Get to Know Your Gear

Good gear can enhance your hike, but more important is knowing what your gear can do and how it keeps you safe on trail. Find some tips on making your gear work best for you, gear reviews, and how to fix it and care for it to make it last. After all, once you find that perfect coat you want to keep it working as long as possible for you.

Good gear can enhance your hike, but more important is knowing what your gear can do and how it keeps you safe on trail.

From the packs on your back to the boots on your feet, WTA seeks out the very best in new, used and budget outdoor gear for hikers of all ages and abilities.

Here you'll find tips on making your gear work best for you, reviews, and how to fix and care for your gear in order to make it last. After all, once you find that perfect coat you'll want to keep it working for you as long as possible.

Hike sustainably: Use it Up and Wear it out

There's a lot of gear in circulation out there for you to snag without having to buy brand new. Especially if you're just getting started, look for a shop near you where you can borrow gear before buying. Plus, secondhand gear has major retro appeal.

If you find some gear you just gotta have, learn how to care for it so it lasts as long as possible. Fix zippers, patch tears up (bonus points for trendiness), re-waterproof your jackets and treat your boots right, and they'll last for years (and miles) of adventures.

Gear Reviews: See what WTA thinks of these boots, packs, tents and more.

Get the Most from your Gear

8 Crafty Projects by WTA Staff to Inspire Your Own Handmade Gifts

Dec 12, 2023

Time on trail is inspirational. And for WTA staff, we're often inspired in a very tangible way. (Maybe because we build trails for a living?) We like to get our hands on things, to tinker with gear, pack our paints and experiment. As the days get shorter, and we spend a bit more time warm and cozy indoors, it seemed like a good time to share some of the beautiful things that WTA staff are making by hand.

The Overquilt: Stay Warm and Protect Your Gear During Cold, Wet Nights

Washington trails are beautiful year round, but low temperatures and rain can be a deterrent to overnight trips during colder months. The overquilt won't just keep you warmer: it'll protect your down sleeping bag, too! By Joseph Gonzalez

How QPOC Hikers and Community Gearbox are Helping Hikers Get Outside

Two hikers who want to make the outdoors more accessible are working together to get the right gear into more people’s hands. By Jessi Loerch

Getting Closer to Nature with Your Photography

In a world of dramatic peaks and vast forests, it can be challenging to examine the little things. Level-up your macro photography with these tips and tricks. By Doug Diekema

Clean Up Your LNT Act with a Backcountry Bidet

Want to feel cleaner and pack less on trail while following LNT principles? Join us on a journey to reevaluate our backcountry bathroom etiquette. By Joseph Gonzalez

How to Find the Right Tent for Your Backpacking and Camping Adventures

A shelter is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own, but choices can feel overwhelming. Don't worry — we're here to go over the best options for what's right for you. By Sandra Saathoff

How to Plan a DIY Thru-hike

If you’d like to create your own longer hike, here are tips to get you on the right path on a lesser-known route. By Lauren Lake

The Low Down on Insulation

Understanding down and synthetic options for will help you dial in your gear and stay warm on trail. By Sandra Saathoff

Gear Review: Keep Warm With Some of Our Favorite Insulated Pieces of Gear

Understanding down and synthetic options for staying warm on trail. By WTA staff and volunteers.

How to Pick the Right Water Filter

If you spend time in the backcountry, you’ll need a way to treat drinking water. Here’s what you need to know about the options. By Sandra Saathoff

There’s a Filter for That

Smartphone cameras have a number of creative tools to enhance your trail photos. Knowing these tools is the key to unlocking your phone's camera potential. By Erika Haugen-Goodman

What You Need to Know about How to Pick and Use Your Stove

Food tastes so good after a day of hiking, but first you need to cook it. Here's everything you need to know about picking a stove for your hiking adventures. By Sandra Saathoff