Black Friday: 25 Adventure Essentials to Snap Up Now
At Explore Magazine, adventure isn’t just what we write about. It’s what we live. Our team of hikers, paddlers, climbers and campers test gear in the wild places you love to explore. When it came to rounding up the best Black Friday deals for adventurers, we focused on items that truly perform. Every pick has been vetted for real-world performance, functionality and value.
Whether you’re planning a winter weekend escape or looking for a Christmas gift for your adventure buddy, you can count on these 25 gear items that will deliver.
For the Camper
Gear and comfort essentials for cozy nights under the stars.
Explore’s Gear Shop
Camper Essential Clothesline
$14.95
$4.49
Drying your clothes, towels, bathing suits or bivvies has never been easier. Its elastic cord stretches to three metres and 13 adjustable toggles keep shirts from bunching.
Hawk Nest Hammocks x Explore Magazine
Hawk Nest™ All-Season Hammock Tent V.3
$249.95
50% off everything in store over the BFCM weekend starting November 28
Comes with its own bug net, spacious sleep-pad pocket and waterproof rain-fly so you’re ready for four-season comfort no matter where you hang. Packable and takes five minutes to set up.
Hawk Nest Hammocks x Explore Magazine
Ultralight Inflatable Sleeping Pad (Adult)
$69.95
50% off everything in store over the BFCM weekend starting November 28
Weighing just around 1.3 pounds and crafted from puncture-proof 40 D nylon with a TPU coating. Boasting an R-value of 4, it offers warmth that holds up when temps drop.
Vanpackers x Explore Magazine
Car Camping Kit Structure | Vanpackers®
$2,195
A modular, no-build conversion system that includes a collapsible sink, table leg, storage net and easy-strap system, designed by adventurers for adventurers.
MEC
MEC Camper +10C Sleeping Bag – Unisex
$119.95
$74.94
Special Black Friday Deal From November 27 – Dec 1: $40
Designed for three‑season use with a comfort rating to –10 C, this bag features a snug fit, generous hood, durable outer shell built and robust insulation.
For the Trailblazer
Hiking must-haves for the one who’s always first to the summit.
Explore’s Gear Shop
BlistWool
$12.95
$5.18
With a naturally anti-bacterial and compostable design, say goodbye to painful blisters on the trail. Crafted from 100 per cent Canadian sheep wool, it keeps your feet comfortable on sweaty hikes.
Amazon
Adidas Terrex Soulstride Trail Running Shoes
$110.00
$59.29
The Terrex Soulstride blends a breathable mesh upper (made with at least 50 per cent recycled materials) with a cushioned EVA midsole and a Continental™ rubber outsole for confident grip across mixed terrain.
Stanley
Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate™ Tumbler | 40 OZ
$59.00
$29.50
Boasts double‑wall vacuum‑insulated 18/8 stainless steel, a rugged comfort‑grip handle and a Flowstate™ screw‑on lid that gives you three sipping modes: straw, wide mouth and full cover.
For the Paddler
Gear items that transition from land to water and keep you floating.
Explore’s Gear Shop
Perfect Paddling 20L Dry Bag
$21.95
$8.78
Built from 100 per cent waterproof PVC, with rust-free fixtures and reinforced seams that protect your stuff in all four seasons. The roll-top closure plus handy cross-body strap makes it ultra-portable.
The Wild Tribe x Explore Magazine
Athabasca S 12’6 – Inflatable Paddleboard
$1,099
$699
Featuring a 4.75″ thickness, double-layer MSL Fusion PVC construction with heat-welded side rails and an internal pressure rating of up to 20 PSI, this board delivers near-rigid performance in a packable inflatable form.
The Wild Tribe x Explore Magazine
Columbia 11′ – Inflatable Paddleboard
$949
$599
Its 11-foot length and sleek nose combination make for smooth touring, while a 32″ width ensures solid stability underfoot. At 4.75″ thickness with heat-welded side rails, this board delivers.
For the Safety-Minded Adventurer
Smart tools and tech for staying prepared and protected outdoors.
Explore’s Gear Shop
Light Em Up Headlamp
$29.95
$8.99
Featuring three bright CREE T6 LEDs, three lighting modes and a full rechargeable kit (two 18650 batteries included). With its adjustable headband and hands-free design, you’re ready for night-hikes or early-morning adventure.
Amazon
Garmin Bounce™, Kids Smartwatch
$219.99
$169.99
With built-in LTE and GPS, the Garmin Bounce lets parents send texts, make voice calls and track their child’s real-time location—all from the Garmin Jr. app.
