hiking gear

  • My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2025

    My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2025

    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…

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  • Best Insulated Skirts For Hiking and Snowshoeing in 2026

    Best Insulated Skirts For Hiking and Snowshoeing in 2026

    A few winters ago I got an insulated skirt and it was a game-changer. (I’m not exaggerating!) My puffy skirt meant I could keep my butt warm on the trails – I simply put it on over my pants when I was cold and took it off when I wasn’t.…

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  • 2025 Altitude Sports Black Friday Sale: My Picks for the Best Deals

    2025 Altitude Sports Black Friday Sale: My Picks for the Best Deals

    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…

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  • 2025 Black Friday Deals for Hikers

    2025 Black Friday Deals for Hikers

    I definitely believe that the outdoors is for everyone, but unfortunately one of the barriers to getting outside is having to buy tons of gear. And of course, that gear doesn’t come cheap! I worked at the head office of a big outdoor retailer for six years, so I understand…

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  • 10 Best Canadian Hiking Gear Gifts in 2025

    10 Best Canadian Hiking Gear Gifts in 2025

    If you’re shopping for a hiker this holiday season, I encourage you to support local companies and purchase Canadian hiking gear gifts for your loved ones. It’s a great way to show your patriotism, bolster the Canadian economy, and give a gift that the hiker on your list will love.…

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  • The Best Eco-friendly Gifts for Hikers

    The Best Eco-friendly Gifts for Hikers

    If you’re buying presents, please consider choosing eco-friendly gifts for hikers. The hiker in your life will appreciate it and Mother Nature will too. You may not know this, but I used to work in the outdoor industry. I actually wrote product descriptions for a large outdoor retailer. As a…

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  • 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2025

    40 Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2025

    There is no place I would rather be than on a backpacking trip. I’ve been backpacking for almost 20 years and used to work for a large outdoor retailer, so I know a lot about backpacking gear. In this post, I’ve got my recommendations for the best gifts for backpackers.…

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  • Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers

    Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers

    Getting to visit Lake O’Hara in Canada’s Yoho National Park is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Mostly because reservations are SO hard to get!) You need these Lake O’Hara packing lists to make sure you have the right gear so you can stay warm, dry and happy. I’ve been to Lake…

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  • Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)

    Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)

    Finding women’s hiking pants can be a real challenge – it’s tough to get the right fit! In this guide, I’ve rounded up the best hiking pants for women. I made sure to include picks for every body type. Different conditions and preferences call for different hiking pants. In this…

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  • Where to Find Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes and Gear

    Where to Find Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes and Gear

    Traditionally most outdoor brands made women’s hiking clothes up to size 10 or 12. In the last decade or so, sizes 14 or 16 have become more common. But unfortunately, it’s still a challenge to find women’s plus size hiking clothes. I’m a plus size hiker and it’s a struggle…

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