Q: What is your favourite Merrell product?

A: The Moab Speeds are incredibly comfortable, durable and have been reliable every single time I step foot in the Canadian Rockies. The Vibram soles are very flexible and take less time to break in. The outsole has the perfect combination of softness and springiness of foam and the durability and traction of rubber.

Q: Where in Canada is your favourite trail to hike/run + why?

A: Egypt Lake to Pharaoh Peak (Banff, Alberta).
This is one of my favorite backpacking trails/peaks to date. This place is fairly well trafficked but still has the hidden gem vibes. The views are breathtaking every step of the way (maybe some of that is because of the incline but the views are outstanding none the less).

Q: What kind of barriers to the outdoors have you faced, and what did you do to overcome them?

A: Scrambling.
Within the first year of hiking I started to get more hands which involved scrambling (hands on climbing) throughout sections of the trail. I discovered pretty quickly I was nervous scrambling and didn't feel comfortable or confident in my ability to make my way through hands on rock sections. Lucky for me my friend group is very into climbing. My friends assured me if I got myself into the climbing gym it would make the world of a difference when transitioning back to the mountains. Although still scary at times, scrambling has become far more enjoyable rather than daunting since spending a couple days a week in the gym/climbing outdoors.

Q: What is one outdoor hack/tip you've learned that you wish you knew when you were getting started?

A: Spend the money on good quality clothes/layers and gear the first time around. If there's anything I've learned throughout the past couple years of hiking and adventuring outdoors it's, "you get what you pay for".

Q: What 5 items do you never start an adventure without?

A: 1.Navigation tools (compass, downloaded maps, trail recordings through AllTrails (you should not solely rely on AllTrails for navigation but use it alongside other navigational tools/maps).
2. Nutrition and Hydration - Water/electrolyte tabs, protein bars, energy gels etc.
3. Bear Spray.
4.Extra layers of clothing (baselayer, midlayer, down jacket and shell jacket/pants - think moisture-wicking and layers).
5. Appropriate hiking boots/shoes.