When buying ski boots, it' s critical to try them on before settling on a pair. If you choose to buy ski boots online, make sure you choose a retailer that allows you to wear your boots at home for at least a few hours before deciding if they are right for you. Good thing Altitude Sports has a 90-day return policy. That's plenty of time to test your new boots before the ski season starts! But that doesn't mean you have to make a blind guess. Before deciding on a new pair of ski boots, it's important to measure

If there is one reason to be excited for winter, it is the start of the ski season! To enjoy the slopes, however, you need the right equipment. After selecting your ski boots and bindings, you'll need to choose the right pair of skis to go along with them. Let's explore the different criteria to consider in order to make the purchase of your new companions easier - and choose the right skis for your needs.Whether it's your first pair of skis or not, buying skis is a big deal! There are a multitude of models and types of skis

There are many elements to consider when choosing a snowboard. It’s important to ask yourself the right questions before you buy. Hopefully, this article will help you to better understand the choices you have to make.It helps to have a funnel-like mindset so you can close in on the important parameters and select THE board: the one that will enable you to progress as a boarder while having a blast on the hills. Each of the following sections should help you narrow down your choice.Choosing your board according to your technical skill levelPreferred terrain and riding styleWhat size snowboard you

A weekend out in the woods at the cottage is a golden opportunity to get out and do some winter activities. All it takes is a snowman and a crazy carpet to turn you into a kid again. And proper winter clothes like boots, mitts, jackets, pants and the rest let you take full advantage. It's fun outdoors—but equally fun hibernating inside. For those so inclined (like yours truly), I've put together a list of my essentials for a cozy cabin life. Cozy Nest Essentials The first thing to do once at the cabin is to settle in. Unpack the

Many outdoor apparel brands make big claims about quality and even bigger claims about performance. But of these brands, how many of them really deliver? Today, we look at two major companies that have withstood the test of time while continuing to outshine the competition in both quality and performance.We’ve pitted our beloved Canadian brand Arc’teryx against the legendary Norwegian brand Norrøna. In this article, we’ll touch on their history, social responsibility, sustainability, and flagship products to see how both brands have come to earn their reputation.Let’s begin!Norrøna brand overviewArc'teryx brand overviewNorrøna vs Arc'teryx brand comparison (durability, performance, price, style

This will feature the same comfort and performance which consumers love, now without the plastic fibres. It’s all a part of icebreaker’s commitment to begin 100% plastic free by 2023, and helping the planet through the retail industry, with a level of transparency and ambition to be envied. Let’s look at some of the pieces before digging into some of icebreaker’s sustainability details. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente 100% MERINO SONEBULA The new Sonebula midweight, long sleeve baselayer is designed to make you stand out on the slopes. Inspired by classic sportswear, this piece features a striking stripe down the arm and a playful

They’ve become a regular sight over the past few years, moving from high-altitude expeditions to fashion-savvy streetwear. There’s simply no doubt that the puffer jacket is here to stay. And no wonder—with toasty insulation, flattering fits, and ultralight construction, it’s everything you could ask for this winter season. Our best overall favourite for 2023-2024 is the The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket. This puffer combines exceptional style and unparalleled functionality. Its heat-trapping features, in conjunction with a beautiful silhouette, are perfect for battling ice-cold temperatures in iconic style. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente All Time favourite puffer jacket The beautifully designed, classic 1996

For decades, Burton has chosen to take the path that has a lighter footprint, making a positive impact on its people, products and playground. Sustainability is deeply woven into the company’s purpose-driven business model. From carving out ways to reduce the carbon footprint of Burton HQ and product manufacturing, to purchasing environmentally preferred materials and finding solutions to keep products in use longer, Burton is effectively impacting its supply chain from raw materials to landfill. The company is targeting 20% carbon reduction across its hardgood products and 100% bluesign products across softgoods. Burton is also committed to fair labour practices

