As a full-time outdoor writer, a guidebook author, and a person who relies on time spent in nature for my mental health, I hike a lot. I also spent seven years writing about hiking gear at the head office of one of Canada’s largest outdoor retailers. That means that I can be pretty picky about …
Gear picks
Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to shop for outdoor gear. It’s one of the only times that some brands are on sale. Altitude Sports is running one of the best Black Friday sales for outdoor gear in Canada. I’m a bit of a gear geek: I’ve been writing about …
I spent seven years writing about hiking equipment for one of Canada’s largest outdoor retailers, so I’m pretty picky when it comes to my gear. I also spend a ton of time in the backcountry researching my hiking guidebooks and trail guides, so good gear is important. Each year I make a list of the …
While my addiction isn’t as strong as it used to be, I’m a bit of a gear junkie. As an outdoor writer and guidebook author, I pretty much hike for a living, so good gear is important. I also know waaay too much about gear since I spent three years working in an outdoor store …
In 2022, I spent even more time than usual hiking, completing research for my upcoming backpacking guidebook for Vancouver Island. (Look for it in May 2024.) As a gear geek, I am hyper-critical of my gear and refuse to use things that don’t meet my standards. Here are my favourite pieces of gear from 2022. …





