How to Choose Gear Archives - Dawn Outdoors

Canadian Hiking Gear Brands to Support

Taryn Eyton — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:01:41 +0000

With a looming trade war with America due to tariffs, I’m starting to rethink where I buy my hiking gear. I want to find some Canadian hiking gear brands to support instead of buying from American companies. I worked in outdoor retail for over a decade, have been hiking my whole life, and have written two backpacking guidebooks, so it’s fair to say that I’ve used a lot of hiking gear over the years.

After doing some research, I came up with a big list of Canadian hiking gear stores as well as Canadian outdoor gear brands. And since it’s not always possible to find what you need from a Canadian company, I’ve also got some recommendations for non-American outdoor gear brands from around the world.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few from this list, especially niche cottage gear brands. If you’ve got any more Canadian brands to recommend, add them in the comments.

PS: If you want to spend less on gear, subscribe to my Canadian Hiking Gear Deals newsletter. It goes out every Friday and features discounted gear for sale in Canadian dollars with shipping to Canada.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Canadian Hiking Gear Stores

Most dedicated hiking and outdoor gear stores in Canada are Canadian-owned and operated. Of course, not everything these stores sell is Canadian (far from it) but at least you can be confident you are supporting a Canadian business.

Here are a few Canadian hiking gear stores:

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

Formerly Mountain Equipment Co-op, MEC is headquartered in Vancouver – all of their staff and designers are in Canada. While they were American owned between 2020 and early 2025, as of May 16, 20205 they are now Canadian owned again. (Read my thoughts on that.)

A pile of MEC gear with logos from the last few decades.

Altitude Sports

Altitude Sports is an online-only outdoor retailer based in Montreal and is still Quebec-owned. Their site even has a dedicated section for Canadian-owned brands. They also have a partner site, The Last Hunt, where they sell discount and clearance gear.

Valhalla Pure Outfitters

I live in Squamish, so I often shop at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, my locally owned outdoor store. VPO has 13 stores across BC but they are individually owned. They also have a pretty robust online store.

SAIL

Headquartered in Quebec, SAIL has 12 stores across Ontario and Quebec and a large online store. They sell hiking gear as well as hunting and fishing equipment.

Atmosphere

Atmosphere has nine stores across BC and has been owned by Canadian Tire since 2011. It’s worth noting that Canadian Tire also owns SportChek and Mark’s, both of which carry a limited amount of hiking and outdoor gear.

Update March 2025: Atmosphere is closing many of their stores and consolidating to mini shops inside existing Sport Check locations. It sounds like they are having the same sort of issues MEC is.

GearTrade.ca

Gear Trade is an Alberta-based online store for niche and ultralight gear. Most of what they sell is imported, but this small business is known for incredible customer-service and is often the only way to get small brands in Canada without expensive shipping from the US.

Local gear stores

Most cities and and outdoor towns have a small independently-owned outdoor store. Supporting your local store over a big business is a great way to foster community and buy Canadian.

Canadian Hiking Gear Brands

Since we live so close to the USA, most of the familiar hiking gear brands are American. However, there are some Canadian options.

Keep in mind that all of these brands are Canadian-owned but the gear they make is mostly made in Asia. There are a few companies making gear in Canada, and I’ve noted that in the brand descriptions below.

To make it easier to find things, I’ve sorted the brands into clothing, gear, and food.

Clothing

7Mesh

Headquartered in my hometown of Squamish, BC, 7Mesh makes mountain bike clothing that also works for hiking – my husband loves their shorts.

Arc’teryx

Based in North Vancouver, Arc’teryx is now owned by Amer Sports (Finland) and Anta Sports (China). They make very high-end rain jackets, puffies, hiking clothing, and more. The synthetic insulated Arc’teryx Proton Hoody made my list of my favourite gear of 2024 and the down Cerium Hoody made my faves list in 2023.

Wearing my Arc’teryx Cerium hoodie at camp at Semaphore Lakes. Photo: Bryony Coombs.

Auclair

A Quebec-based company, Auclair specializes in gloves but also makes hats and socks.

BN3TH

Pronounced beneath, BN3TH makes pouch-style men’s underwear, some of which come in technical fabrics that are good for hiking. They are based in North Vancouver, BC.

Ciele Athletics

Based in Montreal, Ciele Athletics is best known for its running hats, but they also make running clothing. Their GOCap is all I wear for hiking – it made my list of my favourite gear in 2023.

Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen is originally Norwegian and is still headquartered in Oslo. But Canadian Tire bought them in 2018 so they are technically Canadian-owned. They make great ski gear, sailing wear, rain jackets, puffy, jackets, fleece, and hiking clothing. The Helly Hansen Lifa Active Solen Hoodie is one of my picks for the best sun hoodies for hikers.

Update: As of Feb 19, 2024, Helly Hansen is no longer Canadian. Kontoor Brands, an American company, bought them from Canadian Tire.

Wearing the Helly Hansen Solen Hoodie and my Ciele GOCap at Joffre Lakes

Herschel Supply Co.

Historically, Vancouver-based Herschel Supply Co. made very aesthetically pleasing hipster backpacks and bags. However, recently they launched some ultralight and waterproof backpacks for hiing and outdoor use.

Indyeva

Based in Montreal, Indyeva makes women’s clothing. They are best known for their stylish yet super-warm winter jackets. Most of their clothing is fairly non-technical, but they do make a few things that would work for hiking.

J.B. Field’s

Reasonably priced hiking socks made in Ontario. J.B. Field’s are my husband’s go-to socks. Made in Canada.

Karbon

Based in Toronto, Karbon makes ski clothing as well as puffy jackets, shell jackets, and base layers that could work for hiking.

Kombi

Kombi is a family-owned company from Montreal that makes base layers, socks, hats, and gloves.

Kyodan

Based in Montreal, Kyodan is an activewear company that makes some pieces that could work for hiking.

Lululemon

Vancouver-based Lululemon famously makes yoga clothing, but they also make hiking clothing. (It’s worth noting they are owned by a group of investors now – not all of whom are Canadian. Their odious founder, Chip Wilson, no longer has a controlling stake in the company.)

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

While they were American-owned between 2020 and early 2025, they are Canadian-owned again (as discussed above). MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make lots of hiking clothing under the MEC Label: rain jackets, puffy jackets, fleece, hiking pants, hiking shirts, hats, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC clothing. The Rockwall fleece is my go-to mid-layer and it’s on my list of what to wear for winter hiking.

Wearing my MEC Rockwall Fleece on a snowy winter hike at Eagle Bluffs in West Vancouver.

Orage

Orage is a Montreal-based company that makes ski outerwear and puffy jackets.

Saxx Underwear

Saxx Underwear was the first company to offer pouch-style men’s athletic underwear to prevent chafing, Saxx is headquartered in Vancouver. Their Kinetic HD boxer briefs are on my list of the best hiking underwear.

Stanfield’s

Stanfield’s has been making base layers in Nova Scotia for over 100 years. While they are a fairly traditional company, they have merino wool options at fairly reasonable prices. Made in Canada.

Taiga Works

Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes down clothing, rain jackets, and more. Their tech and styles are fairly old-school. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.

Tentree

Based in Vancouver, Tentree is mostly known for their outdoor-styled casual wear. Their name comes from the fact that for every item you puchase, they plant 10 trees. Most of their apparel is cotton, so it’s not technical enough for outdoor use, but they do make a few things with recycled polyester and more hiking-focused featres.

Tilley Endurables

The makers of the famous Tilley travel hats, Tilley Endurables also make hiking and travel clothing. They are Canadian-owned and based in Toronto.

Gear

Aquaquest

Aquaquest is based in Courtenay on Vancouver Island and specializes in tarps and waterproof dry bags, duffles, and other packs.

Coghlan’s

Coghlan’s makes a seemingly unending array of inexpensive car camping gadgets, but it all started with their camp stove toaster attachment. They are still based in Winnipeg. Their mini thermometer is one of my picks for the best stocking stuffers for hikers.

Durston Gear

Founded by prolific thru-hiker Dan Durston, Durston Gear is headquartered in Golden BC. They make innovative ultralight tents and backpacks. Their gear is beloved in the ultralight community.

GV Snowshoes

Quebec City-based GV Snowshoes has been making snowshoes for over 50 years.

Fox 40

Based in Ontario, Fox 40 makes the best emergency whistles out there. Their Classic Whistle is what I recommend you carry for a signal device as part of the 10 essentials.

Hennessy Hammock

Hennessy Hammock was one of the early pioneers of hammock-tents. They are based on Galiano Island, BC.

Hillsound Equipment

Based in Vancouver, Hillsound Equipment‘s most famous product is their trail crampons (like microspikes) but they also make a few other niche products like gaiters, a foldable stool, and backpack-shaped packing cubes. (Their trail crampon ultras are my preferred spikes option – they made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.)

Hotcore

Based in the Vancouver area, Hotcore makes affordable sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents.

Little Shop of Hammocks

Little Shop of Hammocks makes sewn-to-order hammocks and quilts out of their Saskatoon headquarters. Made in Canada.

MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)

While they were American-owned between 2020 and early 2025, they are Canadian-owned again (as discussed above). MEC‘s headquarters and designers are in Vancouver. They make gear under the MEC Label: tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, and more. Over the years I’ve used and loved tons of MEC gear. Their Zephyr 65L backpacking pack is a great Osprey dupe and is on my list of my favourite gear from 2023.

Wearing my MEC Zephyr 65L backpacking pack on the hike past Marvel Lake to Mount Assiniboine.

Mustang Survival

Mustang Survival makes PFDs and clothing for boating including rainwear. Their headquarters is in Vancouver.

Norda

Based in Quebec, Norda makes high-end trail running shoes made with innovative materials like Dyneema.

Northern Ultralight

Northern Ultralight is a cottage gear company based in Nelson, BC. They make ultralight packs. I actually met their founders coincidentally on a backpacking trip in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park a few years ago – super nice people. Made in Canada.

Taiga Works

Designed and made in Vancouver, Taiga Works makes clothing (see above) as well as sleeping bags and quilts. (It’s also worth noting that their founder has publicly supported a Holocaust denier’s right to free speech.) Made in Canada.

Food

Fuel Your Feat

Fuel Your Feat makes organic, gluten-free freeze-dried backpacking meals. I haven’t tried them yet, but I hear good things. They are based on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.

Happy Yak

Quebec-based Happy Yak makes a wide variety of freeze-dried backpacking meals. Made in Canada.

Naak

Naak stands for Nutrition for Adventurous Athletes who run Kilometres. This Montreal-based company makes bars, gels, drink mixes and other snacks. Many of their items include cricket protein. Made in Canada.

Nomad Nutrition

Based in Vancouver, Nomad Nutrition makes vegan and gluten-free dehydrated backpacking meals. Made in Canada.

Eating a Nomad Nutrition meal on the beach.

Pacific Packers Coffee

Based in Vancouver, Pacific Packers Coffee makes coffee packets for camping and hiking. It’s not instant. Instead, each packet comes with a filter. The whole thing fits back into a resealable and compostable pouch so you can pack it out of the backcountry. Made in Canada.

Peak Eats

Peak Eats makes dehydrated meals in Canmore, Alberta. They make meals for lots of diets including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and more. They also have a ton of desserts. Made in Canada.

West Coast Kitchen

West Coast Kitchen makes freeze-dried backpacking meals. They are based in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Made in Canada.

Wild Edge Keto

Wild Edge Keto makes gluten-free, paleo, and keto dehydrated backpacking meals with locally sourced bison, deer, and wild boar. They are based in Powell River, on BC’s Sunshine Coast. Made in Canada.

Non-American Outdoor Brands

If you can’t find what you’re looking for from a Canadian brand, there are lots of other hiking gear brands from Europe, Asia, and Oceania you can support instead of buying American.

This list is by no means exhaustive – I’ve just tried to list non-American outdoor brands that are easy to find in Canadian stores.

Decathlon (France)

Described as the Ikea of sporting goods, Decathlon is a French mega-store that sells things for all kinds of sports including hiking.

Deuter (Germany)

Deuter is best known for their backpacks, but they also make sleeping bags and other accessories. My winter backpack is a Deuter Freerider – it has straps that can carry my snowshoes.

Wearing my Deuter backpack on a snowshoe trip

Exped (Switzerland)

While they make sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks, in North America, Exped is best known for their sleeping pads. Their Ultra 5R sleeping pad is on my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

Fjallraven (Sweden):

Fjallraven makes super durable hiking pants as well as lots of other hiking clothing and backpacks. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is one of my faves – it is on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.

Icebreaker (New Zealand)

New Zealand based Icebreaker is the driving force behind the surging popularity of Merino wool. They’ve been making Merino wool base layers, socks, sweaters, and more since 1995. However, American VF Corporation (which also owns The North Face, Smartwool, and others) bought them in 2018 so some consider them to be American now.

Kari Traa (Norway)

Founded by (and named after) a highly-decorated female skier, Kari Traa makes outdoor clothing for women. They are best known for their base layers, but they also make fleece, jackets, and hiking clothing.

Kathmandu (New Zealand)

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Tasmania, Australia, so I’m familiar with Kathmandu since their gear is sold in all the shops there. They make great hiking clothing, backpacks, and travel gear.

Komperdell (Austria)

Komperdell is a family-owned company that specializes in ski poles and trekking poles.

La Sportiva (Italy)

You might know La Sportiva as primarily a climbing shoe company, but they also make hiking clothing and hiking boots.

Mammut (Switzerland)

Mammut makes hiking clothing, climbing gear, backpacks, and sleeping bags. My husband has a Mammut rain jacket and loves it.

Mountain Warehouse (UK)

If you’re looking for budget gear, UK-based Mountain Warehouse has lots of low-price hiking clothing, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks.

Naturehike (China)

This Chinese company makes lots of camping gear, but backpackers know Naturehike best for their budget-priced yet lightweight tents. They are some of the best selling backpacking tents on Amazon, instead of giving Jeff Bezos your money, I recommend ordering direct from Naturehike.

Odlo (Norway)

Odlo makes hiking, running, and ski clothing. I love their Kinship Performance Wool base layers – they are on my list of my favourite gear of 2023.

Wearing my Odlo Kinship base layer top on a walk in the Squamish estuary.

Petzl (France)

Although they are best known for their climbing gear, Petzl also makes great headlamps. Their tiny 35-gram Bindi headlamp is one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers.

Primus (Sweden)

Primus has been making camping stoves for over 100 years. They also make camping cookware. We’ve been using an older version of their Primetek pot, which has a built-in heat exchanger for increased efficiency, for years.

Rab (UK)

A leader in lightweight puffy jackets and sleeping bags, Rab also makes lots of technical hiking clothing, tarps, tents, and backpacks.

Salomon (France)

I’m a hardcore Salomon girlie – my hiking boots and trail runners have all been Salomon for almost 20 years. They also make trail running clothing and ski gear.

Scarpa (Italy)

Scarpa makes trail running and hiking footwear as well as climbing shoes and backcountry ski boots.

Sea to Summit (Australia)

Sea to Summit makes tons of gear including sleeping pads, kitchen gear, dry bags, and sleeping pads. Their Ether Light XT Insulated sleeping pad was one of my pics for my favourite gear of 2024 and their Aeros Down Pillow made my faves list in 2022. The pillow is also on my list of the best gifts for backpackers.

Snow Peak (Japan)

Snow Peak makes beautifully designed camping gear that is frankly too fancy for most people. However, their titanium cookware is a great ultralight option. I never backpack without the Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall mug (one of my picks for the best gifts for backpackers) and Snow Peak Titanium Spork (which is on my list of stocking stuffers for hikers).

Zamberlan (Italy)

Founded by the Zamberlan family, they are still family-owned and make most of their hiking boots in their Italian factory.

Final Thoughts

I have no idea what is going to happen with Trump’s tariffs, but I know that I want to support Canada’s economy and Canadian independence. I’m going to try to be more mindful of my spending going forward and try to purchase from Canadian (or non-American) outdoor companies whenever possible.

I hope you find this list helpful. If you’ve got other Canadian brands to add, please let me know in the comments so I can update this post.

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The post Canadian Hiking Gear Brands to Support appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

MEC is For Sale Again: What Happened?

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 01:34:17 +0000

Update May 16, 2025: MEC announced today that they are now owned by a Canada-based group of investors, led by Tim Gu, a textile manufacturing exec. They have announced that they plan to shift more manufacturing to Canada. I’m curious to see where this goes. My original post about the pending sale is below.

As of January 2025, MEC, also known as Mountain Equipment Company (historically Mountain Equipment Co-op), is for sale again. As a former employee and a person who keeps up with the outdoor retail industry, I have some thoughts. I want to be clear that this is just my opinion and I could be wrong on a few fronts.

What’s Going On?

If you haven’t heard, MEC is up for sale for the second time in less than 5 years. MEC was a member-owned cooperative for almost 50 years. In October 2020, the cooperative was dissolved and the business was sold to Kingswood Capital Management, a private equity firm. According to recent reports, Kingswood notified suppliers on December 27, 2024, that they were putting MEC back up for sale.

In general, the entire outdoor retail industry hasn’t been doing well. American giant REI just laid off 400 people and closed its entire experiences division. Last year, Moosejaw, a big American outdoor retailer with a robust online presence, closed up all of their brick-and-mortar stores and their online shop. Tons of bike brands are also going out of business including BC-founded Rocky Mountain.

My Insider Knowledge

I worked at MEC for nearly a decade in total (from 2007 to 2009 and then from 2012 to 2019). I started in a customer service in a store. Later, I worked as a product copywriter working closely with their buying and design department. In 2019, I resigned to work for myself full-time.

While I worked at MEC my job as a product copywriter required me to chat regularly with their buyers and designers about consumer trends, product ordering, and sourcing. I didn’t work in these areas so I wasn’t involved in the math and finance of it all. But I did learn a lot about how outdoor retailers do business.

I was also an MEC athlete ambassador from 2018 to 2020. I resigned during their first sale because I was upset about the dissolution of the co-op business model and the way that employees were being laid off with little to no severance.

A photo of me at MEC Head Office after voting in the 2015 Coop Board of Directors election. As an employee, I got to (somewhat indirectly) vote for my bosses.

Since 2020, I haven’t had any first-hand knowledge of the inner workings at MEC. But many of my friends continued to work there after I did, so I’ve definitely heard some things. However, I haven’t spoken to any current MEC employees since the most recent sale was announced.

I’ve also continued to follow the outdoor retail industry fairly closely. That’s partially because I’m still interested, but also because I put together weekly gear deals for my Backpacking in BC and Canadian Outdoor Gear Deals newsletters. From following the patterns of sales and clearance events, it’s been obvious to me that MEC hasn’t been doing well since the 2020 sale.

