poles of 2021 | Wirecutter's review

2021-12-08 06:28:51 By : Mr. Jonny yu

Wirecutter supports readers. When you make a purchase through a link on our website, we may receive affiliate commissions. learn more.

When we first published this guide a few years ago, our top pick—we still recommend—was $20 cheaper. Therefore, we are currently testing four sets of poles to find reliable and economical options.

If you often walk or hike (in fact, if you don't, you should), we strongly recommend that you use a pair of trekking poles (or, at least, a walking stick). After about 40 hours of testing on trails, streets, beaches, and many places in between (including extensive treatment and testing between physical therapy offices, therapists, nurses, patients, and orthopedists), we have determined that Montem Ultra Strong Trekking poles are suitable for almost everyone. They are easy to set up and use, comfortable and able to withstand blows.

Struts can improve balance and significantly reduce wear on the legs (especially knees), especially when going downhill. But the pole also makes walking-the best you can do, and certainly one of the easiest exercises-healthier. Poles can avoid injuries and reduce shocks, of course, but they also involve your entire upper body.

This basic set of poles provides excellent grip and easy-to-use adjustments.

If you are looking for a set of exquisite, sturdy and simple trekking poles, Montem's super trekking poles are our choice. They are made of aluminum-a malleable, strong material that is not as brittle as carbon fiber-so you can scratch them, beat them, and usually beat them hard without worrying that they will break, but they are good for most People are light enough for people. EVA foam grips are less prone to sweating than cork, will not scratch your hands over time like hard rubber, and the adjustment mechanism is easy to use and tighten. In addition, these poles come with rubber heads and baskets; for all our other options (and most poles in general), you must purchase these parts separately. Montem is a small company that only produces telephone poles. When we contacted customer service, we found it to be very good-the founder and CEO is usually the one who answers the phone.

Testers like these light poles the most-they are the most useful poles for all situations and terrains.

May be out of stock

Gossamer Gear's LT5 carbon fiber trekking pole is extremely simple to set up and use, and very comfortable. Since they are made of carbon fiber, they are the lightest rods available. They are also expensive: on the Gossamer Gear website, the pair is over $200, plus shipping. However, for some people, they are worth the relatively high price. Among the dozens of light poles we researched and the 10 models we tested on site​​, the LT5 light pole has become the most popular because of the simplicity of its overall design. The LT5 rod has two adjustment points. When fully extended to 23.5 inches, it can be folded from 51 inches. The locking mechanism is not a flip but a simple twist lock to keep the shape slim. In the end, the high price prevents us from making it our overall choice, but if you want the most comfortable trekking poles, then these are the ones for you.

This pair is suitable for trail runners or climbers looking for sturdy, stowable poles.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publication, the price was $160.

You may not need a set of highly portable aluminum trekking poles (see our how to choose section for more details), but if you continue reading and are sure you need it, Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Z poles are the best choice because they are comfortable, Easy to adjust and cheaper than similar models. They are folded into a mass about 13 inches high, almost half the size of our preferred. Many testers found that the entire tent pole (or Z pole) style of the folding trekking pole was too complicated, while others (including the experts interviewed) pointed out that the possibility of the pole breaking due to so many joints increased. However, if you are looking for poles that can be quickly taken apart and reassembled through practice, these poles are a good choice.

This basic set of poles provides excellent grip and easy-to-use adjustments.

Testers like these light poles the most-they are the most useful poles for all situations and terrains.

May be out of stock

This pair is suitable for trail runners or climbers looking for sturdy, stowable poles.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publication, the price was $160.

Do you believe in gravitation? In the endless passage of time? In the unstable ground under your feet? If so, you need a trekking pole, or a walking stick, or a trekking pole, or a walking stick (mechanically, they have basically the same function). Any tool that can reach the ground and prevent falls and helps you maintain your balance is a good tool to carry with you-a broomstick or tree branch can work in a critical juncture. However, many times, many people have nothing.

It may be because we see a person walking with a stick and think: "That person is old and weak." Or, if they are young and healthy, we might think, "What a fool." I know, because not long ago , I was one of those people who silently judged backpackers in their 30s on a section of the John Muir Trail, about my age, deceived by equipment, including poles. "Nerdy!" I thought. And I’m a purist, I only have a bag, some running shoes and a good hat. Nothing fancy. It's definitely not a pillar.

