I love hiking with my pup, Louie. Our weekends are reserved for outdoor adventures. As with any activity, it is essential to have the proper equipment to stay safe and maximize the enjoyment you get from being in the woods. There are a handful of places I go to for good quality, durable, and cost-effective gear. Below are three of my favourite places.

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP (MEC)

Website: www.mec.ca

I discovered Mountain Equipment Co-op more than a decade ago when I was preparing for a seven-week backpacking trip throughout Peru. I picked up my first backpacking bag here, and over the years it has become the first place I go to for new packs, camping gear, and things I need for hiking trips like hiking pants, socks, and base layers. Things here tend to be on the pricier side, but they are of good quality. The service is also very good and they have a generous return policy in the event you get something that doesn’t fit well or you realize you don’t really need it anymore.

DECATHLON

Website: www.decathlon.ca

I stumbled upon this Decathlon by accident while watching Global Cycling Network on YouTube. They recently opened a store in my hometown, Brampton, Ontario. Decathlon has everything you want for outdoor activities. Their goal is to make sports accessible to everyone. Their hiking section has everything from pants to jackets to hats, all at affordable prices. Decathlon is a French company. Their clothing is European sizing meaning it is a tad smaller than American brands. As a small person, I really appreciate that I can find clothing that fits. I highly recommend checking this place out, especially if you are looking to get into hiking and don’t want to spend too much money on boots and other gear.

SPORTCHEK/ATMOSPHERE

Website: www.sportchek.ca

Every pair of hiking boots and shoes I have ever owned, I have purchased from Sportchek. It is also a great place to pick up water bottles and other essentials for day hiking. Sportchek and its sister company, Atmosphere, regularly have sales which help reduce the costs of getting things you need. While I would prefer MEC or Decathlon, sometimes Sportchek has the better prices on similar items that all three stores carry.

Happy hiking everyone!