That means that I can be pretty picky about gear. And since I already own so much gear, I’m selective about new gear since, I’m usually happy to keep using the same things that already work.

Every year, I make a list of the best new gear I tried out. The 10 items that made my list of my favourite gear of 2025 are things that I used over and over and am looking forward to using in the years to come.

Hey there: I bought most of the gear in this post with my own money, but a few of the products in this post were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut, so you can be sure that I only share products that I really use and love. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack

I own a lot of backpacks… but this year I added one more to the collection: the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. While I’m not an ultralight hiker, I have reduced my base weight a lot over the last few years. (See my tips for reducing your backpacking weight.)

That means that I can finally start using the Mariposa (an ultralight backpack) since my gear weighs less and is less bulky. It has a removable frame and belt so you can customize the suspension for the load you’re carrying.

So far, I’ve taken it on a few shorter warm-weather backpacking trips and have been impressed with how comfortable it is carrying loads up to about 25 lbs (not UL, I know, but sometimes I’m carrying insulating layers or more decadent food).

My favourite feature by far is the removable foam back panel. It’s easy to slide it out to use as a sit pad in camp or on the side of the trail. I hate parking my sweaty butt directly in the dirt so, previously, I always carried a folding Therm-a-rest Z-seat. Now I don’t need it!

However, the biggest challenge with this pack has been adjusting to the UL mentality and culture it is designed for.

This pack does carry 60L if you fill all of the external pockets (some of which are quite big). But the main compartment only carries 36L. I’m used to carrying a traditional pack that has most of the volume in the main body (probably around 50L of 60L) and then a small amount in the pockets.

That means I have had to totally adjust my packing system. On dry trips, that’s no problem. But if there is rain in the forecast, I have to put some things in waterproof stuff sacks or use a rain cover since so much of my gear needs to go in the external pockets.

Overall, I can see myself continuing to use this pack on shorter trips for years to come, especially as I continue to lighten my gear.

Specs: 60L capacity with a removable frame, belt, and foam back panel. Weight: 946g

Check prices:

MEC Spark UL 1-Person Tent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Vargo BOT 700 Pot

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

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

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

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

Check prices:

Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Rain Jacket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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HydraPak Contour 3L Hydration Reservoir

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check prices:

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Look for a newsletter every Friday or Saturday with

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Smartwool Run Mid Crew Socks

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

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

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

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

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

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MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ciele GOCap FLT WND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Long Sleeve Hoody

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

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

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

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

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

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MEC Outpost 60L Gear Tote

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check prices:

Final Thoughts

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

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

READ NEXT:

• Canadian Hiking Gear Brands to Support
• My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2024
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2022 Edition
• 20 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

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

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

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

Hey there: This post is sponsored by Altitude Sports. I shop with them all the time (with my own money). All opinions in this post are my own. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Why I Shop at Altitude Sports

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

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

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

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

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

Best Clothing Deals

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

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

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

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

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

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

Ciele ALZ Cap (30% off)

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

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

Check colour availability

Darn Tough Socks (25% off)

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodies (25% off)

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

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

Check colour/size availability

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

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

Get Canadian Outdoor Gear Deals in your inbox!

I’ll send you a heads up on sales and discounts on outdoor gear from Canadian retailers – no ridiculous international shipping or import duties required!

Look for a newsletter every Friday or Saturday with

• Info about the latest deals and flash sales
  
• My picks for specific gear deals
• Exclusive discount codes
• My honest opinion about whether deals are worth it
  

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

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Best Gear Deals

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

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

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

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

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

Check availability

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

Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles (25% off)

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

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

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

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

Check availability

Black Diamond Pursuit 15L Backpack (25% off)

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

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

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

Check availability

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow (25% off)

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

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

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

Check availability

Petzl Bindi Headlamp (25% off)

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

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

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

Check availability

Deuter Freerider Backpack (25% off)

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (21% off)

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

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

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

Check availability.

Hydro Flask Bottles (25% off)

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

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

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

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

Check size/colour availability

Rab Siltarp 2 (20% off)

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

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

Check availability

Katadyn BeFree Microfilter (15% off)

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

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

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

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The post 2025 Altitude Sports Black Friday Sale: My Picks for the Best Deals appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Each year I make a list of the best new gear that I tried. The ten pieces of gear in this post are my favourites from 2024. These items are the ones that pleasantly surprised me and that I brought on tons of trips.

Hey there: I bought most of the gear in this post with my own money, but a few of the products in this post were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut so you can be sure that I only share info about products that I really use and love. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Loop Quiet Ear Plugs

I’ve always been a light sleeper, and it gets worse when I’m away from home. I don’t mind the white noise of a rushing river, but the quiet sound of a neighbour’s tent zipper opening in the middle of the night can wake me up.

I’ve been bringing ear plugs on backpacking and camping trips for years, but they were usually just cheap, disposable contoured foam earplugs.

This year a friend recommended Loop’s Quiet earplugs. They are tiny reusable earplugs with soft silicone tips, similar to what you would find on earbuds. They come with a bunch of different tip sizes so you can get a good fit. And you can easily clean them, which you’ll want to do after a while. (So much wax!)

Loop says they will give you 24dB of noise reduction, and I think that’s pretty accurate. They definitely dull the noise of the outside world enough to let me sleep pretty soundly.

I also find them more comfortable than foam earplugs. They stay in more securely too – although I have had to hunt around in my sleeping bag for them a few times when one has fallen out in the middle of the night.