The assumption that trekking poles are only suitable for serious hikers is very wrong.

But the poles are valuable because I learned the next day that an early snowstorm forced us to hike through 27 miles of extremely uneven mountains in about 12 hours. Descent at dusk, descending thousands of feet through the stairs-well, I want to say it makes me kneel, but I don't even want to think about my (poor, tired, swollen) knee. At the end of the day, the three of us staggered towards our car in the dark, hoping that we had a stick or a pole, or even a decent tree branch, that we could rely on and help us on a pathetic path.

That day was extreme, of course, but it made me interested in trekking poles, not only as a necessary equipment for backpacking, but also as a useful item for a day hike. More importantly, what if I start using them for more casual walks around Los Angeles? Do I feel stupid sometimes? (Yes.) But sometimes it’s great? (Yes.)

Curiously, although studies have shown that trekking poles can reduce the impact of force and distribute energy evenly across the lower body, many reviews initially consider trekking poles to be "optional" or "not the most necessary climbing equipment." This is not true at all. There is absolutely no need to hike-many people hike barefoot, maybe some of them also hike barefoot, I'm not sure. However, the assumption that trekking poles are only suitable for serious hikers is very wrong. The experts interviewed agreed that using poles to walk more generally can improve stability, prevent falls, and may save lives. Well-the last statement is difficult to study, but there are studies that support all other claims, such as the 2002 study on all the physiological benefits of walking with a pole, not to mention how walking improves mindfulness, promotes creativity, and reduces stress. So walk, use poles. You will feel better. You will feel good.

I have written for The New York Times Magazine (the New York Times is the parent company of Wirecutter), MIT Technology Review, Fast Company and Outdoor-before I write, I am Fortune, Popular Science, "World" editorial policy magazine and National Geographic Adventure. Before I edit, I am backpacking. Before my backpacking trip, I was walking. I have been walking almost all my life.

I interviewed Dr. Timothy S. Church, a former researcher at the Cooper Institute, a co-author of the Nordic Walking Study, Chief Medical Officer of ACAP Health Consulting, and Carol Ewing Garber, Dean of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a professor of sports science at Columbia University.

I also rely heavily on the research, expertise and testing support of my father Gary Bradley. He has been a plastic surgeon for decades, he is writing a book about walking, and I am helping him. He brought 10 pairs of trekking poles to his office, leaving most of them in the physiotherapy center upstairs, for assessment in the afternoon, and to the surrounding mountainous areas on weekends and evenings, with various doctors, patients, nurses, assistants, and therapists. With anyone else who happens to pick up a pair. Some testers even filled out the questionnaire we left behind.

I tried small batches of trekking poles, some short (less than 3 miles) and some long (approximately 10 miles), on many different terrains where California might gather in late summer and early autumn: hard soil, soft soil, sand and Sandstone; oak woods and messy jungle; some deserts, some beaches, short trips at the foot of the mountains.

If you don’t use poles, what are the benefits? not good. During my trek, even if I was walking around the city, I saw how many people hid the poles, extended them from their backpacks, or lifted them with their elbows without touching the ground. It was amazing. What a sad pillar! You must use a pole. Don't be afraid of poles. In this spirit, usability has been our main concern so far, and it is also the indicator we use most often when determining the overall best pole. But it is also a large, slightly vague category that covers more specific factors, such as the following.

Adjustment mechanism: How easy is it to adjust the pole on the track? Or quickly fold it into your backpack? Generally, the locking mechanism is recognized as the easiest and best adjustment method, but I think easy adjustment has a serious disadvantage: more joints of the rod you can adjust means more rod failures in the path. In the end, according to In our experience, the easiest adjustment mechanism to use is minimalist. The Gossamer Gear lever uses a twist-lock mechanism, which adds to the overall simplicity of the lever. Our other paddles are adjusted using a simple flick to lock and provide the added benefit of measuring to remember your preferred height.

Portability: Many reviews of trekking poles attach great importance to the speed and effectiveness of the folding and packaging of trekking poles. We realize that some hikers have some extreme portability needs. These highly foldable poles are ideal, but for most hikers, we think our picks are very portable during travel. None of our 30+ testers has anything to say about the foldability of any set of rods, because, of course, they are busy using rods, but if you need something that can be packed, ours can Folding option may be your best choice. Please note that due to TSA carry-on restrictions, you may need to check trekking poles in your luggage, regardless of size; if you plan to fly with them, please keep this in mind. However, set them up later-this is the best and most reliable way to ensure that you use the rod. Nonetheless, I spent several hours swapping pole sets, folding and adjusting, folding and adjusting in several hikes, knowing deep in my heart that if I didn’t study these poles for review, I wouldn’t be engaged in this Mid-term-hiking stupid.

