Get your LEMS & hit the trails: A comprehensive guide to hiking in Saskatchewan.

The leaves are turning awesome shades of yellow, red, and orange and the weather is mild––Autumn has officially landed in the prairies! This is the perfect season to get outdoors and enjoy nature. One of our favourite ways to get out and enjoy the spectacular scenery is to go on a long hike. Lucky for us (and you), Saskatoon is surrounded by a veritable feast of trails, both within city limits and the surrounding area. We have the best tips and tricks for hiking safely and comfortably, no matter which trail you choose. 

Planning ahead will give you the best prairie hiking experience. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, ensuring you pre-plan for your trip can make sure your hike is fun, safe, and comfortable. Even for a short hike, heading out on a trail you are unfamiliar with can be dangerous without a plan. While many trails in Saskatchewan are beginner-friendly, it is difficult to take the right turns and keep your bearing in a new place. You can learn basic trail navigation by joining up with a hiking group, finding some friends who are already familiar with the trail you’re interested in, or by starting small.

Always build your hike around the fitness and skill level of the group you’re travelling with. What you think is a simple day hike can be really strenuous for some newer hikers. Before hitting the trail, it is crucial to have good group communication around everyone’s comfort, experience with packing, and abilities. Study the trail together so you know where you’re heading and what the terrain might look like. 

Our 5 tips for planning a great hike. 

1. Start with a comfortable backpack.

For a day hike, the Deuter AC lite is a perfect companion for your essentials. The lightweight, ergonomic design will rest comfortably on your shoulders and back. With a breathable mesh back, rain cover, and easy-to-access pockets, this pack is sure to become your favourite trail companion. For a short hike, a 20-30L backpack will be sufficient for your needs. For a longer and more challenging hike, you should invest in a high-quality 60-90L pack that can carry your camping essentials and sufficient food, water, and clothes.

2. Bring plenty of food and water 

If you’re heading out on your first hike, one of the most important things to remember is food and water. Get your Hydro flask, your trail mix, and a nutritious lunch. While a trail might be listed as a short hike, planning for any wrong turns is the best way to be prepared. Emergencies can happen, even on a day trip. Always pack more than you think you will need, and you’ll never be hungry or thirsty!

Everyone is different, but on average, you should pack enough water to accommodate a half litre per hour of activity. Staying hydrated is necessary for a healthy, happy hiker. Drinking small amounts of water often is better than chugging a lot of water once in a while. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, have a sip or two while you venture forward.

Choose food that is high in carbs and protein. These will balance your blood sugar and allow you the necessary energy you need to have a great day on the trail. Granola bars, trail mix, sandwiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, a hot thermos of soup––these are all great ways to nourish your active body.

3. Wearing layers will keep you comfortable

Fall weather is one of the only times you can be freezing in the morning and getting heatstroke in the afternoon––classic prairies! If you’re heading out for a day on the trails, it's best to be prepared for a range of weather conditions. Be sure to always pack a second set of clothes, even if it’s just a day hike. This way, you're prepared for anything you encounter––like rain and mud.

For cooler conditions, a base layer is the first step. Ensure you choose a performance synthetic material or a merino wool layer to wick the sweat and moisture while you move. Without that wicking layer, your sweat and moisture can cause you to be cold and damp, which is the number one risk factor for hypothermia––even in mild fall conditions.

The next step in your trail-ready fit is a good insulating mid-layer. A cozy bunny hug or crew neck sweater is an excellent choice. Fleece is a lightweight insulating option without adding bulk.

Your choice of an outer layer, or shell, will be dependent on the weather conditions present. From a windbreaker to a down-fill jacket to a raincoat, your shell is the barrier between you and the elements. Your outer layer should be loose enough to allow comfort and movement but fitted enough to keep in your warmth. Many jackets for fall weather will include down or synthetic fill (both are great options for keeping warm).

If you’ve been searching for the perfect wardrobe for your adventures, we recommend:

• Light down coat
  
  
• A cozy sweater
  
  
• Rain poncho
  
  
• A synthetic or merino base layer
  
  
• Duer performance denim
  
  
  

4. Check weather and trail conditions before you leave

In Saskatchewan, we know the weather is about as predictable as a mob of kittens. Check the weather forecast the morning of your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date meteorological information for your hike. Wearing layers will help you stay dry and comfortable as the weather changes throughout the day––especially during these prairie fall temperature fluctuations.

