With a looming trade war with America due to tariffs, I’m starting to rethink where I buy my hiking gear. I want to find some Canadian hiking gear brands to support instead of buying from American companies. I worked in outdoor retail for over a decade, have been hiking my whole life, and have written two backpacking guidebooks, so it’s fair to say that I’ve used a lot of hiking gear over the years.
After doing some research, I came up with a big list of Canadian hiking gear stores as well as Canadian outdoor gear brands. And since it’s not always possible to find what you need from a Canadian company, I’ve also got some recommendations for non-American outdoor gear brands from around the world.
I’m sure I’ve missed a few from this list, especially niche cottage gear brands. If you’ve got any more Canadian brands to recommend, add them in the comments.
PS: If you want to spend less on gear, subscribe to my Canadian Hiking Gear Deals newsletter. It goes out every Friday and features discounted gear for sale in Canadian dollars with shipping to Canada.
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
Canadian Hiking Gear Stores
Most dedicated hiking and outdoor gear stores in Canada are Canadian-owned and operated. Of course, not everything these stores sell is Canadian (far from it) but at least you can be confident you are supporting a Canadian business.
Here are a few Canadian hiking gear stores:
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)
Formerly Mountain Equipment Co-op, MEC is headquartered in Vancouver – all of their staff and designers are in Canada. However, in 2020 they were bought by Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based investment firm so they are technically American-owned now but many people still consider them Canadian. (As of early 2025, they are also for sale. Read my thoughts on that.)
Altitude Sports
Altitude Sports is an online-only outdoor retailer based in Montreal and is still Quebec-owned. Their site even has a dedicated section for Canadian-owned brands. They also have a partner site, The Last Hunt, where they sell discount and clearance gear.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
I live in Squamish, so I often shop at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, my locally owned outdoor store. VPO has 13 stores across BC but they are individually owned. They also have a pretty robust online store.
SAIL
Headquartered in Quebec, SAIL has 12 stores across Ontario and Quebec and a large online store. They sell hiking gear as well as hunting and fishing equipment.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere has nine stores across BC and has been owned by Canadian Tire since 2011. It’s worth noting that Canadian Tire also owns SportChek and Mark’s, both of which carry a limited amount of hiking and outdoor gear.
GearTrade.ca
Gear Trade is an Alberta-based online store for niche and ultralight gear. Most of what they sell is imported, but this small business is known for incredible customer-service and is often the only way to get small brands in Canada without expensive shipping from the US.
Local gear stores
Most cities and and outdoor towns have a small independently-owned outdoor store. Supporting your local store over a big business is a great way to foster community and buy Canadian.
Canadian Hiking Gear Brands
Since we live so close to the USA, most of the familiar hiking gear brands are American. However, there are some Canadian options.
Keep in mind that all of these brands are Canadian-owned but the gear they make is mostly made in Asia. There are a few companies making gear in Canada, and I’ve noted that in the brand descriptions below.
To make it easier to find things, I’ve sorted the brands into clothing, gear, and food.
Clothing
7Mesh
Headquartered in my hometown of Squamish, BC, 7Mesh makes mountain bike clothing that also works for hiking – my husband loves their shorts.
Arc’teryx
Based in North Vancouver, Arc’teryx is now owned by Amer Sports (Finland) and Anta Sports (China). They make very high-end rain jackets, puffies, hiking clothing, and more. The synthetic insulated Arc’teryx Proton Hoody made my list of my favourite gear of 2024 and the down Cerium Hoody made my faves list in 2023.
Auclair
A Quebec-based company, Auclair specializes in gloves but also makes hats and socks.
BN3TH
Pronounced beneath, BN3TH makes pouch-style men’s underwear, some of which come in technical fabrics that are good for hiking. They are based in North Vancouver, BC.
Ciele Athletics
Based in Montreal, Ciele Athletics is best known for its running hats, but they also make running clothing. Their GOCap is all I wear for hiking – it made my list of my favourite gear in 2023.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is originally Norwegian and is still headquartered in Oslo. But Canadian Tire bought them in 2018 so they are technically Canadian-owned. They make great ski gear, sailing wear, rain jackets, puffy, jackets, fleece, and hiking clothing. The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie is one of my picks for the best sun hoodies for hikers.
