And the 2026 Editors’ Choice Awards Go To…

No matter what you’re getting up to outdoors, the budget-friendly and best-selling Rainier Rain Jacket from REI Co-op has you covered—literally—from all angles. Its 100% recycled ripstop nylon fabric features a 2.5-layer HydroWall™ membrane with a dual-sided waterproof TPU coating that’s powerfully water repellent, highly breathable, and abrasion- and stain-resistant. The exterior fabric is flexible and soft, not stiff, which means it’s also quieter than some shells. 

Just as importantly, it performs as well as spendier jackets, with bells and whistles to boot: pit zips, a drawcord in the hood and hem, two zippered hand pockets and internal drop pockets. It packs into its own pocket for easy portability and, for you gram counters, it’s one of the lighter options on this list. Christine Connelly, manager of SEO for REI, has stayed dry in hers for over a year and a half in the wet Pacific Northwest weather during chores, gardening and outdoor adventures. “I love the simple design, the silhouette is flattering without being too tight in any particular area,” Connelly says. While the Rainier is watertight in normal rainy conditions, some reviewers note it can wet out in a downpour. 

The Rainier is available in inclusive sizing up to 3X for women and men (plus tall versions for men and a longline version for women) and it comes in multiple colors, including brights and neutrals, so everyone can find an option that suits them. Buy women’s. Buy women’s long line. Buy men’s. Buy kids’. Buy infants’/toddlers’.

Hard-wearing, dependable and sleek, the Torrentshell from Patagonia has impressed REI Co-op Members, staff and gear testers for years. Erica Schiller, an REI store specialist in Colorado, keeps turning to hers after six years of rainy-weather adventures. “This is my go-to rain jacket for backpacking,” she says. “The one critical piece you need for comfort and protection.”

The Torrentshell features a two-way adjustable hood that can be stored away when not needed, bungee in the hem to lock in the fit and pit zips to quickly dump heat. Plus, it packs into its own zippered hand pocket. The 3-layer PFC-free H2No® Performance Standard shell is made from 100% recycled ripstop nylon, which can take the heat (and the rain) in more rugged conditions, and the breathable membrane contains 13% bio-based material.

In addition to protection, the Torrentshell earns high marks for comfort, especially the supersoft tricot shell backer and microfleece neck liner. In fact, Schiller finds it cozy enough to wear as a light top layer even when it’s not raining: “I enjoy wearing it just as a jacket with only a T-shirt under it. [It’s] not sticky or plastic-y.” Testers also praise its flattering fit and sleek, understated look. “Because of the simple style, I don't feel out of place wearing it for all occasions,” Schiller says. I don't feel like, ‘Look at that girl who wore her jacket thinking it would rain tonight.’" For extra style points, the Torrentshell comes in a variety of colors, from basic black to rich blue, forest green or a pop of purple. Buy women’s. Buy men’s. Buy kids’.

The HOKA Speedgoat trail-running shoe debuted in 2008, named for legendary ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, and it quickly became a best-selling choice for trail runners and hikers of all stripes. The Speedgoat 7 carries on that tradition of excellence so well that it’s won an Editors’ Choice Award for 2026. The update maintains the fit and reliable traction of the 6 but features a more comfortable heel collar and a gaiter integration loop to help keep your runs impenetrable.

The Speedgoat 7 is as whisperweight as a hiking shoe so it won’t slow you down when you’re moving fast. “I would have thought that a trail runner with the support and toughness of the Speedgoat, it'd feel like I was lugging around cement blocks on my feet,” says REI Co-op gear tester Gerard V. in Pennsylvania. “Not a chance—they’re very light. Not only is that good while I was wearing them, but looped onto my pack, I couldn't really tell that I had them on there.” Oklahoma-based REI gear tester and adventure travel writer Nicky O. agrees, adding that her 7s fit superbly when she wore them for miles through the city streets in Bogotá and elsewhere on a trip through Colombia. “These shoes felt comfortable from the very first time I wore them and throughout the testing process. The heel cup fit snugly to my foot and I never developed any blisters.” (It’s worth noting the shoes Nicky received were a half-size larger than she normally wears.)

