Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Blog on a Log

Four Costume Ideas for the Outdoor Adventurer

September came, and you still had plenty of time.  October rolled around, and you figured you still had weeks to figure things out.  Now suddenly Halloween’s only days away, you’ve got no costume, and you’ve just been informed the party you’re attending considers dressing up mandatory.  What’s to be done?

Sure, you could go as a ghost, cereal killer, or a scandalous version of childhood pop-culture, but why not use your dress-up free pass as an excuse to show off a more adventure-based wild side?  Pull out your gear and party it up in one of these four adventure costumes this year:

The Climber

Climbing every available vertical surface not recommended, but probably likely.

Must-haves:

  • Shoes 2 sizes too small
  • Helmet
  • Chalk bag (makes a great trick-or-treat bag in a pinch)

Bonus points:

  • 25 kN carabineer holding a 3-oz set of keys
  • Brand stickers on any available flat surface


The Cross-Country Skier

Sure, those flashy downhill types get all the press, but only the truly lazy let gravity do all the work.

Must haves:

  • Winter jacket stuffed with lip balm and granola bars
  • Spare hand and foot warmers
  • Set of poles (unless you brave—or foolish—enough to lug around the skis themselves)
  • Toque

Bonus points:

  • Mid-winter sunglasses tan
  • T-shirt for those balmy -10 days


The Whitewater Kayaker

Get a playboat small enough, and you could take it to the party!

Must haves:

  • Wetsuit
  • Nose plugs
  • Helmet and PFD
  • Paddle

Bonus points:

  • PFD tan
  • Dry bag (especially helpful if you estimate how many litres of candy you expect to carry)


The Hiker

Especially recommended for those with small children to ferry around.  Urban hiking is still hiking--your feet will thank you.

Must haves:

  • Layers, layers, LAYERS!
  • A pack (yet another useful candy-carrying device!)
  • Hiking boots
  • Trekking poles (or not.  The debate continues…)

Bonus points:

  • Tan lines that stop at the ankles
  • $30+ socks

The best part about these costume ideas?  If you’re a Wilderness Supply-er, chances are you’ve already got all the gear you’ll need!

Have an idea for another great outdoor costume?  Photos of you trick-or-treat-ing in your outdoor gear?  Tell us about it on Facebook or Twitter.  Subscribe to our blog RSS feed for future updates, ideas, and deals!

All photos from Flickr. Climber - Jeff Hunter; Cross-Country Skier – Camera Bag; Kayaker – Mike Baird; Hiker – Adebond