Gear Guide: Fall Hiking, Camping and Active-Living Essentials

October 15, 2021

Why do we love fall so much?

Leaves turning bright. Moody skies. Uncrowded hiking trails. No bugs! The real question is—what’s not to love?

Autumn is one of our favourite times of year—providing you have the right gear to properly tackle everything the shoulder season can throw down. Whether you’re on the rainy West Coast, the dynamic and vast Prairies, the Technicolor forests of Ontario and Quebec, the wind-whipped Atlantic or the frosty North, we have gear here that will suit your needs.

Scroll down, have a look—then take fall for all it’s worth.

Unightie

($125; unightie.com)

Squat, wash, cuddle and dream. The cozy, wearable Unightie replaces your sleeping bag liner—with benefits: aids in quick trips to the biffy, changing with modesty and convenient bathing.

Frontiersman Xtra Bear Attack Deterrent 225g w/ Belt Holster

($50; sabrered.com) 

Whether camping, hiking or just casually exploring the great outdoors, Frontiersman Xtra Bear Spray is a must-have for peace of mind on any adventure. With its superior range of 10.5 metres and maximum strength pepper formula, bears can be deterred from a safer distance without harming the  bear or environment.

Sportech

($30-$40; gosportech.com)

Sportech is all about guiding dream-driven people to explore. However, buying a watch of quality and style to take on these adventures can be pricey. Sportech offers quality, durability and affordability in their timepieces. The company aims to empower men, women and kids to keep track of time; as time, as we all may know, is limited.

Made with Local Real Food Bar

($3; madewithlocal.com) 

Made with Local’s Real Food Bars are jam-packed with Canadian-sourced ingredients and are handmade in partnership with social enterprises. They’re a Certified B Corporation and have five delicious, adventure-worthy flavours like Peanut Butter Brownie, Coconut in the Dark and Blueberry Grunt (named after a traditional Nova Scotian dessert).

Turtle Fur Pipe Dream

($46; turtlefur.com)

The Pipe Dream neck gaiter is fully-lined with super soft fleece that traps heat and keeps you cozy and comfortable. The exterior is comprised of an odour-resistant technical fabric which protects you from the cold, sun, wind and spray. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the coldest days of the year!

UltrAspire Lumen 800 Multi-Sport Light

($300; ultraspire.ca)

The Lumen 800 Multisport has two spot-cones that create both wide angle and a focused beam further ahead of you for fast-paced adventures; plus UltrAspire’s 3D Lighting casts shadows across uneven surfaces, giving you a better understanding of your terrain. The light also mounts to 31.8- and 35-millimetre handlebars via the included bike-bracket, or attach it to the included headband. Rechargeable via USB.

Buff Original EcoStretch—Canadian Collection

($25; buff.com/ca) 

Buff is introducing a new Canadian Collection with six new fall-winter design by Canadian artists Claire Watson and Sassan Filsoof—all powerful new designs are inspired by Canadian wildlife and outdoor adventures. Made from recycled plastic bottles, delivering UPF 50 protection and multi-functional, BUFF EcoStretch neckwear is the perfect year-round product.

Merrell Moab Flight

($150; merrell.com)

Merrell expanded its best-selling Moab collection by combining comfort and fit with sustainability and versatility. New Moab Flight trail runners with Floatpro midsole for lightweight underfoot protection, Vibram EcoStep with 30 per cent recycled outsole and recycled upper materials, are the vegan-friendly shoes that’ll help minimize your environmental footprint without sacrificing performance.

BlistWool

($12; blistwool.com)

BlistWool’s natural properties aid in preventing hotspots and blisters. Not requiring adhesives, it works by attaching itself to your sock without leaving any sticky residue behind. Already experiencing a blister? BlistWool will help reduce the pain and prevent further injury. After use, BlistWool pulls away and can be composted.

Stoko K1 Knee Brace

($500; stokodesign.com)

The K1 was made to support you when doing the activities you love, whether recovering from a knee injury, needing extra support or looking to protect against injury. The Embrace System is integrated directly into the fabric, providing medical-grade bracing for both of your knees. Made with high-stretch, breathable fabric, the K1 is comfortable and easy to use with adjustable support via two control dials.

Gem Trek Maps

(from $9.95; gemtrek.com)

Gem Trek Maps produces detailed maps of the Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff, Alberta, they publish 21 maps, with a focus on outdoor recreation. Renowned for their accuracy and detail, Gem Trek Maps are printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper. Each map features distinctive relief shading and clearly marked hiking trails, points of interest and mountain ranges.

Golden Hiking Map

(Free; tourismgolden.com)

The Golden Hiking Map features hiking trails around Golden, at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, and Yoho, Glacier and Kootenay national parks. Download yours today or pick up a copy at the visitor’s centre when you arrive.

2022 Night Sky Almanac

($15; fireflybooks.com)

The 2022 Night Sky Almanac is the ideal resource for both novice and experienced sky watchers in the U.S. and Canada, with all of the advice, information and data that enthusiasts need to understand and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

Fall Gear for Cozy Outdoor Adventures

Here are five pieces of gear designed for camping, hiking and exploring—whatever the weather.