Trailblazers Camping & Outdoor Store

Trailblazers Camping & Outdoor Store Trailblazers is an independently owned hiking, camping, backpacking, travel and active lifestyle store. We carry a wide selection of footwear.

We specialize in re-selling high-quality name brands at affordable prices for all! We have sandals, running shoes, casual shoed, hiking boots, backpacking boots and winter boots. Our clothing cover a wide range of activities including travel, hiking/backpacking, running, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing and active lifestyle. The technical range of our products cover baselayers for warmth and moist

ure management; mid-layers for comfort, sun protection function and fashion; outer layers for protection from wind, rain, snow while allowing for breatheability. As a business we provide friendly knowledgeable service, facilitate networking within the outdoor community and run educational evening lectures and seminars.

💧 Hiking 101: How Much Water Should You Bring?Water might be one of the easiest things to overlook when getting ready fo...
09/08/2026

💧 Hiking 101: How Much Water Should You Bring?

Water might be one of the easiest things to overlook when getting ready for a hike—but running low can turn a great day on the trail into a rough one.

So, how much should you bring? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your water needs depend on things like:

🥾 How long and difficult your hike is
🌡️ Temperature and weather
💦 How much you personally sweat
⛰️ Elevation and terrain
💧 Whether there are reliable water sources along the way

A good rule of thumb is to plan ahead rather than assume you’ll find water when you need it. And if you’re hiking somewhere with water sources, make sure you know whether that water is actually safe to drink and whether you need a way to treat it.

Want to learn more about staying hydrated on the trail? Check out this helpful guide before your next hike:

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hydrate.html

Stay hydrated, hike smart, and enjoy the trail! 🌲🥾

Staying properly hydrated is key to your comfort and health on the trail. Learn how much to drink and how to recognize dehydration and overhydration.

Taken a look at the forecast lately? Make sure that you're prepared for any weather situation coming up this week!
09/07/2026

Taken a look at the forecast lately? Make sure that you're prepared for any weather situation coming up this week!

Get Cochrane, AB current weather report with temperature, feels like, wind, humidity, pressure, UV and more from TheWeatherNetwork.com.

🥾 Before You Hit the Trail: What to Check FirstYou’ve picked your hike, you’ve checked the trail map, and you’re ready t...
09/06/2026

🥾 Before You Hit the Trail: What to Check First

You’ve picked your hike, you’ve checked the trail map, and you’re ready to go—but there are a few more things worth checking before you head out!

🌦️ Check the weather: Conditions can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Make sure you’re prepared for what’s in the forecast.

🚧 Check trail conditions: Look for closures, advisories, construction, wildfire risks, or other hazards that could affect your route.

⏱️ Know your timing: Consider the distance, elevation gain, your pace, and how much daylight you have. Give yourself enough time to finish safely.

💧 Plan for water: Know whether water is available along your route and how much you’ll need to carry.

🎒 Check your gear: Make sure your footwear, clothing, and other essential gear are appropriate for the conditions—and that everything is in good working order.

📱 Have a backup plan: Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. And remember, cell service isn’t guaranteed on the trail.

A few minutes of preparation before you leave can make a big difference once you’re out there!

👉 Want to learn more about planning a safe hike? Check out:

Hiking safety guidance for visitors traveling to a national park.

🥾 Know What You’re Looking At: How to Read a Trail MapEver looked at a trail description and thought, “Okay… but what do...
09/03/2026

🥾 Know What You’re Looking At: How to Read a Trail Map

Ever looked at a trail description and thought, “Okay… but what does all of that actually mean?” 😅

Distance is only part of the story! Before heading out, take a look at the elevation gain, route type, estimated time, terrain, and difficulty rating. A 5 km hike with lots of elevation can feel VERY different from a flat 5 km walk.

Understanding the information on a trail map can help you choose an adventure that matches your experience, fitness level, and the conditions of the day — and helps you know what to expect once you’re on the trail.

