The multi-lane motorways fade to country roads the farther you get away from Dublin. Crossing the country from the calm, black waters of the Irish Sea on the east coast to the roaring Atlantic Ocean on the west coast only takes 2 ½ hours or a short 180km drive. Ireland is a postage stamp of a country.  The west coast of Ireland has been reinvigorated in the past few years thanks to The Wild Atlantic Way. This 2,500km coastal road touches three sides of Ireland from Malin Head, Ireland’s most northern point, all along the west coast and on to

It's that time of year where everyone is fed up of clearing the snow from their driveway. Tired of maneuvering through snow and ice to get to work. In other words, it's that time of year when cabin fever sets in and we're all itching to get somewhere tropical, where we can swap the cold for hot sandy beaches, and snow pants for a swimsuit. If you're going to start planning for that resort vacation, you might as well start shopping the essentials, like a versatile, quick-drying swimsuit. Here's a selection of our favourite swimsuits for the 2020 season. What

On the mountain the weather can change very quickly, so you always need to be ready. Having a checklist of what to bring skiing is important, and packing all the essentials will ensure you're prepared. Whether you're carving the slopes on a sunny afternoon, or exploring the backcountry on an overcast morning, visibility is key. It's not just about having fun but staying safe, and the SPY Bravo Colorblock goggles will keep you both stylish and protected. Here is a list of things you should check before choosing your next goggles. Fit: Make sure they are comfortable, not too big

Unique March break activities with kids is an annual puzzle that gets more complex with every passing season. It's a dream come true for the little ones but it can stress out parents, especially when the kids go all zombie-mode with the consoles and social media. But as hard as it is to think up things to do outside with them, it's equally hard to convince them to get out of the house. We all know that building snowmen is getting old... Well, this March break is different! We've lined up unique March break activities outdoors in 6 major Canadian

Travelling by plane, whether for business or pleasure, is a reality in many people’s lives. While some people seem to bring their entire wardrobe every time they fly, others have mastered the art of ultra-light travel.  What should you pack to travel light? I’ve been traveling for most of my adult life and have learned that it’s possible to travel for a long time with just a few pieces of light, breathable clothing. By packing strategically, I’m able to bring carry-on luggage only. It’s the best way to avoid expensive baggage fees and the risk of an airline losing our

Before we get into my review of the Mountain Fleece, a Topo Designs fleece top, I should say I've always wanted to be one of those athletes that celebrates winter. I have often wished that I could fly down the ski hill with icy pellets bouncing off my face, still sporting an ear-to-ear grin. Or return from a run outside with ice hanging from my eyelashes and be unfazed. But I'm not, and the driving reason is that I get cold quickly. I've made it a personal mission of mine to find clothing that is warm enough, to the point

Only in Montreal could you find an EDM festival held during the coldest month of the year. Here, we really know what it's like to party at -15°C. And we know how to stay warm while showing off our carefully-selected retro/space-age look that'll stand out in the crowd. So without further ado, here's our top 10 list of ultra colourful jackets to wear to Igloofest 2020. That Retro Look... 1. 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket & Vest by The North Face  1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket Women Shop 1996 Retro Nuptse Vest Men Shop No surprise here. This re-issue of the classic

Whether it’s heading up north for some skiing, heading to the woods for some snowshoeing, or in this case, lacing up and taking a few laps on the nearest frozen pond, staying warm, stylish, and cozy is essential. Here’s our guide on what to wear outdoor skating in Canada this winter. Outdoor Skating Essentials Whatever your style, whatever the weather, there are a few essentials you'll need to ensure you stay warm and comfortable. Socks In this case, socks are less about style and more about ensuring your feet stay comfortable. For those who don't go skating often, ice skates

