Gear Archives - Dawn Outdoors

MEC Spark UL 1-Person Tent

My MEC Spark tent on the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park

My husband and I don’t always have vacation schedules that align, so I’ve started to do more trips without him. We still love our Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3 tent (it’s on my list of fave gear from 2024), but it’s way too much for one person. This year, I tried out the MEC Spark UL 1-person tent.

We own an older version of the Zpacks Hexamid tent, but it’s a single-wall tent. We’ve had a lot of condensation issues with it (even when pitched well and vented), so we wanted to go with a double-wall tent to replace it. We camp in humid weather and near water a lot, so condensation is often a factor.

I’m really impressed with the performance of the Spark tent, especially considering that it is a fraction of the price of its direct competitors, the MSR Hubba Hubba 1-person and Big Agnes Copper Spur 1-person. It’s lighter than both of those tents and has similar features.

The Spark UL 1-person tent is made of pretty lightweight materials (15d sil-nylon), but it doesn’t feel exceptionally fragile, and it has good waterproof coatings. The tent held up well to some big thunderstorms and snow on the Skoki Loop in the Rockies.

It’s worth noting that this tent isn’t totally freestanding – you do have to peg out the two foot corners. This isn’t a big deal for me since I’m used to trekking pole tents. I found it fairly straightforward to pitch.

This tent has two features I really love. First, it uses magnets on the vestibule door, rather than a zipper. So much easier to get in and out, and so much quieter!

Second, it has a great stuff sack that lets you cinch the tent down super small. My husband took this tent on a 2-week bikepacking trip in the UK and found it so much easier to strap to his bike since it was so much smaller than other tents he has used.

Specs: Semi-freestanding double-wall sil-nylon backpacking tent. Weight: 979 g

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Vargo BOT 700 Pot

Using the Vargo BOT 700 Pot as part of my lightweight cook system at Elfin Lakes near my home in Squamish

I have to admit that the Vargo BOT 700 pot in my house isn’t new… I just hadn’t used it much before this year. My husband uses this pot as part of his bikepacking kit, and when I started doing more solo backpacking trips (or trips where I wasn’t sharing a stove with friends), I decided to try it.

The BOT 700 is a tiny and lightweight 700 ml titanium pot. It has a screw-top lid, so you can also use it to pre-soak your dehydrated meals so they rehydrate faster. It has volume gradations on the side so I can easily measure the amount of water I need to add to commercial backpacking meals.

It’s also the perfect size to nest my MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe, a mini fuel can, and a square of quick-dry towel (to prevent things from rattling around in transit, to use as a tiny potholder, and to wipe moisture off my pot and fuel can before I put them away). This is the perfect compact solo cook setup for me.

Specs: Made of titanium with folding handles. Holds 700 ml. Weight: 138 g.

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Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket

Bundled in my Outdoor Research Aspire jacket up against the howling wind on the summit of Cape Blow Me Down near Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

I own a lot of rain jackets, but I bought the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket anyway for one big reason: the ventilation.

I’m a sweaty person. I have hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes me to sweat more than the average person. In cold and rainy weather, I want to stay as dry from rain as possible, while also letting my body heat vent out so I don’t sweat as much.

The Aspire Jacket uses Outdoor Research’s AscentShell Dry waterproof technology, which has pretty good waterproofing. It’s also fairly breathable on its own. (Since Gore-Tex no longer holds an exclusive patent for their technology, and there have been a lot of advances, most high-end rain jackets from hiking brands have pretty comparable waterproofing and breathability.)

However, the biggest difference with this jacket is the huge underarm vents. They open all the way down to the hem, which lets you open the jacket up like a poncho for maximum ventilation. (OR calls this TorsoFlo venting.)

The other reason I love these vents is that they have two-way zippers. As a curvier woman, I often find that rain jackets don’t fit me well in the hips. Since this jacket has two-way zippers on the sides, I can pop the side zippers up a few cms to get me a bit more room in the hips of the jacket. That achieves a much better fit than any other jacket I’ve tried.

This isn’t the lightest or most compact jacket on the market (and it’s not trying to be), but I find it packs down pretty small, so I’ve taken it on tons of backpacking and hiking trips.

Note: This jacket also comes in a plus-size version, which is great. The men’s version of this jacket is called the Outdoor Research Foray 3L Rain Jacket. It’s exactly the same except for the men’s fit.

Specs: Made of 40d nylon with a bit of stretch and OR AscentShell Dry waterproof breathable technology. Weight: 352g.

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Outdoor Research

HydraPak Contour 3L Hydration Reservoir

HydraPak Contour Reservoir drying inside out in my kitchen.

Ok, I know hydration reservoirs are out of style. All the cool UL kids are using Smartwater bottles or soft flasks. But hear me out!

I still like using a reservoir because I have hyperhidrosis, which means I sweat more than normal. That means I need to drink more water than the average person, and having a hose in front of my face makes it easier to do that.

I’ve tried a few different reservoirs over the years, and I recently got the HydraPak Contour 3L. It’s fairly lightweight but still feels quite durable. It has all the usual features: a lockable bite valve, an easy disconnect tube, baffles to hold its shape, and a hanger on the top to clip it into different backpacks. It also doesn’t have a strong plastic taste like some others I’ve tried.

But by far the standout feature is that it is designed to be turned inside out. It even has a little tab inside you can grab to make inverting it easier. This makes it so much easier to clean it and to dry it!

I got the 3L version since it is a few grams heavier than the 2L version, but it gives me the extra capacity I sometimes need on long waterless stretches.

The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a bite valve cover – you have to buy it separately. I always use one to keep my valve out of the dirt when I put my pack down.

Specs: Holds 3L. Made of TPU plastic with a silicone bite valve. Weight: 155 g.

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Smartwool Run Mid Crew Socks

I’ve worn dozens of different wool hiking socks over the years, but my current hiking socks… aren’t hiking socks. I picked up a pair of the Smartwool Run Mid Crew Socks at my local trail running store this year, and they are my new favourites.

I find that hiking socks are often quite thick and bulky, which makes my feet sweaty in hot weather. And sweaty feet lead to blisters. (Read my tips for preventing blisters.)

These running socks have targeted cushioning. That means they are thicker and more padded in the heel and forefoot, and thin everywhere else. That makes them lighter and more breathable.

Like other Smartwool socks, they have a seamless toe and use a merino wool and nylon blend to balance durability with breathability and comfort. I like the women’s specific fit since I have narrow feet, but they also come in a unisex/men’s fit.

Specs: Made of 59% merino wool, 38% nylon, 3% elastane

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Smartwool

MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp

Eating breakfast under the MEC Scout UL Silicone tarp to stay out of the rain on the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park.

I’ve done lots of wet trips on Vancouver Island, in the Coast Mountains, and in the Rockies. Even if the forecast calls for sun, on a trip longer than three days, that forecast is pretty unreliable.

That’s why I always bring a tarp on longer group trips. It gives us a dry place to cook and hang out in camp. That means we aren’t getting wet and cold (which can lead to hypothermia), and we don’t have to deal with as much wet raingear.

But the biggest way a tarp is a game-changer is the mental aspect. It makes the trip sooo much more enjoyable to have a dry social space. Bringing a tarp saved my recent trip on the Skoki Loop (photo above), where we had rainstorms on and off for two days. We were able to play cards and drink tea under the tarp instead of hiding in our tents.

This year, I upgraded to the MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp in the large size. (Our old sil-tarp was nearly 20 years old and had a badly frayed edge from an improper pitch that let it rub against a tree in a windstorm. It was time for a new tarp.)

The MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp weighs just 415g and easily provides enough space for 5 or 6 people. Rigging it is fairly straightforward using the included guylines plus a few small Nite Ize Figure 9 carabiners – they make tensioning the tarp easy without having to know complicated knots.

Note: MEC also sells a PU version of this tarp that is cheaper but SO MUCH HEAVIER. If you’re backpacking, you need the UL Silicone version.

Specs: Made of 15d silicone-coated nylon. Includes 6 guylines with tension locks. Weight: 415g.

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Ciele GOCap FLT WND

Wearing the Ciele GOCap FLT WND at the Smoke Bluffs in Squamish

I’ve loved Ciele’s running hats for years. I included them in my fave gear of 2023 post, and I’ve been wearing them on all my hikes ever since. I challenge you to find a recent photo of me on this website where I’m not wearing one!

Baseball caps are awesome for hiking since they shade your face from the sun, keep sweat from running into your eyes, and keep your hair out of the way. But in the winter, I also want a bit of insulation. I’ve experimented with wearing a Smartwool headband over my baseball cap to cover my ears, but it wasn’t a good solution.

For me, the Ciele GoCap FLT WND hat is the ultimate winter hiking hat. I wore it a ton last winter and have started wearing it again now that the temps have dipped. There are two big reasons why it’s perfect:

Firstly, it’s made with wind-resistant and water-resistant fleece. The fleece on the top of the cap is more breathable, allowing sweat to escape.

Secondly, it has fold-down ear flaps made of wind-resistant fleece. I own this fleece baseball cap, and it is cute… but when it’s chilly out, I want my ears covered more than I want the top of my head covered! The Ciele hat solves that problem by including ear flaps. And, you can fold them up out of the way when your ears get too hot! So you don’t have to pack two different hats – this one does both.

The GoCap FLT WND hat has only one flaw… and it’s something that might not bug everyone. The fold-down ear flaps continue around to the back of the neck, which is great for extra warmth. But it means that those of us with long hair have our ponytails pushed further down onto our necks. At first, this drove me crazy since my hair was smushed into the sweatiest part of my neck.

But then I came up with a drastic solution: I cut a slit into the back of the hat and hand-stitched the edges to finish them. Now I can stick my ponytail out through the back of the hat!

Specs: Made of recycled polyester fleece that is wind- and water-resistant.

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Ciele

Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Long Sleeve Hoody

Wearing the Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Hoody on Cape Blow Me Down near Corner Brook, Newfoundland. It was pretty windy, but I was sweating a lot going uphill, so it was a good choice for warmth and breathability.

I was going to put the Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Long Sleeve Hoody on my best gear of 2024 list… but then Mountain Hardwear discontinued it. However, I’m so excited to see that they brought it back this winter!

I initially bought this shirt to wear for winter hiking, but I’ve found myself bringing it on summer backpacking trips to wear as a warm layer in camp and in the tent, too. It’s kind of a lightweight fleece, but it’s also a midweight base layer.

The Airmesh is kind of a weird shirt: On the outside, it looks like it’s made of mesh. But on the inside, it’s soft hollow-core yarn fleece that reminds me of muppet fur. The result is a super-technical shirt that wicks sweat and dries quickly but also provides tons of warmth by trapping warm air between those hollow-core fibres.

This shirt has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any baselayer or lightweight fleece I’ve ever tried. It also dries way faster. The fabric is comparable to Alpha Direct, a favourite in the ultralight community. You can find it in lots of cottage gear company fleeces. But the Airmesh hoody is way cheaper!

Specs: Made of brushed polyester mesh fleece. Has thumb holes and a close-fitting hood. Weight: 159g.

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Mountain Hardwear

MEC Outpost 60L Gear Tote

MEC Outpost Gear Tote packed for a road trip

I take a lot of road trips with camping gear. I drive to the Rockies every year. Last year, I drove to Saskatchewan and back. A few years ago, we drove to Moab, Utah, and back.

Even though I’ve done long road trips tons of times, it’s always a struggle to keep our gear organized in the car. In the past, we’ve used a mix of big blue Ikea shopping bags, duffle bags, backpacks (because we have those in the car already), and Rubbermaid bins.

This year, I tried out the MEC Outpost 60L Gear Tote. It’s basically a cross between a duffle bag and a tote bag. It’s made of waterproof material that’s a bit stiff, so it holds its shape, but it also folds flat when you aren’t using it.

The bulkiness of the Rubbermaid bins and the floppiness of the Ikea bags and duffle bags drove me crazy! This Gear Tote is a happy medium between the two. It stays upright while you are using it but then folds flat to stow out of the way when its empty.

It doesn’t have a top zipper, similar to a tote bag, which I actually love since it’s easy to get at my gear quickly. (I store gear I need less often in packing cubes in a duffle.)

I also love that the gear tote has a removable interior divider, zippered pockets, and a compression strap so I can adapt it to carry various types of gear.

I’d like to get a few more of these gear totes, but they aren’t cheap, so I don’t know if it’s in the budget any time soon. As well, it only comes in one colour right now (black), and I’d love a few different colours so I can organize my gear better.

Specs: Made of 420d recycled nylon with a waterproof coating. Holds 60L. Weight: 750g

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Final Thoughts

I’ve been pretty conscious about selecting outdoor gear over the last few years because I want to avoid over-consumption. Brands often want to send me their new things to try, and I’ve started saying no more and more often. I’m sure their stuff is great… but I don’t need a dozen down jackets or five different day packs when I already have ones that I love and have plenty of life in them.

What were your favourite pieces of hiking gear in 2025? Add them in the comments.

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The post My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2025 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Best Insulated Skirts For Hiking and Snowshoeing in 2026

Taryn Eyton — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:41:18 +0000

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.

In this guide, I’ll break down how to choose the best insulated skirts for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and running.