Update: As of Feb 19, 2024, Helly Hansen is no longer Canadian. Kontoor Brands, an American company, bought them from Canadian Tire.
Herschel Supply Co.
Historically, Vancouver-based Herschel Supply Co. made very aesthetically pleasing hipster backpacks and bags. However, recently they launched some ultralight and waterproof backpacks for hiing and outdoor use.
Indyeva
Based in Montreal, Indyeva makes women’s clothing. They are best known for their stylish yet super-warm winter jackets. Most of their clothing is fairly non-technical, but they do make a few things that would work for hiking.
J.B. Field’s
Reasonably priced hiking socks made in Ontario. J.B. Field’s are my husband’s go-to socks. Made in Canada.
Karbon
Based in Toronto, Karbon makes ski clothing as well as puffy jackets, shell jackets, and base layers that could work for hiking.
Kombi
Kombi is a family-owned company from Montreal that makes base layers, socks, hats, and gloves.
Kyodan
Based in Montreal, Kyodan is an activewear company that makes some pieces that could work for hiking.
Lululemon
Vancouver-based Lululemon famously makes yoga clothing, but they also make hiking clothing. (It’s worth noting they are owned by a group of investors now – not all of whom are Canadian. Their odious founder, Chip Wilson, no longer has a controlling stake in the company.)
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)
While they have American ownership now (as discussed above), MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make lots of hiking clothing under the MEC Label: rain jackets, puffy jackets, fleece, hiking pants, hiking shirts, hats, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC clothing. The Rockwall fleece is my go-to mid-layer and it’s on my list of what to wear for winter hiking.
Orage
Orage is a Montreal-based company that makes ski outerwear and puffy jackets.
Saxx Underwear
Saxx Underwear was the first company to offer pouch-style men’s athletic underwear to prevent chafing, Saxx is headquartered in Vancouver. Their Kinetic HD boxer briefs are on my list of the best hiking underwear.
Stanfield’s
Stanfield’s has been making base layers in Nova Scotia for over 100 years. While they are a fairly traditional company, they have merino wool options at fairly reasonable prices. Made in Canada.
Taiga Works
Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes down clothing, rain jackets, and more. Their tech and styles are fairly old-school. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.
Tentree
Based in Vancouver, Tentree is mostly known for their outdoor-styled casual wear. Their name comes from the fact that for every item you puchase, they plant 10 trees. Most of their apparel is cotton, so it’s not technical enough for outdoor use, but they do make a few things with recycled polyester and more hiking-focused featres.
Tilley Endurables
The makers of the famous Tilley travel hats, Tilley Endurables also make hiking and travel clothing. They are Canadian-owned and based in Toronto.
Gear
Aquaquest
Aquaquest is based in Courtenay on Vancouver Island and specializes in tarps and waterproof dry bags, duffles, and other packs.
Coghlan’s
Coghlan’s makes a seemingly unending array of inexpensive car camping gadgets, but it all started with their camp stove toaster attachment. They are still based in Winnipeg. Their mini thermometer is one of my picks for the best stocking stuffers for hikers.
Durston Gear
Founded by prolific thru-hiker Dan Durston, Durston Gear is headquartered in Golden BC. They make innovative ultralight tents and backpacks. Their gear is beloved in the ultralight community.
GV Snowshoes
Quebec City-based GV Snowshoes has been making snowshoes for over 50 years.
Fox 40
Based in Ontario, Fox 40 makes the best emergency whistles out there. Their Classic Whistle is what I recommend you carry for a signal device as part of the 10 essentials.
Hennessy Hammock
Hennessy Hammock was one of the early pioneers of hammock-tents. They are based on Galiano Island, BC.
