Move for Fun and a Breath of Fresh Air – Long Live Hiking!

 Hi !

    Let me take 30 seconds to introduce myself. I’m Geneviève Asselin-Demers, a sports enthusiast at heart and mom to two-and-a-half-year-old twin girls. I work crazy hours in an engineering field that I’m passionate about, but where stress and pressure are constant. For me, sports have become my ultimate way to unwind.

I've decided to write a few blog posts about physical activity in collaboration with Lalita’s Art Shop, with the goal of encouraging people to move for fun—and let’s be honest, to get some fresh air too! The idea isn’t to make you feel guilty if you decide to spend a day binge-watching Netflix (we’ve all been there). Instead, I want to keep things simple, helping you explore different activities, discover new ways to move, and make exercise more enjoyable.

I hope to share beautiful places with you—my favorite spots and those of the people around me. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire you, without pressure or guilt, to get outside, move your body, and reconnect with nature.

Let’s Start with the Basics – Hiking!

The beauty of hiking is that it requires almost no special equipment—just a good pair of shoes and, in winter, some crampons.

If you’re planning to venture into the mountains, though, it’s best to be a bit more prepared, especially with the mix of snow, ice, and unpredictable weather we’re experiencing right now. The amount of snow will determine whether you need boots or snowshoes! As for the best hiking spots, we’ll talk about that another time—promise!

Personally, I love walking around my neighborhood, running on pavement or trails, and tackling big mountains—rain or shine, summer or winter. That means my entryway is packed with different types of footwear! Having the right shoes and a basic understanding of your route can make all the difference in your experience. I’ll try to summarize as much as possible, but honestly, I could write pages and pages about different types of shoes and how they impact your hiking adventures!

Let’s Talk Gear

Starting with Your Feet 

The first question to ask yourself: hiking shoes or boots? The answer depends on the height, support, and level of protection you’re looking for.

Hiking shoes sit below the ankle, while boots extend higher, offering more protection against sprains and impacts from rocks. However, if you’re planning to run, boots can cause too much friction, leading to blisters that might make your hike less enjoyable.

For uneven or rocky terrain, for those less experienced in mountain hiking who may be prone to injury as fatigue sets in, or for multi-day treks carrying a heavy load, hiking boots are the best option.

Once you've decided between hiking shoes or boots, there are countless other factors to consider: clothing matérials, lace height, lacing system, and grip. Some water-resistant materials offer great protection against the elements but can feel extremely hot under the scorching summer sun. There is a wide variety of technical materials that impact the shoe’s weight, breathability, durability, and waterproofing. Often, the price varies based on these materials—good hiking shoes are never expensive for no reason.

Finally, it’s essential to check the sole. A mountain adventure with risks of snow, ice, and frost requires a different type of sole and grip than a muddy summer hike.

In short, before making a purchase, it’s beneficial to list your needs, the type of hikes you plan to do, your experience level, budget, and personal preferences. One last tip: some shoes or boots require a few outings to break in, so start with shorter hikes to ensure comfort with your new footwear.

How to dress?

When engaging in a high-intensity winter activity, layering is key. This allows you to remove layers as needed and ensures you wear breathable materials that wick away moisture.

The golden rule? Dress as if it's 10 degrees warmer than the actual temperature. So, if it’s -10°C, add 10 degrees and dress as if it were 0°C. This helps your body adjust, warm up throughout the activity, and prevents overheating.

A merino wool or synthetic fiber tracksuit, a not-too-warm coat, a multifonctional tube as well, as gloves and a thin hat will be perfect!

Are you looking for a comfortable, breathable beanie and would like to be able to pair it with bautiful neck warmer ?

Discover the unique collections illustrated by Canadian artists at Lalita's Art Shop to fully enjoy your next outing 😜

Geneviève Asselin-Demers

Active Mom

Lalita's Art Shop