Why MEC Isn’t Doing Well (My Opinion)

While I don’t have any inside info on what is happening with MEC’s finances, I think a few things are influencing the broader outdoor retail space that led to their current financial misfortunes. I’ll start by summarizing the issues they inherited from former management and then give my opinion on why they continue to fail.

Issues Inherited from the Former Management

There was a flurry of news articles speculating about why MEC went into creditor protection and had to be sold in 2020. In general, they can be summarized as:

expanded into too many locations too fast,
spent way too much money on real estate for fancy stores and offices,
high labour costs and staff turnover,
diversified away from their core outdoor business into other areas that their customers didn’t care about (yoga, casual wear, bikes)
poor trend forecasting

I don’t have a lot to say about which of the factors was more responsible for the downturn because it would only be speculation. However, it’s safe to say that when Kingswood bought MEC in 2020 they knew the company was in the hole financially and they thought they could turn it around, or at least wring some real estate sale money out of it.

Private Equity Ownership Isn’t Long-Term

I won’t pretend to understand the ins and outs of private equity firms. However, it’s pretty clear that they value profits over everything else. When Kingswood bought MEC they admitted they had a 5 year timeline in mind for selling the company.

Kingswood wanted to make it more profitable, then flip to a new owner. It’s similar to the way people buy run-down houses, do a cheap reno, then sell them for way more, but with an outdoor retail company.

Pandemic Hang-Over and Poor Trend Forecasting

During the pandemic (2020 and 2021), most Canadians stayed close to home and began a lot of outdoor hobbies. This necessitated buying new gear.

At the time, retailers like MEC were struggling to keep gear in stock due to global supply chain issues. They ordered whatever they could in the hopes that it would arrive and they would sell it. Outdoor retailers like MEC as well as bike shops and sporting goods stores had record-breaking sales.

But then the pandemic ended. Retailers were stuck watching bulk orders roll in without the same crazy level of demand for sales. They ended up with an overstock of items they had to sell at a discount to get rid of them.

As well, each year retailers have to forecast what sales will be like the following year to figure out what to order and how much of it. One of the factors they use is past sales. This means that now they have to build forecast models using crazy pandemic data as well as pre-pandemic norms that we might not return to.

Even the savviest forecasters were bound to get it wrong using this data, leading to more over-orders that must be sold at a discount or under-orders that make shoppers head elsewhere since they don’t have any stock.

The final issue with the pandemic hang-over is that outdoor gear typically lasts 5 to 15 years. If most people bought a bunch of new gear in 2020/2021 they won’t need new gear for a while and that leads to lower sales.

Rising Cost of Living

Outdoor gear is expensive and is a luxury purchase for most people. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard about the rising cost of living. Grocery prices are way up and are forecast to continue climbing. Rents and real estate are unaffordable. Unemployment is up. People just don’t have as much disposable income to spend on outdoor gear.

Increased Competition From Non-Traditional Discount Retailers

MEC has been around since 1971. They started because there was nowhere to buy specialized outdoor gear in Vancouver. Over the years they continued to stock specialized outdoor gear and besides other small gear shops, there wasn’t really anywhere else to buy that kind of gear.

In the last decade or less, that’s changed. Social media, wellness culture, and the pandemic have made outdoor recreation more popular. And lots of other retailers noticed… especially discount retailers.

You used to have to go to a dedicated outdoor store to buy gear, and the gear you could buy was moderately priced or expensive.

Now, you can buy cheap (in both price and quality) outdoor gear at big box stores, at budget-priced sporting goods stores like Decathlon, and of course on the almighty Amazon. These entrants to the outdoor retail space are (mostly) poor quality and low technology, but most casual consumers don’t care. They only hike or camp a few times a year and want cheap gear.

MEC and other traditional outdoor retailers can’t (or won’t) compete without lowering their prices and quality.

It’s also worth mentioning that while outdoor gear purchased at a discount retailer a decade ago was guaranteed to be garbage, these days, that’s not always the case. Cheap gear has gotten so much better, so consumers find it hard to tell when to buy cheap stuff from Amazon and when to buy from an established outdoor brand.

Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Can’t Compete with E-Commerce

This one isn’t unique to outdoor gear or MEC. Brick-and-mortar stores have lost huge market share to online retailers over the last 10 to 15 years.

Customers say they want to try on or touch products in stores, but then they buy them online elsewhere at lower prices or with better shipping. (This is called “show-rooming”.) The in-store shopping experience is expensive for retailers primarily because of rent and staff.

As well, traditional retailers also have to run an e-commerce division to compete with online-only stores. So they have to have warehouses and shipping systems to accommodate the rapid pace of online shopping.

But many brick-and-mortar retailers like MEC don’t just ship orders from their warehouse. If it’s sold out in the warehouse, but available in a store, they’ll ship it from a store. That means that store staff have to pick, pack, and post orders too.

The whole thing gets complicated, time-consuming, and expensive, especially when you consider MEC’s free shipping policy. For as long as I can remember (but probably for about 10 years) MEC has offered free domestic shipping on orders over $50. For a store that carries $600 tents and $300 jackets, that ends up being almost every order.

In some cases, the retailer will end up taking a loss on the sale since the cost of shipping ate into the profit. But retailers like MEC keep doing it because they have to compete with online and they hope that they can streamline online things enough to make a profit on more orders than they take a loss on.

Focus on High-End Gear

MEC and other outdoor shops know they can’t (or won’t) compete with cheap Chinese-made knock-off gear. So instead they focus on what they do best: carrying specialized, high-end gear. That’s great and it serves their core audience…

But the average consumer doesn’t want or need expensive high-end gear. They need introductory gear that will make it easy for them to do a new outdoor activity and won’t break the bank. They don’t need advanced features and pricey technologies when they are first starting (or if they don’t do the activity often).

I think this has been a problem for other parts of the outdoor industry (especially bikes) more than it has been for MEC since some of their gear is more mid-range than high-end. But it still trickles down to MEC when customers don’t want to spend $500 for a 4-person family camping tent or $150 for a kids snow jacket. At MEC, those might be mid-range, low-tech options… but most consumers still view them as high-end.

Ultralight/Cottage Gear Trend

One of the biggest trends in outdoor gear in the last few years has been ultralight and cottage gear made by small, independent brands. Supporting small businesses is great… but it hurts big gear shops like MEC.

Ultralight and cottage gear is very niche and specialized – it’s not something that the average consumer will want or use. It’s also very expensive to manufacture, making it a risky nightmare for a big company that has to order a lot of it (their factories have minimum orders, unlike cottage companies that sew in-house). As well, it’s often fragile, which is bad for companies with a historically great warranty like MEC. (Their warranty isn’t as good now, sadly.)

MEC and other big brands have to follow trends like this or they look like they are out of date and irrelevant.

But people immersed in the ultralight and cottage gear community are quite snobby. They often reject ultralight gear made by big brands like MEC. This is especially true for UL influencers and prolific posters on UL forums (which is where most people hear about new gear).

That’s understandable since those brands have to make gear that compromises ultralightness or customization to appeal to more customers since they have to order more of each product. But it doesn’t help it sell, which furthers the problem.

Focus on Sustainable/Ethical Gear

I’ve worked in the outdoor industry on and off since 2006. Twenty years ago lots of outdoor brands talked about how they were incorporating recycled content into their clothing, building out fair labour practices in their factories, and donating partial proceeds to social and environmental causes. They were loud about it. And they were proud to make their gear a bit more expensive to incorporate these practices.

Over the last two decades, outdoor brands have continued to do that. Outdoor companies are at the forefront of green technologies like phasing out harmful PFSAs in rainwear and green anodizing for tent poles. But after a while, all the outdoor brands were doing the same environmentally and socially responsible things so they stopped making that as prominent in their marketing. Instead, they focused on why their gear was different than their competitors – not on the things that made it the same.

The result is that current consumers have no idea why outdoor gear from the main brands is expensive. They don’t know that it takes a lot of money to pay factory workers who don’t toil in sweatshops or have to breathe in toxic fumes. Those consumers don’t know that their jacket cost more since it uses less toxic chemicals and recycled materials that keeps plastics out of landfills.

Instead, they just see cheap gear from China on Amazon. Those gear brands make no claims about their environmental and social responsibility (because they can’t!), so consumers don’t even think about it.

Unclear Brand Voice

This is something MEC has struggled with for a long time. They’ve always carried other brands in their stores and usually, those brands are high-end or specialized in their sport. But they’ve also made backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, clothing, and other gear under the MEC Label.

The MEC Label confuses customers. Is it the same tech as the high-end brands but at a more reasonable price? Sometimes, yes. Is it a budget, less technical version of the high-end brand gear? Sometimes, also yes.

This makes it hard for customers to connect with the brand. It has led to perceptions that MEC is less desirable or poor quality.

While they’ve had some hits and misses over the years, I’ve had some amazing MEC pieces made with the same high-end tech as big brands like Arc’teryx. I also have budget gear from MEC that is going strong after decades. However, it takes a while for people to develop brand loyalty, and since MEC’s brand voice is unclear, most customers don’t make it far enough to develop that loyalty.

The MEC Logo has varied through the years as they’ve tried (and in my opinion failed) to define their brand voice. Here’s a small selection from gear I grabbed from around my house. There are even more variations but I couldn’t find them.

MAP Pricing Becomes Ubiquitous

If you’ve never worked in retail, you probably have never heard of MAP pricing. MAP pricing is the Minimum Advertised Price a retailer can advertise a product for. The MAP price is stipulated in the contract from their supplier and if they advertise something for less than their MAP, they are in breach of contract. The industry takes it very seriously.

MAP pricing didn’t used to be very common in outdoor retail. Only a few brands did it. But now, tons of the major outdoor brands all use MAP. At certain times of the year, like Black Friday, if a brand drops its MAP price on something, e.g. a tent, then all retailers can (and do) offer that lower MAP price. So the same tent is always the same price at all retailers, even if it goes on sale.

That’s great for consumers since it gives them a ton of buying options. But for a store like MEC that has to pay store rents and the salaries of in-store customer service staff, that means that they make less money on every sale compared to an online-only retailer like Altitude Sports or Amazon (which carries more and more big outdoor brands than they ever have before).

It also means they have less control over their pricing. Suppliers can lower their MAP pricing on a product with not that much notice, leading to a lower profit for the retailer. It’s worth noting that MAP pricing would run afoul of competition laws in the U.K. and the EU. But MAP pricing is legal in Canada and the USA.

What Next? Where Should We Shop?

Like a lot of MEC employees and members of the outdoors community, I went through a phase where I had a cult-like affection for MEC. (Fun fact, my husband and I went to MEC as part of our first date back in 2003. Don’t worry, we went for dinner first!)

After witnessing the inner workings and ups and downs, the shine faded. I was very upset when MEC was sold and they dissolved the cooperative structure in 2020.

But as the years have passed, I’ve come to accept that MEC is now just another retail store. It doesn’t owe anything to the community. MEC doesn’t need to be a cultural hub. It just needs to sell things that people want to buy. And like any other store, it’s susceptible to economic variations and poor management.

And for that reason, I still shop at MEC sometimes. For a lot of people, MEC is the easiest place to buy outdoor gear. They often have more selection than other stores and they offer good shipping.

But since I live in Squamish now, I tend to make most of my in-person purchases at Valhalla Pure Outfitters, since it’s convenient. Each of their stores across BC is locally owned but their combined purchasing power means they can get access to the latest and greatest gear.

If I have to shop online, I sometimes also buy from Altitude Sports. They are a Quebec-based e-commerce retailer. (Altitude Sports closed their last brick-and-mortar store in 2019). They have a huge selection and stock most major brands. They also have a great return policy.

I also buy online directly from brands I trust and love like Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and Mountain Hardwear.

I still rarely buy cheap outdoor gear from discount stores or Amazon. Quality gear that will last and that is made in an environmentally and socially responsible way is something I value highly.

I definitely appreciate that being able to afford outdoor gear is a barrier to the outdoors. However, if it’s possible, I encourage you to buy quality gear that will last for years instead of cheap, disposable gear from discount stores.

Do your research before you buy something and look for claims about environmental and social responsibility as well as warranties. The oft-repeated maxim is “Buy once, cry once.” You can buy quality gear used or wait for sales. My tips for saving money on outdoor gear has lots of suggestions to avoid paying full price.

Final Thoughts

I know I’ve missed out on a few other factors for MEC’s recent struggles. For example, the way social media has changed marketing and shopping habits or the rise of direct-to-consumer brands. Honestly, I could go on and on about this stuff, since I find it fascinating, but I have to stop somewhere!

While I’m sad to see MEC struggling, I hope they pull through. Yes, it’s just a store. But despite their faults, it’s a pretty great outdoor store. I think that the current management team has turned around a lot of the issues that they inherited from the coop days, but there are likely still hard times ahead. Fingers crossed for them.

As for who I think is going to buy MEC? I have no clue. It’s likely going to be another private equity firm. But it could also be an established retailer like Canadian Tire, which owns SportChek and Atmosphere (although that is unlikely since many Atmosphere locations are closing). Like many people, I’m really curious to see what happens next.

READ NEXT:

The post MEC is For Sale Again: What Happened? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

20 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

Taryn Eyton — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 23:48:39 +0000

Getting outfitted for hiking and backpacking can seem overwhelming. When I was first starting out, I felt like there was so much gear on the market and that it was SOOO expensive. Plus I felt like the list of gear you need to buy for hiking and backpacking was never ending.

That was two decades ago, and while gear is still expensive, I’ve developed lots of different tricks for finding hiking gear on a budget.

I’ve been hiking my whole life and backpacking for 20 years. I spent three years working in an outdoor store helping people choose gear and then seven years at the head office of a big outdoor retailer writing product descriptions, how to choose guides, and staff training materials. I’ve also written two backpacking guidebooks and countless blog posts. At this point, it’s fair to say that I know quite a bit about hiking gear!

So here it is, my big list of 20 ways to save money on hiking gear. Read on for lots of ways to get deals on used gear, save money on new gear and even get some gear for free! I’ve also got pointers for what kind of gear you should look for with each method.

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

Borrow Gear

If you’ve got a a friend with extra gear, see if they’ll let you borrow it. If you join a hiking club in your community or at a university, they also might have gear you can borrow.

I did lots of my first backpacking trips with borrowed tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. It was a great way to try out gear and see what I liked. (And what I hated, like that too-big backpack that rubbed an oozing sore onto my collarbone).

Be sure to clean and dry gear before returning it. And if you want to borrow gear again, bring your friend a 6-pack or some cookies to say thanks.

Gear to Look For

Unless your friend is the same size as you, borrowing boots or a backpack won’t be comfortable. You’ll have a bit more sizing leeway with clothing, but to set yourself up for success, stick to tents, sleeping bags, and stoves.

Sitting next to the giant backpack I borrowed for my first backpacking trip in 2004 on the West Coast Trail. It was too big and the sternum strap rubbed my collarbone raw.

Shop Your Closet

Check your closet: chances are you might already own some workout gear or gear from other sports that will work for hiking.

Gear to Look For

Workout tops, shorts, and tights made of synthetics like polyester and nylon (avoid cotton) make great hiking clothes.

I bet you already have some gloves and a warm hat you could throw in your pack.

And speaking of a pack, if you’ve got an old book bag around, it will do fine as a day pack when you’re first starting out.

If you’re doing an easier hike on mellow trails you might not need hiking boots: you can wear your regular running shoes that you wear to the gym.

My favourite hiking hat is actually a Ciele GOCap that I bought for running. I liked it so much for hiking and backpacking that I bought a second one.

Rent Gear

Gear shops often have rental programs, especially in locations near popular trails. It’s a great way to try before you buy, and sometimes you can apply the cost of the rental to the purchase of equipment. A quick google will usually find gear rental programs in your area.

Renting doesn’t make sense long term, but it’s a good idea if you aren’t sure you want to invest in expensive gear.

Gear to Look For

Most gear rental shops rent out tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. Some might also have stoves and sleeping pads too. In the winter you can usually rent snowshoes too.

Visit Second Hand Sporting Goods Shops

Many larger cities and trail towns have second-hand sporting goods shops. These stores are usually cluttered with cheap bikes and skis from three seasons ago. But if you’re lucky, you can score a deal.

Gear to Look For

Lightly used tents, sleeping bags and backpacks. You can often find good deals on hiking boots and jackets too.

Bookmark Discount Gear Websites

Websites dedicated to selling discounted brand-name outdoor gear are a great way to find budget hiking gear.

Steep and Cheap, the bargain arm of Backcountry.com, has killer prices (up to 70% off) on big names like Patagonia. They also have a Current Steals section where products are offered at crazy cheap prices for a short period of time. I think my very first online gear purchase was from Steep and Cheap: I scored a merino wool Icebreaker sweater for 70% off way back in 2006.

If you’re in Canada, check out The Last Hunt. (They are the bargain arm of Altitude Sports.) Everything on the site is at least 30% off and some is up to 80% off!

Gear to Look For

You can get pretty much any gear or clothing on these sites from socks to sleeping bags. Check back often as deals change daily. Keep in mind that return policies can be strict or non-existent on deeply discounted gear so check before you buy.

Scour Thrift Stores

It can be worth checking out the selection at your local thrift store, particularly if you are in an outdoorsy city.

Gear to Look For

Head to the clothing section for brand name hiking pants and fleece jackets at great prices. Wool sweaters also make great warm layers for hiking.

My sister is a veteran thrift store shopper and knows how to find a deal. She’s found some great stuff, like this colourful wool sweater that makes a great warm layer for chilly winter hikes.

Check Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, eBay, etc.

Online buy and sell websites can be a great place to find lightly used gear. Craigslist, Kijiji, and eBay are a good place to start. Facebook Marketplace is also awesome, as are outdoor gear buy and sell groups on Facebook – a quick search will usually find ones in your area.

Gear to Look For

Big ticket items like tents and sleeping bags are your best bets. Be sure to ask for lots of photos and a description of the current condition if you can’t see the item in person before you buy it.

Be careful when purchasing items that need to fit you like boots, backpacks or jackets. Ask if you can try it on first or stick to buying brands that you already know fit you.

Find an Outfitter Selling Off Rental Gear

At the end of the season many outfitters and rental shops will sell off used rental gear to make space for newer gear. These end of season sales can be hard to find, so its worth asking local outfitters if they have a rental sale at the end of the season.

Gear to Look For

The most common items items to find at rental gear sales are snowshoes, skis, snowboards, bikes, canoes, and kayaks. You can sometimes also find deals on tents, backpacks and sleeping bags.

Go to a Gear Swap

Attending an outdoors gear swap can be a great way to find cheap used gear. Many ski towns have annual ski swaps where you can find great deals. Some outdoor clubs and non-profits organize swaps to raise money.

As well, some outdoor stores also organize their own swaps. Pre-pandemic, REI and MEC ran legendary gear swaps at many of their stores. Both retailers have switched away from this model in recent years, but some stores may still run these events.