I’ve got everything you need to know about insulated skirts including:

Why would you want an insulated skirt? Why are puffer skirts great for winter sports?
My picks for the Best insulated skirts in several categories: Which puffy skirts are best for cross-country skiing, budget shoppers, ultralight freaks, and more?
How to choose an insulated skirt: What insulation type and features should you look for?

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

My Quick Picks

Most comfortable insulated skirt: Smartwool Smartloft Pull-On Skirt
Best down-insulated skirt: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Skirt
Best insulated skirt for running and cross-country skiing: Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt
Best budget insulated skirt: MoFiz Quilted Puffer Skirt

Snowshoeing with my insulated skirt at Dakota Ridge on the Sunshine Coast near Vancouver

Why Should You Wear an Insulated Skirt?

The first time I saw an insulated skirt I laughed. They seemed like a frivolous item you’d wear for fashion reasons.

But then a few outdoor women in my life started raving about them. They said no matter what they wore, they often found that their butt and thighs got cold when they were skiing, snowshoeing, or winter running. And an insulated skirt solved that problem.

I was skeptical, but also hate having cold thighs so I got a puffy skirt. Having owned one for three winters now, I can honestly say I can’t imagine going without one. I love being able to slip on extra warmth when I’m cold, then take it off when I warm up.

You can layer an insulated skirt over ski pants, hiking pants, leggings, or even your base layer, so they work in lots of situations. Every time I wear my quilted puffer skirt, other women ask me about it, so I figured it was time to take the answers to all those questions and combine them into one article.

How I Picked

I’ve been hiking for over two decades. I also worked in an outdoor store for three years and wrote marketing materials for a large outdoor retailer for six yars. I spent a ton of time learning from their design team so I got really familiar with the properties of outdoor fabrics and garment construction.

For this guide, I drew on my outdoor industry experience as well as my personal experience with trying out insulated skirts. But since I haven’t tried all of the skirts in this guide, I also talked to friends, asked the members of several large women’s outdoor Facebook groups, and read dozens of online reviews.

There are lots of puffer skirts out there, so it can be difficult to choose. Lots of insulated skirts are designed for fashion or city use. But in this article I’m going to focus on puffy skirts designed for winter sports, specifically downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, running, and hiking.

The skirts I chose are all made with outdoor-ready materials that are water-resistant, wind-resistant, and warm. They are also designed for movement with waistbands that stay in place and stretchy panels to allow for long strides. All of these insulated skirts are also easy to take on and off when the temperature changes.

My Picks for the Best Insulated Skirts

Most Comfortable Insulated Skirt: Smartwool Smartloft Pull-On Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Insulated wool front and back panels. Stretchy fleece side panels and waistband. Merino wool lining. Side pockets.

This pull-on style insulated skirt from Smartwool is my go-to warm layer. My favorite part is the stretchy fleece side panels. They move with me so well that I forget I’m wearing it!

The cozy merino wool lining is super soft and adds a bit of warmth too. It’s such a nice contrast from the slippery nylon fabric that most skirts use.

The quilted front and back panels use unique recycled wool insulation that holds its warmth even when wet. Compared to other skirts on this list, it has a moderate amount of insulation. However, the wool insulation isn’t the lightest or most compressible compared to down or even synthetic.

This skirt also has two deep side pockets that are big enough to hold my phone. The wide waistband is comfortable and has a drawstring adjustment.

Note: The older version of this skirt is called the Smartwool Smartloft 60 Skirt. The only thing that has changed is the name.

Check prices:

Best Down-Insulated Skirt: Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Skirt

Warmth: High

Features: Insulated with 700-fill power down. Water-resistant fabric. Kangaroo handwarmer pocket

Mountain Hardwear’s StretchDown line of jackets, pants, and this skirt use an interesting stretchy fabric that has baffles woven right into it. That means that it doesn’t have tons of little stitch holes where down can escape and cold air can get in. The stretch aspect also makes it extra comfortable to wear when you’re moving.

The StretchDown Skirt uses 700 fill power RDS-certified down, which means that the down is traceable and meets animals welfare standards. It’s also fairly lightweight and compressible for the warmth.

This skirt is a pull-on style, which keeps the weight down. But it does have zippered handwarmer pockets on the sides and a zippered pocket on the back.

Check prices:

Mountain Hardwear USA

Mountain Hardwear Canada

Best Insulated Skirt for Runners and Cross Country Skiers: Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Synthetic insulation. Stretchy side panels. Full-length 2-way side zip.

Swix is a Norwegian cross country ski brand, so they understand how to make clothes that work when you’re working hard. The Swix Mayen Quilted Skirt moves with you, even if you’re taking long strides.

It has stretchy jersey side panels for lots of range of motion. You can also open up the 2-way full-length zip on the side to give you more room to move. The elastic waist helps it stay in place and the inside of the waistband is a soft, brushed material.

The skirt uses Primaloft synthetic insulation that stays warm when wet, which is great for sweaty sports like nordic skiing and winter running. It uses a moderate amount of insulation since this skirt is designed to be worn during aerobic activities.

Check Prices:

Best Budget Insulated Skirt: MoFiz Quilted Puffer Skirt

Warmth: Moderate

Features: Synthetic insulation. Stretchy fleece side panels.

If you’re not sure if an insulated skirt is right for you, the budget-priced MoFiz Quilted Puffer skirt available on Amazon is a good way to try it out. It uses inexpensive synthetic insulation and has stretchy fleece side panels.

It also has a full zipper to make it easy to put on and take off. There are also two zippered side pockets. Honestly, this thing has a lot of features for such a low price.

I’ve tried other Amazon puffer skirts (the Baleaf one I have is discontinued now), and I think the biggest reason they are so inexpensive is that they use low quality synthetic insulation… and they don’t use very much of it.

That means the budget Amazon skirts aren’t as warm as others on this list. And it means they aren’t as compressible so they take up more room in your pack.

Check prices:

Best Plus-Size Insulated Skirt: Nothing!

In previous years I was able to recommend plus-size insulated skirt options. Unfortunately, I can’t find any plus-size skirts to recommend this year. Columbia used to make one (and in general, they are a great option for plus-size hiking gear), but they discontinued it!

I’ve scoured the internet, and I’m very unhappy to report that I can’t find anything to recommend. Some of the budget skirts on Amazon come in XXL… but if you look at the measurements, they are actually more like an XL since they are made in Asian and run small.

If you’ve got a plus-sized puffer skirt to recommend, please message me and let me know. I’d love to update this post to add an option!

How to Choose an Insulated Skirt

Not all insulated skirts are created equal. Here’s a quick run-down on what to look for when you’re shopping for a puffer skirt.

Understand the Insulation

Synthetic insulation is made with polyester fibres that retain warmth when wet. It is less expensive than down, but it is also heavier and bulkier to achieve the same warmth as down. Some higher-end synthetic insulations like ThermoBall and Primaloft can mimic the properties of down, but they cost more.

Down insulation is made from the fluffy fibres found underneath the feathers of geese and ducks. Down is lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulation, which means you can use less of it to achieve the same warmth. But down is much more expensive.

If you are purchasing a down garment, choose ones that are Responsible Down Certified for animal welfare.

Regular down is useless once it gets wet. Look for down skirts with water-resistant fabrics or hydrophobic treatments that protect the down from moisture.

Down is also available in different qualities, known as fill-power. The higher the number, the fluffier it is, and therefore, the warmer it is. The most premium skirts use 800 or 900 fill-power down.

Wool insulation is another option. It is made of loose wool fibres that retain warmth. It is heavier than down or synthetic, but it provides warmth when wet.

My Baleaf skirt uses synthetic insulation. It’s warm, but not very compressible since it’s cheap. Sadly, it’s discontinued.

Estimate Warmth

It can be tough to tell how warm an insulated skirt will be. But some brands publish specs for their insulation, which can help.

For synthetic insulated skirts, 60g insulation provides moderate warmth, while 100g insulation provides lots of warmth.

For down skirts, it’s a bit more tricky. In general, skirts with higher fill-power down will be warmer. BUT you can also achieve a warm skirt by using lots of lower fill-power down.

Have a look at the product description and reviews. Some puffer skirts are designed to be worn while doing aerobic activities like cross-country skiing, so they don’t need to be super warm. Others are ideal for staying warm while walking or standing still.

Get a Good Fit

Skirts can be tough to fit since they have to fit both your waist and your thighs and stay in place while walking, running, or skiing. Look for puffer skirts with stretch panels and comfortable waistbands. Zippers you can open to create a slit and get more range of motion are also great.

Easy On-Off

The beauty of an insulated skirt is that it functions as part of your layering system. You want it to be easy to put on when you get cold and take off when you warm up.

For really easy on/off, consider a skirt with a zipper closure. That way you don’t have to take off your skis or snowshoes to get it on.

The only disadvantages to zippered skirts is that some people find that the top of the zipper is uncomfortable at the waist or the zipper opens up while they are moving.

I wear a pull-on Smartwool skirt that has stretchy side panels – I find it easy enough to step into with my boots on (although I do have to take my snowshoes off).

Wearing my pull-on Smartwool insulated skirt on a snowshoe trip

Final Thoughts

So that’s everything you need to know to find the best insulated skirts for snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, running, and hiking. If you have any questions or alternative recommendations, leave them in the comments.

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

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:35:46 +0000

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 gear for this website for a decade, I run a Canadian Outdoor Gear Deals Newsletter, and I’m the author of two hiking guidebooks, so I hike a LOT and go through a lot of gear.

To save you some time searching through the Altitude Sports website, I’ve handpicked my favourite deals in their Black Friday sale for you. My recommendations include clothing and hiking gear that I own and love, along with some deals on gear I haven’t tried, but look too good to pass up.

Hey there: This post is sponsored by Altitude Sports. I shop with them all the time (with my own money). All opinions in this post are my own. As well, 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.

Why I Shop at Altitude Sports

Altitude Sports is an online-only outdoor retailer based in Quebec. I’ve been shopping with them for a few years and have been impressed with how many brands they carry.

However, the main reason I shop there is the discounts and return policy I get with their Lifetime Membership. As a member, I get 5% off almost everything, year-round. They also have sales where their membership discount increases. (Some of them are email-only exclusive codes.)

For example, during the Black Friday Sale, the membership discount is 10% and it stacks on top of most items in their Black Friday sale!

The other main benefit of membership is free returns – there is no charge to mail back returns within Canada. You can see all the other benefits for members on the Altitude Sports website.

If you’re considering becoming a member, now is the time to do it. Lifetime Memberships are usually $35. But right now they are 43% off, so they are just $20. Plus, if you buy a membership and add $75 or more of gear or clothing to your account, they’ll send you a $20 credit you can use in December and early January. So the membership is basically free!

Best Clothing Deals

Rab Cubit Stretch Down Jacket – Women’s (50% off)

Rab makes premium gear, and their Cubit Stretch Down Jacket is no exception. It’s a great down insulating layer for at camp, bringing on cold hikes, or just around town. At this price, you can get a high-end jacket on a budget.

It’s made with 700 fill power recycled down that provides lots of warmth without too much weight or bulk. I love the look of the unique pre-woven baffles, but they actually have a function: they keep the down from moving around too much without adding more stitch holes that the down can escape through.

The outer fabric is wind-resistant and has a DWR finish to shed snowmelt.

PS: It also comes in a more city-oriented knee-length parka style.

Black Diamond Recon Lightweight Stretch Shell Jacket – Men’s (50% off)

The Recon Lightweight Stretch Shell Jacket is one of Black Diamond’s high-end winter shells. But it is minimalist enough to work as a year-round rain shell. This is a steal at 50% off.

It uses their proprietary BD.Dry waterproof breathable technology in durable 3-layer construction. And, all of the external pockets have waterproof zippers – a nice touch that you only see on premium jackets.

Since it is designed as a backcountry skiing jacket, it has a snap to attach it to ski pants and a helmet-compatible hood.

PS: The women’s version of this jacket, along with Black Diamond’s Recon Stretch Pants for men and women, are also on sale, but they are only 25% off.

Ciele ALZ Cap (30% off)

Wearing my Ciele GOCap on the summit of Diamondhead, a subpeak of Nch’kay (Mount Garibaldi)

The Ciele ALZ Cap is good that I own two of them! I first put this hat on my favourite gear of 2023 list, and since then, I’ve bought more Ciele hats. (I also have the regular GoCap and the FLTWND GoCap, which is the winter version.)

Ciele is a Canadian company based in Montreal, and they make by far the best running hats I’ve ever tried. They fit well. They wick sweat well and dry super fast. I love the fun colours. And they are incredibly lightweight.

Check colour availability

Darn Tough Socks (25% off)

I love Darn Tough socks since they are so durable. Some of my pairs are years old, but they still look pretty new. And that’s great for Darn Tough since they offer a lifetime guarantee on their socks. If your socks fail, they will replace them.

Darn Tough makes tons of different socks in different thicknesses, colours, and patterns. My favourite are the Hiker Midweight socks. They have a good amount of cushion without being too hot.

Altitude Sports has over 70 different pairs of Darn Tough socks on sale for Black Friday, so there are bound to be some that work for you.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodies (25% off)

Wearing my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie at Lake O’Hara.

A few years ago, I discovered sun hoodies. Since I do a lot of hiking above the treeline, I was tired of constantly re-applying sunscreen. I started wearing sun hoodies instead and was pleased to discover that they don’t make me feel too hot. (The fabric is actually a bit cooling when it gets wet.)