Towers and heat. Exiting Incheon Airport, that was my first impression of South Korea as we drove into Seoul in +35 °C weather. Dome-like mountains with rocky orange tops bordered the distance. We weaved along 5-lane highways, through thousands of Kia’s and Hyundai’s, speeding past developments along the Han River. Screens flashed advertisements. Our driver had two Samsung Galaxy’s attached to his dash. Absolutely everything was new. Despite it being July, I was in Seoul to meet BLACKYAK – a renowned mountaineering brand designing Everest-tested outerwear. What transpired was a crash course in Korean culture during the hottest week of

Finding the best climbing pants can be a tough feat. Climbing puts a lot of strain on clothing, especially when you leave the rock gym and go out into nature. Real rock requires pants to be breathable, mobile, versatile, and durable. As rock climbing has become more popular, it’s become a clothing category of its own. Choosing the right pair of climbing pants for women comes down to where you’ll be wearing them, your personal preference for it, and what your other needs are. We’ve narrowed down the best six climbing pants on the market in different categories such as climbing

" Fantastic Weather Protection with a Smart Design " When you’re facing harsh winter elements, you want the appropriate armour to protect you. Norrøna, a Norwegian brand known for its high-performance hard shells, is worn by pro athletes and casual skiers alike. Their Lofoten collection is named after the Lofoten islands in Norway, a frigid coastal region with frequent rain and snow. Today, we’re reviewing the Norrøna Lofoten Gore-Tex Jacket, a 2-layer shell with Primaloft insulation and vents for temperature control. We put this jacket to the test and were impressed with its durability, weatherproofing, and ski-ready features. Below is

You get outside to move. So whether you’re climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking or exploring, the last thing you want to be is restricted. But when the temperatures drop and it’s time to break out the down jacket, a good range of motion often gets sacrificed for warmth. Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchdown collection challenges the notion of the notoriously restrictive down jacket. Its design is built to keep you warm and keep you moving, while also keeping up with the highest standards for sustainability. The brand also upholds many eco-conscious initiatives and efforts beyond the Stretchdown collection.BUILT TO STRETCHThe ultra-engineered construction of Stretchdown

The perfect shoe for adventure racing is akin to the holy grail: is it out there, or is it just a myth? No matter how much someone raves about a shoe, the reality is that there’s always compromise. Shoes are activity-specific, and each have their place in the quiver. In an adventure race, for example, athletes often change shoes at transition areas in an attempt to have the perfect tool for the next stage.  When we’re choosing a shoe, fit takes priority. Our selection then comes down to balancing choices within the long list of features. For example, a shoe that

The experience of drinking coffee is second only to the experience of making coffee. But, when it comes to doing either in the backcountry, most people simply shrug and settle for tea—don’t be one of these people. So, what is camping coffee? Today, there are many backcountry brew methods to choose from; some old, some new. Below, we discuss the 9 most common brewing styles and the tools you’ll need to pull it off. By the end of this article, you’ll be a veritable backwoods barista. Not something you can put on your CV, but hey—life goals, right?Here's a quick camping coffee making guide

Introducing norda, founded in Montreal and proudly Canadian, and makers of the sustainable norda trail running shoes in a series that flat-out performs. norda is breaking boundaries and making history to prove that performance and sustainability should always run together. The dual commitment to high performance and sustainability is only possible because of a decision to use the most innovative materials on Earth. If norda compromised on technology, both performance and sustainability would suffer. So, no compromises. sustainable materialsBio-based Dyneema Fibre, found in the upper of the norda 001, is the world’s strongest and lightest fibre. It uses a mass balance

When most days are wet and rainy, you’ll want the best rain pants for hiking tucked in your gear bag. Having a sturdy, durable pair of rain pants helps you spend more time outdoors, no matter the forecast. They can also turn a miserable wet day around camp into one that’s fun and functional when you know you’ll be kept dry. Choosing the best rain pants can be like trying to read an old map. They all look fairly similar, and it’s hard to tell which option is the best for you. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best