📍 A few things to check before you hit the trail:

• 📏 Distance: How far are you actually going?
• ⛰️ Elevation gain: How much climbing is involved?
• 🔄 Route type: Is it a loop, out-and-back, or point-to-point?
• ⏱️ Estimated time: How long might the hike take?
• 🪨 Terrain: What kind of trail and obstacles should you expect?
• 📈 Elevation profile: Where are those big climbs hiding?

Want to learn more about what all those trail details mean?

👉 Check out this helpful guide from Parks Canada:
https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/experiences/sports/randonnee-hiking/niveaux-sentiers-trail-ratings

Happy trails! 🌲🥾

Understand Parks Canada’s trail difficulty ratings and accessibility information and find trails that are right for you.

🥾 How to Choose the Right Hike for Your AbilityNot every hike is created equal—and the longest trail isn't necessarily t...
09/02/2026

🥾 How to Choose the Right Hike for Your Ability

Not every hike is created equal—and the longest trail isn't necessarily the hardest!

Before choosing your next adventure, take a look at more than just the distance. Consider:

• Distance: How many kilometres are you comfortable hiking?
• Elevation gain: A short trail with lots of climbing can be much more demanding than a longer, flatter route.
• Terrain: Rocky, steep, muddy, or uneven trails require more effort and experience.
• Time: Make sure you have enough daylight and time to complete the hike without rushing.
• Weather & conditions: The same trail can feel completely different depending on the season and weather.
• Your group: Choose a route that everyone in your group can comfortably manage.

The goal isn't to pick the hardest trail—it's to choose an adventure that matches your experience, fitness, conditions, and the time you have available.

We've put together a guide to help you figure out what to look for when choosing your next hike. 👇

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-for-beginners.html

Happy trails!

Hiking is simple but some basic knowledge is required: Learn how to choose a hike, what gear and clothing you need and other essentials.

This part of the world is well known for being the setting for many movies and shows ... get out and see them for yourse...
09/01/2026

This part of the world is well known for being the setting for many movies and shows ... get out and see them for yourself!

"A camera can pretty well pan 360 degrees and there's not one single view that's bad."

Looks like there's some rainy day coming up in Kananaskis this week, but don't let that ruin your end of summer camping ...
08/31/2026

Looks like there's some rainy day coming up in Kananaskis this week, but don't let that ruin your end of summer camping trip! Here's some ideas to make your camping trip as good as it can be. Don't forget to swing by Trailblazers for any gear you might not have yet!

Camping in the rain doesn't have to ruin your trip. A camping mom shares her best tips and gear recommendations for camping in wet weather comfortably.

Planning a road trip? Why not visit one of the most stunning lakes we have? Here's a list of a few that are worth the dr...
08/30/2026

Planning a road trip? Why not visit one of the most stunning lakes we have? Here's a list of a few that are worth the drive.

Alberta is more than just mountains and prairies. The lakes in Alberta are pretty breathtaking as well! Here are 21 of the most beautiful lakes in the province.

Wanting to strengthen yourself for hiking? Here's some ways to be able to train!
08/29/2026

Wanting to strengthen yourself for hiking? Here's some ways to be able to train!

Learn how to do a few basic strength-training exercises to prepare you for hiking; this article also offers a simple workout plan and training tips.

Looking for places to cycle? Check out some of these places! Don't forget to stop by Trailblazers for any gear you may b...
08/27/2026

Looking for places to cycle? Check out some of these places! Don't forget to stop by Trailblazers for any gear you may be missing.

Wondering where some of the best places to cycle are within 75 - 90 min of Calgary? Here are 11 ideas including Drumheller, Red Deer & Banff.

Address

505 First Street West
Cochrane, AB
T4C0A4

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 8pm
Tuesday 10am - 8pm
Wednesday 10am - 8pm
Thursday 10am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 6pm

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