Written by Shawna (@shawna.go)
Hiking doesn’t have to end when the temperatures drop! I’ve tackled the entire 900km Bruce Trail in Ontario by hiking through every season, and with the right gear, the trails can be enjoyed in all weather. These gear picks have proven themself over hundreds of kilometres, and they’re always the first thing I reach for when gearing up for a hike. Even if the hiker in your life doesn’t love the cold, they’ll be excited to upgrade their gear for when the snow melts!
When I started winter hiking, a pair of good microspikes was one of the key items I invested in. I’ve tried a few brands, and the Kahtoola microspikes are my go-to when tackling slick terrain. I love the traction that the aggressive spikes provide - I have had no problem staying on my feet when passing people that are literally crawling up icy hills. The stretchy harness securely wraps around your boot, so you don’t have to worry about it popping off. Kahtoola also provides a great warranty, so you know your microspikes will be up for any winter adventure.
2. Zoleo
Safety is in style no matter the season, and a satellite communicator is a key piece of gear for any adventurer. As someone who often adventures either solo or in areas with limited cell service, having a line of communication to the outside world is a must for my peace of mind - and my family, too. And satellite communicators aren’t just for outdoor adventurers - they’re handy for road trips or travel to areas with spotty service, so you can reach out for help whenever you need it. I’ve had my Zoleo for a few years now, and they’re constantly improving the service - from adding more messages to the monthly subscription plans at no extra cost to providing a non-emergency medical assist chat line, Zoleo keeps improving for members. If you’re looking for a cost-effective Satellite Communicator with reliable service, Zoleo has you covered.
3. Osprey Daylite
I may or may not have 4 backpacks in my gear closet, but my Ospey Daylite gets the most use. From day hikes to music festivals and plane travel, the Daylite is the perfect size for all my essentials. It has plenty of organization, with stretchy side pockets that are Nalgene-friendly, a front zippered compartment and an internal sleeve that works for water bladders or laptops. The 13L size is lightweight at only 1.09lbs, and the lifetime warranty ensures you’ll get years of use from this quality pack. The Daylite series also has larger models if you need a little more space for your adventures.
4. Darn Tough Socks
As someone with problem feet, investing in quality socks is an absolute must - especially when I’m spending hours on the trail in temperatures anywhere from -20 to +40 Celsius. Merino socks have been a game-changer, and help regulate the dramatic swings in Canadian seasonal temperatures while preventing painful blisters that could derail my hike. A few years ago, after learning about Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee, I took the plunge with a few pairs and haven’t looked back. Darn Tough offers a huge variety of styles, from men’s to women’s, no cushion to cushioned, and different weights and cuts. While nothing beats peeling my socks off after an adventure, I know my Darn Tough socks will keep me comfortable no matter what season I’m hiking in.
5. Nocs
The more I hike, the more curious I’ve gotten about the birds singing around me while I spend time in the forest. While researching binoculars for birding, I came across Nocs Provisions. Their unique style immediately caught my eye, and I love the fun colours, rugged waterproof design, and clear optics. I even paired them with a Nocs Woven strap to add a little more personality to my Field Issue 10x32mm binoculars. They’re quick and easy to focus, perfect when you’re looking for birds on the go.
About the Author
Shawna is a content creator and year-round adventurer from Centre Wellington, Ontario. She's hiked the entire 900 km Bruce Trail and is always chasing her next outdoor adventure — whether it’s camping under the stars, hiking new trails, or paddleboarding on Ontario’s lakes. Passionate about inspiring others to get outside and explore, Shawna shares real moments and adventures to show that nature’s always worth the trip.