Gear to Look For

At ski swaps look for high end waterproof breathable backcountry ski jackets or puffy jackets since they work great for hiking.

At gear swaps look for pricey items like tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, jackets, and boots.

Hit Up Big Box Stores

You can get find some crazy cheap prices on gear at big box stores like Walmart or Target.

In general, I don’t advise purchasing backpacking gear at big box stores since you’ll likely want to replace it with better stuff after a few trips since it’s so heavy and the quality is often terrible. However, in a pinch, their stuff usually works fine.

Gear to Look For

Big box stores often have a camping section with tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, stoves and backpacks.

Their clothing sections can also be good for things like cheap fleece jackets and workout clothing that can double as hiking clothing.

Go to the Mall

You can also consider hitting up mall stores to save money on hiking gear, especially hiking clothing.

Gear to Look For

Fast fashion stores like Old Navy and H&M often have super cheap workout gear, fleece and insulated jackets that can double as hiking gear. I have some Old Navy sports bras that are great for hiking.

Uniqlo has great puffy jackets and their HeatTech line can work as lightweight base layers.

Decathlon is also a great place to check. They are a French budget sports store that has recently expanded into some North America cities, mostly at malls. They mostly carry things for running, working out, tennis, etc. but they do have some outdoor gear. Their Forclaz and MT100 puffy jackets are amazing for the price.

Check out Discount Stores

Discount stores like Marshalls, Kohls, TJ Maxx, and Winners often have name brand workout clothing at super cheap prices.

Gear to Look For

You can usually find wicking t-shirts, shorts, sports bras, and tights that make great hiking clothing. They sometimes have puffy jackets and fleece too.

Sort Through the Clearance Section at an Outdoor Store

Every time you go to your local gear store, check the clearance rack. You might score a great deal.

You can also find way more selection on the clearance and sale sections of gear store websites. Usually these sections are full of last seasons models and colours at cheap prices.

REI and Backcountry both have good deals sections. In Canada, check out the deals sections at MEC, Altitude Sports, and Valhalla Pure Outfitters.

Most gear brands also have clearance and sale sections. For example, check out Patagonia’s Web Specials section or Outdoor Research’s Past Season section.

Gear to Look For

While there might be promotions around big sales times (e.g. Black Friday), in general, clothing and footwear go on clearance each year at the end of the season when new colours/styles are introduced and old ones are cleared out.

Only a small amount of tents, sleeping bags and other gear ever go on clearance since each model is usually carried for a few years before being updated or discontinued.

If you see a good deal on gear in the clearance section, grab it because it won’t last long.

Right before my trip to the Yukon I found a deal on this puffy jacket in the clearance section at MEC. I was so glad to have it after it snowed in August!

Wait for Sales

If you can wait long enough, most gear will eventually go on sale. The outdoor industry runs on a seasonal cycle. Typically winter gear goes on sale in the spring and summer gear goes on sale in the fall.

Many stores have big Black Friday and Boxing Day sales (typically selling left over summer merchandise). REI has its famous Anniversary Sale in May. MEC runs its Mountain Days event in July.

Gear to Look For

In the fall, look for discounted summer hiking clothes, hiking boots and maybe even tents and sleeping bags.

In the spring, look for deals on puffy jackets and snowshoes left over from winter.

Qualify to Get Pro Deals

Outdoor gear and clothing brands often provide industry pro deals where they sell gear at wholesale prices (usually 30-60% off). The thinking is that if people buy their gear on pro deal and like it, they are likely to recommend it to other people who have to buy it at full price.

There are a few ways to qualify for pro deals. One of the easiest ways is to get a job at an outdoor store. If you work as a hiking guide, a ski patroller, with search and rescue, in law enforcement or for the military, you might also be eligible for pro deals too.

High end brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, and Darn Tough Socks all have pro deals. Lots of other brands do too – just check their websites to find out.

I worked at an outdoor store and at the head office of an outdoor retailer and got lots of my gear through pro deals. If you’re serious about getting in to backpacking, a part-time job at an outdoor store is definitely worth it, just for the pro deal access!

Gear to Look For

Almost every brand you can think of has a pro deal program.

Be sure to do the math on the discount before you purchase and factor in shipping costs, exchange rates, and duty – not all pro deals are actually that great of a deal.

Also keep in mind that you usually can’t return, exchange, or resell what you buy on pro deal so make sure you’ve got the correct sizing info.

I got lots of my gear through pro deals and I’m still using lots of it today.

Go to Sample Sales or Factory Sales

Gear brands often have sample sales or factory sales once or twice a year to clear out gear. Typically these sales take place in the cities where the brands have their headquarters or sales offices. They aren’t well advertised so they can be tough to find out about.

The clothing and gear at sample sales may have already been used for photo shoots or sales meetings, but they are often in brand new or near new condition.

At factory sales, the clothing and gear often have small imperfections that make them unsuitable for sale at the full retail price. These imperfections are often cosmetic and don’t affect function, such as incorrect colours, uneven stitching or tiny stains.

Sometimes the stuff at sample sales or factory sales is just extra stock that the brand wants to sell quickly at a cheap price.

Gear to Look For

While some sample sales will have a range of sizes, you’ll have the best luck if you wear a size 2-6 in women’s clothing or a medium/size 32 pants in mens.

At factory sales pretty much anything could be on offer. Be sure to look over the gear carefully before you buy and make sure you are ok with any imperfections.

Check Amazon

Is there anything Amazon doesn’t sell? You’ll find all the usual big gear brands on there, and sometimes they have a slightly better price (and usually lightning fast shipping). It can also be worth waiting for Amazon Prime Day for insane deals.

However, Amazon also has smaller gear brands as well as some cheap knock-off brands you might never have heard of. The quality can be questionable on these knock-off brands, but the prices can be insanely cheap.

A few years ago, I bought this cheap folding table on Amazon to take on camping trips. It was over $100 cheaper than the Helinox table it’s a knock-off of, and it seems to be equivalent quality!

Gear to Look For

Be sure to read lots of reviews on any gear from a brand you don’t recognize. Not everything on these sites is exactly as described. There’s tons of choice out there for everything from tents, to sleeping bags to rain jackets. But as always, buyer beware.

Using our Amazon folding table on a beach on Bruny Island in Tasmania, Australia. The table is small enough to pack into the camping gear that we fly with.

Work at an Outdoor Store

I worked at an outdoor store for three years during university. It was a great way to make more outdoorsy friends and help pay for school. But the big reason to work in an outdoor store is the staff discount.

Discounts vary depending on where you work, but between 10 and 30% off most gear is the standard. You might get even bigger discounts on some brands.

Gear to Look For

Literally everything! Ask your manager if discounts stack for sales and if there are any annual events where staff get a larger discount (for example around the holidays) to help plan when you will buy gear.

Shop the Used Gear Section at Outdoor Retailers and Brands

In an effort to be more environmentally responsible and keep gear out of the landfill, some outdoor retails and brands have begun reselling used gear. They clean and repair the gear, then put it up for sale on a dedicated section of their website. Prices are usually pretty good and there is often a warranty too.

For example REI offer used gear on their REI Re/Supply site. Patagonia does something similar with their Patagonia Worn Wear program.

Gear to Look For

Patagonia has lots of gently used outdoor clothing, especially jackets and fleece. REI focuses mostly on gear like sleeping pads, tents, skis, and backpacks.

Become an Outdoor Content Creator

I’ve been an outdoor writer and content creator for about 10 years. Many outdoor companies send me free gear. Sometimes it’s in exchange for a post on social media or a mention in a blog post. But sometimes they just send it to me and “post about it if you like, no worries if not.” (And of course I always disclose when I get something for free or am being paid to talk about it.)

In the beginning I had to reach out to brands to ask to work with them, but now that I’m more established, lots of brands contact me. I actually turn down a lot of free gear since I don’t need it.

Gear to Look For

I’m careful only to accept gear that I will actually use and that I feel comfortable recommending to my audience.

Often gear brands (or more often their PR agencies) want to send you the latest thing that they are promoting. If it’s not something your audience will appreciate, say no. Your audience knows when you are shamelessly selling to them to make a buck or get free gear and they don’t like it. Keep your brand partnerships authentic.

This received this Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake sun hoodie in a PR package. But it’s become one of my favourite hiking shirts – you’ll see me wearing it tons of photos all over this website. Here I’m wearing it on the High Note Trail in Whistler.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately there a lot of barriers to getting into the outdoors, and the cost of gear is one of them. I hope this list of ways to save money on hiking gear helps you get the gear you need to get outside and have fun.

MORE GEAR POSTS:

The post 20 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons

Taryn Eyton — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 03:20:26 +0000

If you’re shopping for hiking clothing you’ve probably heard all kinds of great things about Merino wool. But Merino isn’t perfect – to start with, it’s expensive. You might be wondering, is Merino wool worth it?

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades (I even wrote a hiking guidebook) and have tried a lot of different technical outdoor clothing, including lots of Merino wool. I also spent seven years working at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. While I was there, I worked closely with the design and fabric teams and wrote staff training material. So I have a pretty good grasp on outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of Merino wool so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. This Merino wool guide includes:

Is Merino wool worth it? My quick answer
What is Merino wool? How is it different than regular wool
Merino wool pros and cons plus some neutral factors where wool is equivalent to other fabrics
Which Merino wool clothing is worth it? Should you buy Merino socks, shirts, base layers, and more.
Merino wool tips: My advice for buying merino, taking care of it, and repairing it
Comparing Merino wool to other fabrics: How does it stack up to polyester, regular wool, alpaca, and more
Merino wool FAQ: Answers to common questions like is Merino good for summer and does it shrink

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

Is Merino Wool Worth it?

My short answer: Most of the time, no.

The longer answer: Merino wool is a fabulous high-performance fabric. But it’s not magic. In many ways, Merino wool is comparable to high-tech polyester fabrics. The only place where Merino clearly outperforms is its ability to resist odors.

Some people really love the feel and performance of Merino. And if that’s you, and you find the expense and lack of durability of Merino don’t deter you, that’s great. If you love, Merino, keep on loving it.

But I think that a lot of people get sucked in by the premium price and slick marketing of Merino wool. They assume that because it is expensive, it must be the best. I’ve talked to lots of people who bought into the hype, then fell out of love with Merino after using it for a few years, mostly due to its lack of durability and high price.

If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability.

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is the wool from a breed called Merino sheep. Although Merino sheep are originally from Spain, today they are found all over the world (and most famously, in Australia and New Zealand).

Photo: Andrea Lightfoot/Unsplash

Merino wool is much softer and finer than regular wool. That means it is more comfortable to wear since it is less scratchy. The individual fibres of regular wool can be up to 40 microns in diameter. But Merino wool is always less than 24 microns. Premium fine Merino wool can go as low as 15 microns in diameter.

Merino wool is most often used for technical outdoor clothing. However, you can also find it in high-end casual sweaters and blankets.

Merino Wool Pros and Cons

Some people talk about Merino wool as if it is a miracle fabric. And it does indeed have lots of positive characteristics. However, there are also some negatives, which for some people (like me) often outweigh the positives.

Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of Merino wool. I’ve also included a few “neutral” factors – these are areas where Merino wool provides better performance than non-technical fabrics like cotton but has equivalent performance to technical fabrics like polyester.

Pro: Anti-Microbial

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. (Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking gear for info on how that happens.)

Since Merino wool is less smelly, it’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking or situations where you can’t or don’t want to wash your gear as often. When I used to commute to work by bike, I wore a Merino wool shirt that I washed once or twice a week instead of every day.

But… Merino wool can still get stinky over time, especially if it is blended with nylon or elastane. It’s not magic. It just takes way longer to develop that signature hiker stank than other fabrics.

My friend Brenda (in the blue) wearing a Merino wool hiking shirt on the North Coast Trail. We played cards while waiting for the tide to go out in one spot.

Pro: Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Merino wool is naturally thermo-regulating. That means that it can help you feel cool when it’s hot out and provide warmth when it’s cold. This sounds crazy, but there’s actually science behind it.

Wool fibres are crimped, which creates little air pockets. In cold weather, these air pockets trap warm air and hold it close to you. When it’s hot out, wool pulls moisture and heat from your body. As the wool dries and releases the moisture, the crimps trap cold air, keeping you cool.

Many people love Merino wool because they can wear the same Merino wool clothing in both summer and winter. The temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also mean that you are less likely to need to add and remove layers as the temperature changes on a hike.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are lots of innovative premium synthetic fabrics that can compete with Merino on temperature regulation. But there are also lots of crappy synthetics too.

Pro: Warm for its Weight

The natural air pockets that give Merino wool its temperature-regulating properties also mean that it can provide more warmth for its weight than other fabrics. (Although the construction of some synthetic fabrics can mimic the air pocket structure and perform just as well.)

The excellent warmth-to-weight ratio means that you can choose thinner Merino wool garments than their synthetic counterparts.

Neutral: Next to Skin Comfort

You might hear Merino wool described as being comfortable to wear or soft against your skin. That is certainly true, especially when you compare it to traditional wool.

But it’s not any softer or more comfortable than some other technical fabrics like polyester. (Of course this depends a lot on the specific technical fabric. I find Merino wool much more comfortable than the polyester in my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie. But I also like the feel of my soft Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie more than the feel of Merino wool. (I reviewed both of these in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.)

Some people prefer the way Merino feels on their skin, but some still find it a tiny bit itchy.

Neutral: Provides Warmth When Wet

Merino wool still provides insulation even when it is wet. By itself, that sounds like a pro, and Merino wool cheerleaders often list “warmth when wet” as one of Merino wool’s strengths. But it’s only a pro if you compare Merino to cotton, since cotton makes you colder when you are wet. Synthetic fabrics also provide warmth when they are wet, so Merino doesn’t have a leg up over other technical outdoor fabrics.

Neutral: Moisture Wicking

Here is another neutral factor that masquerades as a pro. Yes, Merino wool does a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin thanks to the unique air pocket-forming structure of the wool fibres. But many technical synthetic fabrics are comparable when it comes to wicking, so it’s not a true pro. (However, some synthetics achieve high wicking performance via chemical finishes that wash out over time, so it’s not an easy comparison to make.)

Neutral: Ethical and Sustainability Issues

Merino wool is an animal product, so it is not vegan-friendly.

It is also important to know there have been issues around animal cruelty associated with Merino wool production. Some Merino sheep farmers subject their animals to mulesing, a painful practice that removes strips of skin around the anus. Mulesing protects the sheep from flystrike infections. It is done without anesthetic and is considered inhumane and unethical. Most developed countries no longer permit mulesing.

Before you buy a Merino wool garment, check to see if the manufacturer has a statement about the treatment of the sheep they source their wool from. You can also check to see if there are measures in place to prevent overgrazing and the excessive use of pesticides. There are many reputable and ethical Merino wool brands on the market including Smartwool, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Ibex, Patagonia, Ridge Merino, and Woolx.

However, it’s worth pointing out that there are ethical issue around polyester too. It’s made from petroleum, which isn’t a renewable resource (unlike wool). And given the current climate crisis, fossil fuel extraction is something we should be moving away from rather than increasing

As well, fleecy fabrics release microplastics, which is a big problem when they are washed as it ends up in our waterways and oceans.

If you are concerned about the sustainability of your clothing, buying used base layers is the best choice.

Con: Doesn’t Dry Quickly

Merino wool is often touted as being great at moisture-wicking since it can absorb more moisture than other fabrics. The “moisture-wicking” part of that sentence is a pro. But the “absorb” part is a con because Merino wool really hangs on to moisture. It can take 40% longer for a Merino wool garment to dry compared to a synthetic one.

I sweat a lot (in all temperatures and during all activities). Merino wool just stays wet way too long for me. It takes forever to dry, and in the meantime, it’s heavy and gross.

Wearing a Merino wool shirt to mountain bike in Revelstoke. If you look closely you’ll see that I’ve sweated all the way down the front of my shirt and it is soaked through.

Con: Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool has a poor track record when it comes to durability. The fibres of Merino wool are very fragile. That means they are prone to ripping, tearing, and snagging. Even high-quality Merino wool garments are likely to develop holes.

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your Merino wool clothing. Garments that use a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are much stronger and last longer. I have lots of Merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool that have lasted years since they use a Merino wool/nylon blend.

You also have to be really careful with your Merino wool. Snags on zippers, watch straps, backpack buckles, jewellery, and belts are common ways to get holes. But friction holes are sometimes unavoidable, especially in the armpits and crotch.

Con: Special Washing Required

Merino wool requires special washing and drying. Like all wool, it shrinks if it is heated too much, which means it needs to be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

Due to its poor durability, it also is best to wash Merino wool clothing on the delicate cycle. I also always wash my Merino wool by itself to protect it. I don’t allow zippers, buttons, Velcro, or buckles in the washing machine with my Merino!

While it isn’t required, it is a good idea to use a wool-specific laundry detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash). Regular detergent can strip the wool of its natural wicking properties and can contribute to pilling. Avoid enzyme cleaners at all costs as they can actually break down the fibres in Merino wool. (More tips in my guide to washing hiking gear.)

Getting ready to do a load of Merino wool laundry

Con: Expensive

If you’ve ever shopped for Merino wool gear, you have probably been shocked by how expensive it is. Close to $100 for a t-shirt?? What?! Yup, Merino wool prices are crazy.

While there are billions of sheep in the world, most are raised for their meat or for regular wool. Merino sheep are a specialized breed and there just aren’t that many of them. It costs a lot more to raise a sheep than it does to harvest a plant or make fabric from petroleum. As well, the fine fibres of Merino wool mean that you need more of them to make fabric.

And while Merino wool is a natural fibre, it still needs to be heavily processed before it is turned into clothing. The fibres are extensively cleaned to remove dirt, impurities, and lanolin (a greasy substance that naturally occurs in sheep’s wool.)

Which Merino Wool Clothing is Worth It?

My answer to whether Merino wool is worth it depends on what kind of clothing you’re talking about. For things like socks, I recommend it 1000%. For shirts, base layers, underwear, and mid-layers, the answer is a bit more nuanced.

Are Merino Wool Socks Worth It?

Yes! I swear by Merino wool hiking socks.

Since socks need to be extra durable, Merino wool socks are usually expertly blended with nylon and elastane. This means that you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino. But you also get better durability thanks to the nylon. And you get the wicking power of both Merino and nylon – it dries quicker than Merino alone.

I hike exclusively in Merino wool blend socks. My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock and the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.

Wearing Smartwool socks and airing out my feet on the top of Solomon’s Throne Mountain in Walls of Jerusalem National Park in Tasmania, Australia

Are Merino Hiking Shirts Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

Many hikers love wearing Merino wool hiking shirts. They love the temperature regulation that Merino provides. And the anti-microbial properties of Merino make it ideal for backpacking trips when you don’t want to stink day after day.

