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I need to give two very clear disclaimers here. I’m not a model and I don’t really know anything about fashion. What I do know is how to dress for the office, and what feels comfy.

My previous clothing choices for going hiking usually consist of whichever boots I can find in the back of the cupboard, jeans, a t-shirt and rain jacket that I got free from my old work. These are neither practical, nor look particularly good.

Before my next adventure, which will be a hike through some of British Columbia’s beautiful forest trails (pretty tame by many standards), I popped down to my local Mark’s (formerly Mark’s Work Warehouse) to get kitted out, but without spending too much of my very small clothing budget.

With my small but very fashion-savvy personal shopper

A little background – Mark’s is a Canadian clothing company for casual and industrial apparel. That doesn’t just mean it’s all for the tough Canadian workman, it’s also for practical and sharp-looking clothing for outdoor-amateurs like me. Find your local Mark’s store right here.

Here’s how I got on.

Starting with the staple, green (“olive”) cargo pants from Windriver

I really like how comfortable they are, but mainly how well constructed they feel. I wouldn’t worry about them getting worn or ripped as the pant material feels super strong.

When I went into the store, lots of the Activewear items were buy-one, get one free! So I got some Active Woven Shorts and this Matrix Raglan short-sleeve Henley shirt which is really lightweight and is anti-microbial and anti-odour.

The last piece I picked up is a vital piece of kit here in Raincouver, a lightweight jacket. In particular, the Helly Hansen 77 Jacket.

This is another piece that has to be both strong, durable, lightweight and breathable. I chose the red one to keep visible on the misty days.

I already had some old hiking shoes that have served me pretty well so far, although they won’t stand up to much rain or snow so I’ll be sure to head back to Mark’s when it starts to get wet and cold.

I think I’ll go for these waterproof, Men’s Yoho Hiking Boots when I do though!

Another disclaimer: Thanks to Mark’s for kitting me out in my new hiking gear. I feel like I could walk five hundred miles, and I would walk 500 more, just to be the man who walks a thousand miles, to fall down at your door. Enjoy the wonderful words of the Proclaimers in your head all day.