Summer Gear Guide: The Best Outdoor Adventure Gear for 2026
It’s officially summer!
And it’s getting hot out there, so get geared up with the best finds for Summer 2026. Make the most of the season with new trail runners, sun and bug protection, and even unique ways to spark inspiration.
Hand-picked, tested and reviewed by the explore magazine team, here are the 13 best items for getting outdoors this summer season.
Recommended by David Webb, President & Publisher:
Adidas Terrex Agravic SL Trail Running Shoes
Finding a shoe that can transition from the pavement, to packed gravel, to loose dirt and gritty mud is harder than it seems—and that’s exactly the problem the new Adidas Agravic SL sets out to solve.
Born from Adidas’ podium-pedigreed Agravic Speed Ultra 2 and the beloved Adizero Evo SL, the Agravic SL inherits the Lightstrike Pro midsole—but where the Agravic SL separates itself from is in its all-trails, all-users design. The ride is bouncy and responsive without feeling unstable, thanks to a wider platform geometry and a rocker design that keeps your stride efficient on varied terrain. The Continental™ Rubber outsole and dual-lug configuration (3.5 mm and 4 mm) inspire genuine confidence on dirt, gravel and everything in between. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and secure without feeling rigid.
Essentially, this shoe is all about versatility. In just a short time underfoot, it’s become my go-to for almost all activities, from neighbourhood dog-walks, to my evening jogging sessions on varied terrain right up to light and moderate hiking trails on Vancouver’s North Shore.
Buy it here: adidas.ca
Price: $200
Recommended by Adrianna Szarek, Business Development Manager:
Arc’teryx Sylan 2 Shoe Women’s
I tested these on runs across some dirt trails as well as concrete neighbourhood loops and found them to be extremely versatile. Right out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the underfoot experience. They are incredibly cushiony yet remarkably sturdy, which provides a nice balance when transitioning between loose dirt and hard pavement.
The arch support is excellent, which is a biggie for me because I have high arches. They keep my feet nicely aligned, especially when running on an incline or on downhill descents.
On a more technical terrain, the upgraded grip felt very secure, while the plush midsole absorbed the pavement with ease. Overall, I found them to be very comfortable and a great balance between rugged mountain training and everyday runs. Plus, they are very unique looking!
Buy it here: arcteryx.com
Price: $280
Recommended by Ben Hopper, National Sales Manager:
The Meridian 26″ Checked Luggage and 22″ Carry-On
I’ve tested a lot of travel gear over the years, so I’m always curious when a brand introduces a new luggage system. As someone who spends a lot of time on the road for both business and outdoor travel, good luggage matters.
The Meridian 22″ carry-on and 26″ check-in make a strong first impression. The hardshell construction feels durable without being overly heavy, the 360-degree spinner wheels glide effortlessly, and the interior layout is clean, organized and practical. I especially appreciated the compression system, TSA-approved locks, expansion zippers and the thoughtful grab handle on the underside—small details that make a difference when you’re navigating airports.
Visually, the Meridian stands out from the crowd with a vibrant rainbow zipper system that make it easy to spot on a baggage carousel. Add Sherpani’s lifetime warranty, and you have a luggage system that appears ready for years of travel.
My initial impression? A well-designed, feature-rich luggage set that delivers premium functionality without the premium price tag.
Buy them here: Meridian | 26″ Checked Luggage – Chromatic Black and Meridian | 22″ Carry-On – Chromatic Black
Prices: $301 (checked luggage) and $258 (carry-on)
Recommended by Tavis Gilmore, explore‘s field photographer:
Ambler Valley Trucker Hat
Keep the sun out of your face and your eye on the hiking trail—no sun squinting required. Made in British Columbia, Ambler was founded in Nelson in 1995. Working with a family-run factory for more than 15 years, Ambler chooses graphics made by Canadian artists with artwork that reflects the playgrounds we love to explore: mountain shadows and open skies. Plop the five-panel recycled poly mesh hat on your head and feel good about getting out there.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $54.95
Recommended by Alison Karlene Hodgins, Editor of explore:
tentree Juneau Dress
A dress for summer? Groundbreaking. With tentree, you know there will be ultimate features to love. My favourite? Easily using the hidden zipper pocket to stash keys, a credit card or lip balm. With a light, one ow-stretch woven recycled polyester and elastanefabric, it’s an easy all-in-one outfit with more structure and durability than a cotton sundress. The larger pockets are perfect for your phone, hands or room key when travelling. If you’re going carry-on only, this is the one polished dress that can easily translate from a casual summer walk on the beach to a nice dinner with a view. Note: there are no cups (removeable or not), but there is a built-shelf bra.