However, when you wear a Merino wool hiking shirt, the poor durability of Merino wool becomes pretty apparent. And if you sweat a lot when you hike (like me) then you will find yourself soaking wet a lot of the time because Merino wool shirts absorb more water than synthetics and take longer to dry.

I think Merino wool hiking shirts are great for backpacking and for people who don’t sweat too much. They are also great for people who are careful with their gear.

Smartwool’s standard Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a really popular choice for a Merino hiking shirt. My husband has three of them and loves them. He likes that they don’t stink.

I have an Odlo Kinship Performance Wo o l long sleeve top that I love for cold weather hiking. It’s a wool/polyester/nylon blend that hits the sweat spot of performance for me. (Read my review in my fave gear of 2023 post.)

Wearing the Odlo Kinship Performance Wool baselayer top during a chilly fall hike with a friend in Squamish.

Are Merino Base Layers Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

The main purpose of a base layer (also known as thermals) is to move moisture away from your skin. Base layers also add warmth through insulation. (However, most of your warmth should come from your mid-layer.)

The thermo-regulation of Merino wool base layers is great for stop-and-start activities like skiing where you generate a lot of heat, but then slow down or stop for long periods and get cold.

Merino’s high warmth-to-weight ratio makes it great for base layers since you can get more warmth with less bulk. I usually sleep in Merino wool base layers when backpacking since they are smaller to pack.

However, for those who sweat a lot, Merino isn’t a good choice for active base layers since they absorb more moisture and take longer to dry.

Durability is also a factor with base layers – the repetitive rubbing of base layers against mid and outer layers in your crotch and armpits leads to pilling and holes far faster with Merino wool than with synthetic fabrics.

Merino wool base layers are great for skiing as long as you don’t run too hot and are ok with the durability issues. They also are great for sleeping in. Otherwise, I think synthetic base layers perform just as well so there isn’t any reason to spend more money on Merino wool.

I love my Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Bottoms for sleeping on backpacking trips since they are lightweight, cozy, and come in fun prints. For snowshoeing, I wear Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Base Layers since they combine Merino and polyester for faster drying times.

Wearing my Smartwool Merino wool base layer bottoms and Smartwool Merino wool beanie at breakfast at Floe Lake on the Rockwall Trail.

Is Merino Wool Underwear Worth It?

Not really.

I’ve heard lots of rave reviews about Merino wool underwear. (And I included a few Merino wool pairs in my guide to the best hiking underwear since some hikers swear by them.) People love it for the same reason they love Merino wool hiking shirts – they are great at temperature regulation and they don’t stink.

But if you sweat a lot, Merino wool underwear is a disaster since it holds moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Merino wool undies are also notorious for getting tons of holes. They often lose their shape a lot faster than synthetics too.

Lots of Merino wool underwear is heavily blended with nylon and elastane to increase durability and dry quicker. This is especially true of sports bras, which need to fit tightly. Some underwear and sports bras marketed as Merino wool contain less than 30% Merino wool… but still carry a full Merino wool price tag! Shop carefully.

If you love the feel of Merino wool and think the expense of Merino underwear is worth it, that’s great. But I don’t think Merino wool underwear is a great option for most people – if you are buying a $40 pair of undies, they shouldn’t get holes, bag out, and chafe your butt!

The only merino wool underwear I can recommend are the Branwyn Essential, although I find they are better for cold weather or less sweaty trips. But the highest rated Merino wool underwear are the women’s Icebreaker Merino Siren and Men’s Icebreaker Anatomica. If you want a Merino sports bra, I like the Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra – but keep in mind that it is only 28% wool and can definitely can get stinky. (Mine is a bit gross.)

Are Merino Wool Mid-Layers Worth It?

No. Synthetics greatly outperform Merino in this category.

Merino performs best when you wear it next to your skin to wick sweat and absorb heat. Merino wool does work as a mid-layer for insulation, but it doesn’t work any better than fleece, synthetic insulation, or down. And you need a much thicker wool mid-layer to get the equivalent warmth that you’d get with fleece, down, or synthetic insulation.

If you like the feel of wool, a blended wool and polyester fleece is a nice option for a casual mid-layer. But it will be heavier than a pure synthetic, dry slower, and be more expensive.

I have an older Smartwool Smartloft Jacket that I got years ago when I was a Smartwool brand amabassador. It has a Merino wool interior that is cozy, especially when layered over a short sleeved shirt. But I don’t find it as versatile to wear as a fleece.

Wearing my Smartwool Smartloft jacket and Merino Wool reversible beanie.

Are Merino Wool Toques/Beanies Worth It?

Yes, if you don’t have sensitive skin.

I love my Smartwool Merino Beanie (called a toque here in Canada) – I’m wearing it in the photo above. It is really warm for the weight, so it doesn’t take up tons of space in my pack. Since I won’t be sweating much when I wear it, I don’t have to worry about it not drying quickly.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you might find that Merino wool itches your forehead a bit. In that case, a grid fleece hat like the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie is a better option. It has the same warmth-to-weight as Merino wool.

Merino Wool Tips

From what to look for when shopping for Merino to how to wash and repair it, here are my top Merino wool tips:

Choose the right Merino wool weight for your activity: Merino comes in weights from ultra-fine/ultralight light to heavy-weight. Lighter weights are good for warmer weather and more vigorous activity compared to heavier weights. Some brands list the grams per square metre (gsm) weight of the fabric. Look for around 150gsm for lightweight, year-round layers and 250-300gsm for extra warm winter layers.
Get a close fit: To benefit from Merino wool’s thermoregulating properties, Merino clothing needs to fit close to the skin. It can’t be too baggy.
Consider Merino wool blends: Merino wool blended with nylon, polyester and/or elastane is more durable, stretchier, and absorbs a bit less water than pure Merino. Some budget brands mix Merino with nylon to bring prices down. But other performance brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker and Odlo, mix Merino wool with other fabrics in innovative ways that boost function and fit. Pay attention to the percentages. You want at least 50% Merino, or else it’s not worth buying. If you prioritize the benefits of Merino but want more durability, look for 80-90% Merino.
Buy from a brand that specializes in Merino: For the best performance, buy from a Merino wool brand like Smartwool or Icebreaker or an outdoor brand that makes lots of base layers like Patagonia, Odlo, Helly Hansen, and Arc’teryx. They will have the best fit, seam placement, and fabric blends. You can buy cheap Merino base layers from Costco, etc. but in my experience, they are poor quality and don’t last very long.
Wash Merino carefully. If you baby your Merino wool, it will last. For the longest lifespan, always wash on delicate with wool-specific detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash) and hang to dry. The care label might say regular wash and tumble dry is ok, but that’s because they don’t want to scare you off buying Merino. Trust me, stick with the delicate cycle and hang dry no matter what.
Repair your Merino. Holes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your gear. Even if you are a terrible sewer, a few minutes with a needle and thread is all it takes to fix a small hole. For big ones, I sew on patches made from a pair of retired Merino base layer bottoms that was beyond repair.

A patch I sewed on an old pair of Merino wool base layer bottoms

Comparing Merino Wool to Other Fabrics

Most marketing material touts the performance values of merino wool, but doesn’t tell you how Merino stacks up in comparison to other common outdoor fabrics. I pitted Merino wool and against several other outdoor fabrics commonly used for base layers and hiking shirts.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, while polyester is prone to getting stinky. You can buy polyester with anti-odor properties, but it’s either a finish that washes out, or very expensive if it’s embedded in the garment.

For a lot of polyester fabrics, whether it is better than Merino or not, really depends on the type of polyester. In general, Merino is equivalent to or better than some (but not all) polyester fabrics when it comes to breathability, temperature regulation, warmth for weight, next-to-skin comfort, warmth when wet, and moisture-wicking.

All polyester will work better than Merino wool when you compare quick drying, durability, price, and washing instructions.

I like my Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody for sun protection on hot and sweaty days. The performance polyester fabric holds up way better than Merino wool. Photo: Bryony Coombs

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

For hiking and other outdoor sports, Merino wool beats regular wool in pretty much every category except durability and price. It has better temperature regulation, breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and wicking than regular wool. Merino wool and regular wool score about the same when it comes to warmth for weight, warmth when wet, quick drying, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is similar to polyester, but a bit less common. It wicks better, dries faster, and costs less than both polyester and Merino wool. It also gets stinky incredibly easily.

Polypropylene was commonly used in base layers in the 1990s but it is less prevalent now. Helly Hansen makes a lot of polypropylene base layers, some of which they blend with Merino wool. Choose polypropylene over wool if wicking and quick drying are your primary concerns and you can live with the stink.

Merino Wool vs. Modal/Tencel/Lyocell/Viscose/Rayon

Modal, Tencel, Lyocell, Viscose, and rayon are all semi-synthetic fabrics made from wood pulp. Some are softer and more eco-friendly than others (which makes them cost more.) They don’t provide any warmth. These fabrics don’t wrinkle and feel really soft (even softer than Merino), but they aren’t as good at wicking or quick-drying compared to Merino wool or synthetics. None of these fabrics are very good for outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool vs. Alpaca

Alpaca wool fabric is made from the wool of alpacas, a relative of the llama that lives in the South American mountains. Currently, most alpaca garments on the market are intended more for casual wear than for hiking or other outdoor activities. As well, most alpaca garments are heavily blended with other fabrics like nylon for durability or Tencel for softness.

Alpaca wool is softer than Merino. It is also a bit more durable, but still very fragile compared to synthetics. Alpaca is a bit warmer than Merino since its structure creates larger air pockets. (Alpacas need to stay warm in the chilly Andes Mountains!) Alpaca also retains a bit less water than Merino (but still doesn’t dry as fast as polyester or polypropylene).

The alpaca market is still growing so there will likely be a lot of options available in the next few years. But for now, most alpaca products are not high-tech enough for hikers.

Merino Wool vs. Cashmere

Cashmere is made from the wool of Kashmir goats that live in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, and Iraq. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it doesn’t beat Merino in any other category. Cashmere is less durable, harder to wash, and more expensive. As well, cashmere is typically only used in casual wear, not in technical outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool FAQ

Let me answer some of the most common questions about Merino wool:

Is Merino Wool itchy?

No. Most people do not find Merino wool itchy, especially compared to regular wool. However, some people still find Merino wool a tiny bit itchy compared to other fabrics. Merino wool blends are less itchy than pure Merino wool.

Is Merino Wool Soft?

Yes. Merino wool is very soft, especially compared to regular wool. However, it can feel a tiny bit rougher than super soft fabrics like Modal or even some types of polyester.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Merino wool provides great warmth for its weight compared to other fabrics. However, it is also naturally temperature regulating, which makes it great in a range of temperatures.

Is Merino Wool Good for Winter?

Yes. Merino wool base layers can provide lots of warmth, especially mid- and heavy-weight Merino (200-300gsm). However, you will still need insulating mid-layers on top of your Merino.

Wearing a Merino wool shirt during a winter trip to Garibaldi Lake.

Is Merino Wool Good For Summer?

Yes. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation so lightweight Merino wool pieces (150gsm) work well in the summer. However, keep in mind that Merino wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like Merino wool for summer use.

Is Merino Wool Washable?

Yes. But it has special washing instructions. To make your Merino wool last, it is best to wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle, use wool-specific detergent, and hang it to dry. The care label on some Merino wool clothing says you can wash it on the regular cycle and tumble dry. But I don’t recommend it unless the Merino is blended with another fabric (for example Merino wool blend hiking socks).

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

Yes. Like most wool, if you wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer, it will shrink at least a little bit. But if you wash it in cold water and hang to dry, it won’t shrink.

Is Merino Wool Expensive?

Yes, compared to other fabrics, Merino wool is quite expensive. That is because Merino wool is expensive to produce – raising and shearing sheep is more expensive than growing cotton or processing petroleum.

So that’s my big explanation of why I think Merino wool isn’t always worth it. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s ok. I’ll be the first one to say that Merino wool is an awesome fabric. It’s just not always the best one to choose for every application.

Do you have more Merino wool questions? Ask them in the comments.

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The post Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 19:28:20 +0000

If you’re heading out for a hike in the winter, you are probably going to encounter ice and snow. But how will you stop yourself from slipping? Should you bring microspikes? Or crampons? Or snowshoes? And what’s the difference? In this post, I’ll break down microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes.

I’ve been winter hiking and snowshoeing for over 20 years. I also used to work at the head office of a large outdoor retailer where I wrote about hiking gear, including writing staff training materials. So I’ve got a fair amount of winter knowledge to share.

This guide to winter traction devices includes:

A comparison chart for microspikes, crampons and snowshoes showing their strengths and weaknesses
Microspikes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best microspikes.
Crampons: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best crampons.
Snowshoes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best snowshoes.
Other winter traction devices: A quick overview of other traction devices including Yaktrax, STABILicers and more and how they stack up against microspikes.

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

Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes Comparison Chart

	Microspikes	Crampons	Snowshoes
Flotation in deep snow	None	None	Excellent
Grip on packed snow and ice	Good	Excellent	Fair
Safety on steep slopes	Good	Excellent	Poor
Ease of on/off	Good	Poor	Fair
Footwear compatibility	Excellent	Poor	Excellent
Ease of use	Excellent	Fair	Good
Packability and bulk	Excellent	Good	Poor
Lightweight	Good	Fair	Poor
Durability	Fair	Excellent	Excellent
Affordability	Good	Fair	Fair

Microspikes

Wearing microspikes on an early winter hiker with a small amount of hard-packed snow.

Best for: Hiking or trail running on packed snow or icy trails

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, can be worn with any footwear, good traction, easy to take on and off

Cons: Not safe for steep slopes, don’t provide flotation in deep snow, not as durable

What are microspikes?

The term “microspikes” can mean a lot of things. It gets even more confusing because even though “microspikes” is actually a trademarked name from Kahtoola, people tend to refer to all similar products as microspikes. (It’s kind of like how everyone calls adhesive bandages band-aids, even if they aren’t made by Band-Aid brand.)

In general, microspikes have a flexible rubber-like plastic harness that stretches to fit around all kinds of boots and shoes. Some also have a velcro toe strap.

On the bottom, they have metal teeth connected by stainless steel chains. The teeth are usually fairly short (less than 1/2″/1.25 cm). You can wear microspikes with flexible footwear like trail runners since the metal chains aren’t rigid.

Heads up: You might see products with a stretchy harness and then studs or just chains on the bottom. These are NOT microspikes. While these go by a lot of other names, they provide less traction. More on these in the Other Traction Devices section below.

Kahtoola microspikes

When to use microspikes?

Microspikes are best suited to hard-packed snow or icy trails. They excel on flat and low-angle terrain – they don’t provide enough secure grip for steep slopes, especially where a fall could be dangerous. The spikes on microspikes also aren’t very long. That means that if there is a thin layer of snow over ice, the spikes might not be long enough to bite into the ice.

I think microspikes are great for winter trail running and hiking. The spikes are fairly durable, which means you can wear them for short periods on bare dirt.

I keep my microspikes in my backpack for winter trips when I expect freezing temperatures. They are good to have when conditions are too slippery for hiking boots.

I also bring them snowshoeing as they are much more secure in steep terrain than snowshoes. (More on that in the snowshoes section below.) In hard-packed snow, they are also much more comfortable to wear than snowshoes since you have a more natural stance.

Check trail conditions before you go to figure out if microspikes are the right choice. My guide to how to find trail conditions has lots of resources.

My picks for the best microspikes

I have both the original Kahtoola Microspikes and Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (which despite the name are NOT crampons). They are both great, but I have a slight preference for the Hillsounds since they have a velcro toe strap, which improves the fit.

Other good microspike options include Black Diamond Access Spikes and Black Diamond Distance Spikes.

There are lots of cheap knock-off microspikes on Amazon. The reviews on them aren’t great – lots of people say that the spikes bend and the plastic harnesses rip. But if you want budget microspikes, the best ones on Amazon are the Cimkiz microspikes.

Crampons

Crampons on mountaineering boots. Photo: Maël Balland/Unsplash

Best for: Mountaineering, ice climbing, or hiking on steep ice or snow slopes

Pros: Very secure attachment to boots, tons of grip, durable

Cons: Bulky, heavy, expensive, requires training to use, may require specialized footwear, doesn’t provide flotation in snow, time-consuming to take on and off

What are crampons?

Mountaineers developed crampons to help them traverse steep and precipitous slopes on glaciers, ice, and frozen waterfalls. They consist of a two-piece metal frame that fits under the sole of your boot. The frame is linked by a center bar that is sometimes a bit flexible for easier walking. The frame usually has plastic plates under the ball and heel of the foot to prevent snow build-up

Spikes stick out of the bottom of the frame. There are usually four spikes under the heel and six or eight under the forefoot. Some crampons have two front points as well, which can be used to kick your toe into vertical slopes. One of the main differences of microspikes vs. crampons is that on crampons, the spikes are sharper and longer.

Crampons attach to your boots very securely with a system of straps and wire bails that only work with specialized mountaineering boots – these boots have special welts or grooves on the heels and toes for the crampons to attach to. These are called step-in crampons.

It is also possible to get crampons that only attach with straps and be used with any boot. These are called strap-on crampons. However, since they don’t attach as securely as step-in crampons, they are best for less technical terrain.

Grivel G12 New-Matic crampons

When to use crampons?

Crampons are the most helpful on steep slopes with firm snow or ice. They bite much deeper into the ice and provide better traction than microspikes, so they are the best choice (along with an ice axe) for any situation where falling would result in injury or death.

You should use crampons for mountaineering, ice climbing, and any time the slope is steep enough that a fall would have high consequences.

Using crampons requires mountaineering training as there are special techniques for walking and climbing in crampons.

My picks for the best crampons

I’m not a mountaineer, so I have limited experience with crampons. However, I spent seven years writing about gear for a big outdoor retailer including writing staff training materials, so I know a fair bit about crampons.

Grivel’s G12 New-Matic are a popular choice since they are quite durable and are easy to adjust. These hybrid step-in style crampons have 12 spikes but the front points aren’t designed for ice climbing, making them a good all-around crampon for pretty much everything else. The downsides are that they are on the heavier side and they only work with mountaineering boots.

If you’re looking for inexpensive, non-technical crampons, the Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampons or the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro are both good choices. These are both great for hiking on steep slopes, but not enough grip or security for mountaineering.

Snowshoes

Wearing my MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

Best for: Hiking in deep snow

Pros: Can be worn with any footwear, provides flotation in deep snow

Cons: More expensive than microspikes, bulky, don’t provide enough traction for icy slopes, harder to walk in, time-consuming to take on and off

What are snowshoes?

Snowshoes increase the surface area of your foot to help you float in deep snow. There are two basic designs for snowshoes: a solid, one-piece deck or a perimeter frame with a floating deck made of fabric (or traditionally of laces).

Snowshoe bindings use straps to attach to any kind of footwear including trail running shoes, hiking boots, and sometimes bigger winter boots or snowboard boots to the snowshoes. Most snowshoes have a bit of traction underfoot, especially under the toe.

