The perfect hiking shoes for mountain hike

Hiking 101

Break away from the daily routine, discovering nature and exercising at your own pace.

Hiking is a great way to break away from the daily routine by discovering nature and exercising at your own pace. And with a little preparation, it is an activity that is within everyone's reach. As a bonus, it promotes better physical and mental health. It's really quite simple: ask friends or family members to join you, choose a trail, grab your gear, and get some fresh air!

Clothes, boots and shoes : what to wear

As a rule of thumb, jeans and clothing made entirely of cotton aren’t your best choice for outdoor activities. Cotton absorbs moisture, cools the skin and dries slowly. However, a blend of cotton and synthetic fabrics or wool may be appropriate for short, easy hikes where you're not planning to break too much of a sweat. If you plan to hike longer and tackle more technical trails, choose breathable, stretchy, quick-drying attire, and shoes or boots designed to stabilize and support your feet and ankles. Proper footwear will also provide protection from debris and minimize the risk of sprains.

Tip : wear merino wool clothing

Trust us on this one, merino wool clothing works wonders because it keeps you warm even when wet, and feels comfortable during exercise. It is also odorless, even after being worn for several days.

Hiking under the rain with a smile and a yellow rain coat

Plan your hike

Always check the weather forecast before hitting the trails. If you decide to venture out on a mountainside, keep in mind that weather conditions can change in the blink of an eye. Plus, temperature swings on any given day can be considerable. Fall is the ideal season for hiking: colors are striking, light is fantastic, bugs have disappeared and crowds have retreated. What's more, mornings are cool, while afternoons are nice and warm. To stay comfortable through changing weather conditions, you can count on the multi-layer system!

When layering, you should wear a base, middle and outer layer.

The base layer wicks away moisture

The middle layer serves as insulation

The outer layer serves as a protection against the weather

The multi-layer system is designed to keep you warm and dry during outdoor activities. You can add or remove layers when you get too hot or cold to adjust your comfort. This will allow you to play sports in a variety of weather conditions.

With children

Having your children participate in planning the outing is a great way to motivate them.

Explain the route clearly, set goals and take frequent breaks. Once on the trail, help them visualize the distance you've travelled on a map. On the way home, talk through what they liked and disliked so that you can better plan future outings.

Checklist (modify as needed)

Clothing
☐ Socks
☐ Hiking boots or shoes
☐ Hat or cap
☐ Gloves
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Fleece sweater
☐ Lightweight breathable waterproof jacket
☐ Pants or shorts
☐ Breathable underwear
☐ T-shirt or long sleeve jersey

Equipment
☐ Backpack (capacity of 20 to 30 L) for a few hours or a day hike
☐ Walking poles

Orientation
☐ Altimeter (an instrument for measuring altitudes)
☐ Compass or GPS
☐ Trail Map

Water and food
☐ Water bottle
☐ Insulated bottle
☐ Snacks
☐ Lunch

Health and safety
☐ Lighter or matches
☐ Lip balm
☐ Knife
☐ Sun cream
☐ Mosquito repellent
☐ Flashlight or headlamp
☐ Handkerchiefs
☐ Multi-tool
☐ Toilet paper
☐ Duct tape
☐ Garbage bag to bring back garbage
☐ Whistle
☐ Phone
☐ First Aid Kit

How to choose the right hiking footwear

Deciding what kind of hiking shoes or boots to get can be tricky—there are so many options! It helps to think about the terrain you are going to explore and the load you plan to carry.

7 hiking trails handpicked just for you

Hiking ideas! Discover our team’s favourite spots (not far from our stores!) to take in the stunning Canadian fall colours. From family paths to challenging mountain trails, chase panoramic views while keeping your heart rate healthy!

How to Adjust Your Backpack

Ensure a comfortable fit prior to embarking on a hike. A well-adjusted backpack should feel like a seamless extension of your body. Conversely, a poorly fitted backpack can increase the risk of injury and feel as burdensome as a sack of bricks.

Why choose merino wool?

The key to a successful outdoor activity? Put on Merino wool base layers. Antimicrobial, stretchy and breathable, Merino wool protects the body against temperature changes. This fabric is extremely effective in all seasons.

How to dress your kids for a hike

Children tend to run everywhere and get into everything. Follow our tips for kids' hiking gear to make sure they stay dry and warm while exploring.