One of my favourite sun hoodies is the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie. It’s the lightest sun hoodie that I own and is quite breathable. The only downside is that it doesn’t provide as much sun protection as some of the other hoodies I own.

Check colour/size availability

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jackets and Pants (20% off)

Ultralight hikers love Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer down insulated jackets and pants. They weigh almost nothing and pack down super small thanks to the paper-thin fabric and premium 800-fill down.

The jackets are great for stashing in your pack to wear at camp or when taking breaks on a hike. They stuff into their own pocket for easy transport.

I’ve been thinking of getting a pair of the pants for winter camping. They provide way more warmth than base layer pants and weigh far less than fleece pants (which is what I have now.)

Best Gear Deals

Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Mat (25% off)

My husband bought a Sea to Summit Ether Light sleeping pad a few years ago. He got the long and wide version since he wanted more room to sprawl out. Last year, I started borrowing it from him… and I didn’t want to give it back. (It even made my list of my favourite gear of 2024.)

It’s not the lightest sleeping pad I own, but it is the most comfortable. It’s only about 100g heavier than the regular-width and length Exped pad I was using. And that extra length and width makes so much difference! My arms and toes don’t dangle off the sides when I shift around in my sleep.

It also uses dimpled construction instead of the tubes you find on other pads. I find it much more comfortable as a side sleeper with wide hips.

If you’re looking for backcountry comfort, this is definitely the pad I recommend. It’s not the cheapest, so getting it on sale is the move.

PS: The other sizes and shapes of the Ether Light are on sale too.

Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles (25% off)

Using my Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ poles on a backpacking trip to Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. Photo: Brenda Remedios

I’ve got ankle issues, so I use poles on steep and uneven descents. However, I don’t always want to use poles on other types of terrain. I used to use regular telescopic trekking poles, but I found them hard to stow on my pack when I wasn’t using them.

A few years ago, I splurged on a pair of Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles. (I think I actually got them in a Black Friday sale!) I love how easy these are to fold down or deploy. They are small, so they are super easy to stow in the side water bottle pocket of my pack. I also took them to Newfoundland in the fall since they were so easy to fit into my luggage.

These poles have cork grips, which I find are so much more comfortable than plastic or rubber grips – they don’t bother my sweaty hands!

I love these poles so much that they made my list of my favourite gear of 2024.

Black Diamond Pursuit 15L Backpack (25% off)

Wearing the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Backpack at Brohm Lake in Squamish.

For the last few years, my go-to fast and light day pack has been the Black Diamond Pursuit 15L backpack. I bring it on shorter hikes where I don’t plan to take a lot of breaks – it’s been up the Stawamus Chief a few dozen times!

This pack is kind of a cross between a hydration backpack and a running vest. The shoulder straps have lots of small pockets that I use to carry snacks, lip balm, and my phone. The side pockets are the perfect size to hold my Black Diamond FLZ poles. And the external hydration sleeve makes it easy to load my bladder.

I also love the way this pack fits. Since it has a running vest fit, it stays put when I’m moving instead of sliding or bouncing around. This pack made it onto my list of my favourite gear of 2023.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow (25% off)

When I was younger, I refused to take a pillow backpacking. I would just bunch up some extra clothing under my head. As I get older, I need more comfort. I tried a basic inflatable pillow… and it was fine.

But then my husband got the Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow. I borrowed it from him once and got hooked. (Anyone else seeing a pattern here?) Eventually, I got my own, so we didn’t have to fight over it.

The Aeros is an inflatable pillow, but it uses baffles that make it feel much sturdier than others I’ve tried. It has soft fleece on one side, and the other side is filled with down. It’s a little bit of luxury, but it goes a long way. The pillow packs down really small (about the size of a mandarin orange). I put it on my list of my favourite gear of 2022, and I still love it today.

Petzl Bindi Headlamp (25% off)

The tiny Petzl Bindi Headlamp is my go-to headlamp for backpacking. It’s tiny and lightweight (just 35g), so it doesn’t take up much room in my pack. It’s not the brightest light out there, but it is bright enough to easily get me from my tent to the outhouse and back in the middle of the night.

I also stuff this light into my day pack as an emergency light in case I get caught out after dark.

The light is USB rechargeable, so I can charge it from my power bank – no need to carry extra batteries.

Deuter Freerider Backpack (25% off)

Wearing my Deuter backpack on a snowshoe trip

I’ve had the same Deuter Freerider backpack for years. I use it every winter for snowshoe trips since it has winter-specific features that I love.

The main reason I love it is that it has stow-away straps that let me carry my snowshoes on my pack. It also has lots of interior pockets for winter essentials like goggles and avalanche rescue gear. I also love that it doesn’t have any mesh (which collects snow).

This pack comes in a few colours and sizes. I use the Freerider 28 SL version, which has shoulder straps and a hipbelt designed for women’s curvier bodies.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (21% off)

Icy spring conditions meant lingering snow and my Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras

I hike year-round. In southwestern BC, the snow isn’t usually deep or soft enough to make snowshoes useful, especially at lower elevations. Instead, I wear mini crampons. My favourites are the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra.

These mini crampons have more points than some of their competitors, so they bite into ice well. I also love the velcro strap on the forefoot – it keeps them on securely and ensures they can’t fall off. They come with a carry bag, which is great for keeping the sharp points from poking the rest of my gear when I’m carrying them inside my pack.

Hillsound is also a Vancouver-based company, so it’s great to buy Canadian. I put these on my list of my favourite gear of 2022 and have used them every winter since then.

Check availability.

Hydro Flask Bottles (25% off)

I like to joke that my Hydro Flask bottle is my emotional support water bottle – I take it everywhere. It’s sitting next to me on my desk as I write this post.

These bottles aren’t cheap… but that’s because they use double-wall construction and are vacuum sealed, so your water stays cold for hours. I was so thankful I had mine on a trip to the Utah desert a few years ago.

It’s also great on snowy hikes since it will keep my water from freezing. (I used to use plastic bottles, and my water always froze!)

Altitude Sports has dozens of Hydro Flask bottles on sale right now. My favourite is the Standard 710ml bottle – it’s simple, which is all I need.

Rab Siltarp 2 (20% off)

Cooking under a tarp at Egypt Lake in Banff National Park.

I always bring a lightweight tarp on multi-day group backpacking trips. They are a game-changer since having a tarp means you have a dry place to cook, socialize, and dry your gear. I find it’s also an important morale booster that makes rainy trips more bearable.

I’ve had an older version of the Rab Siltarp 2 for almost two decades. It’s lightweight (just 440g), packs down small, and covers enough area for up to 6 people to sit under. On group trips, it’s easy to take turns carrying it.

Katadyn BeFree Microfilter (15% off)

This tiny and lightweight Katadyn BeFree Microfilter is always in my pack on long hikes. It’s so much easier to fill up and filter along the way than to lug around litres and litres of heavy water. (I just need to make sure I research water sources on the hike before I go.)

I’ve been using this filter for the last few years. I also love that I can carry an extra litre of dirty water inside the filter bottle – it ups my total water carrying capacity without adding much weight. Speaking of which, it weighs only 63g. That’s about 10g more than a Snickers bar.

This filter also made my list of my favourite gear of 2023.

2025 Black Friday Deals for Hikers

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:16:38 +0000

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 the seasonal sales cycle. One of my tried and true tips for getting deals on hiking and backpacking gear is to wait for sales. So of course in the run-up to the holidays, I’m always watching for Black Friday deals for hikers.

This year I’ve complied all the Black Friday deals for hikers together into one giant post so you can view them all at a glance. I’ve also provided my picks for the best gear from each of the sales and some tips on how to make sure it is really is a good deal.

This page was updated with the latest deals on December 1, 2025

This post includes:

When are the sales? Key dates for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day
The deals: A huge list of all outdoor retailers running holiday deals along with my picks for the best gear discounts. Includes deals for both Canadians and Americans.
Retailers who don’t do Black Friday: A few retailers (like REI and Patagonia) don’t participate in Black Friday. But they do have alternative sales
What gear is on sale: My ex-outdoor retail insider’s tips on what kind of gear you can find on sale and why
Are Black Friday sales worse than they used to be? What happened to huge 70% off door buster deals?
How to make sure you’re getting a good deal: Tips for spotting true deals and avoiding purchases you will regret.

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

HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada

When are the Sales?

Some retailers have started to run Pre-Black Friday Sales in early November.

In 2025, Black Friday is on Friday November 28th. Look for lots of sales to start the week before and continue through the weekend. (Black Friday is now turning into Black Friday Week and Black Friday Weekend!)

Cyber Monday happens on the Monday immediately after Black Friday. In 2025, Cyber Monday is Monday December 1st.

Lots of outdoor brands also have general holiday sales throughout December and into the new year. I’ve got details on those below too.

The Deals

Here’s my running list of all the Black Friday and holiday sales on hiking and backpacking gear that I know about from American and Canadian retailers. I’ll keep them updated every day during the holiday shopping season. If you hear of other great deals, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them.

Note: Many of these retailers ship to both countries, but keep check shipping costs, duties, tariffs, and exchange rates carefully before you buy.

Canadian Deals

All Canadian Deals are in Canadian dollars and ship from Canada without additional duties or tariffs.

AllTrails

Black Friday: 50% off All Trails Plus – ends Dec 3

Altitude Sports

Black Friday Deals – Up to 50% off Sea to Summit, The North Face, Smartwool, and more

25% off Sea to S u mmit sleeping pads, sleeping bags, camp kitchen, and more – includes my fave Ether Light sleeping pad which made my list of my fave gear in 2024.
Up to 50% off Smartwool socks, gloves, and toques
Up to 40% off GSI camp kitchen gear
25% off Darn Tough socks – over 90 pairs on sale
15% off Katadyn water filters – includes my fave, the BeFree AC 1L
25% off Gregory packs – includes both hiking and backpacking packs
20% off Jetboil stoves and accessories – I just got the MiniMo stove since its so efficient in cold weather
30% off Marmot tents – includes some great budget backpacking tents
40% off MPOWERD Luci inflatable solar lanterns – great compact and lightweight lanterns for backpacking
20% off MSR tents – includes the Hubba Hubba. I’ve had the 2-person version of this backpacking tent for years and love it.

Altitude Sports is running so many good deals that I’ve got a dedicated post: 2025 Altitude Sports Black Friday Sale: My Picks for the Best Deals

Amazon Canada

Black Friday Deals – Up to 40% off

37% off Garmin Instinct Solar GPS Watch – this is the watch I use for backpacking because it has the longest battery life, which I need for multi-day trips.
12% off Anker PowerCore 10k Power Bank – this is the one I bring on multi-day trips.
25% off Hamilton Beach Dehydrator – a great basic dehydrator for just $60
42% off Lifestraw Personal Water Filter – a great emergency option and so cheap at just $15
20% off Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs – my go-to reusable and comfortable earplugs for sleeping in noisy places like shared backcountry huts or near snorers. One of my winners for my fave gear of 2024.

Arc’teryx Canada

Black Friday Sale: Up to 30% off this season’s gear

Outlet Cyber Week: Take an extra 20% off already discounted gear. Ends Dec 1.

60% off Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30 backpack – Their fast and light yet durable day pack designed for climbing and scrambling.
48% off Arc’teryx Beta Rain Pants – Their high end Gore-tex pants. Tons of sizes available as long as you want dark purple pants.

Athleta Canada

Black Friday – 30% or more off almost everything

40% off Altitude fleece-lined stash leggings – These are my fave winter leggings. They are made of stretchy fleece that is warm but still breathable. I own two pairs!
40% off Interval sports bras – A great basic sports bra. I’ve got three of these and they have held up well to tons of use (backpacking, hiking, gym, etc. for the last few years)

Backroad Map Books

Black Friday Sale: 15% off almost everything

Bass Pro/Cabela’s Canada

Black Friday Sale: Up to 50% off. Ends Dec 3.

Columbia Canada

Black Friday: Almost everything on sale + 50% off top deals

evo Canada

Black Friday sale – up to 60% off

Gaia GPS

Black Friday Sale: 30% off Gaia GPS Premium – I use this GPS app since it’s so much better than AllTrails for advanced navigation, especially off-trail. I also like their slope angle layer for assessing avalanche terrain. This is their only sale of the year.