My guide to choosing snowshoes has tons more details about snowshoe construction and features.

MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes

When to use snowshoes?

Snowshoes are designed to provide flotation in deep snow. They work best when trails are snowy, especially when the snow is fresh. When the snow is shallow or when it is so hard-packed that you don’t sink in, snowshoes aren’t helpful.

Snowshoes can also be dangerous on steep slopes since they don’t provide enough traction. That, combined with the wide platform of the snowshoes, makes it easy to slip and fall while wearing snowshoes. On steep slopes with long run-outs, that can result in injury or death. I’ve got more detail on this in my guide to snowshoeing safety.

My picks for the best snowshoes

I’ve been snowshoeing for over 20 years and I think MSR makes the best snowshoes. They are durable, provide great traction, and have bindings that are easy to use and fit lots of types of footwear.

My budget pick for snowshoes is the MSR Evo Trail. My upgrade pick is the MSR Lightning Ascent because they are much lighter and more comfortable to wear. You can read more about my snowshoe recommendations in my guide to choosing snowshoes.

Other Winter Traction Devices

There are also tons of other winter traction devices on the market so it can get confusing. In general, these other traction devices provide less grip than crampons and microspikes. They are all best for use in the city.

In general, I don’t recommend any of the traction devices below. I think microspikes are the best choice, even for the city. And if Kahtoola microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras aren’t in the budget, get the Cimkiz microspikes on Amazon – they are a better price than all of the other winter traction devices below and provide a better grip.

Here’s a quick run-down on a few other winter traction devices you might have heard of:

Kahtoola NANOspikes: These are made by the same company that popularized microspikes. They have a similar harness, but they have rubber plates underfoot with small metal studs. Snow can build up under the rubber plates.

Kahtoola EXOspikes: The EXOspikes also have the same harness as microspikes and NANOspikes but have slightly more aggressive studs than the NANOspikes and less rubber underfoot so snow won’t build up as much.

Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip: These have a stretchy harness that holds beefy chains with small metal cleats under your foot. These are good for the city but could cross over into a bit of hiking use.

Yaktrax Diamond Go: Similar to the Diamond Grip but less expensive since they just have a circle of cleats under your forefoot – there’s nothing under your heel. Due to the lack of heel traction, I don’t recommend these at all.

Yaktrax Run: A rubberized plate under the forefoot has short metal studs while the back has steel coils. Designed to be lightweight for running. In my experience, snow clogs in the coil style and it doesn’t provide very good grip.

Yaktrax Walk: A set of steel coils underfoot. I don’t recommend these because I find they don’t grip well.

Hillsound FlexSteps: Similar to the Kahtoola NANOspikes but with much more burly studs set into a flexible plate. Snow can build up under the plate.

STABILicers Walk: Rubber plates under the forefoot and heel have short, blunt spikes. Ok for walking on a sidewalk but I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking. Snow can build up under the rubber plate and the spikes are not sharp enough to be helpful on most surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the difference between microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes, which ones will you be bringing on your next winter hike? I take microspikes on pretty much every winter hike – I even pack them in my backpack when I snowshoe to deal with steep terrain.

20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

Taryn Eyton — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 22:56:00 +0000

Backpacking is a natural extension of day hiking as you trek further into the wilderness. The major downside is having to carry all that gear. I’ve been backpacking for 20 years and have come up with lots of ways to reduce your backpack weight.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker (more on what that is below), but I’m a gear geek and have refined my backpacking gear choices over the years to prioritize low weight without sacrificing safety or too much comfort.

This guide to ways to reduce your backpack weight includes:

Why should you reduce your backpack weight? What are the advantages?
What is “Ultralight? Should you be an ultralight backpacker? What are the downsides?
Over 20 ways to reduce your backpack weight including what to look for when shopping for gear and what to leave behind.

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 first backpacking trip on the West Coast Trail in 2004. As you can see, my pack was huge! It was so heavy that it chafed my collarbone raw and I was always exhausted. I’ve lightened my pack a lot since then!

Why Should You Reduce Your Backpack Weight?

Maybe you’ve been on a few backpacking trips and you’ve thought: “This weight is manageable. I can hike with this.” And that’s probably true.

The general rule is that your backpack should weigh less than 20 percent of your body weight. But using that rule, if you weigh 200 lbs (91 kg), your pack could weigh up to 40 lbs (18 kg). That’s a lot of weight!

But what if your pack were a bit lighter? How would it feel then? Chances are, it would feel pretty good! Here are my top reasons why you should reduce your backpack weight:

It’s more comfortable. It’s common to have sore shoulders and hips after backpacking. I bet you don’t feel that way after day hiking since your pack is lighter.
It’s easier on your body. If you’re recovering from injury, or just dealing with aging, the less weight you carry, the less stress you put on your body. And over time, that can be an important factor in extending your backpacking career.
You can move faster and cover more ground with a lighter pack. And that really opens up a ton more options for backpacking trips.
It prevents injury. Carrying a heavy pack puts more strain on your body, especially your ankles and knees. You are also likely to be more tired when your backpack is heavy, and fatigue can lead to tripping and falling.
It’s easier to balance when a heavy pack isn’t affecting your center of gravity. With a lighter pack, you will find technical terrain or creek crossings easier.
It’s easier to stay organized. If you have less stuff to misplace, you won’t waste time looking for it.
It lets you bring luxury items. If you save weight on your gear, you can bring some non-essentials. My husband pushed for us to get an ultralight tent because he loves bringing his chair on trips. With the weight we saved on the tent, he doesn’t mind the weight of the chair.

My ultralight Zpacks Plexamid one-person tent at Kwai Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. Photo: Reid Holmes.

What is “Ultralight”? Should You Be an Ultralight Backpacker?

If you’ve spent any time researching gear or talking to backpackers, you’ve probably heard the term “ultralight“. But what does it mean?

There is no established definition of ultralight, but in general, it means carrying the lightest (and sometimes least) amount of gear possible.

Some people define ultralight by your base weight, which is the weight of everything in your backpack, minus consumables like food, water, and fuel. A common ultralight base weight is between 10 and 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg).

Psst! Looking for more outdoor slang definitions? Check out this post: 300+ Hiking Terms Explained: A Hiking Glossary

Ultralight is not just a base weight definition – it’s also a mindset and a subculture. Some backpackers find it fun to obsess over the latest and greatest ultralight gear. They continually tweak their backpack contents to achieve lighter and lighter base weights. And they spend tons of time in ultralight sub-Reddits, forums, and Facebook groups chatting about gear.

A Few Words of Caution About Going Ultralight

But the ultralight mentality also has a few negative aspects.

Firstly, some people get obsessive about being ultralight and take it too far: It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and chase a low base weight number instead of thinking about safety. When deciding what gear to leave behind, make sure you take safety gear, including the ten essentials.

Second, it’s important to remember that backpacking is supposed to be fun. Sometimes people going super ultralight lose sight of that. They drop their pack weight so far that they aren’t comfortable and their trip isn’t fun. Make sure that you bring the right gear to keep you warm, ensure you get a good sleep, and have some tasty food.

The third negative aspect of ultralight backpacking can be a big barrier for many people: Ultralight gear is ridiculously expensive. Much of it is made by small companies using unusual materials, which accounts for the high prices. Since ultralight gear can be a big investment, do a lot of research and read reviews before you buy.

And lastly, ultralight gear is often not very durable. It’s made with very thin and lightweight materials that can easily snag, rip, or crack. You really have to take care of ultralight gear if you want it to last. Frequent patches and repairs are the norm, not the exception.

A lightweight MSR Hubba Hubba and an ultralight Zpacks Plexamid at Elfin Lakes Campground in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

How to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

I’ve been backpacking for 20 years. In that time I’ve been on dozens of trips and spent hundreds of days carrying a fully loaded backpacking pack. I even wrote two backpacking guidebooks.

On my first backpacking trips I used borrowed gear that didn’t fit me and was really heavy. I brought tons of clothes. I loved the scenery and being outdoors, but the weight of the pack made hiking miserable. Since then I’ve refined my backpacking gear list over and over, trying to save weight while maintaining comfort.

I’m definitely not an ultralight hiker by any definition (my base weight is usually around 18-20 lbs./8.2-9.1 kg), but I do keep ultralight principles in mind when packing.

Here are the top tips for reducing your backpacking pack weight that I’ve picked up over the years:

1. Use a Scale

The first thing you need to do if you are going to reduce your backpack weight is to get a scale and weigh everything. If you don’t know how much something weighs, how are you going to know if you can find a lighter option?

I use a basic digital kitchen scale to figure out how much each piece of gear weighs.

Weighing my Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody on my kitchen scale. It’s a lightweight wind jacket… but is it light enough?

I also keep a digital luggage scale in the car so I can weigh my fully loaded backpack at the trailhead at the beginning and end of my trip. That way I know how much weight I am carrying including food, water, and fuel, as well as how much lighter it was at the end of the trip.

On group trips, we also use the luggage scale to figure out how to split up shared gear so that no one is overloaded.

2. Make a Gear List (or Use an App)

After you get the weights of all your gear, you need some way to organize it. The old-school way was to plug everything into a spreadsheet so you could virtually add and subtract things from your pack to see what impact they had on your overall weight.

But these days there is an easier solution: pack weight web apps like Lighter Pack and Pack Wizard. Both of these apps let you build a personalized gear list including weights of each item. Then you can virtually add them to your pack.

These apps help visualize what your loaded pack will weigh with various gear configurations for different types of trips. They also let you categorize your gear so you can see how much weight you are carrying in each category. I really like the pie charts they produce.

Pie chart and summary stats from the example Ultralight Gear List on Pack Wizard.

4. Focus on The Big Three

The easiest way to drop weight is to focus on what ultralight hikers commonly call The Big Three: your tent, backpack and sleep system (sleeping bag and pad). These are usually the heaviest items that backpackers carry so if you can drop weight from The Big Three, it can make a huge difference.

Lightweight Tents

If you are looking to drop some weight from your shelter, consider an ultralight tent. True ultralight tents like the Zpacks Duplex weigh about 2 lbs/ 0.9kg or less. To achieve such a low weight they use fragile (and expensive) materials like Dyneema or very thin silicone-treated nylon or polyester. Many are not free-standing so they can be a challenge to pitch, and they often require you to use trekking poles as tent poles.

If you aren’t ready to go full ultralight when buying a new tent, there are some great mainstream lightweight tent options. They are a bit heavier than ultralight tents, but they are more durable, easier to use, and less expensive.

I’ve loved my MSR Hubba Hubba for years, but I’ve also heard great reviews for the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL and the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO. They all weigh just under 3 pounds but are fully freestanding.

Looking through the door of my MSR Hubba Hubba at Joffre Lakes.

Lightweight Sleep Systems

The sleeping bag and pad you choose will depend a lot upon the temperatures you plan to backpack in.

Many ultralight hikers choose to forgo a sleeping bag entirely and use an ultralight quilt instead. These can be great in milder temperatures, but won’t keep you warm if it’s much below freezing. Pay attention to temperature ratings when shopping.

Whether you are looking for a quilt or sleeping bag, keep a few things in mind while shopping for lightweight versions. In general, down is lighter than synthetic insulation (although there have been some great tech advances in synthetics in the last few years).

Look for down sleeping bags or quilts with high fill-power down and ultralight face fabrics (20-denier or less). I love my Therm-a-rest Ohm 32F/0C. It’s super light and converts to a 2-person quilt. I recently got the MEC Aphelion UL -7C Down sleeping bag. It weights just 700g (25 oz) and is plenty warm.

You can also save a lot of weight on your sleeping pad, but make sure you get one that provides enough insulation (measured as R-value) for the temperatures you will face. Some ultralight hikers prefer cheap and durable closed-cell foam pads like the Therm-a-rest Z-lite (14 oz/410 g).

But many people find those uncomfortable and opt for an inflatable pad with insulation. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is the OG lightweight pad in this category, weighing just 13 oz/370 g. Another popular lightweight option is the Sea to Summit Ether Light (16.6 oz/470 g).

Our sleep setup: lightweight down sleeping bags with Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite pads inside our Zpacks Triplex tent.

Lightweight Backpacks

Your backpack is the last piece of gear you should upgrade. If all of your gear isn’t ultralight yet, it won’t fit into an ultralight backpack and it won’t be comfortable to carry.

In general, most mainstream 60L backpacking packs weigh 3.5 to 4.5 lbs (1.6 to 2 kg). I carry the Gregory Amber 65 (3.55 lbs./1.6 kg) which is on the lighter side of mainstream but certainly not ultralight. (The men’s version is the Gregory Stout.)

Heavier packs like the Osprey Aether 65 (4.92 lbs./2.23 kg) and Ariel 65 (4.85 lbs./2.2 kg) have more comfortable harnesses, thicker and more durable fabric, and more features, like extra pockets. But at nearly 5 pounds, they are twice as heavy as an ultralight pack.

Ultralight packs have less robust harnesses, so they won’t be comfortable with heavy loads. Sometimes they don’t even have an internal frame to distribute the load. They also have few features and internal pockets but often have big and stretchy external pockets. Popular ultralight packs like the Hyperlite Southwest 55 typically weigh around 1 kg (2.2 lbs.)

5. Carry Less Clothing

Clothing is usually the second heaviest category of gear that backpackers carry after The Big Three. It’s important to carry warm and waterproof clothing in case of bad weather. But lots of backpackers carry a lot of extra clothing just in case.

Dial in your clothing system so that you have only what you need. Skip the extras and the just-in-case layers. My goal for a trip is to layer all the clothing I bring so I can withstand the coldest temperature I face.

And don’t worry about needing extra clean clothing. Besides an extra pair or two of socks and underwear, you don’t need clean clothing. Embrace the stink!

You don’t need a lot of extra clothes on a backpacking trip. I wore this same outfit for three days on the Della Falls Trail.

6. Choose Lightweight Jackets

Jackets are often the heaviest clothing item that backpackers carry. Depending on the trip, you might be carrying a rain jacket, a fleece jacket, and/or a puffy jacket. The weight of jackets can add up and you often need them to ensure you stay dry and warm.

If you’re shopping for a rain jacket, look for lightweight options. These usually have 2.5-layer construction rather than 2-layer or 3-layer construction since it minimizes bulk. However, 2.5-layer options are generally less breathable and less durable.

If you’re looking for a recognizable technology, Gore-Tex Paclite is very lightweight. I love my Mountain Hardwear Minimizer jacket with Paclite. It weight only 8 oz/225g and has stood up to some intense rainstorms.

For an insulated jacket, opt for down over synthetic to save weight and bulk. Just like with sleeping bags, look for high fill-power and thin face fabrics. I love my Arc’teryx Cerium as it is so toasty warm. I’ve also heard great things about the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer.

I love wearing fleece and bring one on every backpacking trip. In general, choose a fleece that weighs less than about 10 oz/283 g. You don’t need a heavy-weight fleece. To save weight, look for ones made of grid fabrics or airy knits like Polartec Alpha Direct that trap warm air. That way you can get more warmth for the weight.

7. Skip the Heavy Hiking Boots

Full-height leather hiking boots are really heavy. For example, the full-leather Zamberlan Vioz GTX hiking boots weigh 3 lbs 8 oz (1.59 kg) a pair. For every step you take in those, you’ll be lifting up 3.5 pounds of weight!

In comparison, Altra Lone Peaks, the trail runner of choice for thru-hikers weighs just 10.6 oz (300g). That’s a huge difference.

Of course, there are big trade-offs there. Traditional hiking boots offer more ankle support, foot stability, waterproofness, and durability compared to trail runners. If you aren’t used to hiking in trail runners with a weighted pack, don’t just jump in – you could injure yourself.

The good news is that there is a huge spectrum of footwear in between lightweight trail runners and huge traditional leather hiking boots. I like the Salomon X Ultra Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots. At 1 lb. 14 oz. (850 g) they are a nice compromise on weight while providing some durability and stability.

Friends pose with their low and mid-cut boots on the West Coast Trail. Photo: Reid Holmes.

8. Understand Hiking Weather Forecasts

For me, the key to carrying less clothing (and choosing the right sleep system for each trip) is to pack for the weather forecast. But looking at a city forecast is usually useless since the weather is very different in the mountains.

I use an algorithmic forecast like Spotwx to get weather predictions for the exact elevation where I’ll be camping.

Psst! My guide to the best weather apps for hiking has more weather tips.

Understanding weather forecasts is super important for remote backcountry trips like the off-trail Augerpoint Traverse on Vancouver Island

9. Carry a Thermometer

A few years ago I started carrying a thermometer on all my backpacking trips. It’s been really helpful to know the exact temperature so I can dial in my clothing and sleep system choices for different temperatures. I make a note of the temperature, what I packed, and if it worked. That way I can adjust for the next trip.

I started out with a cheap zipper-pull thermometer, but last year I upgraded to the digital ThermoDrop. It’s just as tiny and only a few dollars more. But it has the added feature of recording the lowest and highest temperatures since the last time it was turned off. That means I can keep track of the coldest temperature overnight without waking up to check!

Psst! The ThermoDrop made my list of my favourite gear of 2022.

10. Streamline Your Cook System

If all you are doing is boiling water, you don’t need multiple pots. And while Jetboils and other stove systems are super popular for their reliability and speed, they are fairly heavy. (The Jetboil Flash weighs 13.1 oz/371 g.)

Pare your cook system down to a tiny stove and one small pot. I love the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe (2.9 oz/80 g). If I’m going solo, I use the Vargo Titanium BOT 700 (4.8 oz/138 g).

My lightweight cook system at Elfin Lakes near my home in Squamish.

11. Measure Your Fuel

Many people just throw a full fuel canister in their backpack without bothering to figure out how much fuel they actually need for their trip. But that usually means carrying a bunch of extra fuel.

Instead, figure out how much water you will need to boil during your trip (plus a few extra litres just in case). Then look up your stove’s boil time in the manufacturer’s specs as well as its burn time (how long it can run on a fuel canister of a certain size). Use these numbers to figure out how much fuel to bring.

If you have partially empty canisters at home, you can use your kitchen scale to figure out how much fuel is left in them. Simply weigh the partially empty canister, then compare it to the weight of a full canister (which should be listed on the side of it).

12. Plan Your Food Carefully and Count Calories

It’s easy to pack tons of just-in-case snacks. Or to get tempted to pack treats or luxury meals that are heavy. Be mindful when you plan your backpacking food.

Always choose calorie-dense food – it should provide lots of calories for its weight. My rule is that food should have at least 100 calories per ounce (25 g). And don’t carry liquid in your food – pack dry, dehydrated food that you can add water to at camp.

Once you have chosen your food, remove excess packaging or cut up packaging to save weight and bulk.

