As trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to rise, the call to “Buy Canadian” is growing louder across industries—including outdoor gear. While Canadian consumers have long faced competition from American brands, our own homegrown companies are proving that quality and innovation thrive north of the border. For outdoor lovers, there’s no better time to support Canadian brands that design and manufacture world-class gear built for our rugged landscapes.
Here are some of the best Canadian outdoor brands, some of which are even manufactured in Canada, although not all.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx, founded in North Vancouver in 1989, has become a global leader in high-performance outdoor apparel. While some manufacturing has moved offshore, their packs and specialized gear are still made in Canada. For those looking for the best in outdoor clothing, Arc’teryx continues to set the bar with innovative, premium-quality designs.
Tilley
Tilley hats, originally crafted for Ontario’s cottage-goers, have evolved into a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Made in Canada and built to last, these hats provide unparalleled sun protection and comfort, proving that locally-made products stand the test of time.
Canada Goose
A global leader in premium outdoor apparel, Canada Goose is renowned for its high-performance outerwear designed to withstand extreme cold. While the brand has become a household name worldwide, it started right in Toronto, where it is still headquartered today. Founded in 1957, Canada Goose has built its reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and durability, with its signature parkas trusted by explorers, filmmakers, and urban adventurers alike. Despite its global reach, the brand remains deeply connected to its Canadian roots, with a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and manufacturing much of its collection domestically.
J.B. Fields
Since 1877, J.B. Fields has been making high-quality socks designed for Canadian adventurers, and they are still made right in Canada. Originally crafted for loggers facing harsh conditions, their modern performance socks remain a top choice for hikers, campers, and winter sports enthusiasts. Produced under the Great Canadian Sox Company, these socks offer durability and comfort to rival any foreign competitor.
Hotcore
Hotcore is a proudly Canadian-owned and operated brand with a wide range of camping products, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, duffle bags, and accessories. Their selection features popular items like the Genesis Sleeping Bag, Mantis Tents, and Wingman Tarps. With a focus on durability and performance, Hotcore Products Canada is a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts across the country.
Taiga Works
While many outdoor brands outsource production overseas, Vancouver-based Taiga Works prides itself on keeping manufacturing at home. From down parkas to breathable rain gear and fleece apparel, Taiga delivers top-quality gear built for Canada’s diverse climates. Shopping here means supporting local workers and ensuring your gear meets the highest standards.
Harvest Foodworks
For backcountry enthusiasts, Harvest Foodworks provides hearty, nutritious freeze-dried meals made in Ontario. A family-run business, their meals are designed by adventurers, for adventurers—proving that Canadian-made sustenance can match, if not surpass, imported alternatives.
Chorophylle
Founded in 1980, Chorophylle is a proudly Canadian brand specializing in outdoor apparel designed to endure the elements while supporting sustainability. With a focus on performance and comfort, Chorophylle offers a range of high-quality jackets, fleece, and winter gear for men, women, and kids. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in both its mission and its product designs, which are crafted with durable, eco-conscious materials that stand up to extreme conditions. Whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or running, Chorophylle ensures its products are built to last and provide protection.
Westcomb
Born and built in Vancouver, Westcomb is a pioneer in locally made, high-performance outdoor apparel. With its entire design-to-production process based in the city, Westcomb operates with an almost zero carbon footprint while maintaining full control over craftsmanship and innovation. This commitment to quality ensures that every garment is designed for maximum performance, using cutting-edge technical fabrics and expert tailoring. Whether scaling peaks or navigating urban landscapes, Westcomb delivers versatile, durable gear for adventurers who demand the best.
Stanfield’s
Founded in 1856 in Prince Edward Island and later relocating to Truro, Nova Scotia, Stanfield’s has been keeping Canadians warm for generations. Best known for its durable base layers, the company now offers a range of Merino wool, microfibre, and fleece garments designed to withstand Canadian winters. Why opt for imports when a brand older than Canada itself has been perfecting warmth for over 160 years?