Gear Trade

Black November – new items on sale daily from brands like Gossamer Gear and Hyperlite. Ends Dec 1

Helly Hansen Canada

Black Friday: 25% off site-wide

50% off past-season gear

lululemon Canada

Black Friday – Up to 50% off

MEC

Black Friday – Up to 50% off

40% off Garmin inReach Mini 2: This is the satellite messenger I use and recommend. I’ve never seen it this cheap before (it’s usually 25 to 30% off at most). Ends Jan 2.
40% Nemo Mayfly Osmo 2-person and 3-person tents – a roomy yet lightweight backpacking tent at the lowest price I’ve ever seen it (it’s usually 25% off at most). Ends Dec 3.
20% off MEC Waterproof Revolution Over-Mitts – While these are designed for biking, I use these for rainy hikes. I layer them over fleece gloves and they keep me totally dry. Ends Dec 3.
20% off MEC down and synthetic puffy slippers and booties – I love these for around the house and hut trips. I’m wearing a pair as I type this. They also make great gifts. Ends Dec 3.
Up to 51% off Scarpa hiking boots and trail runners – includes their popular Kailash Gore-Tex boots and Rush trail runners
25% off Osprey packs – this is a discount on brand new packs, not clearance packs from previous years
Up to 60% off Outdoor Research clothing – includes lots of hiking clothing
34% off Zoleo satellite messengers – a cheaper option than the InReach – only $139. Ends Dec 31.
40% off MEC X SERRATUS Pace UL 40 Pack – MEC’s take on an ultralight with lightweight materials and a removable framesheet. Just $114. Ends Dec 3.
Up to 38% off Hydro Flask bottles and tumblers – I love these insulated bottles for winter trips or daily use. I find them too heavy for backpacking though. Ends Dec 1.
25% off Black Diamond headlamps, climbing gear, skis, trekking poles, and more – these items usually only go on sale when they are discontinued so this is a rare chance to get a deal on brand new gear
25% off Smartwool socks – Plus $2 from every sock purchase goes to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – ends Dec 2
Up to 34% off Arc’teryx – Includes jackets, hiking clothing, and footwear
20% off Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags – includes the UL Phantom bags which are soo light for 3- and 4-season bags
20% off Rab sleepng bags – includes their ultralight Mythic bags
20% off MSR snowshoes – the best snowshoes for steep trails since they have great traction. I have both the Evo (budget) and Lightning Ascent (premium). Ends Dec 1.
25% off MSR stoves – Includes the PocketRocket Deluxe which is my go-to fast and light stove.
25% off Therm-a-rest sleeping pads – Includes my fave cold weather pad, the NeoAir XTherm. It’s so light for the warmth it provides.
20% off Big Agnes tents – includes the Copper Spur, my current go-to freestanding backpacking tent

Mountain Hardwear Canada

Holiday Sale: 20% off

20% off Mountain Hardwear Dynama pants – my fave hiking pants. I own three pairs. Great fit, lightweight, dry quickly, not too hot – the best!
20% off Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake sun hoodies – my fave sun hoodie. Soft, quick-drying fabric that doesn’t feel like plastic when it gets wet and isn’t too hot too wear.

Mountain Warehouse Canada

Black Friday – 50% or more off everything. Ends Dec 9.

Nomad Nutrition

Black Friday – 40% off all backpacking meals with code BFCM2025

Outdoor Research Canada

Holiday Deals: 25% off sitewide – use code HOLIDAYDEALS. Ends Dec 1.

Rad Power Bikes Canada

Black Friday: Up to $500 off electric bikes

SAIL

Black Friday: Up to 50% off

Sea to Summit Canada

Black Friday: 40 to 50% off

40 to 50% off tents and tarps – includes backpacking tents
40% off sleeping bags, pads, and pillows

Smartwool Canada

Black Friday: 25% off. Ends Dec 2.

The Last Hunt

Cyber Week: Up to 80% off everything – ends Dec 7. Extra 20% off over $200 with code 20FOR200.

Up to 52% off Keen footwear – over 70 pairs on sale
Up to 71% off Altra trail runners
Up to 65% of Birkenstock sandals and slippers
25 to 44% off Big Agnes tents – Includes UL carbon pole options
Up to 51% off Osprey packs – Includes day packs and backpacking packs.
40% off GSI Bugaboo 10 in Frypan – This camping frying pan has a folding handle and is relatively light. I mostly use it on car camping trips, but I have taken on canoe trips and chill backpacking trips to make pancakes, quesadillas, and stirfry.
40% off Outdoor Research Helium Down jacket – an ultralight yet warm option – 8 different colours on sale
40% off Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow – I’ve had one of these for the last few years and it has transformed my sleep. It’s inflatable so you can adjust the firmness, but it also has a down layer on top for comfort. It’s super light and packs down to the size of a ping pong ball.
Up to 70% off Merrell footwear – includes hiking boots, winter boots, and trail runners

ThermoWorks

Shop in USD or CAD. Offers shipping to Canada and ThermoWorks pays all duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday: 20% off site wide

Valhalla Pure Outfitters

Black Friday: Up to 60% off

25% off Oboz hiking boots. Ends Dec 2.
25% off Osprey packs. Ends Dec 1.
Up to 40% off past season camping gear
Up to 60% off Fjallraven – includes lots of pants, jackets, hiking shirts, and backpacks
Up to 50% off Kuhl hiking clothing – they make some of the best hiking pants out there. Ends Dec 1.
25% off Saxx underwear – some of the best sports underwear for men

American Deals

American deals are from American retailers. Where possible, I’ve included info on whether you can shop in CAD and if they ship to Canada.

AllTrails

Black Friday: 50% off All Trails Plus – ends Dec 3

Amazon USA

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada on most items but it’s easier to order from Amazon Canada. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

37% off Lifestraw water filter – just $9.99
23% off Insta360 X3 waterproof action camera – I’ve been eyeing one of these!
50% off Mountain House bulk cans of freeze dried chicken – great for adding to backpacking meals for more protein. In my experience, rehydrates

Backcountry

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada on a limited number of items. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday Sale – Up to 70% off tons of big brands

Black Diamond

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada on most items and BD pays all duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday: Up to 70% off. Ends Dec 1.

Branwyn

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada on most items and Branwyn pays all duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Annual Holiday Sale: 25% off sitewide. Ends Dec 1.

Cabela’s USA

Shop in USD. Canadians should buy from Bass Pro/Cabela’s Canada.

Black Friday Weekend – Up to 50% off

Columbia USA

Shop in USD. Canadians should buy from Columbia Canada.

Black Friday: Almost everything on sale. Up to 50% off some items.

Cotopaxi USA

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday – 25% off select gear and apparel

Enlightened Equipment

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday Sale

20% off all in-stock gear
20% off custom down and synthetic quilts

evo USA

Shop in USD. Canadians should buy from evo Canada.

Black Friday Sale – Up to 60% off

Garage Grown Gear

Shop in USD or CAD. Ships to Canada but orders are subject to duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Holiday Sale: 10 to 30% off

Gregory

Shop in USD. Does not ship to Canada.

Black Friday: 25% off sitewide.

Gossamer Gear

Shop in USD. Canadians should buy from Gossamer Gear Canada to shop in CAD – but orders on the Canadian site are still subject to duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Holiday deals – up to 30% off.

Helinox

Shop in USD. Canadians should buy from Helinox Canada.

Black Friday: 35% off sitewide. Ends Dec 8.

Kelty

Shop in USD. Does not ship to Canada.

Black Friday Sale – 25% off side wide

Mountain Hardwear USA

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Mountain Hardwear Canada.

Holiday Sale: 20% off

MSR

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from MSR Canada.

Holiday Sale: 25% off snowshoes, stoves, and more

Osprey

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Osprey Canada.

Winter Sale: Up to 40% off. Ends Dec 1.

Outdoor Research

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Outdoor Research Canada.

Holiday Deals: 25% off sitewide – use code HOLIDAYDEALS. Ends Dec 1.

Platypus

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Platypus Canada.

Holid ay Sale: 25% off all water filters

prAna

Shop in USD. Does not offer shipping to Canada.

Holiday Must-Haves: 30% off sitewide. Ends Dec 1.

Rad Power Bikes

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Rad Power Bikes Canada.

Black Friday: Deals starting at $999

Six Moon Designs

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday Sale: Save 25% on shelters, packs, umbrellas and more with code YULEHIKE

Steep and Cheap

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada on some items. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Big Brands Sale: Up to 60% off

Therm-a-Rest

Shop in USD. Canadians should shop from Therm-a-rest Canada.

Holiday Sale: 25% off sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows

ThermoWorks

Shop in USD or CAD. Offers shipping to Canada and ThermoWorks pays all duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday: 20% off site wide

Zenbivy

Shop in USD. Offers shipping to Canada. Customer is responsible for duties/brokerage/tariffs.

Black Friday Deals available for their email subscribers only

Retailers Who Don’t Do Black Friday

A few brands have pushed back on the consumerism around Black Friday and don’t have Black Friday sales.

Patagonia and Patagonia Canada

Patagonia’s website says: “Black Friday is a frenzy of deep discounts, limited-time offers and last-ditch efforts urging you to “save” by spending more. We’re not doing that.” It goes on to explain that they are committed to making durable gear and encouraging repairing gear rather than buying new.

REI

REI’s website says: “Since 2015, we’ve closed our doors on Black Friday, choosing time outside over the busiest in-store shopping day of the year.” However, they do have a sale each year in mid-November called the Holiday Sale.

What Gear is on Sale?

There are two main types of products offered at a discount for Black Friday and Boxing Day: stuff that is discontinued and stuff that’s on sale just for the holidays.

Discontinued Gear

Most of the hiking gear that is on sale is usually colors or styles that will be discontinued next year. Retailers want to clear this stuff out so they’ll have room for next year’s gear. In November and December you will usually find the dregs of last summer’s gear on deep discounts.

You might also find winter gear like jackets on sale. Typically winter gear goes on sale this early if the retailer bought too much and they aren’t selling that well. The main things you’ll find in this category are clothing and footwear since they change every year.

Seasonal Sales

The other type is just regular priced product that is selling just fine, but the retailer decides to mark-it down for a limited time to bring in extra sales. The retailer is making less profit on these products but they hope that you’ll buy more stuff and boost their overall sales.

Tents, backpacks, stoves, headlamps and other non-clothing gear is what you’ll find in this category. Since this kind of gear rarely goes on sale otherwise, Black Friday and Boxing Day are the best time to find deals on hiking and backpacking gear.

Are Black Friday Sales Worse Than They Used to Be?

If you’re over 25 you might remember that Black Friday sales used to have insane prices: Doorbuster deals for 70% off were common. But if you’re looking at the current deals listed on this page, you’ll notice most of them are are 20% or 30% off. What happened?

Those day of insane Black Friday discounts are over for a few reasons. The main one is that Black Friday shopping has shifted from in-person to online. Those 70% off doorbuster deals were loss leaders (offered at below cost) designed to get people to come into the store. Once in the store, retailers hoped you people would buy other things with more modest discounts.

Today, Black Friday is almost entirely online. And the way we shop is different. We spend lots of time comparing prices between sites and choosing the exact thing we want. We don’t go to a store and impulse buy something because its 70% off.

Most e-commerce retailers aren’t willing to do limited-time doorbuster-style deals online because they don’t have the tech set-up to do it or they are worried about their site crashing. Going offline during Black Friday would be a disaster for them!

It’s also worth noting that it only seems like Black Friday sales aren’t as good as they used to be. Yes, we don’t have those crazy 70% off doorbusters anymore. But the rest of the deals we get now are pretty comparable to the ones we used to see back then if we got past the doorbusters and explored what else was on sale.

What’s the Deal with Boxing Day?

Some of you might be old enough to remember a time where Black Friday wasn’t a thing in Canada. Instead, all of the big sales were on Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas.

As online shopping rose and American influence become more prominent, retailers in Canada started to offer both Black Friday and Boxing Day sales. Black Friday sales were a way to get people shopping at the start of the holiday season and Boxing Day sales helped retailers get rid of extra stock they had hoped to sell during the holidays but didn’t.

However, I’ve noticed a big shift in Canada away from Boxing Day sales. You’ll still see a few Canadian retailers doing Boxing Day sales, but many do not. As well, the deals on Boxing Day don’t tend to be as good. Instead, most outdoor stores wait until the end of winter and then have a big sale.

All of that is to say, when it comes to outdoor gear, I think you’ll get the best deal when you buy on Black Friday or if you want for end of winter sales (usually in late March). Don’t hold on Black Friday thinking you’ll get a better deal on Boxing Day. That hasn’t been a helpful strategy for at least 15 years.

How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Good Deal

Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Do your research before you buy. Make sure the gear you buy is the right size and works for your style of hiking or backpacking. Be sure to read reviews. Make sure you buy from companies with good return policies.

Some retailers will offer seemingly insane deals on gear from brands you’ve never heard of. Do your research. These are often knock-off brands that sell things super-cheap anyway.

The best Black Friday deals for hikers are on brand name gear that doesn’t usually go on sale otherwise. Be wary of deep discounts on last year’s gear – it likely was on sale before Black Friday. Save your money for the deals that are actually good – not the ones that just LOOK good.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this list of the best Black Friday deals for hikers helpful. (And I hope you snag some sweet gear!) Have you spotted any other good Black Friday deals on hiking and backpacking gear? Tell me in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

MORE GEAR POSTS:

The post 2025 Black Friday Deals for Hikers appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

10 Best Canadian Hiking Gear Gifts in 2025

Taryn Eyton — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:22:49 +0000

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.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for over 20 years, I’ve written two hiking guidebooks, and I spent over a decade working in outdoor retail (including seven years as a copywriter at a head office), so I know a ton about hiking gear.

Everything on this list of Canadian hiking gear gifts are things that I have personally used and loved. No gimmicks or stupid gadgets – just quality gear from Canadian companies that I want to support. (Check out my list of Canadian hiking gear brands for dozens of other companies you can buy from.)

I’ve got a variety of recommendations from budget to splurge, so there’s something for everyone.