Sea to Summit has been making top-quality outdoor gear since their debut in 1990. Founded in Perth, Western Australia, it all started in 1983 when adventurer Roland Tyson began making his own gear as lightweight outdoor products were hard to find. In 1990, Australian mountaineer, Tim Macartney-Snape asked Mr. Tyson to make gear for his Mount Everest climb. The expedition and gear were a success, and the Sea to Summit brand was born. The Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight sleeping bag is extremely comfortable, durable, suitable for temperatures that drop down 40°F (5°C) and super light, weighing only 340g. The

Today, we’re thrilled to review the Saucony Ride 14 running shoes. This is a multi-purpose pair of running shoes, ideal for trail runs, sprint training, half and full marathons or just going to the gym. Saucony Ride shoes are your new bud who will always be there for you. The variety of bright colours is perfect for night training, especially so cars and paparazzi can see you. You'll need to be ready to smile at the cameras when running at an electrifying speed. Some buyers have confessed they have fallen in love with Ride 14 shoes and as a heads

When you glance at the upcoming week’s weather and see a forecast of rain, what’s your first thought? If you have the best rain boots in your closet, it won’t change your plans too much. If not, you’re likely calculating how to stay inside as much as possible. But with a trusty pair of rain boots, the weather doesn’t have to stop your next move. With styles ranging from knee-highs to classic Chelsea ankle boots, rainwear can be both stylish and functional. A good pair of rubber rain boots keeps your feet dry and comfortable through afternoon showers and wet,

If you’re not sure how to get started with hammock camping, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we walk you through everything you need to know about hammock camping for beginners. Whether you’re looking to completely ditch your tent or simply want to familiarize yourself with another option, read on! In a hurry? Skip directly to your question :HAMMOCK CAMPING 101 GUIDEWhy you should hammock campAdvantages of hammocks compared to tentsDisadvantages of hammocks compared to tents Equipment neededHow to set upTips for successful hammock camping nightOther alternatives to tent campingHAMMOCK CAMP FAQDo you need a special hammock to

From paddle out to pop up, the best surf swimwear for women needs to stay on securely. An active swimsuit needs to be functional as well as cute. You want to feel confident in the lineup and when paddling back out after a heavy set. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up the best surf swimsuits based on comfort and mobility, durability, and fit. We’ve included surf bikinis that range from low to high coverage to match your style. We’ve also included both bikinis and one-pieces, so you’re sure to find something you love. Below, we’ll go through this season's

Picking the right pair of running socks doesn't have to be about choosing the most expensive pair. It’s about choosing the ones that are lightweight, fit well, designed with technical materials, and equipped with strong sweat-wicking properties. Don’t forget - your feet sweat too! It seems like most people focus on picking the right running shoes, while running socks often get neglected. A poor pair of running socks can lead to toenail problems, bursitis, blisters, infections, and other foot issues. Therefore, it’s best to look for high-performance or technical running socks that create the right fit and environment for your

Is finding the best camping pillow just as important as finding the right camping stove or tent? We think so. There’s nothing worse than setting up your campsite, laying out your sleeping bag, and realizing you’ve forgotten a pillow! A camping pillow is a vital but often overlooked piece of gear for most hikers. But after hours of hiking, there’s nothing you want or need more than a good night’s rest. To help you catch some zzz’s on your next camping trip, we’ve put together the 10 best camping pillows on the market. We’ve evaluated these pillows based on comfort,

Whether you’re a camper, a hiker, a climber, a hunter, or a field worker, you need a multitool. While multitools are great for common situations like cracking open a cold one or trimming some rope, they can also save your life when the unexpected arises. Whether it’s sawing wood to build a shelter, starting a fire in cold weather, or simply whistling for help, multitools are a lightweight piece of your kit that will serve you in more ways than you can imagine. Our top pick for best hiking multitool goes to the Leatherman Signal Multi-Utility Tool - Peg. It