You also need to count the calories in your food to make sure that you have enough. And of course to make sure that you aren’t bringing more than you can possibly eat. On a recent five-day trip my husband and I packed in a hurry and didn’t look at our snacks too carefully. We packed out so much extra food – at least three extra days’ worth of snacks! Oops!

Psst! For advice on backpacking menus, check out my post on choosing the best backpacking meals, my guide to making DIY backpacking meals from grocery store ingredients, and my guide to dehydrating backpacking meals.

Pasta carbonara is really high calorie and fairly lightweight. Get the recipe in my guide to grocery store backpacking food.

13. Ditch the Stove

This is a more radical idea (and to be honest, something I’m not willing to do) but some ultralight backpackers hike stoveless. They cold-soak their food or eat foods that don’t require added water.

Going stoveless works best in warm or mild weather. It also requires more creativity and planning if you plan to cold-soak. Many people find hot food to be an important mental pick-me-up, so try out going stoveless on a short trip before you commit to it for a longer hike.

14. Research Water Sources

It can be tempting to load up with lots of water at the start of a hike. But water is heavy. Each litre weighs 35 oz/1 kg! Instead, look at maps and read trail descriptions ahead of time so you can fill up at water sources along the way and carry only as much water as you need.

15. Swap Out the Heavy Water Filter

When I first started backpacking we carried a heavy pump filter. But filter technology has come a long way. Now I carry a lightweight Katadyn BeFree filter that weighs just 2.3 oz (65 g). The Sawyer Squeeze is another popular option at 3 oz/85 g.

If you want to get even lighter, you can use purification drops like Pristine or Aquamira instead. They weigh only 1 oz (28 g) but you do have to wait for the chemical reaction to start and some people say that they add a bit of a chemical taste to water.

16. Leave the Heavy Water Bottles at Home

If you run into me in the city, there is a 100% chance I have my beloved Hydroflask bottle with me. But there is no way I’m taking it on a backpacking trip – it’s waaay too heavy. Metal water bottles and ones made with thick plastic like Nalgenes are heavy.

Ultralight light hikers use Smartwater bottles since they are lightweight, durable, and cheap to replace. Empty soda bottles or Gatorade are also great. I own a bunch of Platypus Platy bottles (1.3 oz./37 g). I like that they roll up so I can stash them away if I’m not using them.

17. Choose Toiletries and First Aid Gear Carefully

While a first aid kit is one of the ten essentials, you can still be mindful about what you put in it. Lots of people buy a pre-made first aid kit, and then just pack it with them without looking at what is inside. Take a good look at your first aid kit and make sure it contains everything you need… and nothing else.

For toiletries, you don’t need much, especially on a short trip. Use travel-sized items or decant things into tiny bottles. (Tip: For short trips, I use these tiny cosmetic sample containers from Amazon to hold liquids.)

Depending on your personal tolerance, you can skip most toiletries. For me, the bare minimum is a toothbrush, toothpaste, and sunscreen. I also usually carry deodorant, a small comb, moisturizer, and a couple of wet wipes.

18. Minimize Electronics

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype for gadgets: phone, camera (with lenses, tripod and other accessories!), GPS unit, eReader, satellite messenger, GPS watch, etc. Try to bring as few as possible to save weight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that all those electronics need batteries. Research settings for all your devices to prolong battery life. Try to bring one small power bank to charge all your electronics rather than stand-alone batteries for each device.

Make sure you understand how much power each of your devices needs to fully recharge and pack an appropriately sized power bank. It’s easy to pack a huge one that you don’t need! Most backpackers shouldn’t need anything larger than 10,000 mAh. In general, solar panels are heavier than small power banks and aren’t worth their weight unless you are on a longer trip in a sunny climate.

I have an Anker power bank, but I’ve great things about the Nitecore ones – they are made with a carbon fibre shell that is designed to be super lightweight.

One of my recent discoveries is this tiny 3-in-1 charging cable. That cable, along with a tiny Garmin smartwatch adapter is all I need to charge. No more mess of cables!

Fording a creek on the West Coast Trail. You can see my mirrorless Sony camera attached to my shoulder strap. It’s a lightweight camera, but it still adds weight

19. Be Mindful of “Luxury” Items

One of the reasons to reduce your backpack weight is so that you can carry extra luxury items without being overloaded. Everyone’s definition of a luxury item is different, but many hikers consider backpacking chairs, bathing suits, a book or eReader, camera gear, a pillow, camp shoes, alcohol, or gourmet food to be luxury items.

Bringing all of these luxury items sounds great, but in reality, you likely won’t use all of them. Do a short trip without your luxury items and see how you feel. Then add back in the one or two items you really missed having.

My husband relaxes on his backpacking chair on the Tatchu Trail. He reduced his backpack weight so that he could carry his beloved chair.

20. Share Gear With Your Group

If you backpack in a group, have a conversation before the trip about shared gear. You probably don’t need a power bank, first aid kit, stove, water filter, satellite messenger, or tent for each person. You can also eat shared meals to save fuel. Share the weight!

21. Carry Multi-Use Items

A common piece of advice for reducing your backpack weight is to carry multi-use items. Some of the suggestions are no-brainers: Skip the mug or bowl and eat and drink from your cooking pot. Use a stuff sack or puffy jacket as a pillow. Your extra socks can double as mittens or an insulator for your water filter or phone/batteries in cold weather.

Take a good look at your gear – I’m sure some of it can serve more than one purpose!

22. Do a Post-Trip Debrief

As you unpack from a trip, do a debrief. What didn’t use? Why not? What worked well? What didn’t? Can you leave something behind next time? My goal for each trip is to use everything I brought. (Except that I’m always happy if the weather was nice enough that I didn’t have to use my rain gear!)

23. Get Ruthless With Scissors

This last tip is for the truly committed. If you’ve saved weight everywhere else, you can trim down your gear. You aren’t going to get any big weight savings this way, but if you believe that every gram counts, get out the scissors!

Cut the tags off all your gear. Chop the excess length of your pack straps and drawstrings on stuff sacks. Cut the handle off your toothbrush.

Cutting up your gear is a fairly drastic step and one you can’t undo. Remember to “measure twice and cut once” so you don’t end up with gear that doesn’t function anymore! And of course, keep in mind that this voids the warranty on your gear and means you likely can’t resell it if you want to upgrade to something else.

That’s everything you need to know to reduce your backpack weight. Do you have more tips for how to go ultralight backpacking? Drop them in the comments!

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The post 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

How to Choose Snowshoes – Get the Right Ones for You

Taryn Eyton — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 20:55:00 +0000

In the last few years snowshoeing has gotten really popular. And honestly, it’s about time. Basically, snowshoes let you keep hiking all winter long. And unlike skiing, there’s not much to learn. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

To get started snowshoeing, you need some winter hiking clothes, some snowshoeing boots and of course, you’ll need snowshoes.

But which snowshoes should you buy? How do you know what size you’ll need? How much do they cost? I’ve put together this complete guide on how to choose snowshoes for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to buy your first pair of snowshoes. I’ll also include my recommendations on the best snowshoes. Here’s what’s in this snowshoe buyers guide:

Quick-picks: My top three recommendations for the best snowshoes
How to choose snowshoes for the terrain: flat trails, steep mountains or snowshoe running
What size snowshoes you should buy: consider your weight, the gear you are carrying, the snow conditions and your gender
Which snowshoe materials you should choose: plastic snowshoes vs. metal-framed snowshoes
Which type of snowshoe bindings are right for you: hinged or fixed
What kind of snowshoe traction to look for: toe crampons, heel crampons, and side traction bars
What about extra features and accessories: heel lift bars, extension tails, trekking poles, and micro-spikes
How to shop for snowshoes: the best snowshoe brands, how much do snowshoes cost and what stores should you buy snowshoes from

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

Quick Picks for the Best Snowshoes

Here are my quick picks for the best snowshoes in a few categories:

Best snowshoes for flat terrain: Atlas Access
Best snowshoes for mountains: MSR Lightning Ascent
Best running snowshoes: Atlas Snow Run

Why You Should Trust My Advice

I’ve been snowshoeing most of my life. My dad used to take us out on borrowed snowshoes once or twice a year. Then in my early 20s, I got my first pair of snowshoes and I’ve been going snowshoeing every winter since then.

I also worked in the outdoor industry for seven years. I wrote website descriptions and gear guides for tons of different products. I also wrote training materials for the staff. And one of my areas of expertise was snowshoes. So I know A LOT about snowshoes and which features are actually important.

Snowshoeing in Squamish

How to Choose Snowshoes for the Terrain

You might think that all snowshoes are the same. Historically, indigenous people built snowshoes to help them walk across deep snow in the rolling hills of what is now Canada.

People still use snowshoes on flat terrain, but they also use them for climbing mountains and snowshoe running. So today, there are actually different kinds of snowshoes designed to suit different types of terrain.

Snowshoes for Flat Terrain

If you plan to snowshoe in an area with flat terrain or gradual hills, you should pick up some all-purpose snowshoes. Flat terrain snowshoes are pretty no-frills, with just the basic features.

They don’t have a lot of traction underfoot so they won’t work well on steep slopes or in icy conditions. Since durability isn’t as important for casual users, they often are made of lower-quality materials.

This means they can be a bit heavy and clunky. However, that means they are usually budget-priced, which is great for beginners who aren’t sure if snowshoeing is the sport for them.

Best Snowshoes for Flat Terrain: I recommend the Atlas Access Snowshoes. They are made with quality materials and have an easy to use binding. The price is also low since they are a basic model.

Check prices:

REI

MEC

Amazon

Snowshoes for Mountainous Terrain

If you’re snowshoeing in the mountains, you will be climbing steep slopes or walking on icy terrain. And you need snowshoes that will keep you safe while you do that. Your life literally could depend on it. If you snowshoe near Vancouver, you definitely need mountain snowshoes.

Backcountry snowshoes have lots of traction to bite into ice and steep snow. They have spikes called crampons under the toes, and smaller tooth-like spikes under the heels and sometimes along the frame.

Mountain snowshoes are lighter than other snowshoes since you’ll be wearing them for a long time. You may also want to strap them to your backpack during an approach hike, and no one wants to carry extra weight.

They also have the most durable construction since a broken snowshoe deep in the backcountry may mean you have no way to get home.

These snowshoes often have fancier features than basic snowshoes such as heel lifts, extension tails, and more comfortable bindings. (I’ve got more details on these features below if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

Best Mountain Snowshoes: When it comes to mountain snowshoes, you absolutely need to have MSR snowshoes. They are based in Seattle so their snowshoes are designed for climbing steep mountains. If you’re on a budget, the MSR Evo Ascent snowshoes are great. (I’ve had mine for almost 20 years!)

Check prices:

Upgrade Pick:

But if you’re looking for something lighter and a bit more high tech, I love my MSR Lightning Ascents. I upgraded to these a few years ago and wish I had gotten them sooner.

Check prices:

Snowshoeing at Brandywine Mountain near Whistler, BC

Snowshoes for Running

In the last few years, snowshoe running has grown in popularity. Most people snowshoe run on firm snow or packed trails. Since you need less flotation, they tend to be smaller than other snowshoes.

They are also lighter because it’s exhausting to run with heavy things on your feet. Running snowshoes also have minimal traction since the snowshoe trails aren’t usually icy.

To make sure you don’t whack yourself with your snowshoes with each stride, running snowshoes are generally smaller and have an asymmetric shape. Running snowshoes also have comfortable bindings that won’t pinch or chafe.

Best Running Snowshoes: The running snowshoe market is pretty niche, so there aren’t that many options to choose from. The Atlas Snow Run snowshoes get great reviews and are easily the most popular running snowshoes.

Check prices:

REI

MEC

Amazon

What Size Snowshoes to Buy

Have you ever tried to walk in deep snow without snowshoes? You sink right in, sometimes up to your crotch! But with snowshoes on, you have more surface area to spread out your weight so you “float” on top of the snow instead of sinking.

If you’ve ever wondered how snowshoes work, that’s your answer: they add surface area so you float.

Snowshoes come in different sizes to provide the right amount of flotation for each person’s weight. In general, the widths are similar, but they get longer to provide more flotation.

However, longer snowshoes are less maneuverable, so you’ll need to find the right balance between the two. You’ll also need different levels of flotation for different snow conditions. (You need more flotation in deep powder than on firmly packed trails.)

What Size Snowshoes Do You Need?

Follow the steps below to find the right size snowshoes for you.

1. Determine Your Loaded Weight

This weight isn’t just how much you weigh.

It’s the total weight of you, plus your winter clothes, plus the weight of your backpack. Add up these numbers to get your total loaded weight. Heavier people or hikers with lots of gear will need bigger snowshoes.

2. Use the Size Chart

Snowshoe brands publish recommended weights for each snowshoe size. Look at the size chart to see what size snowshoes they recommend for your loaded weight.

3. Factor in the Snow Conditions

If your region is known for fluffy powder, go up a size for more flotation. If you live in an area with heavy, wet snow or usually snowshoe on hard-packed trails, you can use smaller snowshoes.

4. Consider Women’s Snowshoes

In general women’s snowshoes are smaller than men’s snowshoes since lighter people generally need less floatation. But the biggest difference may be hard to see at first glance: subtle differences in shape.

Women’s snowshoes have a narrower profile and are more tapered. This accommodates the average woman’s stride, which isn’t as wide-set as the average man’s. Narrow snowshoes are also a bit easier to walk in.

The bindings on women’s snowshoes are also smaller. The crampons and underfoot grips are placed to sit under a woman’s smaller feet.

I used unisex snowshoes for years, but switched to these women’s snowshoes a few years ago. So! Much! More! Comfortable!

Snowshoeing at Mount Seymour in a snowstorm.

How to Choose Snowshoe Decks and Frames

There are two main types of snowshoes: molded plastic uni-body snowshoes and snowshoes with an outer frame that supports an inner textile decking.

Plastic Snowshoes

Molded plastic snowshoes are made of one piece of strong plastic with the binding attached to the top. Since you can attach metal crampons or teeth anywhere on the bottom, they also usually have great traction.

They are super durable and waaay less expensive than metal frame snowshoes. Molded plastic snowshoes are really common in rental programs since they are pretty much indestructible. I’ve had the same pair for over 15 years! I’ve replaced the bindings, but the decking is still totally fine.

However, plastic snowshoes are much noisier on icy or hard-packed snow. They also don’t flex as you walk, so your stride won’t feel as natural.

Best Plastic Snowshoes: If you’re looking for plastic snowshoes, MSR Evos are the original version and what I’ve had for nearly two decades. Every other plastic snowshoe out there is a copy.

Check prices:

Metal Frame Snowshoes

By far the most common style of snowshoe uses an outer metal frame that supports a flexible fabric deck. This style of snowshoe is lighter and quieter than plastic snowshoes. However, they are not as durable and they are more expensive.

There are a few different types of material for the decking, but in general, they are all super-durable and flexible synthetic fabrics. Some higher-end snowshoes will use lighter-weight fabrics that shed snow more and stay pliable in colder temperatures, but the average user won’t notice much of a difference.

The outer frames are typically aluminum that is lightweight and flexes slightly when you walk, for a more natural stride. The classic design uses round aluminum tubes, which you’ll find on the majority of metal frame snowshoes.

However, the round bottoms of the tubes are slippery on hard-packed or icy snow, so some snowshoe brands like MSR have started making snowshoe frames out of flat aluminum with teeth on the bottom for better grip. I really prefer this style of frame snowshoes as I think they are a LOT safer.

Best Metal Frame Snowshoes: I really believe that the flat-sided frames are a lot safer. My pick for the best metal frame snowshoes are the MSR Lighting snowshoes since they use a flat frame.

Check prices:

At the top of the Snowshoe Grind at Grouse Mountain

How to Choose Snowshoe Bindings

There are a seemingly infinite amount of snowshoe binding types out there. There are ones with buckles, ones with straps, ones with ratchets, ones with dials… the list goes on.

Most bindings are designed to fit over hiking and winter boots, but some companies make bindings large enough for snowboard boots too.

The snowshoe binding you choose will depend on your personal preference and how the binding fits you. If possible, bring your snowshoeing boots to a store and try on a few pairs of snowshoes to get a feel for each type of binding. Make sure you stand up and feel for pressure points.

It’s also a good idea to pick simple bindings that are easy to operate with gloves on. You don’t want to be messing with complicated adjustments in subzero weather!

The way the snowshoes attach to bindings is also important. There are two types of attachment: fixed and hinged.

Fixed Snowshoe Bindings

Fixed bindings attach to the deck with a flexible, elasticated strap. There’s tension on the strap so the tail of the snowshoe lifts up with each step for better striding efficiency.

However, when the elastic springs back, it can spray snow on you.

Atlas snowshoes use a fixed binding.

Hinged Snowshoe Bindings

Hinged bindings use a pivot to attach the binding to the deck near the ball of your foot. The design is better for climbing over things or kicking steps up a slope, which makes hinged bindings better for backcountry snowshoeing.

But this design does mean that the tail of the snowshoe drags, so it’s not as efficient as a fixed binding.

MSR snowshoes use a hinged binding.

Best Snowshoe Bindings

I prefer the super simple strap and hook bindings on MSR’s snowshoes. It used to be the only binding style they offered, but they have a few more choices now. Currently, you can find these bindings on the MSR Evo and Lightning snowshoes.

How to Choose Snowshoe Crampons and Traction

Traditional wooden snowshoes didn’t have any traction underfoot so they weren’t that helpful for climbing hills or icy trails. Thankfully modern snowshoes have the advantage of crampons and other traction. These are metal spikes and teeth on the bottom of the snowshoe that bite into the snow.

Toe Crampons

All snowshoes have toe crampons, attached under the toe of the binding so they can dig in as you walk. This is the main source of traction. More aggressive snowshoes for the mountains will also have other traction aids such as V-shaped crampons under the heels.

Side Traction

Plastic snowshoes and metal frame snowshoes with flat frames also have teeth along the sides. These are VERY important for off-trail and backcountry snowshoeing since they give you stability when traversing across the side of a slope.

Falls during traverses are one of the most common ways that snowshoers seriously injure themselves since most snowshoes provide NO side traction!

Best Snowshoes with Lots of Traction

MSR snowshoes have the best traction, hands down. They all have great toe crampons and side rail crampons. The lower-end models have a bit less traction than their higher-end ones. But compared to other snowshoe brands, they have waaay more traction overall.

Check prices:

Snowshoeing at Brother’s Creek in West Vancouver

Extra Features to Consider

Heel Lift Bars

If you do a lot of uphill snowshoeing, you’ll appreciate heel lift bars. Basically, they are wire bars that you can flip up to rest your heels on. It gives your calves a break and helps with traction.

But make sure you put them down when you’re on flat ground. Otherwise, it will feel like you’re wearing high heels!

You’ll find heel lift bars on mountain snowshoes, particularly on high-end ones. If you’re buying MSR snowshoes, look for ones with “Ascent” in the name to find snowshoes with heel lifts. Atlas and Tubbs also make snowshoes with heel lifts.