Down puffer jackets have been a staple in the outdoor industry for decades now. The natural insulation and lightweight of down feathers make for an incredibly versatile material in outdoor apparel. They’ve been a personal favourite of mine for some time, and more often than not, I find myself slipping a puffer into my backpack as an added layer. My one issue with down puffers in the past has been with waterproofing, so when I first heard about Columbia’s OutDry Alta Peak Down jacket, I was intrigued… Alta Peak Down Jacket Columbia’s Alta Peak down jacket aims to bridge the

Every time I pack for a ski expedition up north or a beach trip down south, I always end up thinking that I should invent a warm, lightweight technical jacket that can fit snugly in my bag while I'm on my way to my destination. I've finally found this jacket and it's made my life so much easier. The one I'm talking about is Hyperia Lite Jacket from the New Zealand company icebreaker. If this coat meets the needs so well, it's because it manages to compete with the warmth of down while being super light and compressible. Pros Cons

Getting in shape has never been more relevant for the modern man and woman. Everyone it seems is more fitness-conscious as we become more informed about health—and we're heading outside for our workout more than ever before. But going to the gym in winter with a gym bag full of workout essentials and cool workout gear is a great option when the weather gets too rough for our winter running or warmer-weather run routine. What to Carry in your Gym Bag What you bring to the gym depends on what you like to do best. Running, interval training, yoga—it comes

Born in Montreal, Canada's fashion capital, La Canadienne pays tribute to its origins with its range of stylish winter boots. Elegant, sophisticated and most importantly warm, their selection has enough to please every woman's taste. Discover some of our favourite boots to get you through winter in style. Elegant High Boots Nothing compliments a dress, a skirt or a long wool coat than a pair of suede or leather high boots. Perfect for a winter's night out in the city, the Susan Boots are made from high-quality, waterproof Italian leather. The Helen Boot brings luxury isolation with its soft Shearling

Spyder has always been one of my favourite iconic high-end brands you can wear on the slopes. I've worn their apparel for years and although my tastes have changed and I've tried different brands, I've always come back to them. Recently I was on the lookout for a new ski outfit. I wanted something comfortable, modern, colourful, and most importantly something that could perform on the slopes. That's when I discovered the Solitaire GTX kit.     At first glance, the kit seemed perfect for what I was looking for, but I wanted to test it out before I came

Kanuk winter jackets seem to be everywhere these days. And with reason. A Montreal icon for over 50 years, Kanuk felt an overhaul was needed—something fresh, younger more dynamic, while still holding onto their DNA. A successful transformation by all metrics. Quality, Montreal Style Let’s dive into the reasons Kanuk had built up such a faithful fan base. First, their coats have always been made in Montreal, something that ranked high for the locals. No matter how warm-welcoming, Montreal has always been known for glacial winter temperatures. That Kanuk was born out of this climate is hardly surprising. [caption id="attachment_94194"

There are 14 peaks in the world that rise above 8000 m. Atop these mountains, you're likely to face some of the deadliest conditions known to man. Temperatures dropping below -30°C are not uncommon and frostbite can occur in an instant. Strong winds have been known to knock climbers over the edge, and avalanches have buried climbers alive. Besides surviving the elements it takes grit and determination. It takes months of physical and mental preparation. It takes a team of Sherpas to map out the ascent and ensure a safe descent. It takes oxygen tanks, food, climbing equipment and a

No matter what you like doing during the winter - whether it’s skiing, hiking, tubing, running or even ice fishing, there’s one thing you always have to make sure of: staying warm and dry. Choosing the right base layer makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time outside during colder days. Known for their warmth expertise, Kombi has me preaching for them once again. I had the chance to try the B2 Merino Blend Crew top and bottom and here’s why I was more than satisfied. Firstly, these base layers are very comfortable. If I could wear

Established in 1897 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Filson is the leading outfitter and manufacturer of unfailing goods for outdoor enthusiasts. They have a reputation for being reliable and hard-wearing, a favourite among those who would rather be outdoors, and the same is true for  Filson flannel shirts. I have a few Filson shirts now, and as soon as I put one on, I'm reminded of how strong they are. The quality is right there in the stitching, the fabric, and the details. I instantly feel more capable, ready for anything in a Filson flannel shirt. Right now I’m wearing the