Hillsound Equipment
Based in Vancouver, Hillsound Equipment‘s most famous product is their trail crampons (like microspikes) but they also make a few other niche products like gaiters, a foldable stool, and backpack-shaped packing cubes. (Their trail crampon ultras are my preferred spikes option – they made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.)
Hotcore
Based in the Vancouver area, Hotcore makes affordable sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents.
Little Shop of Hammocks
Little Shop of Hammocks makes sewn-to-order hammocks and quilts out of their Saskatoon headquarters. Made in Canada.
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)
While they have American ownership now (as discussed above) MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make gear under the MEC Label: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC gear. Their Zephyr 65L backpacking pack is a great Osprey dupe and is on my list of my favourite gear from 2023.
Mustang Survival
Mustang Survival makes PFDs and clothing for boating including rainwear. Their headquarters is in Vancouver.
Norda
Based in Quebec, Norda makes high-end trail running shoes made with innovative materials like Dyneema.
Northern Ultralight
Northern Ultralight is a cottage gear company based in Nelson, BC. They make ultralight packs. I actually met their founders coincidentally on a backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park a few years ago – super nice people. Made in Canada.
Taiga Works
Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes clothing (see above) as well as sleeping bags and quilts. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.
Food
Fuel Your Feat
Fuel Your Feat makes organic, gluten-free freeze-dried backpacking meals. I haven’t tried them yet, but I hear good things. They are based on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.
Happy Yak
Quebec-based Happy Yak makes a wide variety of freeze-dried backpacking meals. Made in Canada.
Naak
Naak stands for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometres. This Montreal-based company makes bars, gels, drink mixes and other snacks. Many of their items include cricket protein. Made in Canada.
Nomad Nutrition
Based in Vancouver, Nomad Nutrition makes vegan and gluten-free dehydrated backpacking meals. Made in Canada.
Pacific Packers Coffee
Based in Vancouver, Pacific Packers Coffee makes coffee packets for camping and hiking. It’s not instant. Instead, each packet comes with a filter. The whole thing fits back into a resealable and compostable pouch so you can pack it out of the backcountry. Made in Canada.
Peak Eats
Peak Eats makes dehydrated meals in Canmore, Alberta. They make meals for lots of diets including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and more. They also have a ton of desserts. Made in Canada.
West Coast Kitchen
West Coast Kitchen makes freeze-dried backpacking meals. They are based in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.
Wild Edge Keto
Wild Edge Keto makes gluten-free, paleo, and keto dehydrated backpacking meals with locally sourced bison, deer, and wild boar. They are based in Powell River, on BC’s Sunshine Coast. Made in Canada.
Non-American Outdoor Brands
If you can’t find what you’re looking for from a Canadian brand, there are lots of other hiking gear brands from Europe, Asia, and Oceania you can support instead of buying American.
This list is by no means exhaustive – I’ve just tried to list non-American outdoor brands that are easy to find in Canadian stores.
Decathlon (France)
Described as the Ikea of sporting goods, Decathlon is a French mega-store that sells things for all kinds of sports including hiking.
Deuter (Germany)
Deuter is best known for their backpacks, but they also make sleeping bags and other accessories. My winter backpack is a Deuter Freerider – it has straps that can carry my snowshoes.
Exped (Switzerland)
While they make sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks, in North America, Exped is best known for their sleeping pads. Their Ultra 5R sleeping pad is on my list of my favourite gear of 2022.
Fjallraven (Sweden):
Fjallraven makes super durable hiking pants as well as lots of other hiking clothing and backpacks. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is one of my faves – it is on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.
Icebreaker (New Zealand)
New Zealand based Icebreaker is the driving force behind the surging popularity of Merino wool. They’ve been making Merino wool base layers, socks, sweaters, and more since 1995. However, American VF Corporation (which also owns The North Face, Smartwool, and others) bought them in 2018 so some consider them to be American now.
Kari Traa (Norway)
Founded by (and named after) a highly-decorated female skier, Kari Traa makes outdoor clothing for women. They are best known for their base layers, but they also make fleece, jackets, and hiking clothing.