Hey there: I bought most of the gear in this post with my own money, a few a products were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut so you can be sure I only share info about products that I really use and love. As well, 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

West Coast Kitchen Backpacking Meals

Enjoying the West Coaster pasta from West Coast Kitchen on the Skoki Loop in Banff

I’ve tried a lot of backpacking meals, with varied results. In the last few years, a few different Canadian companies have started making their own backpacking meals.

So far, I’ve tried Nomad Nutrition (Vancouver) and Happy Yak (Quebec). I also have plans to try Wanderlust Kitchen (Ontario), and SLY Foods (Quebec).

But my favourite meals I’ve tried to date are from West Coast Kitchen on Vancouver Island. In particular, their West Coaster pasta is amazing – creamy sauce with mushrooms, capers, and bacon!

Their meals are freeze-dried instead of dehydrated, which means they are more flavourful and rehydrate faster.

MEC Spark UL Tent

My MEC Spark tent on the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park

I own quite a few tents, including some expensive ultralight ones (Big Agnes Copper Spur and Zpacks Triplex). But by far the best value for features tent I own is the MEC Spark UL tent. I have the 1-person version and use it on solo trips, but they also make 2-person and 3-person versions.

Yes, it’s not lighter than an ultralight single-wall trekking pole tent that uses high-end Dyneema fabric. But it is crazy light for a conventional double-wall free-standing tent. The 1-person version weighs just 979g. It also packs down super small, which my husband loves when he takes it bikepacking.

Not only is it lighter than its biggest competitors (Big Agnes Copper Spur and MSR Hubba Hubba, both of which I own and love), but it is significantly cheaper, too. Plus, it’s made by MEC, a Canadian company headquartered in Vancouver.

It also has a few thoughtful features that I love. Instead of a zipper on the vestibule, it uses tiny magnets, which I find so much easier to use. It also has a great stuff sack that rolls up and then cinches, so I can get it packed up super tight. It made my list of my favourite gear of 2025.

Fox 40 Classic Whistle

You can see my purple Fox 40 whistle on the right shoulder of my backpack in this photo of the mud on the North Coast Trail.

I have a Fox 40 Classic Whistle attached to the shoulder strap of every backpack I own. They cost just a few dollars and are super loud. They also work well when it’s wet or freezing out.

Many people don’t know this, but a signal whistle is one of the best pieces of safety gear for hikers – it’s part of the 10 essentials that you should bring on every hike. Your voice doesn’t carry very far, and you’ll get hoarse if you shout for help for too long. But you can comfortably blow a loud whistle for hours!

Fox 40 has been making whistles in Ontario since 1987. The company is owned and run by the Foxcraft family, hence the “fox” in Fox 40.

J.B. Field’s Super-Wool Hiker GX Socks

J.B. Field’s is the flagship brand of the Great Canadian Sock Company, which has been making socks in Ontario since 1934. My husband loves their Hiker GX Merino Wool hiking socks. I find them a bit thick for summer use, but I wear them in the winter.

These socks are made of 74% merino wool, blended with nylon and spandex. I find them super durable, and the knitted band across the middle of the foot provides a great fit.

The biggest advantage of these socks is the price. They are easily $10 to $15 cheaper than popular merino wool socks from Smartwool or Icebre a ker. And they are made in Canada! You can’t go wrong with these as a Canadian hiking gear gift.

Ciele Athletics GoCap or ALZCap

Wearing my Ciele ALZCap at Joffre Lakes

Ciele Athletics is a Montreal-based running brand. After recommendations from a few friends, I tried out their running hats a few years ago. Honestly, these are the best baseball cap-style hats I’ve ever worn for hiking. I now own three of them!

There are a few reasons why I love these hats: First, they are incredibly lightweight. Second, they breathe well, so I don’t overheat. And lastly, and probably most importantly for me, they wick sweat well, but they also dry really quickly. I found that other hats soaked up water and stayed wet and clammy for hours.

I wear one of these hats on pretty much every hike or backpacking trip. If you look through my site, you’ll notice my brightly coloured Ciele hats in every photo of me from the last few years. I have both the GoCap (full-length brim) and the ALZCap (shorter brim).

MEC Boundary Light Down Jacket or Vest

Making breakfast on the West Coast Trail while wearing my MEC Boundary Light vest

I always appreciate how Vancouver-based MEC makes more affordable versions of high-end gear. Their Boundary Light Down Jackets and Vests are a great example of that.

The Boundary Light series uses 700 fill-power down that meets the Responsible Down Standard for animal welfare, which means that the down is traceable and the ducks and geese were never force-fed or live plucked. Typically, you only find RDS down in higher-end garments. (Budget brands don’t talk about where their down comes from.)

In my experience, MEC is also pretty generous in the amount of down they put in their jackets, even lightweight ones like this one. That means that you get a lot of warmth for the weight. I’ve had the vest for a few years, and I’m impressed with how small it packs down and how warm it is.

These jackets and vests are great as a lightweight packable layer you can stash in your backpack, then put on when you stop. I often bring mine on summer trips to wear at night in camp or on fall hikes to layer over a thermal shirt or a fleece.

Buy a Signed Copy From Me

Hiking Guidebooks

Most hiking guidebooks for Canadian destinations are produced by small Canadian publishers. For example, my books were published through Greystone Books, a small publisher in Vancouver.

Supporting hiking guidebook authors is a great way to buy Canadian gear. You’ll get a curated list of hikes and insight from a knowledgeable outdoor writer.

If you’re looking for overnight and multi-day trips near Vancouver, may I suggest my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia? It includes 40 trails within 3 hours of Vancouver and has a variety of trips from easy to very challenging.

Or pick up a copy of Backpacking on Vancouver Island, which I also wrote. It has 35 trips all over the Island, including classics like the West Coast Trail and lots of under-the-radar trails you might not have heard of.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

Icy spring conditions at Elfin Lakes meant lingering snow so I wore my Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras

Here on the West Coast, we get a lot of snow in the mountains each winter, but it is wet snow that is subject to frequent freezing and thawing. That means that the snow is often crusty and icy, so local hikers turn to microspikes more often than they wear snowshoes.

(Read my guide to microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes for tips on when to wear each of these pieces of snow gear.)

I end up wearing my microspikes a few times a week between December and March so I can hike on my local trails here in Squamish.

Vancouver-based Hillsound makes my favourite microspikes – I like them better than the classic Kahtoola version. I prefer the Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra spikes because they have a velcro strap across the forefoot, so I don’t have to worry that they will fall off. The strap also helps me get a better fit with both my trail runners and my big winter boots.

The Hillsound Trail Crampons also have 18 spikes underfoot compared to just 12 on the Kahtoolas, so they have a stronger bite underfoot. And they are a few dollars cheaper!

MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp

Eating breakfast under the MEC Silicone Scout tarp on the Skoki Loop.

I’ve been bringing a lightweight silicone tarp on group backpacking trips for decades. Recently, I upgraded to the MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp in the large size since my 20-year-old tarp was frayed beyond repair, and I wanted to support MEC, a Canadian company. Plus, the price was pretty low for a tarp like this.

It’s big enough to shelter 5 or 6 people for cooking or hanging out in the pouring rain. It saved my backpacking trip on the Skoki Loop last summer since we had afternoon/early evening thunderstorms every day. And it’s on my list of my favourite gear of 2025.

A tarp is such a game-changer on multi-day trips. It gives us a guaranteed dry spot to cook and hang out. It also means that we don’t get as cold and wet while cooking. But the biggest difference for me is the morale boost. Instead of getting bored in my tent by myself when it rains, I can hang out under the tarp with my friends, chatting and playing cards.

The MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp weighs only 415g and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. It has lots of reinforced loops that let you rig it in lots of different configurations.

And it comes with 6 lightweight guylines with tension lockers to get you started. (I still recommend using a few NiteIze Figure 9 biners for the easiest pitch.)

Note: Get the silicone version, not the original Scout tarp. The silicone version is soooo much lighter and more compact. It’s worth the extra money.

Arc’teryx Proton Hoody

Wearing my Arc’teryx Proton Hoody on the summit of Gros Morne Mountain in Newfoundland

The Arc’teryx Proton Hoody is the insulated jacket I reach for the most – it made my list of my favourite gear of 2024. It’s warm without being bulky, and it’s great in all kinds of weather. This is a high-end and technical jacket, designed in North Vancouver, but I wear it so much that the price is worth it.

It uses synthetic insulation and fabric that is really breathable. That means I can keep it on when I’m hiking uphill or working hard, and I won’t overheat. It has more insulation than a lightweight jacket like the Arc’teryx Atom, but it isn’t a full-on parka.

The PrimaLoft insulation has a water repellent treatment, so it doesn’t soak up sweat, and it dries really quickly.

I also like the soft lining fabric, cozy stretchy cuffs, and adjustable hood. It also has a feature that I think more jackets should have: the pockets are set behind the insulation, not in front of it, so your hands stay warmer.

(Note: Arc’teryx has been based in North Vancouver since their inception, but these days they are owned by a parent company that is Finnish and Chinese, so they aren’t purely Canadian.)

Arc’teryx

Final Thoughts

These are just 10 of my fave Canadian hiking gear gifts that I personally recommend. My big list of Canadian hiking gear brands has lots more options.

READ NEXT:

The post 10 Best Canadian Hiking Gear Gifts in 2025 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Best Eco-friendly Gifts for Hikers

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:01:34 +0000

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 result, I know a LOT about hiking gear.

And I know that lately the buzzwords for hiking and camping gear have been “eco-friendly”, “sustainable” and “recycled”. Unfortunately some of the time it’s just marketing – basically, it’s greenwashing.

BUT… lots of the time it’s great companies trying to make a more sustainable product and/or helping their customers replace disposable items in their lives with more eco-friendly ones. Many of those companies also give back to environmental or sustainable non-profits too. And that’s so great to see!

Here’s my list of eco-friendly gifts for hikers and campers. I already own a lot of the items on this list and can vouch for their awesomeness. Each of these items has its own sustainability story and many will help us move towards a zero-waste lifestyle. Progress, not perfection, right?

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

Cotopaxi Batac Del Dia 24L Backpack

Cotopaxi’s Del Dia collection uses left-over fabric scraps that would otherwise go into the garbage to make their backpacks. Their team of sewers gets to choose which fabric goes where, so each pack is totally unique.

And while the Batac backpack looks fun, it’s also totally functional. It has minimalist yet comfortable mesh shoulder straps, a zippered pocet with a sleeve for your phone, and side water bottle pockets. Another thing to feel good about: Cotopaxi also donates 1% of profits to alleviating world poverty.

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

I’ve had a few pairs of Darn Tough hiking socks for about 3 years now, and honestly, they look almost brand new. Which is great for Darn Tough, since they offer a lifetime guarantee on their socks. I love a company that makes durable products!

Darn Tough has also pledged to source all of the merino wool in their socks from farms that meet the Responsible Wool Standard for animal welfare, sustainable land management, and supply chain traceability. Another plus: Darn Tough makes all their socks at their small factory in Vermont.

Humangear GoBites Reusable Utensil Set

On road trips, my husband and I end up eating take-out food more than we’d like. And that means we use a lot of plastic forks and spoons.

That didn’t sit right with me, so we picked up a couple of GoBites reusable utensil sets. We keep them in our car so they are ready to use when we’re on the road. I can’t believe we didn’t get them sooner and I think they’re a great option for eco-friendly gifts for hikers.

Kula Pee Cloth

My Kula Cloth has definitely changed the way I pee outdoors. It’s a reusable and hygienic pee cloth for women. One side is absorbent and anti-microbial while the other side is waterproof. Fold it in half and close it with a snap to keep the dirty side from touching anything else, then clip it onto the outside of your pack to let it dry out in the sun.

Some of the versions even have original prints from female artists! Using a pee cloth takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s so much easier than packing out dirty toilet paper all the time. As a Leave No Trace Master Educator, I recommend the Kula Cloth to women in every workshop I teach.

Valhalla Pure Outfitters Canada

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Single-use plastics are a huge problem. Skip the throw-away water bottle and carry a reusable one instead.

Hydro Flask makes the Cadillac of water bottles. They’re made of high end stainless steel that won’t absorb flavours or odours. And the double-walled construction is vacuum sealed so your water stays cold (or your coffee stays hot) for hours. I carry mine around everywhere and joke that it’s my emotional support water bottle.

Through their Parks for All initiative, Hydro Flask supports non-profit organizations focused on providing better access to parks for everyone. These bottles last forEVER so they are great environmentally-friendly gifts for hikers.

Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Patagonia is pretty much setting the gold standard when it comes to eco-friendly apparel for hikers. Their Re-Tool Snap-T fleece is a great example of their commitment to sustainability: it’s made of recycled polyester, it’s sewn in a Fair Trade factory, and the fabric is bluesign approved. (Bluesign is a textile standard that seeks to remove harmful chemicals from the manufacturing process.)

This cozy pullover is my go-to for chilly nights at the campsite or fall hikes. Honestly, I wear it all the time for working from my home office or casual beers with friends too. The stand-out feature for me is the hidden kangaroo pocket. It holds my phone and keeps my hands warm. I actually own two of these… and I kinda want to get another one.

Patagonia

Patagonia Canada

Tent Lab The Deuce Trowel

I’m pretty passionate about Leave No Trace. Unfortunately, one of the ways that people leave a trace in the outdoors is human waste. Yup, poop. However, it’s a really simple problem to solve if you’re prepared. (Here’s more info about how to go to the bathroom in the woods if you’re curious.)