Canada Goose gives you powerfully-warm urban style forged from polar expeditions up north. Which one to choose? Canada Goose vs Arc’teryx will answer all your questions.Read Canadian-Made & Designed Winter Coats CANADA GOOSE VS ARC’TERYX—THE SHOWDOWNBoth brands are renowned on the international stage thanks to endorsements, timeless styling and the absolute best quality and manufacturing. What you intend to do will dictate which you should choose.WARMTH & INSULATIONCanada GooseIf warmth is your first and last criteria, nothing is better than Canada Goose. You can glide by a city winter in total comfort in a longer parka like the women’s Shelburne parka or the men’s

The Eureka Alpenlite 2XT tent is a 4 season tent. However, I believe it excels in the shoulder season and colder months. I received this tent in the warmer months and had been anxiously awaiting giving it a proper winter test. Fortunately (depending on how you view it) winter came early as it often tends to on the east coast. Pros: Cons: (Relatively) Lightweight Rugged Durable Intuitive Set-up Slightly small for 2 people After a fresh snowfall and a few weeks of snow accumulation, I was ready for a backcountry camping trip. Hauling a gear sled with my tent and supplies tucked

Buenos Aires, 1973. Rab Carrington, the Scottish climber and mountaineer is preparing to head out for the mountains of Patagonia when he finds out that his equipment got lost in transit. Knowing that he couldn’t venture into the great outdoors without his gear, he learned how to make his own sleeping bags. Rab was born out of necessity and has gone on to revolutionize the outdoor industry.  From state-of-the-art sleeping bags to coats and base layers for rock climbing, Rab specializes in trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. Inspired by the mountains and tested in extreme conditions, Rab is made

As a new father, I’m challenged for every second of the day, with very little time to work out. I’m an avid cyclist in the summertime, so winter is usually when I gain a few pounds and then try to sweat them away on cross country skis and snowshoes. What's needed at times like these is a fat biking do's and don'ts guide to get me going... Last year our friends at Garneau were kind enough to lend us a few ‘Gros Louis’ fat bikes for us to test our winter training apparel. Yes, fat bikes—those winterized bicycles with the

From their beginnings making durable climbing ropes and avalanche transceivers, Mammut has continued to push the boundaries of mountaineering, by designing all the gear and apparel needed to take on high altitude adventures. The Mammut Delta X Collection takes advanced technical detailing and tailors it for the urban environment. Urban Meets PerformanceThe Delta X Collection takes over 150 years of mountaineering experience and applies its principles to outerwear styled for the urban environment. Clean lines and subtle detailing combine with GORE-TEX membranes and down insulation to take on cold winters in the city. Mammut Georganic 3D Technology offers an optimized fit for

When most snowboarders think of Rip Curl, images of surfers, swimwear, and wetsuits come to mind. That image is changing thanks to the brand’s development of The Search Series outerwear and their new rider partnerships with legendary snowboarders like DCP.  Rip Curl’s founders were actually snow fanatics who’ve made ‘Mountainwear’ since 1986. They’re dedicated to applying innovative technology to their mountain collection. The outcome is The Search Series—durably designed in recycled fabrics. Other tech includes recycled PRIMALOFT insulation and rugged Cordura paneling anywhere your ski or board edges might touch your outerwear.  DCP joining Rip Curl is big news. David’s

When it comes to eco-responsible clothing, do we really need to look further than FIG Clothing from Montreal? Their initiatives include building relationships with domestic Canadian manufacturers, finding international suppliers who meet their criteria of responsible business, and driving their production chain sustainably. The FIG Clothing Lug & Bey sweaters fit these criteria to a tee. What moves FIG ahead of an increasingly crowded fashion field is the quality they put into practical clothing. Their pieces are built to move freely, with designs that transcend seasons and trends, perfect for travel and wearing every day. FIG states their clothing is,

