Hooké is a Canadian outdoor brand that equips outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with apparel and gear. They are lovers of wild nature, encouraging adventure and endorsing sustainability in all outdoor pursuits. When a Hooké representative contacted Northern Explorers about trying out their apparel on one of our adventures, we could see that their brand and values align closely with ours.

We were happy to do it. Our Chief Editor and Travel Writer, Amy Hancock, took the gear on a road trip across British Columbia and tested it out while camping, hiking, and paddling.

Initial Thoughts: Out of the Package

Hooké was easy to communicate with and worked with us to get gear shipped before we left on a trip. The package arrived just before our departure and contained a varied mix of outdoor clothing. It included convertible hiking pants, lightweight shorts, a breathable button-up shirt, a long-sleeve tee, warm fleece and a lightweight puffy jacket. They also included a bonus gift for my 10-year-old son, an insulated plaid shirt.

Right away, I could see and feel that the clothing was high-quality, with sturdy zippers, snaps, and stitching. The pants and shirts were lightweight, obviously breathable and looked like they’d wick away moisture and dry quickly. On the jacket and fleece, I could see they were built to last and keep me comfortable and warm.

When trying on the clothing, I soon discovered that the pants and shorts were too big for me. I might have measured myself incorrectly when determining the size, but it seems this brand runs a little big. If you’re trying to decide whether to size up or down, I suggest sizing down. Unfortunately, I was unable to wear the pants, but the Hooké representative was very accommodating and will be exchanging them for a smaller size soon.

Out in the Wild: Hooké Clothing Put to the Test

I took the apparel on a three-week road trip and outdoor adventure through British Columbia. We travelled for a week on Vancouver Island, a week on the Sunshine Coast, and a week near Revelstoke in the interior.

Ucluelet, BC: Ocean canoe adventures

Anyone familiar with the west coast of Vancouver Island knows that August is dubbed “Fogust” by locals. Sure, it’s technically still summer, but the air is chilly and damp. When setting out to paddle the Ucluelet Inlet with friends, I decided to wear the long-sleeve tee as a base layer and the polar fleece on top.

The fleece is thick and warm. It definitely took the ice-fog chill off me. I wish it had pockets. The website says it has a kangaroo pocket, but unfortunately, it does not. Still, it’s warm and cozy, and I look forward to using it as an insulating layer while skiing, hiking and camping this winter.

After a bit of paddling, I started to get hot in the fleece. The Mirage Sun long-sleeve tee wicked away sweat quickly and was very breathable. There is mesh in the underarms to help air you out! It wasn’t sunny that day, but the shirt offers good UV protection (UPF 50+), too. It has longer cuffs and comfortable thumbholes that help protect against the weather.

While waiting for the group to organize gear and launch the canoe, my son stayed cozy and warm in his new Canadian-style insulated shirt. He had fun throwing and skipping rocks into the water until we were ready to paddle off.

Read about our Paddle Trip on the Ucluelet Inlet.

Ucluelet, BC: Camping and Outdoor Hangouts

Unfortunately, there was a province-wide fire ban during our trip, so no campfires were had. We did camp in our Roadtrek campervan the entire time on the coast, so spending time outside at night and in the early morning was inevitable. As mentioned, it was a bit damp and chilly. This stretch was the only time on the trip that I tried out the insulated jacket.

The Sunshine Coast & Mount Revelstoke National Park: Coastal and Mountain Hiking

I went on a couple of hikes on our trip and tried out the Okanagan Micro-Perforated Short Sleeve Shirt, including the Smuggler Cove hike on the Sunshine Coast and the Eva and Miller Lake Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park. I will be totally honest: this shirt is not my typical style. I personally didn’t find its loose fit or double-breasted pockets flattering on me, but I have seen how great it looks on other outdoorswomen in Hooké’s media.

That said, this shirt is technically awesome. It might be the most breathable shirt I’ve ever worn on a hike. It’s perforated, so the air literally moves through it. Additionally, it fits loosely so everything can breathe. It also has a Silvadur™ antimicrobial treatment that helps reduce odours caused by sweating and keeps you feeling fresher. It dries very quickly. I accidentally leaned into a puddle on a hiking lunch break, and it was dry within 10-15 minutes on a cool, cloudy day.

The pockets would come in handy for carrying small items, and they have a little side loop for holding something like a pen or sunglasses. I can see how these would come in handy for some people, even if they’re not my style preference.

The pants that stayed behind…

Both the shorts and the convertible pants fit really large in the legs, waist and hips. That’s on me for not ordering correctly, but I still think Hooké’s clothing fits a bit bigger than other brands. Both the pants and shorts have an inner drawstring around the waist to adjust the fit, but even so, they didn’t work for me in the size I ordered.

That said, both felt like really high-quality outdoor gear. The pants zip away into shorts and are lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying. I’d take these on a backcountry trip where pack space is at a premium, and you want to pack shorts AND pants.

The shorts were extremely light. When I get a size that fits properly, I can see them being my go-to for outdoor adventures on a hot day. They can be folded into the waist pocket, making them easy to pack along.

Hooké Apparel Review: Yays and Nays

What I liked most: I really appreciate this brand’s quality. Right out of the packaging, I could tell it was well-made and designed for people who love exploring the outdoors. In the field, my favourite pieces were the long-sleeved tee and insulated jacket. The tee is perfect for hot days when you need sun protection, and cooler ones when you just need a thin layer to cover your arms. The jacket is cozy and lightweight, and I like the unique colour. Every piece was lightweight, breathable and somewhat moisture-wicking, which is key for us outdoor explorers.

What I didn’t love, but can live with: As I’ve mentioned, the button-up shirt wasn’t my preferred style, but it performed exactly as it was supposed to. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying is pretty much all I can ask for in a hiking or paddling shirt. The clothes did fit a bit large, but it’s not a deal breaker. Plus, some people like baggier clothing. They are also expensive (you get what you pay for) and might be out of some people’s budget.

Would I recommend Hooké?

Yes, without a doubt. First of all, I love what these guys are doing. They are embracing and inspiring people to get outside and connect with nature. They’re a local Canadian company creating products that make that a little easier, safer and more comfortable.

The people behind the brand also seem genuine and authentic. They support ethical and sustainable hunting and fishing, and are financial supporters of Wildlife Habitat Canada, which protects natural ecosystems from coast to coast. These values and priorities are important to me and the team at Northern Explorers.

The clothing is of exceptional quality and clearly built to last. You might pay a little more, but you’ll be happy when you’re cozy and dry, or cool and dry, on that next adventure. They have a huge selection of outdoor and casual apparel, so there is much more to choose from than in my Hooké wardrobe.

I give Hooké a solid 9/10.