I carry this tiny and lightweight Deuce Trowel on most hiking trips so I can dig a quick cat hole when I have to go to the bathroom. At only 17g (0.6oz) it’s practically weightless. And since it’s made of aluminum, it digs waaay better than plastic shovels.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody

For years, Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer Jackets have been the favourite puffy jacket for ultralight hikers and backpackers. They’re feather-light, pack down really small, and are super warm.

Recently, Mountain Hardwear gave them an eco-friendly overhaul. The exterior fabric is now 100% recycled. And the 800-fill down interior meets the Responsible Down Standard for animal welfare. That means the geese were never force-fed or live-plucked, both practices that are shockingly common in the poultry industry. The whole jacket is still staggeringly light at just 250g (8.8 oz).

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear Canada

YETI Rambler Tumbler Reusable Mug

My YETI Rambler has custom art from Jessa Gilbert on it. I took it on a road trip with MEC’s vintage VW bus!

Sadly, paper coffee cups are one of the main sources of litter found on our trails, beaches, and streets. And it takes a lot of trees to make all those cups. Pick up a reusable coffee mug and be part of the solution.

I’ve been using my YETI Rambler mug for the last few years and I can’t believe how well it insulates! I’ve picked up iced coffee in it in the morning, then still had a bit of ice in it 12 hours later! It’s made of double-walled 18/8 stainless steel with a vacuum seal that keeps hot things hot and cold things cold for hours!

The magnetic sliding lid is easy to use and the lid is made of BPA-free plastic. And thankfully, the whole thing can go in the dishwasher.

Organic and Fair Trade Chocolate

Chocolate is one of my favourite hiking snacks. But the chocolate industry has been plagued with unethical labour practices and unsustainable farming.

A few companies are aiming to change that. Theo Chocolate and Zazubean make chocolate that is certified Fair Trade, organic and non-GMO. It’s also amazingly delicious.

Humangear GoToob Refillable Squeeze Bottles

I used to buy travel-sized toiletries to take camping, but then I discovered GoToobs.

They are refillable silicone squeeze bottles that come in a bunch of sizes. They even have a folding loop that locks the cap in place so it can’t leak. Originally I bought them for sunscreen, but I realized they are great for using in my camp kitchen too. Hot sauce anyone?

Buff Multifunctional Headwear

It’s no secret that I love Buffs. I bring one on pretty much every hike since you can wear it as an ear warmer, neck gaiter, headband, beanie, and lots more options. A buff is one of my picks for the best stocking stuffers for hikers.

Buffs are made with recycled polyester from single-use plastic bottles, which helps reduce the amount of plastic trash in our world. They come in a seemingly infinite number of colours and patterns too.

Tenacious Tape

It’s easy to get tears and rips in your hiking jackets, tents, and sleeping bags. Instead of throwing them away, repair your hiking gear instead. I always carry a small roll of Tenacious Tape. It sticks to all kinds of high-tech outdoor fabrics (even better than duct tape) and lasts a long time. Its a great way to give old gear new life.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Old-school sunscreens are full of things that we now know are not great for our bodies and are pretty terrible for the planet. Lately I’ve been loving Sun Bum sunscreens, especially the easy-to-use face sticks.

They are water-resistant so they stand-up to sweat and swimming. And they also don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two ingredients banned under Hawaii’s Bill 2571 since they damage fragile coral reefs.

MEC Canada

Hiking App Subscriptions

Map showing my routes to Russet Lake made in Gaia GPS.

Help keep them on track with a subscription to a hiking app – they are great no-waste gifts. AllTrails Plus has tons of trail options all over the world. With a subscription, you get access to offline maps and can get alerts when you make a wrong turn.

For navigation, you can’t beat Gaia GPS. It’s my go-to app for easy-to-read maps with tons of overlays like satellite photos, slope angle, and more.

AllTrails Plus

Gaia GPS

Outdoorsy Books

Books are always a great gift. (And if you want to avoid giving paper, you can always get them an ebook.) One of my favourite book genres adventure memoir. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out my list of the best Canadian adventure books or my list of the best adventure books by female authors.

I’ll also take a minute to plug my books, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island. They each have details for dozens of backpacking trips. I might be biased, but I think they are awesome books.

Get my books

Plan an Adventure Together

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Collect memories, not things”. (Soooo many Instagram captions, right?) It’s easy to get caught up in a shopping frenzy during the holidays.

Give the gift of an adventure rather than a thing. Plan a hike together. Make a camping reservation. Sign up for that rock climbing course you’ve both always wanted to take. Register for a photography class. There are tons of options!

Make a Donation

Give back this holiday. Many non-profit organizations rely on donations to keep doing their important work. Find an organization with a cause that matters to the person you’re shopping for.

Here are some great outdoor-related non-profits to support: Leave No Trace (or Leave No Trace Canada), the American Avalanche Association (or Avalanche Canada), Protect Our Winters, She Jumps, the Sierra Club, and the Nature Conservancy. As well, consider donating to local organizations such as your regional search and rescue team or the advocacy group for your local park.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found some great gift ideas for the hiker on your list. I’m sure they’ll enjoy one of these eco-friendly gifts for hikers. Do you have any sustainable outdoor gift ideas? Leave them in the comments.

More Gift Ideas for Hikers:

More Gear Advice

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Best Gifts for Snowshoers in 2025 (25+ Ideas)

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:30:25 +0000

As a hiker, my winter sport of choice is snowshoeing since it’s so easy to do. I’m sure the hikers on your shopping list snowshoe too (or would love to try). Give the gift of outdoor adventure this year and get them some snowshoeing gear.

I’ve been snowshoeing for over two decades so I know a thing or two about what kinds of things snowshoers like. Here is my list of the best gifts for snowshoers. There’s something for every snowshoer on this list, from beginner to expert, and snowshoeing gifts for every budget.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $25

Handwarmers

Snowshoeing can get chilly so give the gift of warmth. A couple packs of these chemical handwarmers make a great stocking stuffer. (I’ve got lots of other outdoorsy stocking stuffer ideas if you need them!) Or splurge on a rechargeable electric handwarmer that they can use again and again.

Wool Hiking Socks

Keep their feet warm and comfortable on snowshoe trips. I always wear Smartwool merino wool blend hiking socks since they wick sweat, don’t chafe, and keep me warm. My favourites are the Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion. (Psst: good socks are sooo important. Read my tips for preventing blisters.)

Eat-on-the-Go Snacks

The best snacks for snowshoeing are ones you can eat on the go and ones that don’t freeze. Nuts, dried fruit, and jerky all hold up well in cold weather. Or hit the bulk section at the grocery store and put together a custom trail mix with all their favourite things. So far I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like dried mango!

Snowshoeing Guidebook

Need more ideas about where to go snowshoeing? Pick up a guide book for their area. I use this one for Vancouver, but there are great ones for pretty much anywhere that gets winter weather.

Merino Wool Buff/Neck Tube

I bring a merino wool buff, also known as a neck tube or neck gaiter on pretty much every hiking, camping, or snowshoeing trip.

You can wear them around your neck, but there are also tons of other ways to wear them. I like to fold them over into a headband to keep my ears warm.

They are super soft and warm without being too heavy. I have this Smartwool one since I LOVE the tree pattern, but you can get Buff merino wool neck tubes in lots of different colour and pattern options.

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $50

Foam Seat Pad

Sitting in the snow to take breaks can be cold and wet. I always pack this super light Therm-a-rest foam seat pad. It folds down accordion-style so it doesn’t take up much room in my pack and I can pull it out in seconds. It’s also great to have to kneel on while I put on snowshoes at the trailhead.

Budget tip: The Forclaz Trekking Foam Seat from Decathlon is MUCH cheaper and is nearly identical. The foam also feels a bit more substantial but it isn’t any heavier.

Decathlon

Beanie Hat in Fun Colours or Designs

Wearing my Smartwool reversible beanie. Except since I’m Canadian, I call it a toque.

Known as a toque in Canada, a beanie hat is an essential piece of snowshoeing kit. You lose a lot of heat through your head! Get them a fun one that they will be excited to wear.

Some ideas: their favourite sports team or an fun pattern. I have this reversible Smartwool hat that lets me have two different looks.

Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important while you are snowshoeing, but it can be tough if your water keeps freezing. I used to try to use hydration bladders or plastic water bottles, but they kept icing up.

A few years ago, I switched to a double-walled Hydro flask bottle. So far my water hasn’t frozen! I also use it daily since it keeps my water cold. It goes everywhere with me and I jokingly refer to it as my emotional support water bottle.

Thermos or Insulated Food Jar

Enjoying hot chocolate from my Thermos at Garibaldi Lake

Warm-up on the trail with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even some soup. I have this basic no-name Thermos for liquids. It keeps my tea warm for hours. (And if you’re going to give the gift of a thermos… make sure you throw in a couple packets of hot chocolate to go with it!)

For eating hot lunches (think pasta, soup, or chili), I use go a wide mouth Hydroflask insulated food jar.

MEC Canada

Snowshoe Carry Bag

Snowshoes have sharp points that can snag on gear or the interior of your car. I pack mine inside an old, discontinued snowshoe carry bag to minimize damage. The snowshoe bag I have is pretty minimalist, but I’ve seen nicer MSR snowshoe bags that have a mesh panel so your snowshoes can dry off.

Budget tip: There are a few cheaper versions on Amazon.)

Windproof Fleece Gloves

I usually carry two pairs of gloves when I snowshoe: a pair of super warm ski gloves and a lightweight pair of windproof fleece gloves.

I find I wear the fleece ones way more often since it’s easy to overheat in the ski gloves. The fleece is good for a bit of warmth, but the real benefit here is the lightweight windproof fabric. Mine are an older version of these MEC ones.

Polarized Sunglasses

When it’s sunny, the rays bouncing off the snow can be blinding… literally. (Read up on snowblindness if you haven’t heard of it.) I always bring sunglasses on snowshoe trips to protect my eyes. I like polarized sunglasses since they cut the glare and offer better clarity than traditional lenses.

Polarized sunglasses are often stupidly expensive, which is why I was happy to discover these ones from Goodr. They have a classic look that I like, they last a long time, and they don’t cost a lot.

Budget tip: Amazon has tons of inexpensive polarized sunglasses.

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $100

Headlamp

It gets dark early in the winter, but if you bring a headlamp, you can extend your snowshoe trip. One of my favourite things to do is watch the sunset, then snowshoe back to the trailhead in the dark.

I also always pack a headlamp when I go snowshoeing, just in case the hike takes long than I planned. I use this Petzl headlamp. It’s really bright, water-resistant, and super-dependable.

Gaiters

Wearing my gaiters snowshoeing.

Nothing is worse than snow trickling down into your boot. I always wear gaiters when I snowshoe to close the gap between the top of my boot and the bottom of my pants. You can also use them in the summer to keep mud, sand, and gravel out of your boots while hiking.

I like these MEC Gore Tex gaiters since they aren’t too hot. Plus they have a velcro closure which is easy to use with gloves on. For snowshoeing, any tall waterproof or water-resistant gaiters will work, but the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gore-Tex Gaiters are the gold standard.

Park or Trail Pass

Depending on where you want to go snowshoeing, you may need a National Park pass or a trail pass for your local area. Some ski hills also have snowshoe trail networks. An annual pass makes a great gift since you know it’s something they’ll use over and over. You can buy passes for national parks, state recreation areas, and national forests at local parks offices or at REI.

Microspikes (Mini-Crampons)

There wasn’t as much snow as I anticipated on this trip so I wore my microspikes instead of my snowshoes. I’m also wearing my MEC gaiters, polarized sunglasses, and a merino wool buff as a headband.

I spend most of my time snowshoeing in BC’s Coastal Mountains. We often get hard-packed and icy snow which means that I don’t always need my snowshoes for flotation. But I do need traction underfoot. That’s why I usually bring both my snowshoes and my microspikes since I never know what the conditions are going to be like.

The microspikes are a big game-changer for me: They are mini-crampons that grip really well on icy and packed snow, so they add a lot of safety on steep slopes. In general, snowshoeing is pretty safe, but it’s easier than you think to get into trouble. Read my tips for snowshoeing safety.

Curious about the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes and when to wear them? I got you covered in this guide to winter traction devices.

Budget option: These knock-offs on Amazon get great reviews, although they aren’t as rugged. But they sure are cheaper!

Jetboil Stove

One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to warm up while snowshoeing is to whip up a hot meal or a fresh cup of coffee. The tiny Jetboil stove systems integrate the stove and pot into one sleek unit so they disappear inside a backpack. They are also super-efficient and designed to conserve fuel in cold temperatures.

Insulated Skirt

Wearing my insulated skirt on a snowshoeing trip.

I know insulated skirts sound a bit crazy, but hear me out! Women feel the cold more than men, especially in our core and upper legs. It’s easy to put on a warm jacket to warm up our core, but what about our legs?

Enter the insulated skirt. A friend recommended them and I tried one for the first time a few years ago. Such a great idea! They pack down small so you can pull them out of your backpack to warm up when you take breaks. Mine is this Smartwool one.