Gerard tested his Speedgoats on wet, rugged and uneven terrain, and the Vibram® Megagrip soles with Traction Lugs held their own through water crossings, mud, dirt and rocky paths for almost 25 miles. “These have great traction on the bottom and even the sides of the sole, making it a really solid trail runner. Taking it up and down fairly steep inclines, I never felt as if they were going to let me down,” he says. The shoes stood up to it all, with multiple testers noting that the Speedgoat 7 showed little to no signs of wear after plenty of travel and trail miles, and they were easy to clean, too.

A thinner-edged, lay-flat tongue is comfortable even with no-show socks. The moderate toe box suited our testers fine, though hikers who prefer extra wiggle room in the toe or have bunions or wider forefeet may find it a bit narrow. Testers disagreed about arch support—one with higher arches found them plenty supportive while another wished there was more—but it didn’t keep the 7s from earning top marks across the board, from comfort, traction and stability right down to style and versatility. In summary, Gerard has three words to say about the updates to this HOKA standby: “They nailed it.” Other versions: Also available in big kids’.

There is so much to love about the Polar Verity Sense Optical Heart Rate Sensor. It can be worn on your bicep, forearm or—for swimming—at your temple. It offers three different modes:

• Transmit: displays heart rate in real time on your paired device
• Record: captures heart rate data without an actively paired device
• Swim: records heart rate data underwater (with the sensor clipped onto your swim goggles strap)—as well as recording swim distance and pace in a lap pool

The Verity Sense earned high marks  for accuracy, comfort, multisport versatility, rechargeable battery, internal memory (a feature only three of the six monitors reviewed here have) with up to 600 hours of training data storage—as well as the ability to handle two simultaneous Bluetooth connections. For its outstanding performance in testing, the model earned an Editors' Choice Award in 2026.

Depending on the width of your arms and whatever you find most comfortable, you can wear the armband either around your bicep or your forearm. In my testing, placement on my arm did not impact accuracy at all, as long as I ensured the band was comfortably snug on my skin. This monitor is compact and practically weightless: 5 grams for the sensor itself; 19 grams (less than an ounce) when also accounting for the strap. Even the charger it comes with is tiny, and plugs directly into any USB-A port.

Personally, I find armband monitors more comfortable to wear than chest straps—and the stretchy band the Verity Sense comes with was especially comfortable, even when worn tightly against my skin. As a bonus, the strap is machine-washable, which is somewhat unusual (most heart rate monitor straps are hand-wash only). Just remember to detach the sensor from the armband before tossing the strap in with the rest of your laundry.

The swimming goggle clip adds additional versatility, making the Verity Sense the only optical sensor in our test designed to work in water. (Not a swimmer? Neither was I, until earlier this year when a running injury sidelined me for several months and I came to appreciate my local pool.) The Verity Sense also has a gyroscope that helps it track distance and pace in swimming mode—so if you don’t already have a device that can record those metrics in the pool, this heart rate monitor has you covered. I did find the accuracy slightly less reliable in water than during my running sessions on land, particularly in registering rapid increases in heart rate. Otherwise, the device is a simple-to-use tracker for lap swimming. And its accuracy on land, when worn in its armband configuration, is impeccable. Buy here.

Few other athletic brands have been on the rise like New Balance these last few years. Known for their super-comfortable sneakers, the brand has embraced their soft-sole legacy while dialing up the technical bona fides of its wide array of running shoes. The Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is no exception to this upward trend, which is why we gave it an Editors' Choice Award in 2026. With a monster stack height of 42 mm in the heel and 38 mm in the forefoot (for a stable, moderate drop of 4 mm), these max cushioned shoes or built to take you the distance on the trails. There's no need to fear the plushness when it comes to energy return: Washington-based tester George O. found the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 plenty responsive, calling them "a full-suspension mountain bike for your feet!"

A synthetic mesh upper and gusseted tongue allow for a cozy fit while a toe cap keeps the rocks, roots and debris of technical trails from wreaking havoc. As for fit, a slightly more aggressive profile means the Hierro v9 shoe sports a medium-sized toe box in comparison to other New Balance models. George O. found the toe box plenty roomy for his purposes while Illinois-based tester and REI marketing program specialist Emily Leu found it a little snug around the pinky—so if you tend to prefer a wider fit, consider a half-size up.

