10 West Coast Hiking Essentials

Sunny days are finally here on the West Coast and we couldn’t be happier to slap on some sunscreen and enjoy Mother Nature. While we’re blessed with an abundance of hikes with varying levels of difficulties we know the importance of having the right tools for the trail. As the allure of the great outdoors beckons, we understand the importance of having reliable and innovative equipment to enhance your exploration. Below are some of our top picks for our next trek. —Vicki Duong

columbia. Every good hiking outfit starts from the feet up with a good pair of hiking boots. We’ve been loving the Facet 75 Mid Outdry ($190) from Columbia because it provides stability and protection with every stride. The mesh upper stays lightweight and breathable while Outdry waterproof technology keeps your feet dry, ideal for rainy Vancouver!

arc’teryx. Staying hydrated while on the go is essential when during trail runs and hikes and Arc’teryx is here to make it easy. The Norvan 7 Vest ($180) is designed to fuel you with two front pockets that holds flasks of hydration while the sleek design while additional pockets provide storage for additional gear  

keen. Sometimes your aim isn’t elevation but rather longevity. To tackle the concrete jungle of the city we prioritize comfort and breathability while taking long walks. Our go-to as of late are Keen’s Elle Backstrap Sandal ($130), a classic double strap sandal made from recycled materials. We also love the soft microfiber lining that keeps our feet comfy.

on. The weather can be temperamental while you’re challenging yourself on new trails, so being properly prepared for potential cold spells is important. The Insulator Jacket ($300) from On is the perfect hiking companion with a technical blend of wool that locks in warmth while staying lightweight and breathable. 

supporo. Hit new personal bests on your next outdoor adventure when you add compression socks to the mix. The right pair of socks can boost your endurance, improve your blood flow and also quicken recovery time. The Sport Dynamic Compression Socks ($31) by Supporo aid in circulation making every hike a bit more manageable. 

the north face. Keep your gear organised and easy to transport with a good backpack. The North Face Borealis Backpack ($120) features a bungee cord outer and roomy compartment for everything you might need while scaling mountain terrains. Plus, it has 360-degree reflectivity for an added layer of safety.

alder x roots. Two of our favourite Canadian brands, Alder Apparel and Roots Canada have collaborated to create an outdoor-ready spring collection. Our choice pick is the crewneck sweater ($128) that features the classic Roots logo paired with Alder’s bold colours and hidden in-seam pockets to stash our essentials.

smartwool. Staying sun-safe is of the utmost importance to us year round, but especially when it’s hot out. While we’re diligent about wearing SPF, the addition of a sun hat adds an extra layer of protection, plus keeps us cool. The Smartwool Sun Hat ($55) is lightweight enough to pack away when not in use while an adjustable drawstring ensures a comfortable fit.

kathmandu . Ideal for the occasional hiker, Kathmandu offers a selection of flexible wear clothing, such as their Vander Cargo Pants ($130). These cargo pants boast additional pockets ideal for your next outdoor adventure and a trend-driven silhouette making them city-ready. We love the removable belt and elastic waistband for added comfort!

magic bag. With ramping up our outdoor activities we’re also looking to ramp up our recovery routines as well. A new favourite has been the sport gel line from Magic Bag ($25). Each of the sport wraps are designed to be used hot or cold for customizable recovery and velcro straps help keep the packs in place with different styles to suit certain points of the body, such as knees or shoulders.