(Side note: I also have the Loop Experience ear plugs that block 17dB of noise. I use them at concerts and sporting events, which used to give me a headache. I haven’t had a headache since I started using them!)

Specs: Provides 24db of noise reduction. Comes with four ear tip sizes. Includes a carrying case. Weighs 11g including case.

Check Prices: Amazon

Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie

Ok, so I officially have a sun hoodie addiction. (In fact, I wrote a whole guide to the best sun hoodies!) The Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody made my list of favourite gear in 2022. And in 2023, I put the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody on my list.

This year’s sun hoodie pick is the Outdoor Vitals Tern Ultralight Merino Wool Hoodie. It’s a merino/polyester blend sun hoodie. And if you know me, you know that I don’t always like merino wool.

BUT… I think the fabric of this sun hoodie pulls in the best of both fabrics. The Merino wool makes it anti-microbial and temperature-regulating. And the polyester makes it quick-drying while adding durability.

Since it’s wool, it’s a little warmer than most sun hoodies, so I don’t reach for it on hot days. However, it has been great for sunny hikes in milder weather, including in Moab and Newfoundland.

The only downside is the unisex fit – it’s a bit tight through the chest for me and I would like a bigger hood to accommodate my ponytail. But the fabric is fairly stretchy, so that’s a minor nitpick.

Specs: Made of 115 gsm 63% Merino wool, 29% polyester, 8% nylon. Weighs 153g.

Check prices: Outdoor Vitals

Arc’teryx Proton Hoody

I own a ton of puffy jackets. But ever since I got the Arc’teryx Proton Hoody, it’s pretty much the only one I wear. Unlike most puffy jackets, it doesn’t get all clammy inside since the fabric is really breathable. That means I can keep it on when I’m hiking uphill or working hard.

The Proton uses synthetic PrimaLoft insulation with a water repellent treatment, so even if it gets sweaty, it still keeps me warm. It also seems to dry really quickly.

Like most Arc’teryx clothing, it also has lots of nice details, like soft and stretchy knit cuffs and an adjustable hood that’s not enormous.

Side note: tons of people here in Squamish have the Arc’teryx Atom hoody. The Proton is warmer since it has more insulation. It’s also more breathable. However, the Atom is lighter and more compressible.

Specs: Made of 20d breathable face fabric with Primaloft Gold synthetic insulation. Weighs 360g.

Check prices: Arc’teryx, Valhalla Pure Outfitters

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Mat in Long/Wide

For the last few years, I slept on an Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad for summer trips. (It even made my fave gear of 2022 post.) I found the vertical baffles more comfortable than my previous pick, the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XTherm, and I didn’t care that it was a bit heavier.

This summer I borrowed my husband’s pad, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT in long/wide… and refused to give it back. (Perplexingly, he switched to the ultra-basic Therm-a-rest Z-Lite!) The Ether Light weighs about 100g more than the Exped, but it was even more comfortable!

The long and wide size means that I don’t have to worry about my arms falling off the side of the pad onto the cold ground. (Or going numb from dangling).

I also found that the dimpled construction felt more supportive than the vertical baffles of the Exped. I had an overuse injury in my hip last winter, and it was still tender this summer. The Sea to Summit cradled my hip much much better!

However, it only has a 3.2 R-value. This is a good 3-season rating for warmth for most people, but since I get cold easily, I can only use this pad on trips where the temperature doesn’t get too cold – I find it best above 5C.

I also wish it was a bit lighter. For its warmth, it’s heavier than my Exped and my Therm-a-rest, both of which have higher R-ratings. But it is more comfortable, so I’m still bringing it!

Specs: Made of grippy 40D nylon with Thermolite synthetic insulation. R-value: 3.2. Dimensions: 198 x 64 x 10 cm. Weight: 690 g.

Check prices: MEC, Altitude Sports, Amazon, Valhalla Pure Outfitters

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3-Person Tent

Our beloved Z-packs Triplex was starting to show its age (so many little holes repaired!), so this year we splurged and bought a new tent: the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3-person.

For context, we already own an older MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person (which we love but is tight for two people in bad weather), as well as the Triplex (which is a single-wall tent), so we were looking for something different.

We decided we wanted a double-wall 3-person ultralight tent. We would use it primarily for multi-day backpacking in situations where the single-wall Triplex didn’t perform as well – basically trips with rain and high humidity where the single-wall gets lots of condensation.

After a fair amount of research, we settled on the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 because it was quite light for the amount of room you get and had moderate durability compared to the fragility of some other ultralight options.

We took it backpacking on the Yoho Valley Loop and Egypt Lake in Banff National Park and we also slept in it frontcountry camping in the Rockies. Overall, we’ve got about 2 weeks’ worth of nights in it.

So far I’m pretty impressed with it for the weight. It’s roomy inside. It has lots of pockets, which we haven’t had before. It held up well to pouring rain and wind without any condensation issues.

I have a few nitpicks though: I think the double zippers so you can create an awning is an unnecessary gimmick and makes the doors less functional than the ones on the Hubba Hubba. And I wish the peg loops were adjustable the way they are on the Hubba Hubba.

Otherwise, we are really pleased with this purchase. Even though it weighs a kilogram more than our 600g Triplex, I think we are going to end up using this tent a lot.

Specs: 3-person freestanding tent. Made of lightweight nylon ripstop with 1200 mm waterproof coating. Floor area: 3.8 square metres. Weight: 1.59 kg.