Don't worry about slipping in these durable trail runners: Vibram® Megagrip outsoles, Traction Lug™ tech plus a new-and-improved tread pattern provide sure footing in wet and muddy conditions. Leu was impressed by the Hierro v9's grip during rainy runs while George O. "felt totally secure" on uneven terrain and had no problems navigating light mud. Durability impresses, too. After over 70 miles in the shoes, "they barely look used," Leu says. Both testers praised the reinforced stitching around the toe box, with George O. crowning the Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 his "new trail runner—no question about it." Buy here.

Specializing in women's running apparel, Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell) may just be the ideal brand to look to when shopping for running sports bra. Enter the Oiselle Flyout Bra. Its super-comfy fit, highly supportive structure that reaches even beyond medium-impact capabilities, and sleek, stylish and functional design scored top marks across the board, earning the bra an Editors' Choice Award in 2026.

The Flyout Bra was designed with trail runners in mind, with wider straps that prevent digging in the shoulders when worn under a hydration pack. South Carolina-based tester Katie E. commented:  “The wide straps and larger coverage area seemed to support my back and shoulders and allow for good running form." 

A pullover tank-top style with a higher neckline and a wider chest band, mean the Flyout is more supportive for C/D cup sizes than the typical fare. Removable cups let you adjust to the level of coverage you prefer. The straps are not adjustable, but REI store sales specialist and Illinois-based tester Kimmie Hamilton found that they "stayed in place surprisingly well with no slipping." Even larger cup sizes may be able to make it work, too, with the versatile coverage options—sizing supports up to a 40 band.

The center-back phone pocket is a favorite feature among wearers, and runners can even pack it with a water flask or energy gel packs if needed. And while some runners may find the fabric thicker than they’re used to in a sports bra, our testers found the material breathable and the bra easy to remove even after a sweaty run. Buy here.

Simple, affordable, reliable: That’s the Igloo MaxCold Latitude 54-Quart Cooler. It may not be bear-proof or have the bells and whistles of more expensive coolers, but among outdoorists and travelers who prefer ease-of-use, functionality and an accessible price point, it gets high marks.

Notably, it offers plenty of room for food, drinks and ice. Testers said it was spacious enough to accommodate everything they needed for multiday camping trips, sometimes with room to spare: It fits up to 76 icy-cold 12-ounce cans. It’s also lightweight and portable, plus testers said they appreciated its durability and insulating power (it can retain ice for up to five days, depending on the outside temp). “[It’s a] great product; I can rely on any of the Igloo products I own,” said Casey, one of two testers in Buffalo, New York.

Features are simple but useful, including four self-draining cup holders in two different sizes in the lid, a grab handle on each side to easily carry the cooler alone or with a friend, and a plug for draining melted ice. A simple latch on the front secures the lid and is easy to open and close.

For those who need a cooler that works well without all the flash, this is an excellent choice. Buy here.

Living up to its namesake, the Westward Dreamer Self-Inflating Bed from REI Co-op receives high marks for comfort-forward features that make ground sleeping easy. The more than 6-foot-long cushion boasts a thick foam interior and sits 4 inches off the ground, making it feel more like your bed at home than a sleeping pad. “[It] was nice and thick,” says Kim H., our tester in Florida. “I didn’t feel any of the rocks or tree roots under me.”

Other self-inflating pads sometimes squeak as the air and insulation shift under weight and movement, and this is especially true if you’re an active sleeper. But our well-rested testers say this pad stayed silent all night.

“This is an incredibly quiet sleeping pad,” says Brooke B., our tester in Washington. “The noise of my turning or getting up was entirely from my sleeping bag. It was so nice to not have the sound of crunching underneath me at every movement.” Kim, who said she moved around quite a bit during the night, agreed that the Westward was quiet enough not to wake her friend as other sleeping pads have before.

Testers also report that the pad felt sturdy and durable, thanks to a 75-denier recycled polyester bottom that resists punctures from rocks, twigs and other natural debris. "I felt like I could move around on it without fear of it popping or tearing,” Brooke says.

