Winter

When something works you don’t mess with it. Update it, sure, but keep true to what makes it a success. Manitobah Mukluks figured out how to keep feet warm in snowy, cold weather by looking back at traditions and techniques from the First Nations peoples of Canada. The demand for this warm, innovative footwear, plus a forward-looking social ethos means a booming company that is a true Canadian success story. Sean McCormick, a Métis from northern Manitoba, launched a venture in 2007 replicating the mukluks he wore as a child. The concept behind Manitobah Mukluks was simple: leverage the sknow-how

This year, I finally got my hand on the infamous Arc’teryx Stinger Bib Pant. After wearing these for over 30 days, it makes me wonder: why doesn't every single skier on the mountain wear bib pants? Whether you’re skiing inbounds, out of bounds, or simply rocking the dance floor at the après, they’re just meant to suit your mountain lifestyle, whatever it is. Shop Arc'teryx Our review of this product The pros are: Minimalist yet very functional Clever features for inbound and out of bound usage Extremely durable (the instep patches are the bomb) The cons are: The suspenders can be

If you are one of the few who isn't ready to let subzero temperatures keep you from enjoying a bluebird day, a pair of heated winter gloves is surely your best winter companion. No matter how well you layer from head to toe, your fingers are vulnerable to the cold so keeping them warm and functional is often a priority. Outdoor Research recognizes the need for being able to use and feel your hands in the coldest temperatures which is why we love their collection of heated gloves. Although heated accessories inevitably come at a higher price point, if you're spending long

Canadian winters have never been kind to my feet.  Managing snow, rain, ice and keeping warm is has been a continual struggle for me.  As a photographer in a small ski town, I find myself hiking through snowbanks to get the perfect shot, needing solid footing and grip to walk my puppy, and above all be a cozy retreat for my toes after long days skiing.  I promised myself I would never spend another winter switching from rubber boots, to mukluks, to riding boots and back again. When my new Bogs Snowday Tall Insulated Boots arrived, I knew I could

“Weather isn’t rocket science, it’s way harder than rocket science” - Robert (our ski guide) Let’s start at the end: Iceland changed my life. I was brought to the land of ice by Smartwool Canada to learn about their Fall-Winter product line. What better place than Iceland to discover and test Smartwool’s merino wool products? A country of extreme weather, extreme emotion, and extreme fun. These three subjects kept popping up on our journey to find the best spring ski lines in the north of the country. The Tröllaskagi Peninsula in mid-April offered an ideal setting to try out Smartwool

Kombi knows cold. Founded in Montreal by the family that still runs it, Kombi has been equipping people against freezing temperatures since 1961. Everyone notices the number of Kombi kids’ mitts keeping little hands dry and warm in the schoolyard. Mittens and gloves for adults are soaring in popularity too. This season Kombi introduces two new lines to their family: Elite and Metro. Shop Kombi Elite for Him and Her Gloves The Timeless - Femme Shop Mitaines la Béatrice - Femme Shop Mitaines The Mentor - Homme Shop Gants Free Fall - Homme Shop The Elite Collection Sports in winter

Full disclosure: I may be wearing the Shashka Pant Bib as I write this review.  They are that comfortable, stylin’ and best of all, breathable! As a new bib enthusiast, my last pair weren’t GORE-TEX, and while they were great to keep snow out of my back, the deep powder skiing I see in BC’s interior ranges would leave my base layers damp, and I chilled.  As a photographer and filmmaker who works in backcountry catski and heli-ski lodges, I needed these. Here’s why. Buy the Shashka Pant Our review of this product The pros are: Made of GORE-TEX® Efficiently

For those who are not familiar with Black Diamond, it is a brand devoted to climbing and skiing with a passion that is showcased in each individual products. From their apparel and accessories to their gear and equipment, Black Diamond products are designed for life on rock, ice and snow. While climbing and skiing are their expertise, Black Diamond is also an expert when it comes to gloves. Whether you're a climber or a skier, their extensive glove collection offers a variety of styles and features sure to meet the needs of individuals in search of technical gear. Shop Black Diamond A post

  With more than 120 years of experience, you could say France’s Rossignol was there when the notion of skiing as a sport began. A foundational ski brand driven by innovation and the pursuit of perfection, Rossignol has greatly influenced the growth of alpine skiing as we know it. Shop Rossignol The Origins of Success Carpenter and passionate skier Albert Rossignol made his first wooden skis in 1907 in his French homeland. It was the birth of a brand. By the following year his prototype won its first national prize. Four years later production went industrial. The skis gained traction