Check prices: MEC, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Altitude Sports, Amazon

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Cork Massage Ball

I’ve had issues with tightness in my calves and lower back over the last few years. At home, I use a knock-off Theragun massage gun and a big foam roller. But that’s not an option on the trails.

A few years ago, I got a cork massage ball and have since brought it on lots of backpacking trips, road trips, and vacations. It’s dense enough to get deep into my tight muscles, but light enough that I’m not upset about bringing it. At 55 grams, it weighs about the same as a chocolate bar.

There are lots of options online – mine is this basic one from Coengwo on Amazon.

Specs: Made of cork. Three-inch diameter. Weighs 55 g.

Check prices: Amazon

Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles

I really didn’t need to buy these poles – my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles were doing just fine. But I had been eyeing the FLZ-style folding poles for a long time since they fold up so much smaller than telescoping poles and are so fast to deploy.

If you’ve followed my newsletter for a while, you’ll know that I have weak ankles and sprain them fairly often. (I sprained my right ankle badly in June this year and then minorly again in November.) So I wanted to try out poles that were easy to carry in my pack, then pull them out when I need them on more challenging terrain or steep descents.

(I typically always use poles for backpacking and snowshoeing, but I try not to use poles all the time when day hiking because I need to force my lower leg muscles and core to work on stability.)

I bought the Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ poles when they went on sale. Since they arrived I haven’t used my old poles once. I love how small they pack down – they even fit in the side pockets of my smallest day pack. Their packed size is also a bonus for flying with them.

The cork grips are super comfortable, although like most cork grips they aren’t that durable. However, I get sweaty hands and won’t use non-cork grips since they just don’t feel as nice.

Deploying them takes a little practice. If you’ve ever used an avalanche probe, is the same technology. But it’s easy enough to master. So far the locking mechanism seems quite stable. And they do have one adjustable section so I can increase or decrease the length on slopes or to use with my trekking pole tent.

They are a bit heavier than my BD Alpine Carbon Cork poles since they aren’t carbon. But only about 50g heavier, which is pretty negligible. It’s also worth mentioning that they are pretty expensive, but I think they are worth it.

Specs: Made of 7000 series aluminum in 3 sections. 15 cm of adjustable height. Available in small/medium (max 125 cm) and medium/large (max 140 cm) lengths. Weighs 496g (small/medium).

Check prices: MEC, Altitude Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Amazon

Branwyn Essential Hipster Underwear

It has been a few years since I tried Merino wool underwear. The ones I tried before had serious durability issues and stayed damp for a long time. For the most part, I told people that I didn’t recommend Merino underwear.

But this year I tried the Branwyn Essential Hipster underwear. I had low expectations and thought maybe I would wear them for travel or other less sweaty situations than hiking.

However, these underwear have slowly won me over. They feel a little thicker and more durable than other merino undies I’ve tried, but they aren’t hot. The Merino is blended with 12% nylon which isn’t much, but is enough to add a lot of durability.

They also have 7% spandex. So far, that has meant that they fit great and hold their shape well. (Most Merino tends to get baggy after a while.)

Like all Merino wool, they are anti-microbial so they resist odors, which is great.

I liked them so much that I put them on my list of the best hiking underwear and I’m considering buying another pair… but they are expensive. They are also heavier and bulkier than my other fave underwear, Patagonia Active and Exofficio Give-N-Go Sport Mesh.

Specs: Made of 81% Merino wool, 12% nylon, 7% spandex. They don’t list a weight, but my XL pair weigh 55g.

Check prices: Branwyn

Outdoor Research Mega Trail Mix Fleece Zip Hoodie

I own a lot of fleeces, both for casual and technical use. For hiking and backpacking, a fleece is my go-to midlayer. My preference is a fleece that is stretchy and lightweight for the warmth.

That often means grid fleece. The open grid weave traps warm air, which means that you get lots of insulation in a lightweight package. Grid fleece is also quite breathable, so it’s great to wear when you’re working hard.

Over the years I’ve tried lots of different grid fleeces. Right now my favourite is the Outdoor Research Megal Trail Mix Fleece Zip Hoodie. The fabric is so soft and cozy, but it’s still pretty lightweight.

The fit is also casual enough to wear off the trail, but technical enough for a good fit while hiking. I love the thumb holes since they make it easy to layer my fleece under warmer layers for snowshoeing. It’s also cut a bit longer in the back for better coverage when I bend over.

If you’re looking for a lighter weight version, I recently got the MEC Quickdraw Micro Fleece. I haven’t had a chance to wear it a ton yet, but so far I love it.

Specs: Made of quick-drying and breathable polyester grid fleece. Weighs 386g.

Check prices: Outdoor Research, MEC, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Amazon

Osprey Savu 2 Waist Pack

I never thought I would be a waist pack person, but living in Squamish has changed me. I often go for short hikes on my local trails where I don’t need to bring much. This summer, I also started mountain biking and needed a small pack to take with me.

I decided that a waist pack would work best since it would avoid the sweaty back problem. But a must for me was a way to carry bear spray for both hiking and mountain biking. The bear population near my house is very active and I’ve had some surprise encounters.

I also wanted to be able to carry my phone, a small snack, some basic first aid supplies, and maybe a tiny windbreaker (like my Mountain Hardwear Kor Airshell which is on my list of 2022 fave gear).