With a 6.7 R-value, the Westward Dreamer can keep campers toasty even in extremely cold weather. The tradeoff is that some testers reported feeling warm during their late-spring trips. If you’re camping in warm weather or sleep hot, pair this pad with a lighter bag or quilt.

Also worth considering: The Westward Dreamer only comes in long sizes and is comparable to the length of a twin mattress, making it a snug fit in smaller tents. At about 4.5 pounds for the long-wide option, it’s a heavy carry if your vehicle is a long way from the campsite. One of our testers also reported needing to manually blow up most of the pad because it didn’t self-inflate enough.

But if it’s sound sleep you're after, the Dreamer is worth the extra heft and oxygen. Buy here.

YETI built its reputation on keeping stuff cold, and that’s the standout appeal of this double-walled, stainless-steel bottle. “It holds drinks at desired temps for hours,” says Kris A., our Oregon tester who took his on road trips, daily work commutes and daily use. Our Expert Advice camp editor, Sarah Grothjan, found her ideal use: "Lately, I've enjoyed loading up my water bottles with ice and water before bed. I love that this YETI bottle keeps my water cold throughout the night.” 

Insulation alone isn’t what makes this bottle heavier than most (the air vacuum between sheets of steel weighs nothing but accomplishes most of the keep-cold burden). It's the chunky plastic cap and durably constructed steel that add extra heft. Still, we appreciated the resulting durability. "No dings, dents or scuffs after two weeks of toting this bottle with me on road trips, errands, neighborhood walks and more," Grothjan says. "It even survived my dishwasher, which makes cleaning this bottle so much easier." Handwashing is equally straightforward, she says, because “it has very few ridged, rubber pieces that can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.” A scrub brush can easily reach inside the wide-mouth opening.

The cap combines two screw-off lids. The lower layer features a narrow-mouth drinking spout that testers liked for limiting splash-back. “It’s very comfortable to drink from, perfect for taking quick gulps without making a mess,” says tester Kris A. The upper lid, meanwhile, seals the bottle and provides a squared-off handle for an easy three-fingered carry. 

The bottle’s bulk and weight didn’t delight all of us, however. Most found the base too wide to fit into vehicles’ cupholders, and many said they wouldn’t take this on longer hikes. Gear tester Dawn F. found the volume too small for how heavy and bulky the bottle is. The lid’s two-handed operation also bothered drinkers who prefer the one-handed convenience of a flip-top spout.

Other versions: 17 fl. oz., 36 fl. oz. 

A spacious, lofty tent often comes with a tradeoff: The extra surface area makes it more susceptible to collapsing in windy conditions. Not so with the Westward 4 Tent from REI Co-op. This 4-person shelter has a 69-inch peak height—lofty enough for those under 5 feet, 9 inches to stand at its center and taller campers to sit upright—and held firm amid 30 mph gusts during a tester’s February camping trip in Wyoming. 

“We staked it down and didn’t have any issues with bending poles or the wind coming through the fly,” says Courtney H., who tested the shelter in Curt Gowdy State Park in Wyoming. (Related reading: Gear Review: Testing the REI Co-op Westward 4 Tent) 

At about 15.5 pounds, it’s also light enough to haul from car to campsite—as long as you’re counting the distance in steps, not miles. “I was camping at a designated campsite where we could pull our car up and unload, so I didn’t have to carry the tent very far,” says Brooke B., our tester in Florida. “I thought the weight of the tent was manageable and not too heavy.” 

Other features testers loved: a generous vestibule large enough to store packs or a gear bin, a wide mesh ceiling that offers primo stargazing, two doors for after-dark bathroom breaks without stepping over tentmates and a zippered port for routing a charging cable from the car or a charging station into the tent. 

When packed in its stuff sack, the shelter fit in testers’ roof boxes and truck beds. One tester notes it could be tight for campers short on cargo space but that it’s worth making room for. “I would rather have to make more space in my truck for the tent to come with us than to have a smaller or less sturdy tent,” says Brooke.

For all the tent's interior room, testers report a shared sentiment about the Westward’s capacity: Fitting four people can feel cramped if all four are sleeping on plush pads. A tent’s listed capacity equates to how many sleeping pads can fit on its floor. But if the pads are wider or longer, they can make things feel tight. The good news: This tent also comes in a 6-person size. Buy here.