Base Layers

Staying warm and dry while snowshoeing starts with base layers. I wear these super soft merino wool ones from Smartwool. They wick sweat and keep me warm without adding too much bulk. (Also I love the cute patterns.) Not sure what to wear snowshoeing? Read my guide to snowshoeing clothing.

Best Gifts for Snowshoers Under $200

Budget Snowshoes

The best gift for snowshoers is… snowshoes. Hahaha yup. My husband actually bought me my first pair of snowshoes the first Christmas we were dating. (Before that, I had always rented.)

If you’re buying someone their very first pair, I recommend these all-purpose budget snowshoes from MSR. (Not sure how to shop for snowshoes? Read my how to choose snowshoes guide.)

Winter Backpack

Wearing my Deuter backpack on a snowshoe trip

You can use any old hiking backpack to go snowshoeing, but I love using the winter-specific Deuter Freerider. Sometimes you have to walk a few minutes (or hours) up the mountain to get to the snowline and being able to lash my snowshoes to my backpack easily is a huge plus.

Look for packs with snowboard straps – they work best for carrying snowshoes. Another great winter feature: no mesh that can collect snow.

Trekking Poles

Snowshoeing is waaaay better with poles. They help you keep your balance and reduce the impact on your knees. I use adjustable height trekking poles for backpacking in the summer, then in the winter, I put snow baskets on them to use for snowshoeing.

Make sure you get ones that have snow baskets or buy the snow basket accessory – otherwise they will just sink into the snow! I have these Black Diamond ones and I love that they have foam grips below the handles so I have lots of hand position options.

Insulated Hiking Boots

If you snowshoe in really cold weather or get cold feet, you’ll want to snowshoe in insulated boots. Regular winter boots don’t have the ankle support you need for snowshoeing so grab them some insulated hiking boots instead.

They have the same support and grip as regular hiking boots, but with a thin layer of insulation inside. I wear these insulated Salomon boots. Need more recommendations? I wrote a whole guide to the best boots for snowshoeing.

Best Splurge Gifts for Snowshoers (Over $200)

Heated Socks

If the snowshoer on your Christmas list gets cold feet, treat them to some heated socks. They can even control the temperature from an app on their phone! They provide better heat than disposable toe warmers and are much more low profile inside boots.

Budget Option: There are lots of heated socks on Amazon. They aren’t as good as the high end ones since they aren’t as reliable, the batteries don’t last as long, and they don’t have a phone app to control them. But they are much more affordable.

Ultralight Snowshoes

My MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes propped up for a photo shoot

If money is no object, get them the best snowshoes on the market. I got a pair of these super-lightweight MSR snowshoes a few years ago and can’t believe I didn’t get them earlier.

So much more comfortable to wear and LOTS of traction for steep slopes. These are a definite must for serious snowshoers, especially if they are heading to the mountains.

(Not sure how to shop for snowshoes? Read my how to choose snowshoes guide.)

Breathable Insulated Jacket

Snowshoeing can get your heart rate up, which can make you warm and sweaty. But it’s also cold outside, so you want to stay warm.

The secret is a breathable insulated jacket. It keeps you from getting too sweaty by using a breathable fabric and synthetic insulation to let sweat out. But it also traps warm air so you don’t get chilled. I love my Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis jacket for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear Canada

Satellite Messenger

Being able to call for help in the wilderness is important. I’ve had the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite messenger for a few years. It lets you send text messengers via satellite to let loved ones at home know you are OK, or that you will be late.

And it also has an SOS button so you can summon search and rescue in an emergency. It’s not cheap, and you need to pair it with a monthly service plan, but it’s a great piece of safety kit.

Avalanche Safety Gear

If they’re snowshoeing in the mountains, they’re snowshoeing in avalanche terrain. Help keep them safe by making sure they have essential avalanche safety gear: a probe and transceiver to help locate them or their companions if they get buried, and a collapsible shovel to dig them out.

This avalanche safety gear bundle from Backcountry Access includes all three.

Avalanche Safety Course

Buying avalanche safety course is not that helpful without knowing how to use it. Buy them a gift certificate for a basic avalanche safety course.

They’ll learn how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain and how to search for and recover avalanche victims. When I took my course a few years ago I was shocked to learn how many unsafe places I had unknowingly snowshoed!

In the USA find course providers through avalanche.org. In Canada, check avalanche.ca.

Final Thoughts

So that’s all of my recommendations for the best gifts for snowshoers. Do you have any other suggestions for snowshoeing gifts? Leave them in the comments.

MORE GIFT GUIDES:

MORE SNOWSHOEING POSTS:

The post Best Gifts for Snowshoers in 2025 (25+ Ideas) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

40 Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2025

Taryn Eyton — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:20:53 +0000

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.

No matter whether the person on you are buying for is a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’ll find something on this list of backpacking gifts for them. All of these items are things I have personally used and recommend. It’s all quality gear – no gimmicks or stupid gadgets.

My list of over 40 gifts for backpackers includes:

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

Budget Gifts for Backpackers (Under $50)

Backpacking Guidebooks

Give them the gift of more adventure ideas. Backpacking guidebooks are a great way to learn about new destinations and they have lots of info on permits, campsites, and recommended itineraries.

If you’re buying for someone in Canada, make sure you get them my books, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island. (Sorry for the shameless plug – I can’t help it!)

Get a signed copy

Kula Cloth

Kula Cloth has definitely changed the way I pee outdoors. As a Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor, I recommend the Kula Cloth in every workshop I teach. It’s a reusable and hygienic pee cloth for women so you don’t have to use so much toilet paper.

One side is absorbent and anti-microbial for wiping and the other is waterproof. Fold it in half and close it with a snap to keep the dirty side from touching anything else, then clip it onto the outside of your pack to let it dry out in the sun.

Smartwool Hiking Socks

Quality hiking socks can be the difference between happy feet and horrible blister-covered feet. (Trust me. I’ve been there. It’s not pretty.) Durable, wool-blend hiking socks are the answer. My favourites are the Smartwool Performance Hike Light Socks. They are thin so they don’t get too hot.

Buff

Fabric tube scarves, often known as buffs are pretty awesome. You can wear them as a scarf, a hat, an ear warmer, a headband, a balaclava, an eye mask and more. I bring one on every trip.

Tent Lab The Deuce Trowel

I’m pretty passionate about Leave No Trace. Unfortunately, one of the ways that people leave a trace in the outdoors is human waste. Yup, poop. However, it’s a really simple problem to solve if you’re prepared. (Here’s more info about how to go to the bathroom in the woods if you’re curious.)

I carry the tiny and lightweight Tent Lab The Deuce Trowel on most hiking trips so I can dig a quick cat hole when I have to go to the bathroom. At only 17g (0.6oz) it’s practically weightless. And since it’s made of aluminum, it digs waaay better than plastic shovels.

Opinel Pocket Knife

Every backpacker needs a good knife. It doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Opinel makes quality knives with a classic design. They’re compact, lightweight, and fairly inexpensive too.

Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat

I never go on a backpacking trip without a hat. I want one that provides shade from the sun and has a brim to help keep the rain off on wet days.

The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is my go-to hat for backpacking trips. It has a wide curved brim in front and a neck shield in the back. My favourite feature: slots in the brim hold my sunglasses so I don’t drop them!

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

Snobby drinkers can’t stomach drip coffee, even on a backpacking trip. That’s where this travel-sized AeroPress coffee maker comes in. It makes delicious espresso or cold-brew-style coffee. The entire set-up nests together inside the included mug. My husband brings his travel-sized Aeropress on most backpacking trips.

Gaia GPS Premium Subscription

My favourite hiking app is Gaia GPS. I have a premium subscription that gives you access to all kinds of detailed maps. You can also use layers to see things like slope angle, snow depth, Indigenous territory, and more. This is the app I rely on most for navigation.

Psst! Use the link below to save 10% off a Gaia GPS premium subscription.

Gaia GPS

Backpacking Meals

Dehydrated and freeze-dried backpacking meals are a quick and easy way to make dinner on a backpacking trip. There are lots of delicious options out there, but I like the ones from Mountain House and Peak Refuel best.

Jetboil Crunchit Fuel Canister Recycling Tool

Canister stoves are easy to use, but the downside is finding a way to dispose of the empty canisters. In many places they are recyclable, but you have to puncture them first. The Jetboil Crunchit tool makes that easy.

Goal Zero Flip 36 Power Bank

The little Goal Zero Flip 36 power bank has enough juice to charge my iPhone three times. Combined with the power-save mode on my phone, that means my phone can last for a week-long backpacking trip where I use it for photos and to run Gaia GPS for navigation. It’s pretty light too.

ThermoWorks ThermoDrop Zipper-Pull Thermometer

One of the keys to my backpacking gear systems is a thermometer. I like to know how cold it is so I can determine how well my gear worked at that temperature. Last year I upgraded from a cheap thermometer to the ThermoDrop.

My favourite part – it has a memory feature so it can display the min and max temperature since the last time it was turned on. That means I know how cold it got overnight!

ThermoWorks

Gifts for Backpackers Under $100

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

I used to sleep with my extra clothes bunched under my head. I splurged on the Sea to Summit Aeros Down inflatable pillow a few years ago and I don’t know why I waited so long to get one.

It weighs almost nothing (2.5 oz/71g) and packs down to the size of a mandarin orange. It has a thin layer of down on the top and then an inflatable chamber underneath. The down pillow top makes it so much more comfortable than other inflatable pillows I’ve tried.

National Parks Pass

An annual national parks pass makes a great gift. The America the Beautiful Pass gets a vehicle’s worth of people into over 2000 federation recreation sites and all the national parks.

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter

The tiny Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is the filter I pack for solo trips or as a backup when I’m going with a group. (My fave filter for groups is the Platypus Gravityworks, below). It weights almost nothing, filters quickly by squeezing the bottle, and is easy to use.

Petzl Bindi Headlamp

I take the tiny Petzl Bindi headlamp on every backpacking trip. It’s not the brightest one out there, but it’s plenty bright enough for tent chores and finding the outhouse in the middle of the night. It only weighs 1.2 oz (35g) too!

BearVault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Container

Constructing a proper bear-proof food hang in a tree can be tricky and time-consuming. And in some areas, it’s just impossible since the trees are too small or there aren’t any trees. I use my BearVault canister whenever I backpack above treeline.

Its locking lid requires thumbs to open, which thankfully, bears don’t have. I like the see-through design since it makes organization easier.

MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe Stove

The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe is my favourite stove. (My husband loves backpacking stoves so I’ve tried tons of them.) It’s really easy to use and the built-in piezo igniter makes lighting it easy. It also has a built-in pressure regulator so it puts out a consistent flame. It’s also really tiny – it fits inside a mug!

Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Mug

The Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Mug is definitely a splurge, but I love it. It’s made of titanium, which makes it super light. And the double-wall construction keeps my morning tea warm for a long time – I like to sip it slowly while I pack up. The folding handles make it easy to shove in my backpack.

Prana Halle or Stretch Zion Hiking Pants

Prana’s Halle pants are my favourite hiking pants. They’re made with a slightly stretchy fabric that moves well but stands up to abrasion. They have a DWR coating to resist moisture and dry quickly. And they have lots of functional pockets. They come in plus-sizes too, which is great.

The Stretch Zion pants are the men’s version. One of my guy friends likes them so much he owns four pairs!

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

If you backpack with a camera, you know it can be tough to figure out how to carry it. I got a Peak Design Capture Clip to hold my Sony mirrorless camera a few years ago and it has made backcountry photography soooo much easier.

The clip clamps onto your backpack’s shoulder strap, and then a spring-loaded, lockable mechanism secures your camera to the clip using your tripod plate.

Nesco Snackmaster Food Dehydrator

Pre-packed dehydrated backpacking meals can be expensive. But it’s really easy to make your own meals at home, then dehydrate them. I’ve had a basic Nesco dehydrator for over 10 years. It’s really easy to use. And since it’s a basic model, it’s good for beginners and cheaper than other dehydrators.

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

I do a lot of hiking above the treeline where I’m exposed to the full strength of the sun. I also sweat a lot, which makes it hard to keep sunscreen on. For the last two summers I’ve been wearing a sun hoodie instead of sunscreen and I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner.

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is one of my favourite sun hoodies. The fabric is thin and breathable so I don’t overheat, even though I’m wearing long sleeves and a hood. Even though the Echo doesn’t provide as much UPF sun protection as other hoodies, I like the fabric better since it isn’t hot to wear.

Kahtoola Microspikes

I got a pair of the Kahtoola Microspikes a few years ago and they have changed the way I hike in winter. They slip easily over my hiking boots or trail runners and the spikes underfoot provide great traction on ice or packed snow.

And unlike some of the items on this list, you won’t have have to wait until summer to use them!

Gifts for Backpackers Under $200

Ursack Major Bear-Resistant Food Sack

The Ursack Major Bear-Resisant food storage bag is made with Kevlar fibres that stand up to the teeth and claws of bears, raccoons, mice, and other food-stealing critters. If you put your food inside a smell-proof inner bag, you can tie it securely to the trunk of a tree and don’t have to worry about constructing a tricky bear hang. They weigh a lot less than a bear canister too!

Platypus GravityWorks Filter

On backpacking trips, I always bring my Platypus GravityWorks filter. Simply fill up the dirty bag and let gravity do the work of filtering your water while you attend to other camp chores (or just chill out). No annoying pumping or squeezing needed.

