Best hiking shoes, clothes and accessories for men in 2025, according to an avid hiker
Since the pandemic, hiking has sneakily become one of Canada's favourite pastimes. In 2021, 85 per cent of Canadians explored the country's vast, 27,000-kilometre network of trails, and now, eight million of us hike regularly — for dates, hangouts and solo exercise.
For much of the come-up, Canadian brands like Arc'teryx have dominated the hiking and trail running market with their base layers, backpacks, waterproof coats, and even performance sneakers. Their garments are as high-performing as they are expensive, but many of us still stretch our finances for them — often not willing to put our faith in discounted gear and risk scaling the mountains feeling cold, wet and disappointed.
Lately, other sport-related brands like HOKA have made aggressive pushes into hiking and trail running, as have younger companies like New Zealand-born Kathmandu and Montana-based Oboz. That's a good thing; it is giving hikers more quality options at varying price points. In recent months, I had the chance to test out a gamut of hiking gear in a French Alps Hut-to-Hut trip, on a picturesque Sea to Sky hike in Squamish, and on trail runs on the course of the UTMB Canyons Ultra in Auburn, California. Based on those expeditions and more, I've curated a list of ten items that I think are great buys, to help you decide how to prepare for your next hike.
With the Mafate X, HOKA has successfully brought their winning road running shoe formula into a trail sneaker. It's a training shoe of the times, with a carbon-fibre plate and a high stack of supercritical foam that at once provides stability and speed. And, in classic HOKA fashion, the Mafate X has a stable ankle and lots of rock-forward power. The treads, shaped little pizzas and tacos (just roll with it), will also leave you satisfied over any terrain.
When it comes to shoes, I rarely venture away from the brands that I know, but the Katabatic Wind by Montana-based company Oboz was my surprise revelation of the year. It's a fastpacker's dream — light, responsive and built to last. Its ACTNitro dual-density foam offers lightweight cushioning without sacrificing support, while the abrasion-resistant mesh and TPU overlays ensure durability on rugged trails. The pièce-de-résistance: a carbon plate in the forefoot that provides propulsion, efficiency, and balance on the hills.
While the Mafate X and Katabatic Wind feel like bulldozers for feet, the Arc'teryx Vertex Speed is lighter, faster and more refined. Their minimalist silhouette is perfect for faster climbs and trail runs where agility and ground feel are essential. Featuring a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a TPU film for enhanced traction, they weigh just 8.0 oz, keeping you quick and secure on the move. A zoned outsole grips confidently on rock and soft terrain, while shock-absorbing cushioning ensures stability on both climbs and descents.
It's in the name: the Alpha Jacket is the best piece of hiking gear I've worn in the past year. Made from abrasion-resistant, ultra-light GORE-TEX, it delivers an exceptional balance of breathability and waterproof performance. The StormHood keeps your head and face dry, even in harsh conditions. It's reflective, insulated, backed by a limited warranty, and impressively lightweight at just 370g for a hardshell. Of course, quality comes at a cost — the Alpha is an investment, but a worthwhile one.
Just like their counterpart Alpha Jacket, the pants are also stellar, expensive and come with a warranty. They are waterproof, windproof, breathable and durable thanks to a GORE-TEX outer fabric; and allow for complete range of motion at the knees. What's cooler is they are built with adventure in mind: full side zips make layering and quick changes effortless, and their waist cinch fits well with a climbing harness. They excel in every condition.
The world of mountain-friendly GPS watches is now completely saturated with adequate options, though I've been impressed with the Vivoactive 6 because it offers top-level GPS and connectivity at an affordable price. It comes with a range of health tracking settings like heart rate variability, fitness measurements and sleep metrics, and also apps that come in handy on the regular, like Garmin Pay and an irregular heartbeat detector. The Amoled display is straightforward and bright, and the 11-day battery life is highly impressive.
I am not sure why it's so hard to find light, properly-fitting, affordable T-shirts these days, but it is. When a brand manages to create a sporty top with a flattering fit, they price it at $120. The Seeker Short Sleeve Shirt, in contrast to that, is a sigh of relief. It falls on the body where it should, and has breathable, sweat-wicking polyester material made from recycled carbon that is just right for summer runs and hikes. And best of all, its cost is easily digestible.
My nickname for the Gnarwhal 25L is Narnia Wardrobe: a lot more fits in there than you think. Made with lightweight, durable 500D CORDURA Nylon, and bolstered with a steel frame, it comes with two separate main compartments, an avalanche tool pocket, hydration nooks, and even a laptop pouch. There is even a velvet hidden pocket, which makes a cozy spot to store valuables.