This is what I learned: Most trekking poles fold into themselves by stretching at two joints-the wider one connected to the handle or handle, and the smaller one near the ground. The double joint design means that the poles are easier to fold because they fold smaller, but it also means more errors are possible. There is also an unpleasant possibility, that is, a slight rattling, making a little noise, and causing a very slight tremor on the stick. Many people are not really troubled by the rattle. I am because I long for as much silence as possible when hiking, except in the bear country.

You will also find a style of folding poles where the parts are separated like tent poles and there is a locking mechanism near the top. If portability is important to you, then a tent-style foldable pole (such as our choice of Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Z pole in this category) is a good choice. With a little practice, you can separate them and put them back together in a minute. In our tests, this type also tends to be quieter and less irritable than the retractable version. bonus.

Comfort and versatility: what options does the pole offer? Can you change the basket or tips according to different terrain or weather conditions? Do you have many different ways to hold the stick?

Grip shape and texture: One of the factors that most directly determines whether someone will connect with the pole is the feeling of holding it in the hand. A tester—a physical therapist—pointed to a pile of telephone poles in the corner of the office where the patient had been trying. "The first thing you see everyone do, there is no doubt," he said, "just pick up one, squeeze it, and nod—sometimes satisfied, sometimes dissatisfied." Cork is usually the most popular The grip material, because it will decompose over time and slowly shape into your hand shape. Cork is cooler than rubber, but heavier than foam and sweats more easily. Rubber does not absorb any moisture, so it may be more suitable for hard mountaineering and winter hiking, but after using it for a period of time in a hot climate or on sweaty hands, the rubber may scratch. The ability to hold the handles in multiple ways from multiple angles is also a great benefit-if you use these poles for many years, you don't want to be locked in one hand position, in various places and weather conditions.

Aluminum and carbon fiber: We are skeptical about the difference in feel between carbon fiber rods and aluminum rods-we think this effect is more related to weight than feel. Boy, we were wrong! Of course, carbon fiber rods are lighter, but also stiffer. Disadvantages: "harder" is a way of expressing "extremely fragile". There is no problem with any of our carbon fiber rods, but many others have reported that a bad notch can quickly become a broken seam, causing the entire rod section to fail. Aluminum is heavier but more malleable, can withstand scratches, scratches and even bending, and it is usually a cheaper option. Based on our experience, we tend to prefer the feel of carbon fiber, but many commenters said that they hardly noticed the difference. We also discovered an advantage of carbon fiber, which is quieter on the road.

Tip: Carbide or steel tip can provide good traction in most natural environments, even on ice. Rubber heads are suitable for storage and use around houses or towns or in sensitive natural areas; some poles have angled rubber walking tips, sold separately for asphalt or city walking.

With or without straps: Very enthusiastic backpackers have been having a pretty heated debate on this, but this is our two cents: get straps, have straps, use straps. You can find many poles with detachable shoulder straps, but why would you do that? To avoid, for example, the belt tanning? For us, a detachable strap is just one more part to be thrown away, and one more thing that doesn't need to be fussed about. Some straps are more comfortable than others, and Leki's trigger-grip straps are slightly different (this critic fell in love with them unexpectedly). However, we found that the main problem with shoulder straps is that when your pole is leaning halfway up a mountain or in a stream, you are more likely to regret not having it. Also, if you decide to use a wristband, make sure to use it in the right way so that the wristband helps support your wrist.

Basket: The basket at the bottom of the pole illustrates your purpose: a smaller basket (or none at all) means more general daily hiking, while a larger basket is better for snowing, crawling or raining-trails, muddy scenes . Most poles we see either come with an extra basket or it is easy to add a basket, but in most cases, most people almost never think about the basket on the pole.

Shock absorbers: do you need them? No, do you want it? maybe. Do their work? Sometimes - and it just really goes downhill. They actually object to your going up the mountain, but some people seem to swear to them. None of our extensively tested models have them. You can use a pair of $20 rubber tips to mimic a lot of absorption. After all, poles are just poles; too many whiz-bang options can make a very simple tool too complicated and add more things that might break.

