Hiking is trending! Products you Need for your Trek

Travel restrictions send Edmontonians to the trails. We talk to Track N’ Trail about favourite picks of gear

WORDS BY ERIN SLOBODIAN

It sure seems to be that more people are spending more time outdoors this summer. There seem to be a higher number of joggers, cyclists and people heading out for a hike than would normally be seen in Edmonton on a typical sunny day. Summer 2020 is not typical though and with current travel restrictions keeping more people home, it seems those people are spending more time and more money on outdoor activities. The visible evidence of a more active population is backed by an increase in sales of outdoor adventure specialty clothing, footwear, and equipment at one local business. “We do footwear and clothing for trail running and that’s just gone through the roof,” said Bob Schilf, owner of Track N’ Trail, who is also seeing more people than usual in the market for hiking gear. Track N’ Trail shared with Modern Luxuria Magazine some pieces that they think every hiker should own. www.shop.trackntrail.ca

Hiking Boots The right pair of hiking boots will be flexible, comfortable and fit snuggly — not tight. The Banks GTX boots fit the bill and are Hanwag’s best-selling boots worldwide.

Backpacks Things to look for in a mountaineering backpack include comfort, support and waterproofing. The Bergtagen 38 M/L is completely adaptable so you can use it for long approaches and for light summit treks. It’s made from award-winning Bergshell fabric.

Hiking Poles Hiking poles are used to add balance when carrying a heavy backpack, to assist in keeping you upright when crossing streams or heading down a steep hill, and they help to relieve pressure from the knees of users. The Legacy Lite COR-TEC features ultralite, high-tensile strength aluminum shafts, it has an anti-shock feature that reduces impact by as much as 40% to protect muscles, joints, and ligaments.