From summit-ready packs and weatherproof shells to gravel bikes, trail shoes and run/hike gear, these picks are built to perform wherever adventure leads you this summer.
MEC Vista 20L Pack
Built for day hikes and everyday adventures, the Vista 20L combines trail-ready performance with all-day comfort. Made from durable 300-denier nylon with a reinforced 420-denier base and weather-resistant PU coating, it’s designed to handle tough use and changing conditions with ease. An air mesh back panel, contoured shoulder straps and a padded hipbelt help keep you cool, calm and collected on the move. Updated with a hipbelt pocket and zippered shoulder strap pocket, it keeps essentials within easy reach. Stretch side pockets, a top stash pocket, gear loops and a hydration-compatible design make the Vista 20L an adaptable companion for any outing. –ML Staff
SPC/LST Solstice_03S Short
Designed for athletes who move seamlessly between land and water, the Solstice_03S is a versatile all-terrain training short built for performance in any environment. Made from recycled Cordura four-way stretch fabric with a DWR water-resistant finish, it combines durability, freedom of movement and quick-drying comfort. A streamlined elastic waistband with drawstring ensures a secure fit, while the 5.5″ inseam offers an ideal balance of limb mobility and coverage. Mesh-lined side pockets provide drainage, and an oversized back pocket keeps essentials close at hand. Lightweight, functional and adaptable, the Solstice_03S is ready for whatever the day brings. –ML Staff
Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist Jacket
The Odin Infinity Minimalist Jacket (for women or men) is built to handle sudden storms and lashing wind during your most rugged, off-piste adventures. Designed by mountain guides for high-output activities, this ultralight, 3.5-layer shell jacket features HH’s top-end waterproof, windproof and breathable LIFA INFINITY membrane. Other essential backcountry features include two-way stretch, a helmet-compatible hood, a RECCO reflector and a stash pocket/loop so you can compress it and hang it from your pack. –ML Staff
Orbea Terra Race Gravel Bike
The Terra Race is a gravel bike built for speed, blending road-bike efficiency with off-road capability. Its ultra-light 910g OMX carbon frame delivers exceptional stiffness, responsiveness and control, making it a race-ready machine designed to perform on everything from smooth pavement to the gnarliest gravel roads. Whether you’re seeking a podium or pushing your PBs, every pedal stroke converts into explosive acceleration. Terra Race is built to keep you ahead of the pack. –ML Staff
Lynx Cat Eye 2.0 Headlamp
The Mountain Life headlamp provider of choice for the better part of a decade, Lynx Off-Grid Technologies is a BC-based company and their latest backcountry headlamp—the Cat Eye 2.0—delivers simplicity, durability and performance in an ultralight headlamp capable of 750 lumens. It’s rechargeable, adjustable for lower light settings, zoom and angle tilt, lasts up to 100 hours (on low) and is pretty much the best headlamp you will ever use. Period. –Feet Banks
YETI Skala Hiking Pack
The Skala Hiking Pack is engineered to improve summit pushes and prolonged climbs. A lightweight AlumaLite Frame provides structural support and load lift, while an adjustable harness ensures a perfect fit. And the vented mesh back panel provides a much-needed cooling air channel during summer use. Weather-resistant lightweight nylon keeps the elements out and an easy-access RipZip opening provides easy access to your most needed items whether they’re at the top of your pack or somewhere in the middle. The Skala is available in 32, 40, 50 and 60L sizes for everything from day-hikes to backcountry expeditions. Each model is also available in specific men’s and women’s fits. –ML Staff
Arc’teryx Konseal Trek Boot
The Konseal Trek is a hybrid hiking and alpine boot that can stand up to long, technical approaches under a heavy pack while remaining alpine ready for smearing slab or descending scree. Responsive cushioning provides comfort and stability over long distances and uneven terrain, while its mid-height collar keeps trail debris away from your socks. Slightly softer than a traditional approach shoe but with beefier ankle support, the Konseal Trek is Arc’teryx’s answer for multi-day backpackers who want to keep their alpine options open. This boot seems tailor-made for a zone close to my home: the renowned Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park—a premier subalpine hiking circuit with demanding off-trail options, little-explored passes and a myriad of mouthwatering, mountaineering side-quests. –Bob Covey
Ciele Paradis Capsule
Paradis is a five-piece collection from Montreal-based performance running brand Ciele Athletics, inspired by the places and experiences that shape a runner’s journey. Named for a mythical trail destination, the collection draws on visual cues from mountainous switchbacks, coastal routes, deep forests and post-run gathering spots. It includes three lightweight, breathable and packable headwear styles—the TRLBucket Comp, TRLCap SC and GOCap—alongside the NSPTShirt, featuring map artwork of Paradis and crafted from Sorino | HC, Ciele’s proprietary all-natural cotton-hemp blend. (This zero-itch blend wicks well and is a winner for those looking for a more sustainable alternative to polyester.) Completing the collection is the ATShort 4”, a quick-drying run short built for long-haul warm-weather training. –Ned Morgan
Knog Bilby 400 Headlamp
The Bilby 400 proves that headlamp design still has room for innovation. Its one-piece silicone construction feels noticeably different from traditional strap-and-housing models, delivering a sleek, bounce-free fit whether you’re running trails or setting up camp. The 400-lumen output provides plenty of light for most outdoor pursuits, with multiple beam options and red-light modes. A built-in USB charging arm eliminates the need for extra cables, making recharging simple. Lightweight and waterproof, the Bilby 400 is a reliable companion for everything from dawn runs to nighttime map reading.
