The holidays are arriving quickly and we know that hikers and backpackers can be hard to shop for. To help in that department, we’ve scoured the shelves at nearby shops like Global Escape Outfitters, Trailhead and Bushtukah as well as Coleman Canada to create an awesome list of products for all budgets that are sure to impress the most discriminate of outdoor enthusiasts! These aren’t paid endorsements or anything – just a handful of timeless products available from some businesses we’ve worked with that might help you spend more time outside! Protip: Rideau Trail members get discounts at all of the shops mentioned above!

Swix Tour Pack Wax Kit

If you’re shopping for a cross-country skier with waxed skis, this useful kit that covers the most common temperature conditions in Canada. It’s a great gift because you don’t need to worry whether they’ll use it or not! $39 @ Bushtukah.

MSR Evo 22 Snowshoes

This popular snowshoe model offers a good balance of performance and durability. Made in the USA too! There are many other snowshoe options too so if you’re shopping for someone with a particular area of interest like snowshoe racing or winter backcountry trips, it might help to shop around. $199 @ Bushtukuah

Backroad Mapbooks Cottage Country Ontario

You may know that Rideau Trail maps are available as a free download on our website and that we also recently published a post about map resources for backpackers. Nothing beats a printed map though! And one of the best resources for backpacking maps for Ontario is Backroad Mapbooks’ Cottage Country Ontario book. $21 @ MEC.

MSR PocketRocket Stove

Nothing beats a warm trailside meal or cup of hot tea . This stove is a favourite among long distance hikers for its weight, size and fast boil times (1 litre of water in under 3.5 minutes). $44 @ Trailhead.

Fenix HL60R Headlamp

This unique, ultra-bright headlamp is well built, can be charged via USB and has a lumen range from 1 to 950. It’s a little heavy but it could still be the last headlamp you ever buy. $103 @ MEC.

Ben’s 30% Deet Wilderness Insect Repellent Pump Spray 37ml

A must for any outdoor enthusiast in Canada. This water-based deet spray will effectively repel biting insects that can at best cause you discomfort and at worst, spread Lyme disease and other infectious diseases. $7.49 @ Great Escape Outfitters.

Charlie’s Bear Bells

Strap one of these to your hiking pole, your bag or anything else you’re with you and the bell’s unnatural metallic sound should help keep large mammals at a safe distance. $2 @ Great Escape Outfitters.

Fox40 Micro Whistle With Lanyard

Made in Canada! Whether you’re hiking alone or with a group, these classic whistles are a must for outdoor safety. $4.50 @ Great Escape Outfitters.

Coleman 5 Gallon Camp Shower

A perfect luxury item gift for glampers. This simple but effective solar shower brings home a little closer to the backcountry. $11 @ ColemanCanada.ca.

Rideau Trail Membership

Finally, want the easiest way to satisfy the picky outdoor friend or family member this holiday season? A membership to the Rideau Trail Association is a surefire way to satisfy them. Not only would they get discounts at four stores, Gatineau Park and Cataraqui Region Conservation Areas but they would join a community of hikers who share a common interest in protecting and maintaining a 387km hiking trail network between Kingston and Ottawa. Membership fees start at $25/year. It’s a great gift!

Happy Holidays from the Rideau Trail Association!