When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right gear is essential. A trusted source for outdoor enthusiasts, has compiled a list of their top gear picks for 2024. With a focus on personal favorites and extensive field testing, recommendations cover a wide range of categories, ensuring that hikers, backpackers, and campers can make informed choices for their next expedition.

Independence: Choices are independent and based on personal experiences.
Expertise: Over 10,000 trail miles logged, testing gear for a living.
Ownership: Every recommended product is owned and field-tested by CleverHiker.
Industry Insight: Regular attendance at trade shows to stay updated on product innovations.
Constant Updates: Guides are continuously updated with new product launches.
Personal Approach: Recommendations are treated as if they were for family and friends.
Open to Feedback: Welcoming constructive criticism and feedback from the community.
Footwear:

Best Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade GTX (men’s & women’s)
Best Trail Runners: Saucony Peregrine 13 (men’s & women’s)
Best Hiking Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 7 (men’s & women’s)
Best Hiking Sandals: Chaco Z/1 Classic & Z/Cloud (men’s & women’s)
Best Camp Shoes: Crocs Classic Clogs
Best Winter Boots: Salomon X Ultra Mid Winter (men’s & women’s)
Best Rain Boots: Bogs Classic High (men’s) & Neo-Classic Tall (women’s)
Best Gaiters: Altra Gaiters
Best Snow Traction: Kahtoola Microspikes
Tents:

Best Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 & UL3
Best Ultralight Tent: ZPacks Duplex & Triplex
Best Budget Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+
Best Car Camping Tent: REI Skyward 4
Best Winter Tent: NEMO Kunai 2
Backpacking Packs & Daypacks:

Best All-Around Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 / 55
Best Comfortable Backpack: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 & Mariposa 60
Best Backpack for Carrying 35+ lbs.: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (men’s) & Aura 65 AG (women’s)
Best Hiking Daypack: Osprey Talon 22 (men’s) & Tempest 20 (women’s)
Best Hydration Pack: Gregory Citro 24 H2O & Juno 24 H2O
Best Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa
Best Fanny Pack: Cotopaxi Bataan
Sleeping Bags:

Best Backpacking Bag: REI Magma 15° and Magma 30°
Best Ultralight Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Revelation
Best Double Quilt: Enlightened Equipment Accomplice
Best Car Camping Sleeping Bags: REI Siesta Hooded 25 & Double Siesta
Sleeping Pads:

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad Overall: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Best Pad for Cold Sleepers & Chilly Conditions: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
Best Ultralight Summer Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite
Cushy, Rectangular Sleeping Pad w/ Quick Deflation: NEMO Tensor Insulated
Best Foam Sleeping Pad: NEMO Switchback
Best Budget Backpacking Air Pad: Klymit Static V
Best Car Camping Mattresses: Exped MegaMat & MegaMat Duo
Pillows:

Best Ultralight Pillow: Zpacks Medium-Plus Dry Bag Pillow
Most Comfortable Pillow: Therm-a-Rest Compressible
Most Luxurious Camping Pillow: HEST Pillow
Camp Kitchen:

Most Convenient Backpacking Stove: JetBoil MiniMo & JetBoil Flash
Best Ultralight Backpacking Stove: BRS Stove, MSR Pocket Rocket 2, and Pocket Rocket Deluxe
Best Backpacking Cookpot: TOAKS Titanium 750ml
Best Spoon: TOAKS Long Spoon with Polished Bowl
Best Cup: GSI Outdoors Infinity Mug
Best Bear Canisters: Ursack & Bear Vault BV 500
Best Camping Stove: Camp Chef Everest 2x
Best Camping Cookset: Stanley Adventure Base Camp 4
Best Cooler: Coleman 316 Series 70 qt
Water Filtration:

Best Backpacking Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze
Best Water Filter for Groups or Car Camping: Platypus GravityWorks
Best Chemical Treatment: Aquamira Drops & Katadyn Pills
Best Water Bottles for Ultralight Backpacking: 1L Smartwater Bottles
Best Hydration Bladder: Gregory 3D Hydro
Clothing:
Work in Progress, stay tuned.