Outdoor gear guides, comparisons, and tips from the Atlas Outfitters team.
March 1, 2026
If you've walked into a West Marine recently, you already know the feeling — you came in for dock lines and walked out wondering how a single afternoon of shopping cost $200.
Read more →March 5, 2026
Kurgo makes excellent dog gear. But if you've priced out outfitting a new dog for trail hiking recently, you may have experienced serious sticker shock.
Read more →March 8, 2026
L.L. Bean is one of America's most enduring outdoor brands — and for good reason. But a fleece at $120, trail pants at $80, and windbreakers at $99 add up fast.
Read more →March 10, 2026
Gerber has been making knives and multi-tools since 1939, and that heritage carries real weight. But somewhere along the way the brand began charging a premium that has more to do with the name than the steel.
Read more →March 12, 2026
Taking a dog on a serious trail hike is one of the great joys of outdoor life — but it requires real preparation. This packing list covers everything your dog needs for a full day on trail.
Read more →March 15, 2026
Spring launch season is one of the most satisfying rituals in recreational boating. It's also when deferred maintenance comes due. Here's everything to check before your first launch.
Read more →April 5, 2026
Winter is finally behind us, and dogs across Canada and the US are ready to hit the trails again. Whether you're planning your first post-winter hike or gearing up for a full season of K9 adventures, there's a lot to consider before you lace up. From trail readiness to essential gear, Atlas Outfitters has everything you need to make this your best spring yet.
Read more →April 6, 2026
Trail season is officially back across Canada and the US, and it's time to make sure you and your dog are ready for every switchback and stream crossing ahead. From spring trail essentials to dog hiking gear, this checklist has everything you need for a safe and epic first hike of the season. Gear up, leash up, and hit the trail.
Read more →April 6, 2026
Spring is finally here and the trails are calling — and your dog heard it first. After months of cold and cooped-up energy, it's time to hit the best dog-friendly nature trails across Canada and the US. Grab the leash, pack the gear, and let's make this season your pup's best one yet.
Read more →May 12, 2026
MEC under new US ownership is not the gear co-op it used to be. If you're a Canadian hiker who relied on MEC for affordable, quality trail gear, it's time to look at what actually fills that gap.
Read more →May 13, 2026
REI is the gold standard for backcountry gear in the US. Too bad they treat Canada like it's a foreign planet when it comes to shipping. Here's how Canadian backcountry hikers fill the gap.
Read more →May 14, 2026
Ruffwear is the benchmark for trail dog gear. Their Web Master harness is genuinely excellent. It's also genuinely expensive — and for a dog who's going to drag it through brush, rivers, and granite, there's a smarter option.
Read more →May 15, 2026
British Columbia has some of the best dog-friendly trails anywhere in North America. From the Sea-to-Sky corridor to Vancouver Island to the Kootenays, BC is genuinely world-class for trail dogs — if you bring the right gear.
Read more →May 16, 2026
California has more registered boats per capita than almost any state in the country, and West Marine has dominated Pacific Coast marine retail for decades. That monopoly on your boating budget is over.
Read more →May 17, 2026
Every Canadian boater operating a powered vessel needs a PCOC — but the card itself is just the start. Here's the complete guide to your Pleasure Craft Operator Card and every piece of mandatory safety gear Transport Canada requires onboard.
Read more →May 18, 2026
Every dog who goes near open water should wear a PFD — even strong swimmers fatigue, and cold Canadian lake water doesn't care how athletic your Labrador is. Here's how to choose the right dog life jacket without paying Ruffwear prices.
Read more →May 19, 2026
Le Québec a des centaines de sentiers magnifiques — mais les règles pour les chiens varient énormément selon les parcs. Voici le guide complet pour randonner avec votre chien au Québec : où vous pouvez aller, ce qui est interdit, et l'équipement qu'il vous faut.
Read more →May 20, 2026
Les plaisanciers québécois ont longtemps dépensé trop cher pour du matériel de base. West Marine facture en USD avec les frais de livraison. Binnacle est mieux, mais toujours trop cher. Il est temps d'arrêter de payer la prime de marque pour des cordages et des défenses.
Read more →May 21, 2026
MEC appartient maintenant à des investisseurs américains. REI ne livre pas au Canada. Et Canadian Tire... on va se le dire, c'est pas le bon endroit pour acheter votre équipement de randonnée sérieuse. Les Québécois amateurs de plein air méritent mieux.
Read more →May 22, 2026
Before you drop the bow in the water, run through this complete spring recommission checklist — engine, safety gear, hull, electrical, and docking. Built for Canadian lakes.
Read more →May 23, 2026
You don't need to spend $300 on trail boots. This guide breaks down the best hiking boots under $150 for Canadian trails in 2026 — day hikes to multi-day backcountry.
Read more →May 24, 2026
Bear encounters are rare — but unprepared hikers get into trouble every year. This guide covers black bear vs grizzly safety, bear spray technique, food storage rules, and the gear you need on Canadian trails.
Read more →May 25, 2026
Hot asphalt burns dog paws in under 60 seconds on a warm day. Dog boots also protect paws on rocky trails, sharp scree, and in salt-treated winter terrain. Here's what actually works.
Read more →May 26, 2026
Osprey makes great packs — but their $180–$250 Talon/Stratos line isn't the only option. These day packs under $100 hit the same checkboxes for Canadian trail conditions without the markup.
Read more →