Buy it here: mec.ca
Price: $117.95
Women’s Jaida Long Line Bra
I love a bra that feels and fits like a tank top. The North Face created the new Jaida collection with buttery soft fabric made from 70 percent recycled polyester and 30 percent elastane. The back cutout allows for a breezy relief on sweaty summer hikes. The V-neck isn’t plunging or revealing, and the longline silhouette hits perfectly on my tall torso. I pair it with the Jaida Pocket Shorts while biking to get ice cream on hot afternoons. With FLASHDRY™ materials and anti-odour technology, it’s a comfortable, casual sports bra hybrid tank top with medium support.
Buy it here: thenorthface.com
Price: $85
Tech Trail Short 4″
MEC’s new hiking short is a cute way to trail run or trek with a shorter, modern inseam for more mobility and less chunky fabric on hot days. With decent pocket storage, you can tuck keys and your phone into one of the two front pockets or a rear zippered pocket. The technical gusseted crotch allows free range of movement when climbing or biking, but for my long-legged girlies, be forewarned: she’s short! The nylon-spandex fabric is stretchy and durable. You might’ve found your new favourite trail running-hiking hybrid.
Buy it here: thenorthface.com
Price: $85
Roam Trail Running Shoe
Need a sneaker that will take you from hiking trails to cobblestone streets and back? This is my new go-to. I wore it through Spain, while cycling and to the local brewery after a jog. The trail runner is surprisingly versatile, with classic KEEN All Terrain Traction, eco anti-odor and the original fit we all love. KEEN’s DNA is found in the durability, stability, comfort and all-day wearability on mixed terrain—plus their signature roomy toe box (from a wide-foot girlie, thank you!). The QuantumFoam cushioning, contoured arch for midfoot support and high-grip rubber outsole makes this the perfect shoe for all your summer adventures.
Buy it here: keenfootwear.ca
Price: $190
Where To Go When: Hiking Book
Published by the world’s favourite guidebook company, Lonely Planet, get inspired for summer hikes and beyond with Where To Go When: Hiking. Organized by season and length, this makes it easy for any adventurer to fill their upcoming calendar with hikes around the world. Some standouts include PEI’s Island Walk, Vancouver Island’s West Coast Trail and Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail. With glossy images and trail maps for 96 trails, this is a coffee table book you’ll want to keep out all year long.
Buy it here: shop.lonelyplanet.com
Price: $41
Energy Gum
Female-founded Sunii was created from a longing to continue chasing adventure beyond barriers that slow you down. Made in British Columbia, this unique product is breaking industry boundaries. Leave the bottle of water and electrolyte powder at home—the mint-flavoured energy gum doesn’t require mixing, drinking or consuming. Using buccal absorption, which the company says delivers caffeine up to five times faster than traditional beverages, chewing this gum delivers 50 mg of caffeine per piece—roughly half a cup of coffee— plus B vitamins. Slip a pack into a hip-belt pocket, bike bag or carry-on for a quick energy boost on the trail, road or during long travel days.
Buy it here: suniienergy.com
Price: From $31.99
Recommended by Weston Liski, Customer Service:
Men’s Daily Summer Pants
From the first touch, I immediately appreciated the high quality material. They have easily become my go to option. When selecting the size, I opted for the loose fit in a straight-leg cut that gives them a relaxed, comfortable drape without looking baggy. In classic black, their aesthetic is clean and minimalist, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to almost any environment. You can easily transition from a morning on the golf course or a weekend hike straight into a casual night out without looking like you forgot to change out of your outdoor gear.
Buy it here: northboundgear.co
Price: $139
UPF 50 Summer Cooling Hoodie
Wearing a long-sleeved hoodie in high heat sounds counterintuitive, but the Northbound Gear Summer Cooling Hoodie is an absolute game changer. The technical fabric is so incredibly soft and lightweight, it feels like wearing air. It manages to provide full-body, certified UPF 50+ sun protection while remaining completely breathable and moisture-wicking.
It features a stylish, casual cut and the integrated thumb hooks are an amazing detail for keeping your sleeves in place while hiking, fishing and more.
I’m used to reducing layers in the summer sun, but this hoodie has proven me wrong. I will be wearing this hoodie at the cabin all summer long!
Buy it here: northboundgear.co
Price: $79
Water-Resistant Cap with Reflective “N”
This lightweight, water-resistant cap is perfect for active use, featuring a slightly longer brim that provides excellent extra sun coverage. The reflective “N” logo offers great peace of mind in terms of noticeability during low light runs or commutes. Best of all, its clean design effortlessly blends with day-to-day casual outfits, perfectly balancing athletic utility with everyday style.
Buy it here: northboundgear.co
Price: $49