After looking at a few options, I got the Osprey Savu 2. It has only 2 L of capacity, but it fits everything I need. And it has an external water bottle holder that I can use to carry my bear spray. It even has an elastic loop to keep the bear spray (or water bottle) from bouncing.

I’ve worn it a ton for both hiking and mountain biking and it’s been pretty comfortable. It doesn’t bounce too much and the foam ridged back keeps me from getting too sweaty. The way it fits is designed for the riding position where you are bent over a bit, but I find it fine for hiking too.

Specs: Foam pack panel with mesh overlay. Two zippered pockets with angled bottle sleeve. 2L capacity. No official listed weight, but I weighed mine: it’s 258 g.

Check prices: Altitude Sports, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Amazon

Final Thoughts

There are a few other pieces of gear I wanted to include in my list, but sadly they are discontinued. For example, the Mountain Hardwear Airmesh Hoody is an amazing lightweight baselayer/hoody hybrid made with a super breathable and fluffy fabric. But it’s discontinued!

What were your favourite pieces of outdoor gear in 2024? Share them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

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• Best Hiking Leggings of 2025
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• My Favorite Hiking Gear – 2022 Edition
• Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• 20 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

The post My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2024 appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Every year, I put together a list of the best gear I tried. These are the things that I reached for most often, that were usually in my backpack, and which were on high rotation in my washing machine so I could wear them again. So here are my favourite pieces of gear from 2023.

Hey there: I bought most of the gear in this post with my own money, but some of the products in this post were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut so you can be sure that I only share info about products that I really use and love. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants

I have a love/hate relationship with hiking pants. Over the last few years, it had trended more towards hate and I did a lot of trips in hiking leggings. But this year I found a pair of hiking pants that I loved – the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Pants.

My biggest gripes with hiking pants are that they are usually too hot and they fit poorly. The Dynama Pants solved both of these problems for me.

They are made from a thin and stretchy nylon that breathes well and wicks sweat. So far, the durability on these has been great – I’ve tested them on lots of backpacking trips and on some scrambly hikes with sharp rocks and a bit of butt-scooching. No rips yet!

Mountain Hardwear also nailed on the fit on these: They have a stretchy waist that is comfortable under my backpack hip belt but also doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall down. The Dynama/2 Pants also fit me well in the butt and thighs, which can be a challenge for some brands.

I initially got the Ankle length in the Dynama/2 pants, which are a bit cropped. It’s a flattering silhouette and a bit better for warm weather. But I realized that the open ankles left me exposed to bugs, especially in camp in the evenings, so I picked up the full-length version too.

My only nitpick: The hand pockets fit my phone, but they aren’t particularly secure due to their shape.

These pants are easily my favourite gear piece of 2023.

Specs: Made of 94% nylon, 6% elastane with a DWR finish and a UPF 50 sun protection rating

Check prices: Mountain Hardwear, Altitude Sports, REI, Amazon

Psst! These pants are on my list of the best women’s hiking pants.

Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Backpack

If a hiking backpack and a running vest had a baby, you would get the Black Diamond Pursuit 15 Backpack. I’ve been wearing this pack on all my high-intensity hikes this year, especially on my home trails in Squamish. It’s been up the Stawamus Chief with me a ton of times!

The harness fits like a running vest and wraps around my body so it doesn’t move around as I hike. I’m a bigger woman, so sometimes packs aren’t that comfortable to wear, but I’ve had no issues with this one.

My favourite feature is that it has tons of pockets that I can access without taking the pack off: There are lots of little pockets on the shoulder straps for snacks, lip balm, and other little things. The side pockets are big enough to fit my phone and easy to reach from the front.

It also has a quick-access external pocket for my hydration bladder at the back, which makes it easier to fill up on the trail (using my Katadyn BeFree Filter, which is also on this list!)

At 15L, it’s tight to fit everything I need into it for a long day out where I need lots of layers and food, but I’ve made it work. The stretch pocket on the outside holds a lot! This year, the BD Pursuit 15 has been my most-used day pack.

Specs: 15L capacity, available in men’s and women’s fits and S, M, and L sizes for different torso sizes. Weight: 686g

Check prices: Black Diamond, Altitude Sports, REI, Amazon

Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 1L

I’ve been using a Platypus GravityWorks water filter for backpacking trips for a long time now. For day hikes I typically carried all the water I would need or brought purification drops. And sometimes I did bring the GravityWorks on day hikes if I was with a group. But all of those options seemed either time-consuming or heavy (or both).

This year I picked up a Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System and I don’t know why I didn’t do it sooner. This thing is crazy light and easy to use – you just squeeze it. After using it extensively for a full summer, the flow rate through the filter is still pretty fast. I’m impressed. I also love that I can carry an extra litre of dirty water inside the filter bottle, so it ups my total water-carrying capacity for dry stretches.

So far I’m mostly using the BeFree on hikes, and solo backpacking trips. For group backpacking trips, the GravityWorks is still a bit more efficient. But the BeFree is tiny and light enough to carry as a backup filter for groups so I’ve done that too.

Specs: 1L soft flask with hollow fibre filter insert that removes bacteria, cysts, and sediment. Weight: 63g

Check prices: MEC, REI, Amazon

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Goodr OG Sunglasses

I’m really light sensitive so I wear sunglasses in all kinds of weather. Some people in my life affectionately, (I think?) call me a mole person. Since my sunglasses get used so much, I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive sunglasses that are polarized and good for hiking, but look cute enough for everyday.