Some of the other factors we consider (and will be taken into account in ongoing testing) are the life of the rod—not just general durability, but also the warranty and manufacturer’s reputation that comes with it—and what is called performance The extremely vague but important indicator. Basically, after days, weeks, months, or even years of using these poles, are they still great? So far, our choice is.

We continue to receive various comments and message board posts about how severe temperature fluctuations fundamentally affect the performance of the rod, expand and contract the metal, and challenge the locking mechanism. So on the weekend of February after our initial test, we took our three top picks into the Southern Mountain Range, strolling for a while in the snow and ice on the edge of the Sequoia National Forest, up and down the side of the mountain. When the temperature stayed at a low level in our 20s, we left the poles overnight. We adjusted and readjusted the poles, and we leaned heavily on them.

The good news is that, overall, none of our top picks showed any major failures in the cold. We support these choices. However, we will say that the standard locking system in the Montem and Leki levers can be a challenge to adjust while wearing gloves. The biggest challenge is that when you fiddle with the pole, your hands will freeze and tremble, and it is not conducive to finely tightening and flicking the locking system. In the snow, especially when going uphill, the top of the grip is also important. The grip on the Montem Ultra Strong Trekking Pole is the most comfortable in this situation.

No matter in terms of setup or design, simplicity is the main focus.

Taking all these variables into consideration, we asked various testers (doctors, patients, nurses) in the physical therapy office to fill out the score sheet and leave room for comments. We also interviewed several testers to learn about their experience of the polar regions and their observations of patient behavior and their reactions to a pair selected from the group.

Usability/attractiveness testing is particularly interesting. The more technical a pole looks—the more adjustment mechanisms, the better the grip, and the more aggressive its paint job—the fewer testers are attracted to it. No matter in terms of setup or design, simplicity is the main focus. Soon, a favorite appeared, partly because it didn't look much more than it actually was.

This basic set of poles provides excellent grip and easy-to-use adjustments.

Montem's super-strength trekking poles are simple and strong, making them our first choice. We like their basic design, ease of adjustment on the road, and comfort of the straps. These rods are made of aluminum and do not have any potential durability issues like the more brittle carbon fiber sometimes. The trade-off is that they are heavier, but unless you are an ultralight hiker, we bet you won’t notice.

The grip is made of EVA foam, which mimics cork slightly, but is more durable and excellent. The carbide head is also equipped with interchangeable rubber heads and baskets. We also like the flick locking system developed by Montem, which puts all the adjustment and rod fastening mechanisms outside the rod so that you can use them easily and quickly.

Montem is a small company and hardly produces electric poles. Usually, when you call this company, its founder is the person who answered the call. In addition, the pole provides a one-year warranty covering a wide range of manufacturing faults and defects. For all these reasons, and because they are very cheap, Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles are suitable for almost everyone, from the occasional hiker to the stubborn backpacker.

One complaint about the Montem Ultra Strong trekking poles is how difficult it is to screw them tight enough so that they don’t make a slight rattle, which would cause a slight disturbance to the otherwise quiet trail. Even after several attempts to tighten, we still noticed a slight rattling on the pole, which is a slight rascal. Along the same route: We really believe that the three-piece telescopic mechanism is easier to loosen on the road and needs further adjustment. Fundamentally, we think that more parts usually mean more potential problems. It's nice to see the newer poles move away from this standard and become fewer parts with simpler mechanisms. Nevertheless, the Montem brand is difficult to beat.

Testers like these light poles the most-they are the most useful poles for all situations and terrains.

May be out of stock

Maybe you believe that a pole is a pole-which is good (and mostly true). But in every respect they are the simplest poles. From their settings to the overall streamlined appearance, every tester agrees that the pole is very comfortable, not only because it is very light, but also because it has a good grip and is slightly softer. Everyone ends up The competing pole is the Gossamer Gear LT5 carbon fiber trekking pole. In addition to being sturdy and feeling great, they are also rated as the highest-rated suits in the usability category. The biggest disadvantage is the price, but if you are an avid hiker and you plan to incorporate poles into your daily work, we think the cost of poles like this is worth it.

