Hiking Gear

When we started hiking, we didn't know what gear to get.

Other sites told us to "buy the moon" for a walk along the creek.

We hope this list helps new hikers get started, without breaking the bank. (We're broke too)

The Basics

All items are sold through Amazon.

Prices and stock vary occisionally on these items.

If you find an item no longer being sold let us know HERE.

A camelback or bladder is essential for a good hiking experience. You may be tempted to bring a school backpack with water bottles in it as a substitute. Jason did that for a couple months, the bottles leaked, the pack was heavy and there was never enough water. 

The above image is a link to the camelback we recommend. For $25, nothing will improve your hiking experience more.

Does the idea of being alone in nature with nothing but your own thoughts scare you? Well you aren't alone friend.

For $29 this little speaker provides such a crisp and clear sound that you won't even have to hear yourself think. It's waterproof, shock resistant, built in mic for hands-free calling, and 6-hour battery life, you can't go wrong.

Always remember to be respectful of other hikers on the trail, not everyone has such a refined taste in mumble-rap as you do, so be sure to turn your music off when around other hikers and let them enjoy the sounds of nature.

Are you constantly getting made fun of for trying to go hiking in jeans? Tired of tearing up your nice dress pants on the trail? 

Well for under $40 these waterproof, windproof, tear resistant pants are designed to handle any abuse you can throw at them. Complete with zippable pockets and a sturdy belt, these pants are stylish and functional for anything from a walk in the park to a multi-day backpacking trip.

This down jacket has to be my favourite purchase of the last season.

It's super lightweight, really warm, water repellent, and machine washable. I bought this jacket for hiking since it came with a carrying pouch that packs down to a size around that of your average water bottle. But find myself wearing it everywhere.

Prices will vary based on size, but starting at only $65, it is worth every penny.


 

Everyday BearLives Living

Amazon Block
Search for an Amazon product to display. Learn more

Are you in the market for a fitness tracker but don't like the cost of a FitBit or the look of an Apple Watch? Well you're in luck, at only $35 this watch does everything you need and it does it well. From heart rate monitoring, step counting, notification buzzing, sleep monitoring, even telling the time!

And the best part? It's IP67 waterproof, and the battery lasts up to 4-weeks on only a couple hours of charge.

 

This handy device turns any car into a bluetooth speaker. Just by plugging it into your car's 12-volt, it creates a radio signal for your FM radio. You then connect your phone via bluetooth, turning your old car into a bluetooth speaker! For $22, this is a must have for anyone with an old car. 

Make the drive to your next hike more fun by using our PLAYLISTS.


 

Overnight Trips

Don't you hate it when you spend 3 days hiking in the backcountry just to get that perfect Instagram shot but you drain all your battery swiping right on all the local bears, so you half-heartily drag yourself down the mountain knowing all you got out of the trip were the "endless memories"?

Well for about $22 + shipping you'll never have to deal with that crushing disappointment again. At 10,000mAh this powerbank is good for three full charges of any modern smartphone. You simply can't go wrong.

 

Are you ready to get off the bunny hill and into the world of multi-day hiking? Well great!

At only $67 this bag is the definition of bang for your buck. It's 55 litre capacity makes it perfect for 2-4 day trips. Teton is a trusted brand with amazing customer service. They will often replace your bag free of charge if any minor damage occurs. 

There are too many great features to list here, so click the photo to learn more for yourself.

Backpack's are heavy. A wet backpack is a death sentence. If the weather changes, make sure you're prepared. 

For $15 this lightweight cover will more than carry its weight. We recommend always carrying one of these just in case. You'll thank us later. 

If you've never tried hiking poles, you don't know what you're missing out on.

When it comes to covering long distances with a backpack, hiking poles are a huge asset in taking some of the stress off your back and legs allowing you to hike farther with ease. 

At $36 these poles come with super comfortable cork grips that will never give you blisters, and a series of baskets and tip attachments to use year-round in any conditions.

As someone who exclusively uses a hammock when camping there is one pretty obvious flaw. Weather can change at the blink of an eye when you're on the trail, and the forecast isn't always reliable. 

This tarp offers perfect coverage from the elements in any conditions. The long side flaps are designed to drape over your hammock, to keep water and wind out, while keeping heat in.

Everything tastes better after a long day of hiking, and a good hot meal at your campsite can make or break a trip.

This tiny burner attaches to any butane canister from a camping supply store and will last around 90 minutes with an average sized tank. It weights 1oz and will rival any top of the line burner for a fraction of the price.

Are you sick of dragging around 20 pounds of tent up a mountain just so you don't "freeze to death"? Yeah me too, thats why I now exclusively camp with hammocks, it's compact and weighing in at only 1 pound, it's super light. 

In a pinch it can be a seat, a blanket, a tarp, even a hammock! Only thing it won't do is cook you breakfast in the morning.


 

Winter Gear

My mom always said "theres no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing". Don't let snowy or icy conditions dictate when your hiking season has to end. 

For only $28 these 18 spike adjustable crampons can extend your hiking season to a year round event. Built out of sturdy rubber and steel chains, with proper care these could last you a lifetime.

Ready to take your winter hiking to the next level? A good pair of snowshoes will not only last you a lifetime, but can open up an entire new world of hiking to you. 

With these snowshoes you get the full package, complete with a carrying bag. The biggest advantage to these snowshoes is the adjustable straps. Instead of having a belt loop system, these use the same ratchet straps that you'll find on any pair of snowboarding boots. Super quick to take on and off, and sturdy while walking.


All purchases using links from our site bring in revenue to keep the site running, for more information CLICK HERE.

25% of profits are donated to the Canadian Parks and Wildlife Society. By buying through us, you are helping support hiking in Canada.