Snowshoe Tails

MSR designs all of their snowshoes to be modular. Basically, they sell tail extensions that let you add extra length (and therefore more flotation) to their snowshoes.

This is great for people who go out in a variety of conditions and need more support on powder days, or winter campers who sometimes need to carry very heavy packs. If you’re shopping for tails, make sure you buy the right ones for your snowshoes as they aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

Trekking Poles

You may want to pick up a pair of trekking poles or adjustable ski poles for snowshoeing. I find I feel much more stable when I use them.

I also really appreciate them whenever the route is not totally flat: they add balance on ascents and descents and provide valuable grip on the slope during side-hill traverses.

If you use trekking poles, make sure you get some large winter baskets for them. Otherwise, they will just sink all the way in! I use my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles on hiking trails all summer, then switch out the baskets when winter hits.

Micro-Spikes

If you snowshoe in the backcountry you’ll likely get into some pretty steep terrain. Snowshoes are actually terrible for walking steeply downhill or on sidehills. That’s because the platform of the snowshoe gets in the way and the crampon can’t grip the snow.

On really steep slopes, I take my snowshoes off and wear micro-spikes instead. They are low-profile crampons that have stretchy straps to slip on over your boots. I love my Kahtoola Microspikes!

I also have a pair of the Hillsound Trail crampons. They are similar but have an added forefoot strap that helps them stay on better.

What’s the difference between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes? Read my winter traction device guide to find out.

How to Shop for Snowshoes

The Best Snowshoe Brands

With the increased popularity of snowshoeing, there are TONS of different snowshoe brands on the market.

A few of them are excellent brands making quality snowshoes. A bunch of them are middle of the pack brands that have ok snowshoes, most suited for beginners and flat terrain. And then there are SO MANY terrible snowshoes made of crappy materials that won’t last.

In my opinion, the best snowshoe brands are MSR, Atlas, and Tubbs. If you’re going to buy snowshoes, I strongly advise you to buy from one of these brands.

If you buy from a cheap no-name brand, you’re likely getting snowshoes that will break. The binding straps will crack, the decks will separate from the frames or the crampons will bend.

Just take a minute to read some of the bad reviews of cheap snowshoes on Amazon to get an idea for what can go wrong when you cheap out.

It’s so much better for you and the planet to spend the extra money on a pair of quality snowshoes that you can use for decades instead of buying a new pair every year or two when your crappy ones break. Plus, if your cheap snowshoes break in the backcountry, you may not be able to hike back out!

How Much Do Snowshoes Cost?

In general, snowshoes aren’t cheap – expect to spend about $200 or more. You might be able to find snowshoes on Amazon or at big box stores for less than $100. Stay away! They are made with cheap materials that will bend and won’t hold up.

If you’re a beginner or plan to only snowshoe on flat terrain, you can definitely find snowshoes for less than $200.

But if you want high-end snowshoes that will last and let you tackle challenging terrain, you’ll need to spend more than $200.

If this all sounds too expensive, you can rent snowshoes to try them out. Ski hills and gear shops often have rentals.

You can also buy a used pair of snowshoes. You can usually find them on craigslist, facebook gear buy/sell groups, or from rental places selling off excess inventory. (Psst: Read this post about all the ways to save money on outdoor gear.)

Where to Buy Snowshoes

You can now buy snowshoes in lots of places: big box stores, Amazon, and traditional outdoor stores like REI and MEC. You can even buy snowshoes at Costco.

In general, I think it’s best to buy snowshoes from an outdoor store. They will have the best selection, have staff that can help you choose snowshoes, and usually have a very good warranty.

However, if you are buying quality snowshoes from a reputable brand, buying them elsewhere can also be ok since you know you’re getting a good product.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my HUGE guide on how to choose snowshoes. I hope it’s given you the info you need to buy the right snowshoes for you. If you’ve got more questions about what to look for in snowshoes, leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to chat about gear!

MORE SNOWSHOEING ADVICE:

MORE WINTER HIKING TIPS:

The post How to Choose Snowshoes – Get the Right Ones for You appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Taryn Eyton — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 16:18:00 +0000

So you want to go winter hiking or snowshoeing, but… What do you wear? How do you stay warm? And how can you transition your summer hiking wardrobe into the winter season?

I definitely had all of these questions when I first started winter hiking and snowshoeing, and through years of trial and error (oh so many errors!), I’ve come up with a bunch of pretty good winter hiking outfits that work for a variety of cold temperatures.

So here it is – my guide for what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. In includes:

How to dress in layers: What is each layer called and what is it for?
Base layers for winter hiking: recommendations for long underwear tops and bottoms
Mid layers: When do you want a fleece jackets vs. an insulated down or synthetic puffy?
Outer layer jackets: What to look for in a waterproof breathable jacket
Outer layer pants: What kind of pants should you wear for winter hiking? (Ski pants, rain pants, soft shell pants, or winter tights?)
Boots for winter hiking: Insulation and waterproofness are key!
Socks: Warm, cozy, and blister-preventing
Gaiters: Keep the snow out of your boots
Snowshoes and microspikes: Add traction and flotation in snow and ice
Accessories to keep you warm: hats, gloves, and neck gaiters (buffs)
Winter hiking checklist: use this list of winter hiking clothing to plan your next trip

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

How Cold Will it Be?

The first thing to do is figure out how cold it will be. Don’t just look at the weather forecast for your city – the temperatures can be MUCH colder in the mountains. Use my picks for The Best Weather Apps for Hiking to get a better idea of the forecast on the trails.

In my hometown of Squamish, BC, our winters are typically not that cold: temperatures between +5°C and -10°C (41°F and 14°F) in the mountains are pretty typical.

In that climate, as long as you are moving and not taking long breaks, you won’t need any Everest expedition-level super warm clothing.

If you are heading out in colder temperatures, you will obviously need warmer clothing.

Dress in Layers

The secret to staying comfortable while winter hiking or snowshoeing is layering. You take off layers when you get too hot and add more when it cools down.

It’s also important to wear the RIGHT amount of layers. If you wear too many, you’ll overheat and sweat. Then when you stop, all that cold perspiration in your clothing will cool you down too quickly, or even worse, turn to ice.

My winter hiking and snowshoeing mantra is “Be bold, start cold”. I always wear less layers to start with since I know I’ll warm up as I move. I carry warm gear in my pack to put on when I stop.

The classic layering system consists of a base layer, mid layer and outer layers. Here’s what each layer does:

Base layer: Wicks sweat and provides warmth.

Mid-layer: Provides customizable warmth that you can add or subtract depending on the temperature and how hard you are working.

Outer-layer: Provides protection from wind and rain.

I’ve got details on each of those layers below.

Snowshoeing near Squamish

Base Layers to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

A good winter hiking outfit starts with a warm and wicking base layer (also known as long underwear). If you are starting from scratch, choose mid-weight base layer pants and a long sleeved mid-weight base layer top.

Polyester and merino wool are both great options for fabric that retains warmth even if you get wet. I mostly wear polyester since it’s cheaper and more durable, but merino wool can be great if you can afford it. (Read my guide to whether Merino wool is worth it for more info.)

If you get cold easily, live in a very cold climate, or plan to go winter camping, consider getting heavy-weight base layers instead of mid-weight.

For synthetic base layers, I like Patagonia’s Capilene Midweight collection. It has a subtle grid-texture on the inside that traps warmth without adding bulk.

If you’re looking for merino wool base layers, I love the Smartwool Classic Thermal series. It provides the right amount of warmth for snowshoeing. Their base layer bottoms have a wide waistband that stays put. (And they come in fun patterns too).

Underwear

You’ll also need to wear quick-drying underwear underneath your base layer. (Skip the cotton – it will just get soggy with sweat!) Read my guide to hiking underwear to find out which ones are best.

Letting our hiking underwear dry in the sun. My guide to hiking underwear has details on how to choose.

Mid Layers to Wear Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

The next layer is the mid-layer. The main job of the mid-layer is to provide extra warmth. This is the most customizable layer – choose a warmer mid-layer for cold conditions and a lighter one for milder weather.

Your mid-layer is also the layer that you will take on and off the most as the temperature changes or your exertion level increases or decreases.

Mid-Layer Jackets: Fleece vs. Synthetic Insulated vs. Down

A lightweight insulated puffy jacket or a mid-weight high-loft fleece jacket is a good option to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing for extra warmth. Or just keep it in your bag to throw on while taking breaks.

There are two types of jackets to consider: fleeces and insulated jackets.

Fleece jackets provide a moderate amount of warmth and wick sweat, so they are great to wear when you are moving fast or in mild weather.

In colder weather you will want an insulated puffy jacket for extra warmth. I prefer to snowshoe and winter hike in a fleece jacket, then carry a lightweight down jacket to put on when I take breaks or if it’s extra cold.

For insulated puffy jackets you have a choice between down and synthetic insulation. Many people like the warmth and compressibility of a down jacket. A synthetic jacket can be a better choice in damp conditions such as humid coastal climates, temperatures close to freezing, or during sweaty activities.

Synthetic jackets dry faster than down and keep you warm even when wet. But they aren’t as light or compressible. Down jackets don’t provide any warmth once they are wet and take a long time to dry.

Fleece Jackets

I have a few fleece jackets but I love, but most of them are discontinued. In general, I look for fleeces that have a bit of stretch. I also like grid fleece since it breathes well but still provide lots of warmth.

One of my faves that is still available is the MEC Rockwall Fleece. It has a smooth water resistant outer face but is fleecy and soft on the inside. It’s also pretty stretchy.

Wearing my MEC Rockwall Flee651ce on a snowy winter hike

Insulated Puffy Jackets

I have a ton of puffy jackets, so I find it hard to choose which one to bring on some trips. For a synthetic puffy, I reach for my Arc’teryx Proton most often. It’s really breathable, and the synthetic insulation keeps me warm even when its wet.

Sometimes I also pack my Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket if it is going to be really cold. It’s super warm and squishes down really small so it is great to have in my pack. Since it is down, I save it to wear when I’m taking a break since (like all down jackets) it doesn’t deal with sweat well.

Mid-Layer Bottoms: Fleece Pants

For midlayer bottoms some people like to wear lightweight fleece pants. I find fleece pants are too warm to wear when snowshoeing, especially if I’m wearing long johns or tights.

Unless you are really a cold person or out in very cold temperatures, I’d go with either a baselayer or a midlayer on the bottom but not both. I have an older pair of MEC Trek pants that I wear for winter camping.

Snowshoeing on the Cheakmus River Trail near Whistler

Outer Layers Jackets for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Even in nice weather, it’s important to have an outer layer for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Your outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. I often winter hike in just my base layer under my outer layer (no mid-layer).

For hiking in any season, you need a rain jacket since it can rain or snow at any time of year in the mountains.

Make sure you choose a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable so you don’t sweat inside it. That usually means a jacket with Gore-Tex or another waterproof breathable technology. (Check out my guide to why rain jackets wet out to learn more about waterproofing.)

There are lots of technologies out there and many brands use their own, but as long as the jacket is advertised as a waterproof breathable garment, you can be sure it is waterproof.

If you spend more money for Gore-Tex or another branded technology you’ll often get more durability and a lot more breathability, but the waterproofness straight off the shelf will be comparable to the cheap jackets.

I like high quality waterproof breathable jackets to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing since the consequences of getting wet are so much higher when it’s cold out.

I just upgraded to the Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket. (The men’s version is called the Foray.) It’s a durable 3-layer waterproof breathable jacket with a bit of stretch so it’s comfortable to wear. I also love the huge pit zips which are great for venting heat when I’m working hard or giving me access to the pockets in my mid layer.

Winter hiking at Elfin Lakes

Outer Layer Pants for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

You have a few choices when it comes to picking a type of outer pants for snowshoeing or winter hiking. The type you choose will depend on your budget, how cold it is where you hike and what style of hiking you do.

Below I’ve got info on winter tights, soft shell pants, rain pants, insulated ski pants, and insulated skirts.

Winter Tights/Leggings

In mild-weather or when I plan to do a short hike where I’ll be working hard, I often wear winter tights for snowshoeing.

I have a pair of Athleta Altitude Leggings that I love so much I bought a second pair. They are made of stretchy and warm Polartec fleece. (These aren’t the crappy yoga tights with a fuzzy lining that you see on Amazon.) I wear them on their own without a base layer when it’s cold but not windy.

If it’s windy, I like leggings with a fleece lining and wind resistant outer fabric. I keep a pair of rain pants or an insulated skirt in my backpack to put on overtop in case it gets cold. (More on those below.)

I have an older pair of discontinued winter biking tights that I wear for snowshoeing and winter hiking. They have a cozy fleece lining and windproof panels on the front only, since they’re designed for biking.

Tights designed for cross-country skiing will also be great for snowshoeing since they have windproof panels. Craft, Swix, and Salomon all make great options.

READ NEXT: 18 Best Hiking Leggings

Wearing winter tights and an insulated skirt on a snowshoe trip.

Soft Shell Pants

For most trips, I like to wear softshell pants for winter hiking and snowshoeing since they are wind resistant and water resistant.

Key point: they aren’t waterproof so they won’t hold up to constant rain, siting in the snow, or bum sliding.

They are also quite breathable so they are good for days when you are working hard or it’s not that cold.

There are a few softshell pants on the market designed for snowshoeing or winter hiking, but I’ve found that pants designed for ski touring also work really well for snowshoers. Many softshell pants designed for winter have a thin fleecy layer inside for extra warmth so on warmer days you can skip a baselayer.

I have an old pair version of the MEC Tobo soft shell pants. They breathe well but still block the wind. They also shed snow but won’t stand up to heavy rain.

Ski touring pants like the Outdoor Research Cirque pants are similar. They are built for ski touring and have a fleece lining.

Rain Pants

Many people (including me) like to wear waterproof breathable rain pants over their base layer for winter hiking and snowshoeing. They are windproof so they’ll retain body heat. This means you might get overheated in them, so get ones with zippered leg vents if you run hot.

They also tend to be light weight and packable so you can take them off on bluebird days and just go in your tights or long johns. And since they are totally waterproof they are the best option for days where it is sleeting, for sitting in the snow, or for bum-sliding.

The bonus is that you can use them as rain pants at other times of the year so you don’t have to buy a dedicated pair of winter pants.

I have the MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Pants. I love them since they have 3/4 length zips for easy on/off. I’ve worn them on countless summer backpacking trips and winter hikes. I also love that the fabric stretches a little so they are more comfortable.

Winter hiking at Cypress Provincial Park.

Insulated Ski Pants

Another option for winter hiking and snowshoeing is to wear ski or snowboard pants. Many people already have these in their closets. If you don’t, they are easy to find at used gear shops or on clearance at ski stores.

Most of them have good waterproofness, although they often aren’t as waterproof as rain pants. Most ski pants are insulated which can be too warm for hiking in, especially in warmer weather. It’s waaay too easy to overheat and start to sweat.

If you want to snowshoe or winter hike in ski pants, I recommend you buy a cheap pair. You don’t need to worry about durability the way you would with ski pants since you won’t be falling down on them. (Or I hope you won’t anyway!)

There are tons of budget options on Amazon, but insulated ski pants from Arctix get the best ratings.

If you want insulated pants from a more reputable brand, Columbia’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow pants are value-price, but great quality.

Insulated Skirts

When I first heard about insulated skirts I thought they were silly and for people who cared about fashion. But I’ve since come around to the conclusion that they are so functional!

Often when you’re exercising in cold weather your butt and thighs get cold but the rest of your legs are warm. That’s where insulated skirts come in.

I got an insulated skirt a few years ago and have worn it a LOT the past three winters. I like to layer it over winter tights. If I get really warm, I take it off and stow it in my pack, then put it back on when I take a break or cool down. Some have a full side zip so they are easy to take on and off.

I have a Smartwool Smartloft Skirt. It has stretchy and warm side panels with insulation on the front and back. Since it’s from Smartwool, the waistband and inside lining are cozy merino wool.

Boots for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

If you already own waterproof hiking boots, they will work great for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Just make sure they are really waterproof. If they’re not, the heat from your feet will melt any snow on the outside, which will leak inside and cause cold feet. Brrr!

If you snowshoe regularly, I recommend investing in a pair of insulated winter hiking boots. Read my guide to the best boots for snowshoeing to learn what features to look for in snowshoeing boots.

(Tip: Winter hiking can cause blisters since the slippery snow moves your foot around inside your boots. Get my tips for preventing blisters.)

I wear Salomon Vaya Powder insulated hiking boots for snowshoeing. They are warm, have ankle support, and are totally waterproof. Unfortunately, they are discontinued.

I recommend you check out the Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot Waterproof Winter Boots. I’ve been wearing the summer version of these boots for years and love them.

Wearing my MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes with my discontinued Salomon Vaya winter hiking boots

Socks for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Comfortable hiking socks are one of the keys to happy winter hiking and snowshoeing. I wear thicker wool socks in the winter time to add warmth. Make sure your socks fit well and aren’t too thick for your shoes. Read my tips for preventing blisters.

My favourite socks for winter hiking are the Darn Tough Midweight Hiker Socks since they last forever.

If you get really cold feet, an easy way to add warmth when you snowshoe is heated socks. I haven’t tried them yet, but a friend with Reynaud’s disease (a circulatory disorder that causes cold hands and feet) swears by heated socks. The have a small battery pack and you can control the temperature with an app on your phone.

These heated socks from Amazon get good reviews are are pretty reasonably price. are a few different heated sock companies out there, but I’ve heard good things about Hotronic heated socks.

Gaiters for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Even if you have waterproof boots, you can’t really go out in the snow without a pair of gaiters. These bridge the gap between the top of your boots and the bottom of your pants and make sure you don’t get snowy socks. Even really basic and cheap water resistant ones will be fine, but you can’t skip these.

I’ve had a pair of MEC Kokanee Gore Tex gaiters for years. They have been on countless snowshoe trips and I also love them for coastal hiking.

Any waterproof or water resistant gaiters will work for winter hiking and snowshoeing (the Gore Tex is for breathability for summer use in sand and mud).

Wearing my MEC Gaiters and microspikes on a snowy winter hike

Snowshoes and Microspikes for Winter Hiking

For deep snow, of course you will need snowshoes. (I’ve got a whole guide on how to choose snowshoes if you need help!)

I love my MSR Lighting Ascent snowshoes since they are lightweight but grip well on steep slopes.

When the snow is not very deep or the trails are icy you still need something to keep you from slipping. (Slip and fall cause the most common snowshoe and winter hiking injuries. Read my post about snowshoeing safety to learn how to prevent them.)

That’s where crampons or microspikes come in. They come along in my pack for every winter hike since I never know when I might need them. (Read my guide to crampons vs. microspikes vs. snowshoes to understand the difference between these traction devices and when to use them.)

