6 Canadian Outdoor Adventure Brands to Support Now
With steep 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports on the horizon and a trade war brewing, Canadians are rallying behind homegrown businesses. However, buying local isn’t just about sidestepping tariffs—it’s about investing in our economy, keeping jobs in Canada and empowering small businesses to thrive. More than ever, where we spend our dollars makes a difference, and choosing to shop local is a commitment to strengthening communities and ensuring our economy stays resilient, despite uncertain economic times. Here are some Canadian outdoor adventure brands you might not have on your radar but are totally worth checking out.
J.B. Field’s
Founded in 1877 to outfit loggers with durable socks, this family-owned Canadian brand has evolved into a go-to for outdoor and thermal socks built for extreme temperatures—down to a bone-chilling -50 C. Still proudly made in Toronto, J.B. Field’s specializes in high-quality merino wool and thermal designs for hikers, outdoor workers and winter adventurers. Their 30 Below Classic is a fan favourite, along with the Hiker GX (available in crew and quarter fits), offering mid-weight cushioning, arch and ankle support and all-day comfort. For extra versatility, their lightweight liner socks help with moisture management, temperature regulation and added comfort, especially when worn with a pair of thick wool socks.
Hooké
Hooké began in 2012 as a video production company when co-founder Fred Campbell and his friends set out to capture the excitement of catching and releasing Atlantic salmon on the Restigouche River in New Brunswick, Canada. After uploading the footage to YouTube, the overwhelming response inspired Campbell to create a production company dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing and ethical hunting. What started as a simple logo on hats and t-shirts for a production company quickly resonated with the fishing community, evolving into a full-fledged outdoor clothing company offering shells, base layers and fleeces for camping, fishing and hunting. Hooké’s first product, the Canadian Insulated Shirt—crafted entirely from recycled materials with 60 grams of insulation—remains a bestseller for its warmth and durability.
7Mesh
Squamish-based 7Mesh is renowned for creating high-performance cycling apparel designed by cyclists, for cyclists. The name, 7Mesh, pays tribute to the Indigenous land it’s built on—Squamish, or Sḵwx̱wú7mesh in the local language. Each piece, from jackets and vests to tights and bibs, is designed and tested by the team of 22 who live and work in this BC adventure town. Whether you’re tackling road, gravel or mountain biking, 7Mesh has you covered with a lifetime warranty and repair services. Their signature WK3 bib, now in its third iteration, offers a skin-tight fit and features Pull2P side straps, cleverly designed to allow cyclists to easily pull down the straps for nature breaks without removing the entire bib.
Harvest Foodworks
Whether you’re biking, camping, paddling or trekking, this family-owned business based in Caledon, Ontario, has you covered with freeze-dried and dehydrated meals for outdoor adventures. Their selection includes hearty entrees like vegetable stew, stroganoff and curries, along with side dishes, soups and even indulgent desserts like brownies and chocolate almond fudge cake. Crafted without artificial colours, preservatives or additives, all you need to do is add water and cook for five to 15 minutes to enjoy a hot, satisfying meal. Available in two-person, four-person and six-person serving sizes, all meals are vegetarian, with optional beef and chicken add-ons for extra protein.
KINeSYS
Frustrated by the lack of quality sun protection for outdoor enthusiasts, KINeSYS set out to create high-performance sunscreens that could keep up with active lifestyles. Made right in Vancouver since 1995, their signature ergonomically K-shaped bottles are filled with lightweight, water-free, alcohol-free and oil-free formulas that meet the highest water-resistance standard of 80 minutes, approved by both Health Canada and the FDA. Quick-drying and non-greasy, their SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Spray is perfect for sensitive skin, while the SPF 30 Mango continues to be a fan favourite.
Explore Magazine
Support Canadian writers, photographers and content creators by subscribing to the magazine you’re reading now—Explore Magazine, an independent media company that prints quarterly issues in British Columbia and distributes from Winnipeg. Filled with inspiring adventure stories, destination guides, profiles of epic Canadians and expert gear reviews, explore offers in-depth coverage with a focus on responsible recreation that inspires Canadian adventurers to get outdoors. Plus, each issue includes exclusive content you won’t find on the free-to-read website. Thank you for supporting us!
You should add Boreal Mountain Anoraks https://borealmountainanoraks.com