This year, I picked up a pair of Goodr OG sunglasses and instantly fell in love. They are designed as affordable running sunglasses so they have a grip-coating to stay put when I sweat – no more sliding down my nose.

All of their sunglasses come with polarized lenses and despite tons of abuse, so far they haven’t scratched up too badly.

They classic Wayfarer frame shape doesn’t look too sporty when I’m off the trail. They come in lots of fun (and tame) colours and styles too (and most of them have ridiculous names). And, at about $40, they are super affordable – I now own three pairs!

Specs: Polymer frames have a non-slip coating. Lenses are polarized with an anti-scratch coating.

Check prices: MEC, REI, Amazon

Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody

My favourite piece of hiking gear in 2022 was my Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun hoody, so I was shocked to find another sun hoody I liked just as much this year – the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody.

The Capilene Cool Daily isn’t actually designed specifically as a sun hoody (they test out at about 34 UPF instead of the 50+ UPF that a sun hoody should have). But after wearing mine a ton this summer, I think it’s a great sun hoody option.

Compared to my Crater Lake sun hoody, the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody fabric is a bit slicker and doesn’t feel as nice against the skin. But the big advantage of the Capilene Cool fabric is that it seemed a bit less absorbent so it dries faster than the Crater Lake fabric.

And I think that the anti-odor treatment in the Capilene Cool is holding up a bit better than the Crater Lake. But that might not be a fair assessment as I really wore the Crater Lake a ton last year on book research trips so the anti-odor treatment got more of a work-out.

I still wear my Crater Lake Hoody a lot, but on multi-day backpacking trips where I’m worried about my shirt drying overnight, I find myself bringing the Capilene Cool since I think it dries out a little faster.

Specs: Made of recycled polyester with wicking treatment and anti-microbial treatments. Weight: 147g

Check prices: Patagonia, MEC, REI

For an in-depth review, read my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.

MEC Zephyr 65L Backpack

I’ve been using a Gregory Amber 65L backpack for a few years now, and while it’s still a great pack, I wanted to try something new. Enter the Women’s MEC Zephyr 65L Backpack. For a budget-priced backpack, I was really surprised at how much I liked this pack!

It uses a suspended mesh back panel that keeps your back from getting sweaty and is comfortable to carry even with five days of gear. The big pre-curved hip belt was like wearing a hug. It comes in men’s and women’s versions and two different torso sizes for a better fit.

The Zephyr also has big mesh side and back pockets, which I love for storing on-the-go gear. It’s been a while since I a had pack with bottom and side zippers, and I thought I didn’t need them. But with this pack, I found myself using these zippers a lot to make packing and unpacking my bag easier.

Honestly, this pack has pretty much all the fit and features of the Osprey Aura (women’s) or Osprey Atmos (men’s), except it costs $170 less!!! The only key feature it’s missing is an included rain cover, but you can just buy one separately for about $35.

Specs: 65L capacity with a trampoline-style mesh vented back panel. Weight: 1.75 kg

Check prices: MEC

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Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody

I feel the cold easily. On summer backpacking trips, I bring a fleece or a lightweight puffy jacket to wear at camp. But in the high mountains or in fall weather, that doesn’t cut it. This year I got an Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody and it’s been great.

This is a super-premium jacket: It uses high-end 850 fill-power European goose down that is Responsible Down Standard certified and gossamer thin 15 denier nylon and polyester fabrics with a DWR finish. The down placement is strategically mapped to give you more warmth where you need it most and to swap out for synthetic insulation in places where moisture might build up (like your pits!)

The premium materials in the Cerium make it incredibly warm for its weight. (It weighs just 290g!) It was a life-saver on my September trip to Mount Assiniboine where we had snow, slush, and freezing temps every day.

And it’s so light that I have used it to extend the temperature rating of my summer sleeping bag instead of bringing my warmer three-season bag.

Specs: Made of lightweight 15D fabric with a DWR finish and 850 fill power goose down. Weight: 290g

Check prices: Arc’teryx, MEC, REI

Ciele Athletics GOCap

If you’ve run into me on the trails in the last year, there’s almost a 100% chance that I’m wearing a Ciele Athletics GOCap. I got one as a Christmas gift last year and loved it so much that I bought another one this summer to wear when the first one is in the wash.

I’ve tried other running and hiking hats, and nothing is as good as the Ciele (although the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Trail Cap is close).

I always hike in a baseball-style cap for a few reasons: They shade my face from the sun. I sweat a lot, so the wicking interior brim keeps most of the sweat from running into my eyes. The brim of the hat keeps the hood of a rain jacket or sun hoody from flopping into my eyes.

Ciele is a Montreal-based company that started with just one product – the GOCap. These days they make other hats and running clothing, but their original hat is perfection for both running and hiking.

I love the quick-drying fabric because it breathes well and doesn’t absorb sweat. It also provides UPF 40+ sun protection. The brim is soft enough to pack easily, but not so floppy that it gets deformed in your pack or blown around by the wind. The 5-panel style fits my head well. Plus they come in a million different colour combos.

The only downside? For a hat these are a bit pricey.

Specs: Made of lightweight polyester mesh with UPF 40+ sun protection. Weight: 62g.

Check prices: MEC, REI

Mountain Hardwear Minimizer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus Jacket

For summer hiking and backpacking, finding a waterproof jacket that keeps me dry, fits me, and is light enough to bring on all kinds of adventures is a tough ask. I have a bunch of durable rain jackets in my closet, but they all feel pretty heavy for summer use.