For microspikes, I can’t say enough good things about my Kahtoola Microspikes. They are easy to put on but provide lots of grip.

My MSR snowshoes propped up in the snow

Accessories to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

When you’re out freezing weather, your hands and head often feel cold first, so make sure you wear a warm hat and some gloves.

Actually you’ll probably want two pairs of gloves: one pair of lightweight fleece gloves and one pair of insulated and waterproof or water resistant ski gloves or mitts. It’s good to have both since your hands will be warmer while you are moving, but cold when you stop or when you are exposed to the wind.

Pretty much any basic fleece gloves will be great for winter hiking or snowshoeing. I like ones with touchscreen pads so I can still use my phone.

Make sure you bring waterproof insulated ski gloves too. I actually prefer mittens since they keep your fingers warmer.

Another accessory that I like to bring is a wool or fleece buff/neck gaiter. You can wear it as a headband, as a hat, around your neck or over your nose and mouth – I always bring one and always find a use for it. I always bring a merino wool buff (in fact I have three of them!)

Puffy jacket, fleece gloves… good to go!

Winter Hiking Checklist

Make sure you have everything you need before you head out on your next winter hike or snowshoeing trip. Here’s a winter hiking checklist that includes everything you need to wear for winter hiking and snowshoeing:

Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer top
Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer bottoms
Quick-drying synthetic or merino wool underwear and sports bra
Warm merino wool or synthetic hiking socks
Mid-layer jacket: insulated down or synthetic jacket and/or fleece jacket
Mid-layer fleece pants (optional – likely only for very cold weather)
Waterproof breathable rain jacket
Outer layer bottoms: rain pants, winter tights, soft shell pants, ski pants, or insulated skirt
Warm wool or fleece beanie hat/toque
Wool neck gaiter (buff)
Fleece gloves
Insulated ski gloves or mittens
Waterproof hiking boots or insulated hiking boots
Snowshoes
Microspikes
Waterproof or water-resistant gaiters

So that’s my run-down on what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. I know that this layering system will keep you warm and dry on your next winter hike. Just remember not to let yourself overheat and get sweaty! Do you have tips for winter hiking clothing? Leave them in the comments.

More Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Posts:

More Hiking Gear Posts:

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How to Choose the Best Backpacking Meals

Taryn Eyton — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 03:48:14 +0000

There are so many moving parts to planning a backpacking trip: permits, weather forecasts, gear packing… And of course the meal plan. It can be tough to figure out what to eat in the backcountry. You’ll be exhausted at the end of the day and you want something delicious and filling. But how do you know what kind of food to choose? What makes a good backpacking meal?

I’ve been experimenting with backpacking food for over a decade and through trial and error (so many errors) I’ve figured out what works for me. Here’s how to choose backpacking meals.

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. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Types of Backpacking Meals

Photo via StockSnap on Pixabay. Used under CC00.

First decide what kind of food you’re going to bring. There are a few types to choose from:

Canned Food

If you’re transitioning from drive-in camping to backpacking you might be tempted to take some of your campfire favourites like canned chili or Chunky Soup. Don’t do it! Canned food is really heavy (since it contains a lot of water), plus then you have to pack out the empty (and messy!) cans.

Fresh Food

Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat are tempting, but without access to refrigeration in the backcountry, they go bad quickly. Gourmet backpackers could try freezing ingredients at home, and then cooking them after they’ve thawed on the hike in. This method yields some delicious dinners but doesn’t work past the first night unless you are backpacking in very cold temperatures. Plus fresh food also tends to be full of water and very heavy.

Grocery Store Dry Goods

With a bit of planning, its easy to put together backpacking meals using shelf-stable foods you can find at the grocery store. These meals typically revolve around dried starches like noodles, rice or quinoa. You can even find prepackaged meals that include a powdered sauce mix from Kraft or Knorr.

I’ve also got a whole guide to making cheap backpacking meals using grocery store ingredients.

Home Dehydrated Meals

If you are willing to put in a bit of work, you can dehydrate your own backpacking meals at home using a home dehydrator or even your oven on low heat. The possibilities for home dehydrating are limitless, but it does take a bit of practice to get the recipes right and a lot of time to make and dehydrate the meals.

I’ve been home dehydrating my backpacking food for years, but since it’s so time consuming, I don’t make all of my own backpacking meals. My strategy is to make a curry, stew, or some delicious risotto at home, then dehydrate a few portions to take backpacking with me. (I have a simple Nesco Snackmaster food dehydrator that costs less than $75.)

Prepackaged Backpacking Meals

There are tons of options out there for prepackaged backpacking meals. Popular brands include Mountain House, Good-to-Go, Backpacker’s Pantry and AlpineAire. These meals are either freeze-dried or dehydrated to remove the water, make them more compact and ensure they don’t go bad. To “cook” them you just add boiling water then let them sit for a few minutes. (Check the directions on your package as the amount of water and the wait time vary per meal.) In the past a lot of prepackaged meals were (honestly) really disgusting, but in recent years they’ve gotten better and most of them are pretty tasty. Some of them are even delicious. They are lightweight, fairly compact, and really convenient, but they can be expensive. As well, you’ll have to order them online or go to an outdoor store to buy them.

What Makes a Good Backpacking Meal?

Photo via “Free-Photos” on Pixabay. Used under CC00.

My recipe for success? Choose backpacking meals that meet these criteria:

Tastes Good

Obviously, you want to pack food that tastes good. There’s nothing worse than carrying around food that you hate eating. Pick dishes that you know you like at home. If you’re cooking as a group, be sure to keep in mind the taste preferences of your group members. (Maybe that spicy beef chili isn’t the best choice for your hot-pepper-hating vegetarian friend?) If you’re buying prepackaged backpacking meals be sure to read the reviews to find out if they’re any good.

Fills You Up

You will burn a lot of calories hiking so you may want to pack more calories than you usually eat home. (You may find you want up to twice as many calories as usual!) If you’re buying prepackaged freeze-dried or dehydrated meals, be sure to read the labels carefully. Many claim to serve two people, but in reality only provide a few hundred calories per serving! That’s not enough! Hungry hikers often plan to eat a whole pouch themselves, or to add in extras to make their meals go further.

Keeps You Healthy

Have a look at the nutrition label when choosing backpacking food. Ensure that it has enough protein, fat and carbohydrates to meet your dietary needs. Most freeze-dried meals are heavy on the carbs (think pasta and rice) but low on protein and fat. Typical backpacking meals have a lot of sodium since you lose a lot of salt while sweating and also because it can help bland food taste better. If you can’t tolerate a lot of salt, real the labels on backpacking food carefully to check for sodium levels.

Doesn’t Weigh a Lot

When you’re carrying everything on your back, weight and bulk are a big factor in meal planning. The best meals have a high calorie to weight ratio and don’t take up a lot of space. Freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are ideal since they don’t contain any water, and water is heavy. If you’re putting together your own meals, choose dry ingredients where possible and repackage food into resealable ziploc bags to minimize packaging. Don’t forget to label the bags and include cooking directions.

Easy to Cook

When you’re cooking in the backcountry, the simplest meals are often the best. One pot meals with few cooking steps or just-add-boiling-water dinners save time and hassle around camp. Plus they make clean up much easier! More adventurous backcountry chefs might like bringing multiple pots or experimenting with baking, but for most of us, easy meals are best.

Cooks Quickly

The ideal backpacking meal is one that cooks quickly so it uses less fuel. It’s no use to have the lightest meal ever but then use tons of fuel trying to cook it: fuel is heavy! Just-add-boiling-water meals are the most fuel efficient. But check the labels: some just-add-water meals take a long time to rehydrate (up to 20 minutes!) and the food can get cold while you wait.

Isn’t Too Expensive

Just like most backpacking gear, you can pay a lot to save weight when it comes to backpacking meals. Most prepackaged backpacking dinners cost $8-12 and that can get expensive. You’ll have to decide for yourself if the convenience and light weight of packaged meals is worth it.

Customized For Your Tastes

No matter which type of meal you choose, from prepackaged freeze-dried, to home dehydrated to grocery store noodles, your meal will taste better if you customize it and have it just the way you like it. Here are some dinner add-in ideas:

Proteins and Fats: Beef jerky, cured sausage, bacon bits, hard cheese like parmesan, TVP (textured vegetable protein made from soy), foil pouch tuna, nuts and seeds, olive oil.

Sauces: soy sauce, hot sauce, mustard, pesto, ketchup, barbecue sauce, honey, mayo, powdered sauce mixes like alfredo or gravy. Tip: Pack liquid sauces in a mini tube (I like the silicone GoToobs) or save packets from take-out dinners and fast food outlets.

Spices and Flavourings: salt, pepper, chili flakes, curry powder, garlic, paprika, etc.

My Go-To Backpacking Dinners

Cooking during a foggy and smokey backpacking trip

When possible I home dehydrate my own backpacking food. That way I can ensure that the flavour is exactly how I like it and the serving sizes are large enough. However, home dehydrating is time consuming so sometimes I put together a quick grocery store meal or go with the convenience of a prepackaged meal. Here are my favourites. (Somehow they are all pasta… weird.)

Grocery Store Dry Goods: Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Salami

It’s not the lightest dinner, but my favourite grocery store backpacking dinner is really simple: pasta with pesto sauce and cured sausage or salami. At home package the dry pasta in a ziploc bag. Transfer the pesto into a squeeze tube (like a GoToob). Cut up the salami into 1/2″ chunks and package in a ziploc. At camp boil the pasta until al dente. Drain the water. Add the pesto and salami to the pot and saute for 1-2 minutes to warm up the meat and sauce.

Looking for more grocery store backpacking recipes? There’s more in my guide to making backpacking meals with grocery store ingredients.

Home Dehydrated: Zucchini noodles with Spaghetti Sauce

One of my favourite things to dehydrate at home is meat sauce with zucchini noodles. You could just serve the sauce with regular noodles, but I like the added serving of vegetables you get from the zucchini noodles. I make a simple spaghetti sauce with lean ground beef, onions and mushrooms. I spread it on my dehydrator trays and dry it until it is the consistency of really chewy fruit leather, then store it in ziploc bags. Since it has meat in it, I try use it within a few weeks of drying it. I use a spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles, then dehydrate them and pack them in a ziploc.

When backpacking, I add a bit of water to each bag as soon as I get to camp and let the dehydrated sauce and noodles rehydrate for a few hours. I check on it a few times and add more water if needed. When its time to eat, drain any excess water off the noodles, put the contents of both bags in a pot, then warm them up.

Home dehydrated zucchini noodles

Prepackaged Backpacking Meals: Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce

By far my favourite prepackaged backpacking meal is the Mountain House Lasagna with Meat Sauce. I’m not sure how they do it, but the cheese gets all melty and delicious. But don’t go in expecting a neat square of lasagna straight out of the pan. This is more of a deconstructed lasagna: it’s little square noodles with red sauce, ground beef and cheese.

Backpacking Recipe Resources

Eating dinner on the Wild Side Trail near Tofino, BC

There are tons of resources out there for finding recipes and choosing backpacking meals. I often use websites or books for ideas, then adapt recipes to suit my needs. Here are some of my favourites.

Websites:

Fresh Off the Grid – A beautiful site with tons of camping recipes and a smaller backpacking recipe section.
Must Hike Must Eat – If you’re paleo, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free or nightshade free, you’ll love this site.
Andrew Skurka – Lightweight and high calorie recipes and backpacking food tips from an thru-hiker and ultralight backpacking guru.
Trail Cooking – tons of recipes, most of which are just-add-boiling water
Hiking Experts Reveal Their Favourite Backpacking Food on Outdoors With No Limits

Books:

Leave No Crumbs by Rick Greenspan and Hal Kahn – Great recipes for gourmet backpacking food with many recipes that can be dehydrated at home. The authors have a fun sense of humor too!
Lipsmackin’ Backpackin’ by Christine and Tim Conners – A mix of simple and more complex recipes for the trail. Most use ingredients you can find at a normal grocery store. Plus the nutritional info and weight is given for each serving.
Lipsmackin’ Vegetarian Backpackin’ by Christine and Tim Conners – Just like the regular Lipsmackin’ book, but with only veggie recipes. Non-vegetarians will still enjoy these meatless recipes.

More Backpacking Food Posts:

More Backpacking Advice:

What’s your favourite backpacking dinner? What criteria do you use to choose backpacking meals? Let me know in the comments.

The post How to Choose the Best Backpacking Meals appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?

Taryn Eyton — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:28:59 +0000

If you’ve been shopping for hiking or backpacking gear recently, you may have noticed some women’s specific gear. I’m not talking about clothing or shoes (obviously we need those)… I’m talking about backpacks, sleeping bags and more. Often this stuff seems to follow the same tired formula: “Shrink it and pink it”. Brands make the same outdoor gear they make for men, but in smaller versions and in shades of pink (or purple, or baby blue) and call it women’s hiking gear.

But gear for women has been getting better. The outdoor industry is waking up to the fact that women do actually get outdoors. And some of that women’s specific gear is actually designed with women in mind. I have a lot of experience evaluating gear (both on the trail and as part of my old day job), so here’s my take on which women’s hiking gear is actually worth buying. (And which things you can just buy unisex.)

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

Wearing my women’s Boreas Lost Coast 60 on the Chilkoot trail.

Women’s Hiking Gear: Backpacks

Women’s specific backpacks are designed to fit the smaller, curvier body of the average woman. Compared to men’s or unisex packs, they usually come in shorter torso lengths. They also have narrower shoulder straps that are set closer together to fit women’s narrower torsos. The shoulder straps are also often contoured or curved to accommodate breasts. The hipbelts of woman’s packs are shaped to accommodate a woman’s wider hips. If you are just buying a day hiking pack, a great fit is not as important since you won’t be carrying as much weight. But if you are going on an overnight or multi-day backpacking trip you will be carrying lots of weight and you want the best fit possible. Below I’ve given some pack fitting tips for various female body types.

If you are a short woman, you will definitely benefit from a women’s specific pack. Men’s packs generally will not fit you well as their torso lengths will be too long.

If you are a petite/thin woman you will also want to consider women’s packs since the shoulder straps on a men’s pack will be set too far apart for you and the hipbelt may not do up tight enough.

If you are a curvy woman then you are in luck as women’s packs were designed to accommodate your hips and breasts. You could try on a men’s or unisex pack, but you will find that the hipbelt on a men’s pack doesn’t sit in the right place on your hips and the shoulder straps sit strangely on your breasts.

If you have a very straight up and down figure (not curvy) and aren’t short or super thin, you might not get any benefit from a woman’s pack. Mens or unisex packs will come in a small enough torso length to fit you and the unisex hipbelt should fit you fine.

If you are very tall (over 5’9ish) or you have a very long torso, you also might need to consider buying unisex pack. Women’s packs typically don’t come in sizes tall enough to accommodate you. (Sorry!)

If you are very short (under 5’2ish) AND you aren’t very curvy, consider looking at the youth packs. They are designed for tweens and young teens and they can often be much less expensive. (There is a tradeoff though as there aren’t as many youth packs to choose from, they aren’t designed to carry heavier loads and they often have less features.)

I recommend: I’m a curvy woman of average height. For backpacking, I wear the women’s version of the Boreas Lost Coast 60 (you can read my review here). Most of the day packs I own are also women’s specific. For summer I usually use my Greogry Maya 22 (I have an older version). Check prices: REI. For winter I switch to a Deuter Freerider SL that has straps to carry my snowshoes. Check prices: REI.

Me and my Gregory Maya. Photo by Romeo Taras Photography

Women’s Hiking Gear: Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags for women are designed to fit the shape of a woman’s body AND to account for the fact that women generally feel the cold more than men. Women’s sleeping bags are generally offered in shorter lengths than men’s or unisex bags. Women’s sleeping bags are often offered in two sizes. The smaller size will fit up to 5’4″ or 5’6″ and the larger size will fit up to 5’8″ or 5’10”. Men’s bags are typically offered in 6’0″ and 6’6″ sizes. Empty space in a sleeping bag will just make you colder so you do want to choose a sleeping bag that is only an inch or two taller than you.

Slim cut mummy-style sleeping bags for women also have a bit more room in the hips compared to men’s bags. Since women often sleep colder than men, women’s bags often have more insulation in the torso and in the footbox – areas where we feel the cold most.

I recommend: If you are curvy, or you feel the cold easily, a women’s sleeping bag might be the right choice for you. I’m curvy and feel the cold a LOT so I use a women’s specific Big Agnes Roxy Ann -9C/15F sleeping bag. Check prices: REI. In the past I have also used a unisex down sleeping bag from MEC.

A friend using women’s trekking poles above Tenquille Lake near Pemberton, BC.

Women’s Hiking Gear: Sleeping Pads

Like sleeping bags, women’s specific sleeping pads are designed to fit women’s shorter bodies and keep them warm. Women’s specific sleeping pads come in shorter lengths than unisex pads and have more insulation through the torso and footbox. Self-inflating sleeping pads for women may also have more foam in the hip area to make it more comfortable for women with prominent hips to sleep on their sides.

There aren’t that many women’s specific sleeping pads on the market. Most unisex pads come in shorter lengths that would suit shorter women. As well, unisex pads often come in versions with higher R-value ratings to offer more warmth. In general, women are probably fine to just pick a unisex sleeping pad in a length that suits them as long as they choose a higher R-value pad. I recommend an R-value of at least 4 if you tend to sleep cold.

I recommend: I use the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm. It is a unisex pad but provides one of the best warmth to weight ratios on the market. (It has an R value of 5.7 and weighs just 430g!) I used to use a Therm-a-rest ProLite Plus women’s version, but the NeoAir is far superior. No contest: the NeoAir Xtherm is lighter, more compact, more comfortable and way warmer. Check prices: REI.

Using my women’s Gregory Maya 18 and women’s Black Diamond Trail trekking poles at Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park.

Women’s Hiking Gear: Trekking Poles

Women’s specific trekking poles come in shorter lengths since women are generally shorter than men. As well, they have grips and straps that are better sized for women’s smaller hands.

I wouldn’t worry too much about buying women’s specific trekking poles unless you have very small hands. Unisex trekking poles are height adjustable so they will work for shorter users as well as tall ones. On average, women’s trekking poles have a maximum length that is about 15cm (6 in.) shorter than unisex poles. If you also use your trekking poles to construct a tarp shelter, this extra length can be nice to have.

I recommend: I have small hands so I use an older version of the women’s specific Black Diamond Trail poles. I find that I can get the straps to adjust small enough to actually fit my wrists and hands – unlike the ones on unisex poles that I’ve tried. Check prices: REI.

The next time you hit up your local outdoor shop, keep these guidelines in mind when choosing women’s (or unisex!) hiking gear. Which women’s hiking gear do you own? Tell me if it was worth it in the comments.

How to Choose Gear Archives - Dawn Outdoors

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