I’ve always supported and promoted Canadian manufacturers of hiking gear. And what better time to highlight these products when so many Canadians are working to purchase goods produced in this country.

I’ve highlighted Canadian-made products in previous blogs. Anyone who’s interested should review Outdoor Gear Made in Canada (July 1, 2017). 

Since I published those pieces, I’ve been collecting more products of interest to hikers and backpackers. All of these items cost less than $50. And there’s no time like the present to feature these personal favourites.

Watuko Headgear

Dispelling the chill with a Watuko multifunction neck gaiter on an early season hike.

Most hikers are familiar with Buff neck gaiters, and this brand is acceptable in our U.S. boycott since they are produced in Spain. But I’ve discovered Canadian-produced versions that are similarly priced, made with quality bamboo cloth, and far superior in my opinion.

There are several iterations of Watuko Headgear. And I’ve purchased several—a multifunction neck gaiter, a skull cap, and two headbands.

I’ve already donned the skull cap for several hikes during cool late-winter weather. But it feels remarkably “cool” even during warm, summer days.

The multifunction gaiter and headbands speak for themselves—both effective for protection from the sun and dispersing sweat.

And best of all, these products are made in Saskatchewan.

EmZone Signal Horn

When Stephen Herrero’s book Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance was published back in the 1980s, I recall reading about Alaska Fish and Game employees using small freon boat horns to warn grizzly bears of their presence. 

While these noise-makers seemed effective in preventing bear encounters, I was too busy at the time interviewing Bill Pounds, a crucial developer of bear spray in Bigfork, Montana.

But when I found a small, made-in-Canada marine boat horn in my local Canadian Tire, I recalled that story. While I don’t condone honking your way down the trail to scare bears, there are situations (poor visibility, aggressive bear encounters) when these tiny noise-makers might be effective.

I still pack bear spray when hiking in bear country, but I also carry one of these tiny, inexpensive horns in my pocket.

Taiga Merino

I featured Taiga gear in my 2017 blog about outdoor gear. Taiga is a Vancouver-based company famous for its Canadian-made down sleeping bags, waterproof-breathable shell garments, down jackets and pants, Polartec fleece, etc.

However, in the less-than-$50 category, its Merino wear is something I’ve longed to give a try. Specifically the arm warmers, which I use throughout the winter. And from what I know about Merino, it will be effective during the summer as well.

Typical Taiga quality with these arm warmers. Enough so that I’m thinking about ordering a pair of Merino boxer shorts or a tank top, items that still fit my $50 ceiling.

Meals for backpackers

Once upon a time pre-packaged backpacking meals (freeze dried and dehydrated) were only available from the U.S. But today you can purchase a whole variety of meals from Canadian firms. I featured these meals marketed by nine different companies on December 7, 2023. Check it out at Stocking stuffers for backpackers.

Canadian Rockies Trail Guide & Gem Trek Maps

And last but not least, what better purchase or gift for hikers than the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, the most comprehensive guide to trails in the Rocky Mountain parks. The most recent revision is due out this spring. And nothing says “made in Canada” better than its Canadian authors, publisher (Summerthought,  Banff) and printer (Friesens, Altona, Manitoba).

And Gem Trek maps to the mountain parks are excellent companions to the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide, providing colour relief renderings on waterproof paper to the most popular hiking trails.