While waiting for the first snow we drove to nearby Vermont for the annual Burton Fall Bash. Come meet the Burton family. Shop Burton “My job is as fun as it ever was, and selfishly, that’s a priority for me. It’s pretty awesome for somebody to do something for forty years and still enjoy it.” – Founder Jake Burton Family and Friends in business since 1977 Burton is a family-run company: Jake Burton & Donna Carpenter are making sure it stays that way, even after 40 years as the world’s premium snowboard brand. Each fall they invite over two thousand people

With winter just around the corner, it's time to trade in the swimsuits and sunhats for snowsuits and toques. When it comes to fun in the snow, Burton knows that it's better when the entire family can join so check out their wide variety of winter products for the little shredders in your family. Shop Burton Youth Collection Girl's Echo Jacket Shop Boy's Uproar Jacket Shop Skylar Bib Pant Shop Spark Anorak Shop Discovering the Burton Youth Collection From lapping your local resort to simply frolicking in the snow creating an army of snowmen, the Burton youth collection is sure to keep

Founded in Sweden in 2005, POC entered the world of gravity sports at the world-renowned ISPO trade show. To this day, ISPO is the hot spot for showcasing the latest trends and technology in sportswear and sporting goods. Needless to say, POC was in the right place to launch their products. At this event, POC shared their mission to provide protection for athletes participating in gravity sports. Although they initially targeted the ski racing, POC's products catered to a range of sports including mountain biking. The brand knew that athletes riding down mountain trails at top speeds needed powerful and effective shielding.

Travelling for work is always tough; said no one ever who went ski touring in Iceland to test out Smartwool's 2018 winter collection. I haven't stopped thinking about this magnificent country since returning. So please, join me on this adventure through my photo journal of the images I took while having the time of my life. To get you as enthused about Smartwool's Fall-Winter collection of merino wool baselayers, ski socks, and insulated apparel, you can have a sneak peek of the trip, the goods, and our experiences. There will be more to come this coming fall when I'll review

When I picked up these Goggles, the first thing I noticed was the ZEISS Brand name on the lense, the same brand I have seen on many quality hunting optics, so naturally, I assume a quality lens on these goggles. Shop MIG Goggles Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Quality Lens Wide Range of Vision Comfortable Fit Compatible with glasses The cons are: Standard goggle design Foam appears thin in spots   The first few days I brought them out the conditions were cloudy, snowy with visibility that was mediocre at best, the vision of

This season I got to wear the Peak Performance Flat Black Teton ski Jacket. I have to say, the most impressive feature and a statement by far for this jacket is its accurate rating of 100% waterproof and 100% Windproof. Shop Peak Performance Our review of this product 8.5 / 10 The pros are: Amazing high neck line Great X-L size on the hoodie/ such a perfect fit! 100% waterproof/ 100% windproof Lots of pockets Longer length at the back Inner thumb gaiter with adjustable velcro wrist band Powder cuff Great underarm ventilation!! The cons are: Not the warmest jacket

Who doesn't love shredding on a bluebird day with your best friends at your home mountain? Powder days are great but after a long winter, there's nothing better than a spring day on the mountain with the warm sun beaming on your face. Leave the layers at home, whip out your best Hawaiian shirt, a pair of shades and some lightweight gloves and you're ready to shred. Regular ski gloves can be a bit too warm for a spring day on the mountain but below are a few lightweight options that are sure to do the trick! Black Diamond Lightweight Softshell Gloves Whether you're lapping the mountain or

If you're a Montrealer or you come from any other city with extreme winters, you may be familiar with the penguin shuffle; an ingenious technique used by the penguins to travel along icy terrain with minimal, slippery disasters. This effective technique works well but may extend your commute time so unless you've got all the time in the world, it may not be all that practical. It's safe to say there are many who dread the slippery commute to class or work along the icy sidewalks. Some of us will dream of impeccable sole traction as we slide along trying

Offering incredible warmth and comfort, Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are a must-have item for any outdoor enthusiast! Full disclosure – I’m a glove person. I generally place dexterity over warmth. In fact, probably haven’t worn a pair of mitts since I was a kid. But now things have come full circle and I have two active kids of my own. We spend many hours outdoors together and there are times when even my warmest gloves hit their limit. So I was more than happy to test out a pair of Black Diamond Mercury Mitts during an “Extreme Cold” spell in