The 2L version is great for couples and I recommend the 4L version for groups.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

The lightweight Patagonia Nano Puff jacket adds lots of warmth but packs down small. It uses down-free PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation which keeps you warm even when it gets wet. My husband loves this jacket.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad

If you value a good night’s sleep and a light pack, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad is the perfect compromise. With 2.5″ of thickness, it keeps even side sleepers off the cold, hard ground. And it has an R-value of 4.2, which is enough insulation for everything but winter trips.

Kindle Paperwhite eReader

I love reading in the tent on a backpacking trip. I got my first Kindle eReader over a decade ago since I was tired of hauling books into the backcountry. The newest version has up to 10 weeks of battery life, holds thousands of books, and is waterproof – perfect for backpacking.

Helinox Chair One

A few years ago I couldn’t imagine taking a chair on a backpacking trip. They were just too heavy. But then I tried out the Helinox Chair One. It folds down super small but is still super comfortable to sit in.

At 2 pounds, it’s light enough to bring on chill backpacking trips. (Although my husband brings his on every trip. He says it’s much easier on his back compared to sitting on the ground.)

Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece Jacket

The lightweight Fjallraven Abisko Trail fleece jacket is one of my favourite layering pieces. It uses grid-knit fleece to trap warm air next to your body without adding bulk. I also love the Scandi-styling.

Ultralight Tarp

On longer trips, we always bring an ultralight tarp. That way we can rig up a kitchen shelter or have a dry place to eat lunch in a rainstorm. There are lots of ultralight tarp options out there, but most weigh less than a pound and pack down to the size of a burrito.

Splurge Gifts for Backpackers

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles are the Cadillac of trekking poles: lightweight carbon shafts, comfy cork grips, and easy-to-use FlickLock Pro telescopic adjustments. I love the rubber extension grips for even more hand positions in tricky terrain.

In the winter, add powder baskets (sold separately) and use them for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Being able to call for help in the wilderness is important. I’ve had a Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite messenger for a few years. It lets you send text messengers via satellite to loved ones at home. And it also has an SOS button so you can summon search and rescue in an emergency.

It’s not cheap, and you need to pair it with a monthly service plan, but it’s a great piece of safety kit

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2-Person Tent

A few years ago I got a Big Agnes Copper Spur tent. In my opinion, it’s the best backpacking tent for most people. It’s lightweight, great in bad weather, and has tons of interior room. It’s also much easier to set up and use than truly ultralight trekking pole shelters. I’ve used mine all over BC and the Canadian Rockies.

Gregory Amber 68/Stout 70 Backpack

I’ve had this backpack for a few years now, and I think it’s a great option for most backpackers. It’s neither ultralight nor ultra-burly but it is comfortable to carry. It has a few features that I really like, such as the stretchy mesh outside pocket and a hipbelt pocket that’s big enough to fit my phone.

I have the women’s version called the Amber. The men’s is called the Stout. The 68L and 70L sizes are perfect for week-long trips. On shorter trips, I just cinch down the top of the bag.

Final Thoughts

So those are all my picks for the best gifts for backpackers. Do you have any other suggestions for backpacking gifts? Leave them in the comments.

MORE GIFT GUIDES:

The post 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2025 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Best Boots For Snowshoeing (Winter 2025/26)

Taryn Eyton — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:26:25 +0000

Snowshoeing is a fun and easy winter sport. All you need to get started are some snowshoes and some warm clothing. But one of the questions I get asked all the time is: What are the best boots for snowshoeing? What type of boots should you buy? Which features should snowshoeing boots have? What brands are good?

I’ve been snowshoeing for decades and have put in countless hours on snowshoe trails over the years. I also used to work at an outdoor store, both in the head office and on the store floor, so I know lots about snowshoeing gear.

I’ve put together a complete guide to choosing the best boots for snowshoeing. It has everything you need to know to buy your first pair and it’s totally updated for winter 2025/26. Here’s what you’ll learn:

What type of boots are best for snowshoeing? Should you snowshoe in traditional winter boots, summer hiking boots, or insulated hiking boots?
My recommendations for snowshoeing boots: I’ve got picks for boots that are lightweight, extra warm, budget-priced, for wide feet, and more.
Which features to look for in snowshoeing boots: How important are waterproofing, insulation, support, and fit?
Which snowshoeing boot accessories will help keep you warm and dry? Learn about gaiters, warm socks, thermal insoles, heated socks, and heated insoles.
Snowshoe boots FAQ – All your questions answered.

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

Why You Should Trust My Advice

Snowshoeing in the North Shore Mountains near Vancouver.

I’ve been snowshoeing most of my life. My dad used to take us out on borrowed snowshoes once a year or so. Over 20 years ago, I got my first pair of snowshoes. I’ve been going snowshoeing every winter since then.

I also used to work in the outdoor industry. In my twenties, I spent three years working in an outdoor store helping people choose boots.

Later, I spent six years writing marketing materials at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor retailer. I wrote product descriptions, gear guides, and staff training materials for tons of different products. And one of my areas of expertise was snowshoeing.

So I know A LOT about snowshoeing and which features are actually important when choosing the best boots to wear with snowshoes.

What Type of Boots Do You Need for Snowshoeing?

There are a few types of boots you can wear for snowshoeing: classic winter boots, hiking boots, and insulated hiking boots. Here’s the lowdown on each of them. (Spoiler: I REALLY don’t recommend one of these types of snowshoeing boots.)

Old-Fashioned Winter Boots

Have you ever tried snowshoeing in big and soft old-fashioned winter boots? (Think Pac boots like ones you get from Sorel or Baffin.) They are nice and warm and fit a lot of people, but they offer no support – the whole foot, ankle, and upper is floppy and your foot slides around inside.

On one of the first overnight snowshoeing trips I did years ago, I wore a pair of Baffin winter boots. They were super warm, but I got blisters from my foot sliding around and wrenched my ankle badly a few times since they offered no support. I haven’t worn them snowshoeing since. (But I have worn them for winter car camping and around the city – they’re great for that!)

If you already own old-fashioned winter boots you can use them for snowshoeing if you stick to flat trails and don’t have ankle issues. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I really don’t recommend winter boots for snowshoeing. Read on to learn about better snowshoeing boot options.

Traditional winter boots aren’t great for snowshoeing.

Hiking Boots

If you already own hiking boots, great – you don’t need to buy anything new! As long as they are waterproof, your summer hiking boots will work for snowshoeing. I’ve worn summer hiking boots snowshoeing dozens of times.

If you find your feet are getting cold, warmer socks, heated socks, or special winter insoles can help. (See the accessories section of this post for details on those.)

Hiking boots plus warm socks are often all you will need if it’s not that cold out or you tend to run hot.

Summer hiking boots can work for snowshoeing.

Insulated Winter Hiking Boots

I used my summer hiking boots for snowshoeing for years. Eventually, I found that my feet were always cold, so I switched to a pair of insulated winter hiking boots.

Gear companies often make winter versions of popular hiking boots simply by adding a little bit of synthetic insulation. If you snowshoe a lot, I suggest getting a pair of insulated winter hiking boots.

I never thought I needed them, but now that I have warm snowshoeing boots, my trips are a little bit more pleasant. No more cold toes! I’m definitely a believer: Insulated winter hiking boots are the best boots for snowshoeing.

The best boots for snowshoeing are insulated hiking boots

Best Boots for Snowshoeing

If you’re looking to buy snowshoeing boots, I’ve got a bunch of recommendations in this section for you. These recommendations are based on my personal experience snowshoeing, my years of work in the outdoor industry, and recommendations from my newsletter readers.

Just a heads up that all the boots on this list are insulated hiking boots designed for snowshoeing and winter hiking. You won’t find any regular hiking boots on this list because you probably already own some.

But… if you’re looking for ways to turn your regular hiking boots into snowshoeing boots, scroll down to the snowshoe boot accessories section at the bottom for some tips.

Best Boots for Snowshoeing: Quick Picks

Best All-Around Snowshoeing Boots: Columbia Bugaboot

Best Budget-Priced Snowshoeing Boots: Merrell Thermo Chill Mid

Best Ultra-Durable Snowshoeing Boots: Oboz Bridger Insulated

Best Lightweight Snowshoeing Boots: Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot

Best Snowshoeing Boots for Wide Feet: KEEN Revel IV Polar

Best Extra-Warm Snowshoeing Boots: The North Face Chilkat V

Best Leather-Free Snowshoeing Boots: Salomon Shelter Waterproof

Columbia Bugaboot: Best All-Around Snowshoeing Boots

Columbia’s Bugaboot series has been around for years – they were one of the most popular winter boots I helped people buy back in my boot fitter days. They’re reasonably priced boots that aren’t the highest tech or the lowest weight but are still well made and work great for snowshoeing.

The waterproof uppers are fully seam-sealed to keep moisture out. They have cozy warm synthetic insulation and they use Columbia’s OmniHeat reflective technology to keep the heat your body generates in. I have a different pair of Columbia winter boots for city use that have OmniHeat and it’s shocking how much extra warmth it adds.

The soles and construction of these boots are pretty burly, which means they are a bit heavy and bulky. But for the price and the warmth, the Bugaboots are great all-around winter boots to wear with snowshoes.

Check prices:

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid: Best Budget-Priced Snowshoeing Boots

If you’re looking for insulated hiking boots that won’t break the bank, check out the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid boots. They don’t have as many high-end features as Merrell’s other winter boots, but they still have the basics that make them a great choice for snowshoeing.

The outers are made of leather with a waterproof polyurethane coating and an interior waterproof breathable membrane.

Inside, they have low-bulk insulation to keep you warm. The overall package is fairly lightweight, so they don’t look like bulky winter boots. They also come in both wide and standard widths.

Check prices:

Oboz Bridger Insulated: Best Ultra-Durable Boots for Snowshoeing

Many hikers I know swear by the Oboz Bridger Insulated boots for their summer hikes. They are super-durable, provide lots of ankle support, and are known for their great fit thanks to their slightly wider forefoot. Thankfully for snowshoers, Oboz also makes the Bridger in a winter insulated version.

They’ve taken the regular Bridger and added cozy insulation, a plush lining, and a wool-topped insole with a thermal layer to retain heat. They come in both mid and high top, depending on how much support you like. (The high top version has even more insulation so it’s better for very cold weather or people who get chilled feet easily.)

Oboz is really dedicated to creating boots that fit well, so they adjusted the fit on these boots so that you can buy your regular size but still have enough room for thick winter socks. They come in both wide and standard widths too. That’s thoughtful design!

Check prices:

Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot: Best Lightweight Boots for Snowshoeing

I’ve been wearing the regular version of Salomon’s X Ultra boots for summer hiking for years. (I’m on my third pair.) So Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot (the winter version of those boots) looked like the best snowshoeing boot option for me.

They have lightweight Thinsulate insulation and all of the mesh patches on the summer version are upgraded to full leather for better waterproofing. They’re mid-cut boots with a cushy midsole that feels like a trail runner, so they aren’t very bulky or heavy.

Like most Salomon boots, they have a very forgiving fit that works great for most people’s feet.

Check prices:

KEEN Revel IV Polar: Best Snowshoeing Boots for Wide Feet

Back when I worked as a boot fitter, I saw a lot of people with wide feet who had trouble finding boots. I always recommended they try KEEN boots, and 99% of the time, that was the answer.

KEEN’s most popular winter hiking boot is the Revel IV Polar. Like all KEEN boots, they have an extra-wide toe box and wide fit throughout, making them the best snowshoeing boot for wide feet. Reviewers online and in my FB group with wide feet talk about how well these fit.

The Revel IV Polar comes in both a mid and full height version so you get the amount of ankle support you prefer. It’s a full leather boot with a waterproof breathable internal membrane to keep water out.

To keep you toasty warm, they have compact but cozy synthetic insulation. They also have thermal insoles that reflect your body’s heat back to you.

Check prices:

MORE BOOTS FOR WIDE FEET: The Oboz Bridger Insulated and Merrell Thermo Chill come in standard and wide widths.

The North Face Chilkat V: Best Extra-Warm Boots for Snowshoeing

If you snowshoe in a cold climate, or your feet get cold very easily, you need boots with extra insulation. The North Face Chilkat V boots use 400g synthetic insulation (compared to 200g in most of the other boots on this list), so there is lots of toasty warmth. They’re so warm that The North Face says they are good down to -40!

Other winter-ready features include waterproof leather uppers, soles designed to grip on ice, and cozy faux-fur lining. They even have a built-in D-ring to secure your gaiters.

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More extra-warm snowshoeing boot options: The Salomon Toundra, Oboz Bridger 10″ (men’s), Oboz Bridger 9″ (women’s), and Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus all use 400g insulation too.

Salomon Shelter Waterproof: Best Leather-Free Boots for Snowshoeing

If you’re trying to avoid leather, check out Salomon’s Shelter Waterproof boots. Instead of using leather, these mid-height boots have a synthetic exterior. They also have a waterproof breathable membrane inside to keep you totally dry. For warmth, they have lots of low volume Thinsulate synthetic insulation.

The Shelter boots are a bit less technical than some of the other boots on this list and have less ankle support, but they are they are still a good option casual snowshoeing. Honestly, I had a hard time finding leather-free options so this was the best I could find.

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