Kathmandu (New Zealand)
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Tasmania, Australia, so I’m familiar with Kathmandu since their gear is sold in all the shops there. They make great hiking clothing, backpacks, and travel gear.
Komperdell (Austria)
Komperdell is a family-owned company that specializes in ski poles and trekking poles.
La Sportiva (Italy)
You might know La Sportiva as primarily a climbing shoe company, but they also make hiking clothing and hiking boots.
Mammut (Switzerland)
Mammut makes hiking clothing, climbing gear, backpacks, and sleeping bags. My husband has a Mammut rain jacket and loves it.
Mountain Warehouse (UK)
If you’re looking for budget gear, UK-based Mountain Warehouse has lots of low-price hiking clothing, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks.
Naturehike (China)
This Chinese company makes lots of camping gear, but backpackers know Naturehike best for their budget-priced yet lightweight tents. They are some of the best selling backpacking tents on Amazon, instead of giving Jeff Bezos your money, I recommend ordering direct from Naturehike.
Odlo (Norway)
Odlo makes hiking, running, and ski clothing. I love their Kinship Performance Wool base layers – they are on my list of my favourite gear of 2023.
Petzl (France)
Although they are best known for their climbing gear, Petzl also makes great headlamps. Their tiny 35-gram Bindi headlamp is one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers.
Primus (Sweden)
Primus has been making camping stoves for over 100 years. They also make camping cookware. We’ve been using an older version of their Primetek pot, which has a built-in heat exchanger for increased efficiency, for years.
Rab (UK)
A leader in lightweight puffy jackets and sleeping bags, Rab also makes lots of technical hiking clothing, tarps, tents, and backpacks.
Salomon (France)
I’m a hardcore Salomon girlie – my hiking boots and trail runners have all been Salomon for almost 20 years. They also make trail running clothing and ski gear.
Scarpa (Italy)
Scarpa makes trail running and hiking footwear as well as climbing shoes and backcountry ski boots.
Sea to Summit (Australia)
Sea to Summit makes tons of gear including sleeping pads, kitchen gear, dry bags, and sleeping pads. Their Ether Light XT Insulated sleeping pad was one of my pics for my favourite gear of 2024 and their Aeros Down Pillow made my faves list in 2022. The pillow is also on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.
Snow Peak (Japan)
Snow Peak makes beautifully designed camping gear that is frankly too fancy for most people. However, their titanium cookware is a great ultralight option. I never backpack without the Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall mug (one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers) and Snow Peak Titanium Spork (which is on my list of stocking stuffers for hikers).
Zamberlan (Italy)
Founded by the Zamberlan family, they are still family-owned and make most of their hiking boots in their Italian factory.
Final Thoughts
I have no idea what is going to happen with Trump’s tariffs, but I know that I want to support Canada’s economy and Canadian independence. I’m going to try to be more mindful of my spending going forward and try to purchase from Canadian (or non-American) outdoor companies whenever possible.
I hope you find this list helpful. If you’ve got other Canadian brands to add, please let me know in the comments so I can update this post.
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Lindsay
Friday 7th of March 2025
Arc'teryx and Helly Hanson are also no longer Canadian. I see that you have indicated these sales, but to avoid confusion you should delete logos and listing American and other non-Canadian brands.
David Hobill
Friday 7th of March 2025
One BC based company that should be included is G3 (Genuine Guide Gear). They produce high quality backcountry skiing gear and products aimed at summer hikers. They also take their ecological responsibility seriously.
Pat
Wednesday 5th of March 2025
Thank you Taryn. You might want to add Ortovox to your non American list. They are owned by same German company that owns Deuter.
Steven Threndyle
Wednesday 19th of February 2025
NORDA trail running shoes out of Quebec are expensive, but the Dyneema upper is meant to be incredibly durable. If you REALLY want to support Canadian makers (and have your mind blown) - check out the awesome list of microbrands at KORE OUTDOORS in the Kootenays.
Gord
Tuesday 18th of February 2025
Another food source is peak eats
Peak eats food.com