Venturing out for a day of ski touring in the backcountry is an exciting adventure that requires not only your basic backcountry knowledge but a careful selection of clothing too. You want to ensure that the garments you choose are made from materials that are designed for aerobic activities such as fleeces and softshells and keep you feeling dry while your body temperature is regulated. Starting with the base layers and finishing with the outer shell and accessories, the proper layering system is essential for outdoor activities. Arc'teryx  is no stranger to the outdoor industry and knows all too well what

Here's to the adventurers that don't let cold weather and the change of the seasons keep them inside and away from exploring the great outdoors. Unless it is pouring down with rain like a monsoon or snowing sideways that they cannot even see their own hand right in front of their face, they're out there. Whether it be winter camping in -40°C, ice-climbing on a frozen waterfall or playing in rapids in a river kayak while the rain falls, these people are equipped and keen for adventures no matter what the weather is (to an extent obviously) and you can

Adequate insulation is a must when it comes to keeping warm in both urban and wild environments and with the approaching winter months, there's no better time than now to outfit your wardrobe with insulated gear. While down and synthetic are the most common forms of insulation for coats and parkas, other insulations such as milkweed, fleece and even wool are also excellent options that provide a series of benefits of their own. Another for of insulation that is newer on the market but equally as efficient is Polartec® Alpha® insulation. Found in a variety of products from different brands,

Camping is a simple hobby loved by families, weekend-warriors, outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. I mean, who doesn't love sleeping out under the peaceful, starry, night sky staring at the star constellations? The possibilities are endless and you can camp nearly wherever and whenever you wish, even in the winter. That's right, camping isn't just for spring and summer outings folks! Whatever the reason for your winter camping adventure, we want to ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to make memories in the snow! Read on for some winter camping survival tips. Shop Our Winter Camping Collection Planning and

For those who long for untouched powder lines and the sound of fresh tracks crunching beneath your boots, shopping for a new ski suit at the beginning of each season is an exhilarating experience and this season's Whiteline collection from Arc'teryx is sure to please. Below are Our favourite shell and insulated ski and snowboard jackets for women. Keep an eye out for their debut on our site and snag your favourite colour so you can stand out in the snowscapes this winter. Shop Arc'teryx Women's Jackets Top Shell Ski & Snowboard Jackets Sentinel Jacket Designed for ski and snowboard

Oakley has been a mainstay in the eyewear industry for decades and while they built their success upon their eyewear, they've branched out to cover everything from soft-goods to some awesome ​hard-goods such as the Mod3 Helmet. It's not a surprise that when you sponsor top-level athletes, put on events and are one of the largest in the eyewear game, that you'd want to offer your loyal brand connoisseurs full integration. Lots of companies are doing this, offer 'helmet compatible' goggles, and ensuring that their helmet and goggle pairing are flawless. For this review, I tried the Oakley Airbrake Goggles

Shopping for ski and snowboard socks seems easy enough but when you throw in the fact that you'll be wearing your ski or snowboard boot all day, finding the right pair becomes essential. Comfort and quality are key, so don't settle for anything less because excellent riding conditions can easily be spoiled if your feet are in agony. What kind of sock should you get? What does the weight of the sock mean? How to pick the right size sock. Different ski & Snowboard sock materials Additional ski & snowboard sock features Ski or Snowboard Socks? First thing's first, are

We got on the phone with Niklas Lundgren, the Marketing Manager for Peak Performance, who spoke to us about working with athletes - in particular Tessa Treadway. Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you got into the business with Peak Performance. My name is Niklas and I work as the Sports Marketing Manager at Peak Performance HQ in Stockholm, Sweden. I’ve been working here for almost five years, and started my journey in a retail store in the north of Sweden. After getting offered a position at HQ, it was a no brainer for me to take it.

Recently, The North Face has declared that by 2017 all their down products will be certified by the RDS. Much like Patagonia who has claimed that the company's organic policy was the catalyst in developing California's organic cotton farm industry, The North Face believes it's bringing down production to a new ethical era by encouraging other companies into getting their products RDS certified as well. However, Patagonia had already established much stricter standards for all their down products and, in 2014, all their products respected this Traceable Down Standard. Both companies have released their standards to the public for others