This year I tried the Mountain Hardwear Minimizer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus jacket. It’s shockingly thin and lightweight. When packed into its own pocket, it’s about the size of a grapefruit.

I did a ten-day bike trip in rural France in April and this was the only jacket I brought. It was a bit of a gamble, but it paid off – despite two days of riding in a downpour, it held up fine. After that, I brought it on backpacking trips all summer. It proved itself again on a rainy and slushy five-day September trip to Mount Assiniboine. The GORE-TEX Paclite Plus definitely kept me dry and breathed fairly well.

The only downside to this jacket is that it doesn’t have pit zips, so it doesn’t vent as well as some of my other jackets. But it does have mesh-backed chest and hand pockets which you can leave open to increase breathability.

Specs: Made of ultralight 13-denier waterproof breathable 2-layer GORE-TEX Paclite Plus fabric. Weight: 225g.

Check prices: Mountain Hardwear, Altitude Sports, Amazon

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Stanley Classic Legendary Camp Mug

I got the Stanley Classic Legendary Camp mug for car camping (along with the Stanley Adventure Camp Pro Cookset, which is also great), but I’ve been drinking out of it pretty much every day in my home office too. (It’s too heavy for backpacking – I use the Snow Peak Double-Wall Titanium Mug for that.)

The double-wall stainless steel construction keeps my tea hot for nearly an hour. The handle and the lip at the top are single-wall so they don’t heat up. (No burnt lips!) And in general, the mug is just nice to hold. The press-fit plastic lid is pretty standard, but it does the job. It holds 12 oz (350 ml) which is just the right size.

It’s hard to explain why I love this mug so much – it’s just one of those simple things that does exactly what it’s supposed to do so well that you don’t even think about it. I think part of its charm is that it has great camp vibes, which can be a big moral boost when you’re stuck at home.

Specs: Made of 18/8 stainless steel with a double-wall vacuum insulated design. Dishwasher safe. Holds 12 oz/350 ml. Weight: 318g (but who cares!)

Check prices: Stanley, Altitude Sports, Amazon

Odlo Kinship Performance Wool Base Layers

I love the idea of merino wool especially since it doesn’t stink, but in practice, it often doesn’t work that well for me. I find even the softest merino wool just a tad itchy. And there’s the issue of it wicking sweat (and staying wet) a little longer than polyester and weighing a bit more too. (For more on this topic, read my post – Is Merino Wool Worth it?)

This year I tried Odlo’s Kinship Performance Wool base layers. (Odlo is a Norwegian base layer and outdoor apparel company.) They blended merino wool (52%), with polyester (31%), nylon (15%), and a little bit of elastane for stretch (2%).

So far, it seems like the best of both worlds for me. It doesn’t itch. It’s really stretchy. And despite feeling thin, it’s really warm. It also seems to wick sweat better and dry faster than any other merino wool base layers I’ve tried.

I also really love that Odlo provides a recommended temperature rating for their base layers. They say that the Kinship Performance wool series is good for -10C to 15C if you’re standing still, -15C to 5C if you’re walking, and -20 to 0C if you’re running. In my experience, that seems pretty accurate even though I run really hot when I’m moving and really cold when I’m stopped.

Specs: 52% Virgin Wool (Merino), 31% Polyester, 15% Polyamide, 2% Elastane

Check prices: Odlo, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Amazon

Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket

It can be tough to figure out what to wear in the winter when you’re working up a sweat but it’s cold out. That’s where breathable synthetic insulated jackets come in. Last winter I got the Outdoor Vitals Vario jacket and it really excels in this category.

Outdoor Vitals is a small ultralight gear company from Utah and they put a lot of thought into their gear design. If you’re a gear tech geek like me, you’ll want to pore through the specs on their website since they are using some unusual and interesting fabrics and insulation from Toray. And everything is so lightweight!

But for the layperson, I’ll explain it in plain language. Basically, it uses body-mapped super breathable synthetic insulation with more insulation in areas where you need it and less in places where you get hot. Both the insulation and the fabric have stretch, so it moves with you. And the fabric is soft, not shiny and plasticky, so it doesn’t feel sticky if you do sweat.

It also has a feature I’ve never seen on another insulated jacket – pit vents! It has a mesh panel in the underarms to dump excess heat.

Specs: Made with 20-denier ripstop nylon that is breathable, stretchy, and water resistant. Insulation is stretchy synthetic and is body-mapped. Weight: 269g.

Check prices: Outdoor Vitals

It was hard to narrow down my list of favourites, but I managed! What were your favourite pieces of hiking gear in 2023? Share them in the comments!

READ NEXT:

• My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2025
• My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2024
• My Favorite Hiking Gear – 2022 Edition
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)
• 19 Best Hiking Leggings
• Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?

The post My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Here are my favourite pieces of gear from 2022. The gear on this list are things that impressed me, surprised me, and made me want to use them over and over.

Hey there: Some of the products in this post were gifts from brands. I also received lots of other gear that didn’t make the cut so you can be sure that I only share info about products that I really use and love. As well, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody

Before this summer, I usually hiked in a wicking t-shirt, sometimes layering on a button-up for extra sun protection. But this year I discovered the magic of long-sleeved sun hoodies. I had heard thru-hikers rave about them for years but hadn’t tried them.

Once I got this Mountain Hardwear sun hoody, I didn’t want to wear anything else. In fact, I often wore it dirty, even when I had other clean shirts to choose from.