Gossamer Gear’s LT5 carbon fiber trekking pole is an updated version of the original LT4 trekking pole that we tested and is no longer in production. The new LT5 lever now has two adjustment points, which did not exist before. This change allows them to fold from 51 inches to 23.5 inches when fully expanded. Although the fixed length of the original LT4 unit is a great feature, and we regret to see it disappear, the LT5 lever is still very simple to set up and use, and very comfortable. The company has also redesigned the hand strap to have a more ergonomic shape and a small amount of padding. Now your order will come with a rod tip and basket (not previously available). Overall, Gossamer Gear seems to provide better value than before, without sacrificing the quality of the rod.

The "LT" in the name stands for Lightrek, which is a Gossamer trademark that explains the full meaning of these carbon fiber rods. They are suitable for ultralight hikes, which is a backpack subculture that focuses on reducing unnecessary ounces on trails (some people will say to the extreme, shaving toothbrush handles and the like).

But it turns out that the streamlined method is very suitable for making trekking poles. The biggest complaint and sign of all the other models we tested is that they have too many features-too many adjustment locks or too complicated straps, strange handle shapes, or too tricky tip or basket systems. These poles do not have a flick lock, but have a twisting mechanism to adjust their height. The design of LT5 has exactly two parts: the tip part that touches the ground and the grip part that is held in the hand. Screw the tip part into the handle part. That's it. It is very simple and very effective.

The grip is also a lean compromise, trying to feel just right. Gossamer called this cork-like foam Kork-o-lon. In our tests, it can absorb palm sweat better than cork, and over time, it has begun to age and deform into my special grip. It also has a cool dirty patina that makes it look more natural than it actually is. The tip is carbide, which works well under all the conditions we tested (except for the beautiful wooden floor). These poles do not have rubber heads and baskets like Montem poles, but they are compatible with rubber heads and baskets made by Leki. The poles can also float, you can extend them to 140 cm, not for hiking, but to provide shelter (another feature for ultralight hikers).

Gossamer's warranty is not very good. Due to the durability of its carbon fiber, it does not include breakdowns, and carbon fiber breaks more easily than aluminum. We have seen some tragic stories about people using their ski poles for cross-country skiing or climbing on gravel grounds and breaking them within a few days of purchase. We also saw the stories of other super runners and traversing hikers who used Gossamer for tens of thousands of miles without problems. Gossamer is very ahead of the limitations of carbon fiber. The company has excellent customer service and is clearly committed to getting things done. A long-term customer and die-hard backpacker I met on the road said that he finally broke the bottom of a pole a few years ago. After nearly ten years, it may be thousands of miles. And Gossamer reached a deal with him. He replaced the parts after sending it by e-mail.

This pair is suitable for trail runners or climbers looking for sturdy, stowable poles.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publication, the price was $160.

Despite all the arguments against the need for highly foldable portable telephone poles, perhaps you are dealing with a specific situation. Maybe you are split-boarding in a remote area and you need to put your ski poles in your backpack to prepare for the descent. Maybe you need to install one in a small summit package. Maybe you are just thinking how good it is to hide your poles before you reach that extremely long uphill or downhill section. If you encounter this situation, Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Z-Poles is for you.

Unlike our other options, this model is a tent pole. It has a flick lock adjustment device near the handle, and the rest of the pole near the ground is divided into two parts, connected by an internal rope, like-yes-tentacles. In our tests, this system disgusted many novices with trekking poles, but after several settings and disassembly, it was quickly completed.

The pole itself is made of aluminum, and the handle is made of cork, which we like. In addition, the current cost of Alpine FLZ Z-Poles is much lower than similar competing models (mainly Leki models). We still have many questions about the long-term durability of the tent pole system, but if you are often in a highly professional scene and you need a particularly small pole, then it is the best choice.

Quickly explain what difference a good tip can make, especially on city streets or rock trails: this is a huge difference. Even if you already own a pair of poles and are satisfied with them, we still recommend that you try some tricks to improve grip and extend the life of the poles. They can also reduce the impact very slightly and act as an extra cushion. If you want to minimize noise, they can also reduce the noise of the pole hitting the ground.

Our first choice is a pair, and so is our upgrade choice, but no one else. We like Leki's rubber heads because they fit most of the sticks we tested. Two particularly good tips are Leki rivet rubber fitness traction tips and Leki rubber fitness walking tips. The highest price available for these two and most others is about $35, and if you use poles frequently, this is usually a good investment for such an immediate and valuable improvement.