Outdoor Research ActiveIce Sun Gloves
You’ll want the ActiveIce Sun Gloves on hand for all sun-exposed adventures. Designed with ActiveIce cooling technology and UPF 50+ sun protection, they shield the backs of your hands from harsh UV exposure while remaining highly breathable. The fingerless design preserves dexterity for adjusting trekking poles, handling paddles or using a phone, while the grippy palm adds confidence on handlebars and hiking poles. Weighing almost nothing, you forget you’re wearing them, and they fold away into the smallest pocket of your clothing or pack. Made with bluesign-approved materials and recycled content, they also earn big points for sustainability.
Outdoor Research Swift Lite Lined Short
The men’s Swift Lite Lined Short (7″) is built for runners who prioritize comfort and breathability (don’t we all?). The ultralight, quick-drying fabric feels barely there on warm-weather runs, while the boxer-brief liner provides excellent support without chafing. Laser-cut hems, side slits and four-way stretch fabric allow for a natural stride, whether you’re logging road miles or tackling tech trails. Thoughtful details like a rear zip pocket, stash pockets and reflective accents add practical functionality without bulk. Made with bluesign-approved materials and UPF 30 protection, the Swift Lite strikes a balance between performance, comfort and sustainability.
Timberland Sunglasses
The Timberland TB00070 sunnies combine classic, understated styling with a more environmentally conscious approach. The rectangular full-rim frame from Timberland’s Earthkeepers collection incorporates bio-based materials to lower its environmental footprint. The foldable coated cardboard flip-top case also contains recycled content. Lens options include polarized smoke, green and brown lenses, allowing wearers to choose between versatile everyday wearability and warmer contrast-enhancing optics. Polarization helps reduce glare and improve clarity in bright conditions, making the TB00070 a practical choice for time on the water, trails or around town. Timberland partners with prestigious Italian optics company Marcolin for its eyewear collection.
HH Trail Running Cap
Whether you’re logging kms on a windy ridge or running in the midday heat, the Trail Running Cap will stay secure, comfy and never clammy. Delivering lightweight, quick-dry protection without bulk, the cap boasts mesh ventilation panels that help keep air flowing when temps climb, and an adjustable closure for a quick dialled-in fit. The reflective logo adds a touch of visibility when the light fades, and the cap’s packable construction makes it easy to tuck into a vest or backpack between runs. This is the run cap you’ll always reach for. –Ned Morgan
Q&A: Summer Trails Gear
Q: What gear should I bring for a day hike or outdoor mission?
A: A well-rounded day-hiking kit starts with a comfortable pack, weather protection, reliable lighting and appropriate footwear. The MEC Vista 20L Pack offers enough storage for water, snacks and layers, while the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist Jacket provides lightweight waterproof protection when conditions change. For early starts or late finishes, the Lynx Cat Eye 2.0 Headlamp delivers dependable illumination, and the Arc’teryx Konseal Trek Boot provides the ankle support and traction needed for long days on technical terrain.
Q: What are the most important features to look for in trail running apparel?
A: Trail running apparel should prioritize breathability, moisture management, comfort and freedom of movement. Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics help regulate temperature during high-output efforts, while packable designs add versatility. Products such as the SPC/LST Solstice_03S training shorts, HH Trail Running Cap and Ciele Paradis collection are designed to perform in changing conditions, offering a balance of comfort, ventilation and durability for both training runs and longer adventures.
Q: How do I choose between hiking, trail running and gravel cycling gear?
A: The best choice depends on how and where you spend your time outdoors. Hikers typically benefit from supportive footwear, weather protection and a versatile pack, such as the above-mentioned Arc’teryx Konseal Trek Boot, Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist Jacket and MEC Vista 20L Pack. Trail runners often prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing and accessories, while gravel cyclists may look for speed, efficiency and all-surface capability from bikes like the Orbea Terra Race. The common thread is choosing gear that balances performance, comfort and durability for your preferred style of adventure.
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