It’s made of really lightweight and breathable fabric that didn’t make me feel like I was overheating. The fabric is super-soft and for the first time in my life, I didn’t mind wearing long sleeves.

The fabric is pretty thin, but it has held up to a bit of light bushwhacking and a pretty epic end-over-end fall down a hill that left me with lots of scabs but didn’t rip my shirt!

I also loved not having to worry as much about reapplying sunscreen since my arms were always covered. I often pulled the hood up over my baseball cap for added neck protection.

The only feature I don’t love is the draw cord at the hem. I think the intention is to give it an adjustable fit or some style. But I just found that the ends of the cord kept getting caught in the fly of my shorts. And one time I even accidentally peed on it! It’s sewn in, so I haven’t gotten around to ripping it out yet, but I will.

Specs: Made of 88% polyester/12% elastane jersey knit. UPF 50 sun protection. Weight: 160g.

Check prices: Altitude Sports, Amazon, REI, Mountain Hardwear, Mountain Hardwear Canada

For an in-depth review, read my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.

Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow

For a long time, I used a balled-up fleece or puffy jacket as a pillow. A few years ago, I transitioned to a lightweight inflatable pillow, which is much more comfortable.

This summer my husband upgraded his sleep system and purchased a Sea to Summit Aeros Down Pillow. I borrowed it for one trip, and now I’m hooked and want my own.

The Aeros pillow is inflatable so it folds down really small. But it also has a down-filled top layer that is super comfy to sleep on.

My old inflatable pillow was a bit slippery and I felt like I was chasing it around the tent all night as it slipped out from under my head. The Aeros has a slightly fuzzy base fabric that stays in place really well. (If you use it with a Sea to Summit pad, the fuzzy fabric actually sticks to a patch on the pad. But I don’t have one so I can’t speak to how well that works.)

Specs: Made of lightweight 10-denier and 20-denier nylon with a urethane bladder and a Responsible Down Standard topper. Weight: 71g. Dimensions: 16.5 x 11 x 4.7″ (size large).

Check prices: Altitude Sports, Amazon, Sea to Summit

Kuhl Prism Hoody

This definitely isn’t the most technical fleece in my closet (I own about 10 fleeces!), but it is the one I reach for most often. I love it for casual hikes, wearing in camp, or around the house. I wear it a few days a week… at least. Actually, I’m wearing it right now as I type this post.

The Prism Hoody has a casual colour-blocked style with a water-resistant, reinforced overlay on the shoulders. I like the zippered hand pockets and the slightly dropped hem in the back.

But the real reason I can’t take this hoody off is the fabric. It is made from the softest, coziest fleece that provides lots of warmth but also is breathable enough that I don’t overheat. The fabric is so soft that I’ve had more than one friend feel it while hugging me, then stop to “pet” the fleece!

Specs: Made of 100% polyester premium Italian fleece (200gsm) with 89% polyester/11% spandex shoulder overlays.

Check prices: Kuhl, REI

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Exped Ultra 5R Sleeping Pad

I recently upgraded to the Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad. For many years, I used the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XTherm. While I loved how much insulation it provided, I didn’t love how the horizontal baffles felt against my aging back. The metallic film inside was a bit noisy. And the mummy shape didn’t let me sprawl.

While Exped Ultra isn’t quite as insulating and is a tad heavier, I found myself packing it on every trip since it was sooo much more comfortable to sleep on thanks to the rectangular shape and vertical baffles.

It uses lightweight synthetic insulation welded to the top and bottom of the mat, so it doesn’t crinkle like metallic films. The big, flat valve made it easy to inflate and deflate. I also like the Exped Schnozzle pump bag, which is huge and makes inflating the pad super fast.

Specs: Made of durable 20-denier polyester with 160gsm synthetic insulation. Weight: 584g. Dimensions: 72 x 20.5 x 3″ (size medium rectangular).

Check prices: Altitude Sports, REI, Exped

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts

As a plus-sized person, I often have a hard time finding hiking shorts that work for my body. The Guide Pro shorts pleasantly surprised me. They have a traditional, non-elastic waist, but they are still cut to fit my curves. And they come in sizes 0-24 with both petite and tall options.

I often find that hiking shorts are cut too short for me, so they end up riding up into my crotch. These shorts have a 7″ inseam that hits me in the middle of my quad, but somehow don’t ride up. Usually, I wear a much longer inseam, but these have been great.

The fabric is fairly durable without feeling heavy and has a bit of stretch. The DWR finish seems to be holding up well to wick sweat.

One of my favourite features is the big zippered side pockets. They are large enough to fit my phone, which somehow is still a rarity amongst most hiking short designs!

Specs: 94% nylon/6% spandex fabric with DWR finish. UPF 50+ sun protection.

Check prices: Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer Canada, Amazon

READ NEXT: Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes: The Best Brands and Where to Find Them

3-in-1 USB Charging Cable

On backpacking trips, I typically have multiple devices I might need to charge: my iPhone (which functions as my camera and GPS), my Garmin inReach, my headlamp, my Garmin Instinct Solar watch, and my Kindle eReader. For years I was fighting with a rats’ nest of cables.

This summer I bought a cheap 3-in-1 cable from Amazon, along with a Garmin smartwatch adapter. Now my charging cable set-up is super compact. It also weighs only 25g. I have no idea why I didn’t do this sooner!

