My Top Gear Picks From 2025: The Essentials We Actually Use on Every Adventure

After a year of road-tripping through the Rockies, camping in Yoho, helicoptering into Mount Assiniboine Lodge, lake-hopping around Whistler, and squeezing in every kind of family adventure… I finally narrowed down my top gear picks from 2025.

These are the pieces that proved themselves again and again — in downpours, on alpine summits, beside frozen lakes, and during long campground mornings with two kids. Gear we genuinely love and rely on.

Here’s everything that made the cut.

For Staying Warm Outside — Mammut Protect Down Bag (-21°C)

Cold-night camping is a whole different experience when you’re not shivering. The Mammut Protect has become my go-to for late-season camps and shoulder-season adventures — warm, breathable, and built for real mountain weather. Perfect for Yoho Valley’s chilly nights and the frost we woke up to at O’Hara.

For Keeping the Critters Out — BearVault 450 Jaunt

Required for certain parks (particularly in Washington), but honestly? It’s a relief knowing your food is safe when you’re camping with kids. The Jaunt 7.2L version fits a shocking amount, and it doubles as a camp stool — bonus.

For Solo Tenting — NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 1P

Light enough for long hauls, roomy enough that it doesn’t feel like a coffin. I used this on solo missions this year, including ridges in the East Kootenays. Durable, fast-pitching, and the vestibule is surprisingly spacious.

For Purifying Water — Grayl UltraPress Purifier

Simple, reliable, and kid-friendly. Aspen used this at Lake O’Hara like it was a magic trick. Perfect for alpine lakes, questionable campground taps, or emergencies on trail.

For Fuelling Up — Peak Refuel Meals

The best-tasting dehydrated meals hands down. High-calorie without being heavy, and the Chicken Teriyaki Rice saved us a few times this summer after very long days on our feet.

For Sun Safety — Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoody

My number-one shirt for summer: light, breathable, UPF protection, and it layers seamlessly. We wore these on hot alpine days on Blackcomb and long ridge pushes in Yoho.

For Carrying It All — Deuter AirContact Core 40+10

My workhorse pack of the year. Comfortable under load, well-ventilated, and with just enough external storage to keep things organized. I used this for single nighters and hut approaches.

For Staying Caffeinated — Dose Revelstoke “Daily Driver”

If you know me, you know coffee is a survival item. This roast has travelled everywhere with us — backcountry, car camping, and lodge stays. Smooth, consistent, and local. Chef’s kiss.

For Staying Cozy — Patagonia Synchilla Jumpsuit

Aspen lived in this all year. Toasty, easy to layer, washes like new — and honestly the cutest thing ever on chilly lodge mornings.

For Book Lovers — “Nowhere for Very Long” by Brianna Madia

For slow mornings in cabins, tent vestibules, and car camp sunsets. One of my favourite reads this year — raw, thoughtful, and perfect for adventure lovers.

For Staying Above the Water — Salus Nimbus Vest

We’ve tested a LOT of kids’ PFDs and nothing compares to this one for fit + comfort. Aspen & River happily wear it — which says everything.

For Staying Dry — Fubuki Niseko 2.0 Boots

Absolute lifesavers during our early season downpours. Fully waterproof, warm, and built for standing in puddles (which Aspen considered her full-time job).

For Packing It All — Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60L + Pack-It Cubes

Our MVP luggage of 2025. Durable, lightweight, adventure-proof, and the Pack-It System has completely changed how we travel. Everything stays organized, visible, and easy to unpack whether we’re at Nita Lake Lodge or camping in Yoho.

For Snow Days — Ambler Yeti Toque

Warm, adorable, and nearly indestructible. Aspen wore this for every snow day from December to March.

For Carrying Precious Cargo — Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier

The only way we survive longer hikes as a family. Supportive, breathable, adjustable, kid-approved, and stable on big terrain. We used it everywhere this year.

For Sun Safety (Pt 2) — Neutrogena Ultra Sheer + Hydro Boost

We tried a dozen sunscreens this year and kept coming back to these two. Easy for kids, no greasy feeling, and Aspen doesn’t complain when it’s time to reapply — a miracle.

For Storing It All — RUX 70L

My home-base organizing system. Road trips, camping, gear shuffles — this keeps everything tidy and accessible. Basically a trunk makeover in a box.

For Keeping It Lite — Deuter Speed Lite Pro 25

My go-to fast-and-light pack for ridge days, scrambles, and trail runs with a camera in tow.

For Seeing in the Dark — Petzl Iko Core (500 lumens)

Lightweight, reliable, and unbelievably bright. Saved me during early alpine starts and late-night tent routines.

We tested a lot of gear this year, and these are the items we kept reaching for again and again. If you’re building out a family-friendly adventure kit or looking to upgrade any piece of your outdoor setup, these are the ones I’d stand behind every time.

If you want individual reviews, let me know — I’d love to dig deeper into any of these.