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Long waits at gas stations have triggered occasional conflict, and service interruptions have been reported at some resorts due to limited water or fuel access. As of July 1, 2025, all travelers will be required to present electronic visas upon arrival. Anyone entering Cuba via a third country must obtain this visa in advance. What to do: Travelers should arrive prepared, especially when visiting areas outside the main resort zones. Bringing supplies like toiletries, prescription medication and a basic emergency kit is advised. While resort areas like Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Playa Santa Lucia are considered lower-risk, fuel and water shortages may still affect transit and services. Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories); Why: Sporadic demonstrations continue in Bangkok and other cities, while legal provisions give authorities broad powers to restrict movement, impose curfews, censor media and control public gatherings. 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Those wishing to leave are advised to sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive updates on evacuation options. Take normal safety precautions with regional advisories; Why: As of June 12, a state of emergency was in place in Bocas del Toro Province following weeks of protests, while nationwide demonstrations since late April had caused recurring travel disruptions, including roadblocks and halted public transport. High levels of crime are reported in parts of Colón Province, San Miguelito and several Panama City districts. Travelers were also warned to avoid all travel to the Mosquito Gulf and the area south of Metetí in Darién Province due to violent crime, drug trafficking and human smuggling. What to do: Travelers should check routes in advance and be prepared for delays or closures due to protests. In affected areas, it is essential to carry a valid ID and to follow instructions from local authorities. In urban areas with high crime rates, maintain a high level of awareness, especially after dark. Demonstrations may occur without warning in additional regions. Exercise a high degree of caution; Why: High levels of crime, social unrest and the risk of strikes and demonstrations can disrupt travel. A state of emergency in Callao Province and parts of Lima includes districts like San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa el Salvador and Comas. Enhanced security measures are in place, including ID checks and restrictions on motorcycle passengers. In several regions, including parts of Ayacucho, Huánuco, and Junín, criminal activity linked to drug trafficking and domestic terrorism has prompted a separate advisory against non-essential travel. What to do: In Lima and Callao, individuals should carry valid identification at all times and follow local laws, including restrictions tied to the current state of emergency. Travel plans should account for potential delays or closures due to protests or blockades. Travelers should avoid all non-essential travel to the regions flagged for organized crime and guerrilla activity, including the VRAEM corridor and border areas near Colombia and Ecuador. It is recommended to monitor local news closely and to remain alert in both urban and rural areas. Exercise a high degree of caution; Why: As of May 2025, tensions between India and Pakistan were high following cross-border airstrikes, though a ceasefire had since been announced. Areas within 10 kilometres of the Pakistan border remain under a strict 'avoid all travel' advisory due to the risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is also flagged for all travel avoidance due to the threat of terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping. Anti-Canada sentiment in some regions has sparked protests, and consular services are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. What to do: Non-essential travel should be avoided in the northeastern states of Assam and Manipur due to insurgent activity. Canadians currently in India should exercise caution in public, avoid crowded places and protests and limit interactions with strangers, particularly in Delhi and surrounding areas. Those needing consular assistance should contact the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi or Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre. Exercise a high degree of caution; Why: Authorities are maintaining heightened security measures in Germany due to concerns about terrorism, organized crime and irregular migration. Temporary border controls have been reinstated at all land-entry points and were expected to remain in place until at least Sept. 15, 2025. What to do: Those entering Germany from within the Schengen area should be prepared to show valid travel documents at border crossings. It is recommended to carry identification at all times. Exercise a high degree of caution; Why: Crime remains the main safety concern in Costa Rica, particularly in areas popular with tourists. Theft of passports and valuables is frequent, especially during high season. Pickpockets often work in teams, focusing on travelers in restaurants, bus terminals, hotel lobbies and national parks. Distraction techniques are common. Certain areas of San José, the Pacific coast, including Jacó and Manuel Antonio, and parts of the Caribbean coast, like Puerto Viejo and Cahuita see higher rates of reported incidents. What to do: Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, and be cautious when withdrawing money or using public transit. Keep your passport on you, along with the Costa Rican entry stamp, but secure it when possible. Minimize signs of wealth, and don't carry more cash or valuables than necessary. Stay alert in crowds and in known hotspots and report any thefts immediately to local authorities. Take normal safety precautions; Why: Demonstrations in Los Angeles and other major cities have prompted an increased security presence and the possibility of sudden curfew orders. Local authorities may restrict movement with little notice, and gun violence can be a concern. The high rate of firearm possession and the legal right to carry weapons in many states contribute to the risk of being caught in a mass shooting, even if tourists are not typically targeted. What to do: At the border, be prepared for detailed screening by U.S. authorities. Entry is never guaranteed — even for travelers with valid documents — and border agents have wide discretion, including the authority to search devices and to detain individuals who are denied entry. Remain co-operative and ensure your documents are in order before travel. smisenheimer@ Our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark our homepage and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Canada Day tourism season looks strong as bookings climb in Ottawa Committee OK's airport-area housing project despite noise concerns
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
JetBlue is pulling out of the Miami airport, but will remain at FLL. See details
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