5. Wear the right shoes

The right shoe is critical when you’re living life on your feet. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a longer camping trail, finding the right shoe for your feet is one of the most important parts of your hike planning.

We are big fans of Lems shoes, with their commitment to sustainability and their foot-forward design. These zero-drop gravity shoes are designed to keep your feet happy and healthy––wherever you’re going!

The boulder boots are one of the best hiking boots we’ve ever worn, and now we have them in leather, vegan, and also waterproof styles. Lems utilize ZeroDrop soles which allow your foot to sit more naturally on every terrain. This technology corrects the body’s posture and aligns the spine by eliminating the heel that many shoes rely on.

If you’ve been waiting to check out LEMs, and want to learn more about why we love this company so much, scope out our blog, “WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMS!”

• Lems Waterproof boulder boot
  
  The waterproof boulder boot takes the high-quality leather of the leather boot and upgrades it to a puddle stomping trail machine!
  
  
• Lems Vegan Boulder Boot
  
  This boot has all the durable functions of a hiking boot with all of the vegan goodness. The perfect boot if you’re looking to cut animal based products from your wardrobe.
  
  
• Lems mid-cut boulder boot
  
  This comfortable ankle-height boot is a great modified style for street or trails. This great hybrid boot is also available with 100% vegan materials.
  
  

Always understand the local wildlife in the area you are hiking in.

Get familiar with the area and plan ahead. In Saskatchewan, we are surrounded by bears, moose, coyotes, cougars and more. Hiking in the fall can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Many animals, like bears, are scouring the land for available food while they prepare to hibernate. It is absolutely critical that you know how to navigate wildlife.

Our prairie day-hike pack checklist:

• A second change of dry clothes
  
  
• Water
  
  
• Food (including extra snacks like granola or trail mix)
  
  
• Thermos of hot tea, coffee, or broth 
  
  
• First aid kit
  
  
• Map, compass, and GPS
  
  
• Battery pack to charge your phone and GPS
  
  
• Bear protection
  
  
• Sun protection (hate, sunglasses, sunscreen)
  
  
• Flashlight and headlamp
  
  
•  Emergency supplies (including whistle or flare, emergency shelter, and multitools)
  
  
• Firestarter 

Our favourite wild trails near Saskatoon. 

Saskatoon is a great location for those interested in hiking. Trails ranging from beginner to difficult can be found all around us. Whether you’re looking for grasslands or parklands hike or want to adventure a short way to the boreal forest that rests atop the southern prairie.

• Start on the city’s Meewasin Valley trails system
  
  With over 60km of trail to explore, hiking the river valley is a great way to spend the weekend without leaving the city. Saskatoon has a lot of great amenities, but the opportunity for hiking our extensive trail system is top of that list! The Meewasin Valley trails are also part of the Trans Canada Trail system, which all beginner hikers can aspire to travel.
  
  While hiking around the Meewasin trail system, check out the beautiful Northeast Swale, the Cranberry Flats Conservation area, or the gorgeous Grasslands. There’s lots of nature to explore without ever leaving Saskatoon.
  
  
• Venture a little further into Prince Albert National Park
  
  While the adventure is a little further, the trails of Prince Albert National park are a great day hike for an enthusiastic climber. Located about 2 hours from Saskatoon, this gorgeous national park contains Canada’s largest swath of protected southern boreal forest. Driving into the southern boreal zone is a stunning transition from prairies to aspen parkland and into the beautiful boreal forest. While there are many trails to choose from, we love the Amyot Lake trail, which contains gorgeous aspens and sedge meadows frequented by roaming wild bison. There are several trails to explore in the 24.5km Valleyview trail network, so why not tackle one today!

Hike happy, hike prepared. 

No matter where you go, get prepared for your hike by popping into Escape Sports. We can help you get set for a lifetime of adventures, whether you stay in the city or head into the wild unknown!