Trailblazers Camping & Outdoor Store

10/08/2026

🥶 Know Before You Snow: Your phone battery doesn’t love the cold.

Ever head out for a winter adventure with a nearly full phone, only to watch the battery percentage disappear way faster than expected? Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance, which matters even more when your phone is your map, communication device, or emergency backup.

The easiest fix? Keep your phone warm. Instead of leaving it in an outside pocket, stash it in a secure inner jacket pocket, close to your body, when you’re not using it. REI also recommends starting your trip with a fully charged battery and carrying a portable power source for longer adventures.

A few other easy wins: • Turn on Low Power Mode. • Dim your screen. • Download maps ahead of time and use airplane mode when you don’t need a signal. • Keep a power bank warm too—cold affects batteries in other electronics as well.

One more tip: don’t rely on your phone as your only safety plan. Winter conditions can be unpredictable, and batteries can run down when you need them most.

🔗 https://www.opt-outside.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-save-phone-battery.html

Have you ever had your phone battery suddenly drop in the cold? What’s your go-to winter battery trick? 📱❄️

10/05/2026

🥶 Know Before You Snow: More layers ≠ automatically warmer.

When you’re heading outside in winter, the goal isn’t just to pile on as much clothing as possible. It’s to use the right layers for the job—and be able to adjust them as your activity and the weather change.

Think of your winter clothing in three basic layers:

🧦 Base layer: Sits next to your skin and helps move sweat and moisture away from your body. Look for materials such as wool or synthetic fabrics that dry relatively quickly.

🧥 Mid layer: Provides insulation by trapping warm air. Fleece, wool, and insulated jackets are common choices.

🌨️ Outer layer: Protects you from wind, snow, and precipitation. A shell can be especially useful when conditions are wet or windy.

The key is adjustability. If you’re working hard and starting to sweat, vent or remove a layer before you get soaked. If you stop for a break and start cooling down, add one back.

Your ideal combination depends on the temperature, wind, precipitation, and how active you’ll be.

🔗 https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/dressing-for-winter.htm

What’s your go-to winter layering combination for a day outside? Share your tips below! ❄️

Students compare and contrast how people and animals deal with winter.

10/04/2026

Come to Trailblazers Gear Exchange to prep for the ski season, it's right around the corner and all our gear is out and ready to be used!

09/26/2026

Looking to get some micro-spikes before the snow comes by? Make sure you know what you're getting! Here's a quick guide to picking the perfect kind for you.

Ice cleats are a year round essential in the Canadian Rockies. I start using them as early as September and keep them on hand through winter and well into spring. They keep every step steady while babywearing and help toddlers and older kids stay safe on icy or muddy trails. With the right traction,...

09/24/2026

Falling asleep on your adventures? Stop by trailblazers for sleeping pads, bags and any other camping accessories.

09/23/2026

🥾 Hiking 101: What Should You Do When You Meet Wildlife? 🐻🦌

Seeing wildlife is one of the coolest parts of getting outside—but remember, you're a visitor in their home. Knowing how to react can help keep both you and the animal safe.

Here are a few simple rules to remember:

🐻 Give wildlife plenty of space. Never approach an animal for a closer look or a photo.

🔊 Make your presence known. Talking, making noise, and staying alert can help prevent surprising an animal at close range.

🚫 Never feed wildlife. Even a seemingly harmless snack can teach animals to associate people with food.

🐕 Keep pets under control. Follow local leash rules and don't let your dog chase or approach wildlife.

👀 Stay aware of your surroundings. Watch for tracks, s**t, fresh digging, carcasses, or other signs that wildlife may be nearby.

🌲 And if you encounter an animal unexpectedly, stay calm, give it plenty of room, and follow the wildlife-safety guidelines for the area you're hiking in.

Wildlife encounters are exciting—but the best encounter is one where everyone gets to go home safely.

👉 Want to learn more? Check out Parks Canada's wildlife safety tips before your next adventure:

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/securite-safety/ours-humains-bears-people

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are home to both grizzly and black bears. You can run into a bear anywhere here, be it on a busy trail close to town or in the remote backcountry. Bears generally prefer to avoid people. However, encounters between bears and people do occur.

09/21/2026

🥾 Hiking 101: Fuel for the Trail — What Should You Eat While Hiking?

Hiking takes energy, so don’t forget to pack some fuel along with your water! 🍎🥜

A good trail snack is something you enjoy, is easy to eat on the go, and travels well in your pack. Think trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, granola or energy bars, crackers, jerky, or a sandwich for longer outings.

How much should you bring? That depends on the length and difficulty of your hike, your pace, the weather, and your own needs. For shorter hikes, a few snacks may be plenty; longer or more strenuous days may call for more food and a meal.

And here’s a good hiking habit: bring a little extra. A slow pace, unexpected detour, or change in plans can turn a short outing into a longer one. Having an extra snack in your pack is an easy bit of preparation that can make a big difference. 🎒

For more beginner-friendly hiking tips, check out the resource below—and happy hiking!

👉 Learn more:

09/20/2026

Larches season is here! Here's a list of some easier hikes to do to admire the larch color change.

There is no better way to experience the Canadian Rockies in the fall than by going on a larch hike. You don't have to hike far and long to see the beautiful

09/18/2026

🥾 Hiking 101: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Even on a well-planned hike, things don’t always go according to plan. You might take a wrong turn, the weather could change, or someone in your group could get hurt. Knowing what to do when things go sideways can make a big difference.

Before you hit the trail, make sure you:
🗺️ Know your route and carry a way to navigate
📱 Have a fully charged phone—and don’t rely on it as your only backup
👥 Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back
🩹 Carry basic first-aid and emergency supplies
🧥 Bring enough food, water, and extra layers to handle an unexpected delay

And if you realize you’re lost or something goes wrong: stop, stay calm, and assess the situation before continuing. Trying to rush your way out of a problem can sometimes make things worse.

A little preparation before you leave can go a long way toward making sure a bad situation doesn’t become a dangerous one.

👉 Want to learn more about preparing for the unexpected on the trail? Check out the link below.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/healthandsafety/trip-planning-guide.htm

NPS Trip Planning Guide Series

09/16/2026

Trailblazers has a great selection of Merino blend socks of all styles!

Learn how to choose the best outdoor socks for hiking, camping, travel, and cold weather. Discover materials, cushioning, sock height, and blister prevention tips.