Durston Gear
Designed in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Durston Gear (tent pictured at top) is the brainchild of Dan Durston, an accomplished thru-hiker and gear innovator with a passion for pushing the limits of ultralight backpacking. Rooted in first-principles design, Durston Gear creates functional, minimalist equipment that enhances backcountry adventures by reducing weight without compromising protection. From the award-winning X-Mid tents to the Kakwa backpacks, every piece of gear undergoes rigorous testing and continuous refinement to ensure it stands up to the demands of serious hikers and explorers.
Many Other Brands
Northern Ultralight: Specializes in ultralight backpacks and accessories designed for minimalist outdoor adventurers, offering high-quality gear for those seeking lightweight solutions.
Adotek: Known for ultralight tarps, Adotek creates products aimed at providing durable, lightweight shelter solutions for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mount Trail: A gear company focused on providing high-quality outdoor equipment, including tents, backpacks, and camping accessories, although specific details about their offerings are limited.
Lite Outdoors: This company offers a range of ultralight outdoor gear, including tents, backpacks, and sleeping bags, designed for backpackers who prioritize weight savings.
Faber: Specializes in outdoor gear with a focus on providing durable and functional products for outdoor adventures, though additional details about their offerings are sparse.
SpiritWest: Along with selling outdoor gear, SpiritWest is also known for its excellent repair service, ensuring that outdoor gear remains in top condition for years.
Capital Canvas: Specializes in rugged, high-quality canvas tents designed for bushcraft and outdoor adventures. They are a go-to for those seeking durable, heavy-duty camping shelters.
Deluxe Wall Tents: Offers premium canvas tents designed for long-term use in rugged outdoor environments, ideal for bushcraft enthusiasts and those seeking durable camping shelters.
Arctic Trading: A Canadian company providing high-quality canvas tents designed for extreme weather conditions, offering reliable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yukon Tents: Known for making durable canvas tents that are built to withstand the harsh Canadian outdoors, catering to adventurers who require reliable shelters.
Esker Tents: A Canadian brand that produces rugged canvas tents designed for long-lasting outdoor use, ideal for bushcrafters and those in need of heavy-duty shelter.
Hoffman Outdoor Fabrics: A supplier for those who prefer to make their own gear, offering a variety of fabrics suitable for ultralight camping gear, tents, and more.
Why Buying Canadian Matters
In an era where trade disputes and economic uncertainties loom large, supporting Canadian brands ensures that jobs stay in Canada, supply chains remain resilient, and quality remains uncompromised. For outdoor lovers, choosing Canadian-made gear is not just a patriotic decision—it’s a smart one. Next time you gear up for an adventure, consider the best that Canada has to offer before looking beyond our borders.
Where to Buy Canadian Outdoor Gear
Most dedicated hiking and outdoor gear stores in Canada are Canadian-owned and operated. While not everything these stores sell is Canadian, supporting them helps keep businesses thriving in Canada. Here are a few retailers to consider:
Altitude Sports
Based in Montreal, Altitude Sports is an online outdoor retailer with a dedicated section for Canadian-owned brands. Their partner site, The Last Hunt, offers discounted and clearance gear.
Valhalla Pure Outfitters
With 13 stores across British Columbia and a strong online presence, Valhalla Pure Outfitters is an independently owned retailer known for carrying high-quality outdoor brands.
SAIL
Headquartered in Quebec, SAIL operates 12 stores across Ontario and Quebec, selling hiking, camping, and outdoor adventure gear.
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company)
Originally a cooperative, MEC is headquartered in Vancouver with Canadian-based designers. However, since its 2020 sale to a U.S. investment firm, its ownership has changed. Still, it remains a go-to retailer for Canadian outdoor gear and has a good in-house brand. We know it’s not the same, but the company has invested a lot in Canada so we give it a pass.
Local Outdoor Stores
Most cities and outdoor towns have independent gear stores that are locally owned. Supporting them fosters community and ensures more money stays in Canada.
By choosing Canadian brands and retailers, adventurers can enjoy high-quality gear while strengthening local businesses and reducing dependence on foreign markets. Whether you’re shopping for apparel, footwear, or outdoor essentials, there are plenty of exceptional Canadian options to explore.
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