Running during winter can be daunting. Icy paths, cold temperatures, lack of visibility, and a number of other factors can make life difficult. But with the right gear, you can beat the winter blues, so be ready when you hit the trails with this winter running guide. Finding The Right Footwear Running gurus won't stop at the sign of snow in the forecast but instead, beef up their running gear so that they can keep racking up their weekly kilometres before and after work. With the proper footwear, you too can be out there with the running gurus all winter

Alright, so you’ve done some research and decided on a Canadian-made hoodie or sweater from Reigning Champ. Good choice on the clothing brand. Now you’ve got to pick the right sweatshirt. Do you go basic or branded? Are you looking for something thicker and warmer for winter or more of a lightweight sweater for spring? Either way, we’re assuming you’re prioritizing comfort, which is why you've chosen Reigning Champ.  To help make your choice a little easier, we've ranked the best Reigning Champ hoodies and sweaters from our collection. Our rankings are based on our customer reviews and our expertise

So we are in-between seasons here in Canada and are kicking it with our Kamik kids winter boots and a pair for mom (that's me). With a 4-year old in tow you tend to fly by the seat of your pants and have to take things as they come, ready or not. It’s a must to have boots that are easy to slip on and warm enough for our day-to-day adventures. These Kamik winter boots are top-notch with the extra-wide opening for easy access, giving my boy Kade even more independence (since 4-year olds “can do everything themselves”). Kade -

I was standing on the school steps waiting to get picked up. I zipped up my jacket to ward off the cold Edmonton winter, adjusted my hat and peered down the road, looking for the minivan. There it was, it was easy to recognize because of the Thule Box full of skis on top. I jumped down the stairs and slid open the side door. Warm air hit my face as I climbed into the van to sit next to my older brother Lucas. As we pulled away my mom looked back at me, smiled and asked how my day

At our hotel in town the night before, the sound of falling rain had anxiously kept us up all night. The day before we’d flown all the way from Montreal to Calgary, then driven three-hours south to be at Fernie resort for opening day of the ski season. We planned to ride with professional ski patrollers and a young pro skier for Helly Hansen named Simon. Luckily, at the base of the resort that morning, the cold temperatures and elevation had turned the rain into fresh powder. Being first in line for the season’s first chair is special—but it’s all that

For the student or the stylish professional, you can't help but admire the elegance and timeless style of Matt & Nat's backpacks. It goes without saying that they make beautiful bags, but most of all Matt & Nat is recognized for their vegan designs and use of recycled fabrics. Whether I'm heading into town, travelling or attending a special event, I've got a Matt & Nat bag for every occasion. These 10 picks from the Dwell, Vintage and Canvas collections are my favourites thanks to their practicality and durability, and I'm willing to bet they'll be a hit with the

With a Canadian winter fast approaching in the Rockies, it’s essential to literally have your butt covered when the snow flies. For a jacket that checks off all the boxes of style and functionality, the Katie L Edition jacket from Lolë is already part of my everyday winter wardrobe.  Here’s why I love it.  This durable jacket keeps you seriously toasty in any winter wonderland. Insulated with ethically-sourced down, it boasts a breathable and waterproof matte luxe fabric that protects you from the elements and wears easily with everything. Its slim-fit design comes with a two-way zipper, adjustable hood and

Everyone has outdoor enthusiasts on their gift list: a camping lover with an intrepid spirit and nearly impossible to shop for come the holidays. It's one thing to go through camping gear gifts for our hiking, and backpacking friends. Camping articles like the best winter camping sleeping bags can be helpful but sometimes we want a wider choice. Imagine, though, a one-stop article for all unique camping gear gift guide ideas. Here is our guide to unique camping gift ideas, with something to please all enthusiasts whether going away for summer camp or setting up shelter in winter snows. Our