It’s a kid-friendly design with customizable preset messages and an “Assistance” button.
SABRE
SABRE SMART Bluetooth® Pepper Spray with LIVE GPS Tracking & Inert Practice Spray
$29.99 USD
$20.99 USD
Pairs with the SABRE Personal Safety app to send instant location alerts and real‑time GPS tracking to your chosen contacts when deployed. Rechargeable, refillable and engineered to spray up to 12–14 feet with UV‑marking dye.
For the Camp Chef
Outdoor cooking gear for those who bring gourmet vibes to the wilderness.
Vanpackers x Explore Magazine
Kitchen Box Kit Structure | Vanpackers®
From $995
A fully functional camp kitchen complete with collapsible sink, secure straps, storage net and two design options (Kitchen Box or Kitchen Box PLUS) for ultimate flexibility.
Amazon
Odoland 2 Burner Camping Stove
$114.99
$97.19
A wind-resistant, adjustable dual-burner setup that comes with its own carry bag, perfect for car-camp or car-to-trail adventures. With foldable legs, heavy-duty stainless-steel construction, independent flame control valves and a CSA safety rating.
MEC
MEC Ninja FrostVault 30QT Wheeled Hard Cooler
$379.99
$303.99
Special Black Friday Deal From November 27 – Dec 1: Get it FREE with $800 purchase.
*Available in-store at participating locations only.
Equipped with heavy‑duty wheels, an extendable handle and a rugged shell built to handle car camping, tailgates and lakeside weekends. With its Dry Zone drawer that keeps food separated from ice and drinks, this cooler gives you smart organization.
For the Slope Seeker
Skiing or snowboarding gear for those seeking the slope high.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Juniors’ Diamond Jacket
$260.00
$130.00
Featuring High Loft™ insulation panels combined with PrimaLoft® Black Eco for that down-like warmth without bulk. Comes equipped with a powder skirt, RECCO® rescue reflector, ski pass sleeve pocket and a PFC‑free durable water‑repellent finish.
Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Men’s Legendary Insulated Ski Pants
$240.00
$180.00
Built with HELLY TECH® Performance, waterproof/breathable fabric and PrimaLoft® insulation so you stay dry and warm. With fully seam‑sealed construction, 2‑way stretch fabric, articulated knees and boot‑gaiters.
For the Cozy Off-Duty Explorer
Warm layers and comforts for the ones who love après-adventure downtime.
Explore’s Gear Shop
Chawel Multifunction Towel Sport HD Poncho
$44.95
$13.49
Blend towel, poncho, blanket and changing robe into a single piece. Crafted from 100 per cent soft polyester with an absorbent hood, arm holes, a hidden zip-pocket and a neat carry bag.
Amazon
Joomer Solar String Lights Outdoor
$16.99
$11.89
Illuminate your escape with these upgraded outdoor waterproof string lights—built tough with weather-resistant LED bulbs and heavy-duty cable so you don’t worry about rain, dew or high-humidity nights.
MEC
MEC Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 Zip – Women’s
$169.00
$117.99
Built from a sweater‑knit exterior and fleece interior, and with its signature Patagonia styling, flatlock seams for comfort under backpack straps and a zipped chest pocket for essentials, this midlayer transitions effortlessly from post‑hike fireside to city stroll.
For the One Who Has Everything
Unique finds and splurge-worthy gear you didn’t know you needed.
Explore’s Gear Shop
Be Gone Mosquito Zapper Lantern
$39.95
$15.98
A 3-in-1 powerhouse that serves as a lantern, emergency light and bug zapper. With USB-rechargeable power, weather-resistant design and up to 15 hours of runtime.
Explore Gear Shop
Explore Magazine Subscription
$27
$20.25
Receive four rich, full-colour issues a year, printed on forest-certified paper. Subscribe today and gain a 15 per cent discount in the Gear Shop and automatic entry for an epic 14-day canoe trip through the Nahanni River.
Backroad Maps x Explore Magazine
Eastern Canada GPS Maps
$249.95
$187.46
Explore the wild from Ontario to Newfoundland, covering over 1,645,000 km of back-roads, remote lakes, and outdoor terrain built for paddlers, hikers, ATV riders and winter adventurers.
Black Friday comes once a year, and great gear lasts a lifetime. At explore, we believe the right gear can turn any adventure into an unforgettable experience—and those memories are worth investing in. Make sure to snag these gear items, upgrade your kit and discover new essentials for your next adventure.