Specs: USB to 1) USB C, 2) Micro USB, and 3) Apple Lightning. Charges only – no data. I added a Garmin watch to USB C adapter.

Check prices: Amazon

Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody

I’ve had a few breathable wind jackets over the years. I like to wear them over a t-shirt or tank top when the wind picks up but it’s too warm for a fleece or full-on rain jacket. In general, they are breathable and super compact, stowing down to the size of my fist.

I recently got the Mountain Hardwear Kor AirShell Hoody and it’s definitely the best wind shell I have used. Unlike some of the others, the fit really works well for my body – it’s not too tight through the hips and shoulders.

As well, it has zippered hand pockets – the other wind shells that I have only have a zippered chest pocket, which is a strategy to reduce weight. I didn’t realize how much I missed the hand pockets until I had them back – I love having a place to stash my phone, lip balm, and other small gear. I don’t care that they add a few grams to the weight of the jacket.

Specs: Made of lightweight, breathable Pertex Quantum Air 20-denier stretch ripstop nylon. Weight: 132g.

Check prices: Altitude Sports, Amazon, Mountain Hardwear, Mountain Hardwear Canada

ThermoWorks ThermoDrop Zipper-Pull Thermometer

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

I used to use cheap traditional mercury thermometers, but with those, I had no way of knowing the coldest temperature at night unless I woke up and looked at it. They are also hard to read sometimes.

This summer I upgraded to the ThermoDrop. It’s made by ThermoWorks, a company that specializes in instant-read digital thermometers for cooking. (They make the super popular Thermapen.) That means that it is super-accurate.

I also love that it has a memory feature – it can display the min and max temperature since the last time it was turned on. It’s not as high-tech as some of the weather data logging devices you can get, but it’s a fraction of the price!

Specs: ranges from -25 to 50C (-13 to 122F). Backlight. Water resistant (IP67). Weight: 14g. Dimensions: 49 x 33 x 12.5 mm.

Check prices: ThermoWorks

Ibex Lizzi Tights

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of hiking leggings and tights. I got a pair of Ibex Lizzi Tights made with merino wool this year and I love them for colder weather.

I often find that merino wool gear isn’t very durable or that I get sweaty in it, and then it takes a long time to dry compared to synthetics. (I’ve got a whole article with my thoughts on whether Merino wool is worth it.) The Lizzi tights defied my expectations.

They are made with a really durable wool, nylon, and elastane blend that has held up to lots of hikes. It also has held its shape quite well, instead of becoming saggy like some merino wool clothing tends to do.

The wide waistband and compression fit mean that they aren’t constantly falling down. They also have big thigh pockets, which hold my phone.

And they have the advantage of merino wool, which means they are naturally antimicrobial and don’t stink! They are a bit thicker than some of my other tights, so I save them for colder spring and fall weather.

Specs: Made of durable, compressive 71% wool, 24% nylon, 5% elastane

Check prices: Ibex

READ NEXT: 19 Best Hiking Leggings of 2022

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

Living in Squamish, snow and ice are a fact of life between December and March. I head out for a walk on my neighbourhood trails most days after work and go further afield on weekends.

I’ve tried various traction aids over the years, and so far, the Hillsound Trail Crampons are the best. The spikes underfoot are durable and bite into the snow well. The rubber uppers are stretchy enough to put on easily.

The best part is the secure velcro strap across the top of the foot. With my old traction devices, I’ve had them slip off a few times. In deep snow, that meant having to dig them out. Thankfully I always noticed they had fallen off, but I have friends who have lost one.

With the straps on the Hillsounds, I know they will never fall off. And they keep them more securely in place, which means that it’s easy to use them both on trail runners and my bulkier winter hiking boots.

They also come with a puncture-proof carrying bag, which is handy when I stow them inside my backpack.

Specs: Made of elastomer and stainless steel with 18 1/2″ spikes. Weight: 422g.

Check prices: Altitude Sports, REI, Amazon, Hillsound Canada

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

• conditions reports,
  
• reservation dates,
  
• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
• gear deals,
  
• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

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Eddie Bauer MicroTherm Down Hooded Jacket

I own a LOT of insulated jackets, but I tend to wear my Eddie Bauer MicroTherm more than all the others combined. It’s a lightweight down jacket that packs lots of warmth for its weight and compresses into its own pocket. I wear it in camp on summer backpacking trips and on winter snowshoeing trips too.

In a lot of ways, it’s similar to lightweight down jackets from other brands: It uses Responsible Down certified 800 fill power down (which is super high quality and lightweight). It stows into its own pocket. And it has wind- and water-resistant outer fabric.

But the big game changer for me is the stretch side panels under the arms. I tend to sweat a lot, so having a panel of fleece in the armpit to allow me to vent without removing the jacket is key.

The fleece arm panels are also awesome because they add mobility. I often find that jackets are tight in the shoulders and chest, but since these panels have some stretch, the fit is perfect for me.

Specs: Made of windproof 20-denier ripstop polyester with a DWR finish and 800-fill power RDS down. Weight: 332g.

Check prices: Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer Canada, Amazon

So those are my favourite pieces of hiking gear in 2022. What were your favourites this year? Share them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2024
• My Favourite Hiking Gear of 2025
• Gear I Use
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons
• Which Women’s Specific Hiking Gear is Actually Worth Buying?
• Women’s Plus Size Hiking Clothes: The Best Brands and Where to Find Them

The post My Favorite Hiking Gear – 2022 Edition appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.