One of the pivotal moments in our species’ history is when we discovered fire. Not only could we use it for cooking and keeping warm, but we could finally light up the darkness. Unfortunately for our ancestors, transporting fire wasn’t the most practical endeavour. Fast-forward several millennia and we find ourselves in an age where we have access to compact and powerful little fires that we wear like a third eye—headlamps. It’s hard to imagine where an outdoors-person would be without a modern headlamp. It’s a ubiquitous piece of kit for anyone venturing into the woods at night. Our pick for

Hats get a bad rap. It’s something you throw on when you’re in a rush or when you don’t feel like trying. But they’re more than a mere cloaking device—they’re an essential and versatile piece of kit for any serious runner. Think about it: The best running hats keep you warm in winter, shaded in the summer, and looking cool all the time. Can your fancy gloves do that? Didn’t think so.For such a comparably small investment, the best running hat can be worn while jogging your favourite trail or while enjoying a soirée on the town. As you’ll see,

If you buy the right camera bag, it could last you a lifetime. Finding the best camera backpack is really a personal decision for every photographer. Don’t buy the most popular or most expensive brand you see on social media. Instead, look for a bag with adequate storage and padding, enough compartments and pockets to fit all your gear, and a comfortable design to carry with you. Our best overall bag, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, is both practical and functional. It lets you pull gear out in a flash, thanks to the MagLatch closures and side access points. We also

The term everyday carry means something unique to everyone. For some, it’s all about textbooks and laptops. For others, it’s camera gear. Still others might be journeying with a capsule wardrobe overseas. Whatever it means to you—whether business or pleasure—we’ve compiled the very best everyday backpacks to meet your needs.  For an affordable and spacious, cool and versatile everyday backpack, we recommend the Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack. Now, before we begin, ask yourself—what’s your everyday carry?  ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Everyday Backpacks Reviewed Product Name VersatileSpaciousAwesome Colourway Shop Product Name ComfortableEco-consciousWater-repellent Shop Product Name TimelessDurablePrice Shop Product Name CompactGreat pocketsRemovable

Proper running shorts are a game changer. They offer support, coverage, and ventilation to name just a few of their benefits. And, when you consider their relatively low price, it’s worth taking the time to choose the right pair. Of course, that’s easier said than done—not only do you have to consider the technical specs, but you’ll need to take size and fit into account. To make things easier, we’ve broken down our top picks for every style of running and every type of runner.Our title for the overall best pair of running shorts in 2021 goes to the PRAISE Abaddon

Running is hard. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were just a little bit easier? Luckily, HOKA has made it their mission to create running shoes that do just that. While many brands are busy shaving down features to produce the most minimalist shoe on the shelf, HOKA has embraced a maximilatist design philosophy. The result is a line of runners that offers incomparable support, comfort, and shock absorption. In this article, we take a tour of our favourite HOKA running shoes for men and HOKA running shoes for women. We also tackle some frequently asked questions. TL;DR: For the best all-around

The end of winter means one thing for cyclists: it’s time to stock up on the essentials. Having a proper helmet is number one, but after that, having one of the best bike locks in Canada comes a close second. There’s no one-size-fits-all lock: what’s “right” varies from person to person. Protecting your bike from theft is important when you’re commuting through the city or touring through mountain trails. Your lifestyle determines which lock is best for you and your bike. No matter where or how you ride, this guide will help you find the right lock for you. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best

The last thing you want is for your stove to break while camping in the middle of the wilderness. Though you can find cheap canister stoves at your local department store, it pays to invest in a sturdy, well-made stove like the PocketRocket Deluxe. This stove helps you heat up breakfast, coffee, and dinner in a snap, without using much fuel. It’s great for backcountry travelling when, after a long day, all you want is a quick meal. Campers in windy, cold, or elevated conditions will find the PocketRocket Deluxe makes a dependable companion. Thanks to its wind-resistant construction, it works