We are looking for budget options that may be added to this guide, and we are currently testing four sets of poles. They are REI Co-op Trailbreak trekking poles, Pure Outdoor by Monoprice carbon fiber trekking poles, TrailBuddy light trekking poles and Foxelli aluminum trekking poles.

If you like Nordic walking: consider Leki Instructor Lite, which comes with handles and handles that are especially suitable for the activity. The difference between Nordic walking and basic hiking is subtle, but important enough. Nordic walking is slightly more aerobic than typical pole walking. It looks more like cross-country skiing without snowboards—longer poles, larger arm movements, and a lot of exercise on your shoulders and triceps—and is known to increase heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen consumption. . Therefore, it tends to burn more calories, and helps to increase the strength of the upper body, while reducing the impact on the lower joints.

Leki is a German company that specializes in the production of electric poles. It has almost nothing except electric poles (except for folding chairs, think about it, folding chairs are actually just a series of electric poles). The highlight of Leki Instructor Lite is its grip and handle, which the company calls Trigger Shark. This bike glove-like design looks a bit clumsy, but the gaze you will get (we swear) is worth it, because the glove strap will force the pole into the correct bend of your hand. These rods are also among our top choices due to their clever, easy-to-use adjustment mechanism and simple two-part design-aluminum on the upper part and carbon composite material on the lower part, making each rod good and slightly heavier overall.

We tested a large number of poles from the two major manufacturers Black Diamond and Leki, as well as a very cheap and best-selling model from Bearios on Amazon. All of these have been well-reviewed elsewhere, and in general they have worked well for us. We will say this time and time again: The best pole is the pole you use all the time, and most poles work well. Nevertheless, here are the reasons why we ultimately rejected some of the models we tested.

In addition to the Alpine FLZ Z-Poles, our recommended foldable kit, the Black Diamond rod-we tested Alpine Ergo Cork and Carbon Cork-is equipped with the standard three-piece telescopic adjustment system that most rods seem to have. We have already said that we Not very loving. They sometimes collapse and require additional fuss to remain locked and rod-shaped. Tightening the lock on the Black Diamond pole is much more difficult than on the Montem pole. But generally speaking, when everything is normal, they will be lighter and harder. Cork handles are also very comfortable, but they are not-as we expected-simulated cork that surpasses some of our final favorite foam handles.

As for Leki's poles, we tested Micro Vario Carbon and the company's series of expensive trail running Z-folding models. They often suffer from being too technical, and their complex folding system and aggressive handle design discourage many ordinary users. In addition, most of Leki's ski poles are among the most expensive models we have seen in our research, and seem to be made for very special users (also extreme cross-country runners for cross-country skiing). If you are fascinated by the latest and greatest materials and designs, and if you are considering using poles for purposes other than ski trails, we recommend that you go to the store to test it yourself.

The best poles shouldn’t require much care, all our first-choice poles don’t need much at all-just wipe them quickly, if they are particularly wet, please take them apart at the end of the hike or the end of the day, and then make sure They dry out. Even the most non-corrosive metals, moisture can produce various strange phenomena.

As far as the correct size of the pole is concerned, you can find a lot of information there, many of which will send detailed instructions on how to make a pole of the right length for you. We like the test with arms on both sides of the body and then bend about 90 degrees at the elbow; it is correct no matter where your hand ends. Many serious hikers swear to lengthen the poles slightly when going downhill and shorten them slightly when going uphill. But as always, always: the best pole is the one you use the most.

Ian Nicholson, How to choose the best trekking pole, OutdoorGearLab, July 31, 2014

Church TS, Earnest CP, Morss GM, Nordic Walking Study, The Cooper Institute

An interview with Dr. Timothy S. Church, Chief Medical Officer of ACAP Health Consulting

Interview with Carol Ewing Garber, Dean of the American College of Sports Medicine and Professor of Sports Science at Columbia University

This is the equipment we recommend that you use or wear when hiking.

This is the equipment that Wirecutter staff packs for the autumn leaves hike.

We are reviewing thousands of great deals in order to provide you with the best discounts on Wirecutter's selected products.

If your budget is around $100 and you want to buy a beautiful gift, then these are our favorites.

You can also send us a note.

© 2021 The New York Times Company Wirecutter, Inc.