Whether you’re a passionate thru-hiker or a world traveler, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is your perfect companion. Choosing the right backpack can be a big decision since having the wrong one can result in soreness and fatigue. For many adventurers, their hiking backpack is one of their most important pieces of equipment.We tried and tested many different backpacks and found that the Osprey Atmos AG is top of the line in terms of comfort, breathability, and durability. The women’s version, the Aura AG, shares many of the useful features but is built for a female frame. Let’s dive deeper

Whether you're living in the city, or out in the country, you want apparel that can handle the daily rigours of an active lifestyle. For hot summer days at the country club, or cold winter days in the city, you want to stay comfortable, but that doesn't mean you should have to compromise on style. Blending the avant-garde design of luxury brands with the latest technology and craftsmanship, we bring you 12 high-end clothing brands you must know. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Houdini Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name

They say that a magician never reveals his secrets. Lucky for us, Houdini Sportswear has given Altitude Sports a glimpse into its clothing manufacturing process to let us know that its incredible feat of achieving a 100% circular collection by 2022 isn’t just smoke and mirrors. Read on to learn the tricks of their trade. What does it mean to be circular?For Houdini, operating a circular clothing system means that no resources are extracted from nature, all the industry’s emissions are lowered, and its concept of waste eliminated. Can’t believe your eyes? Neither could we...until we saw the hard facts.No

Finding the best daypack or hiking bag can be quite a challenge. To help you make sense of all the technologies and materials used, we've put the nine most popular daypacks of the year to the test. The North Face's Borealis 28L bag won the title of the best backpack for a day hike in 2021. Its sturdiness, pockets, and storage capacity make it a favourite among our customers. Browse our shopping guide to find the best bag for your next day hike, camping trip, and more. What is a daypack? Daypacks are the smallest units of the backpack family.

We sat down with Matthew Merko to learn more about the mission at KEEN to make hiking and nature accessible to everyone—regardless of age. Read on for all you need to know before you hit the trails with your loved ones this summer! Tell us about yourself! I’m Matthew Merko, the Director of Marketing at KEEN in Canada and I have been enjoying the outdoors for most of my life. From cycling and running to camping and hiking, the outside is my happy place. One of the reasons I love working at KEEN is that my work embodies my values

When the days start getting shorter, you may find yourself itching for an after-work run after sunset. Or, you might be an early bird that loves hitting the trails before sunrise. Whatever your reasons, a good running headlamp is an essential piece of kit for staying safe on a dark run. In this article, we’ll go through the top seven running headlamps on the market and discuss what we love about each one. When testing running headlamps, we looked at factors such as the price for value, weight, brightness, runtime, and durability. Our favourite overall is Black Diamond's Spot 400, which

Food is more than just biological fuel. It’s a source of comfort and pleasure. Even on the trail, there’s nothing like a warm meal to recharge your body and your mind. So, when it comes to choosing the right cooking system, it’s normal to treat the decision as seriously as choosing a life partner (Ok, fine—almost as seriously).Today, we’re excited to review the JetBoil MiniMo. This is an all-in-one cooking system that’s perfect for a wide array of hikers and campers. Whether you want to boil water, make coffee, strain paste, or fry up some eggs, the MiniMo makes it

What are Mountaineering Boots? Unlike hiking boots, mountaineering boots are designed to be used in snow and ice. Mountaineering boots can fit with a variety of crampons, and the stiffness of the sole allows for good edging. The uppers have some flexibility for climbing and a waterproof membrane for weather protection. Mountaineering boots are specifically designed to move over rough terrain and support mountaineers as they traverse vertically through ice walls and frozen waterfalls. Mountaineering boots provide extra ankle support, they tend to be heavier and more rigid than hiking boots. They’re an essential piece of kit when you’re traversing

How do you usually respond to the question “what is your profession?” The answer depends on the context. I specialize in mountain running and ultra distances - my job revolves around running, but also around the mountains and being an ambassador for the mountains. I’m an athlete, writer, photographer. I create content, I’m involved in product design and development. I organize events and work for nonprofits. I also do speaking engagements, and clinics. For the uninitiated, what distinguishes mountain running from trail running? The difference is highlighted in the names. Trail is on a set path and can get quite

As an outdoor company founded on a love for nature, high quality, and long-lasting products, environmental responsibility has been in Norrøna’s DNA from the beginning. Norrøna believes the only way to run a company is through a sustainable platform, and it is transparent in its efforts and progression through the public roadmap. Norrøna constructs approximately 90% of its product development in-house, having always invested in machinery both to construct the products and to test the materials. Products go through 15 quality checkpoints in order to ensure both the materials and construction will meet or exceed the customer’s expectations for quality

60 years of close collaboration with nature has motivated Fjällräven to keep finding new ways of developing functional, durable, and timeless products. Fjällräven’s core value of sustainability is present in every design, action, and initiative undertaken by the company. Sustainability also fuels the brand’s constant desire to inspire more people to discover and enjoy the outdoors, thereby contributing to more widespread interest in nature and its protection. In 1960, Fjällräven’s founder Åke Nordin created the ultra-strong but lightweight backpack Lätt at a time when most backpacks were bulky, uncomfortable, and not doing a particularly good job of supporting one’s trekking

Where our clothes come from is a question we ask ourselves more and more these days. It used to be taken for granted where (or how) our clothing was made. But today’s consumers, with the help of top outerwear brands, are educating themselves on what goes into making the latest technical shells, hiking boots, and other eco-friendly clothing. Adventurers want to know what materials their packs are made from, and skiers want to know where the down in their jacket comes from. After everything nature has given us, we need to do our best to conserve it.Outdoor brands have taken

Smartwool is synonymous with merino wool. From warm cozy socks to full-body base layers, their apparel is made to keep you warm, dry, and smelling fresh. Dedicated to making apparel for nature's biggest challenges, they're now taking on a challenge of their own. Sustainability is the name of the game. They're looking for ways to grow and produce apparel with the planet in mind. Here are some of Smartwool's plans for a more sustainable future. Materials Goals Smartwool is on a journey to making a better product that actually benefits the environment. Their goal is to replace all non-renewable synthetic fibers that

Every change of season involves the same routine: you pull out your clothes from the back of your closet and sort out what no longer fits, what is no longer in good condition or what is no longer in style. The arrival of the new season is the perfect time to add new items to your clothing collection. The changing of the seasons is also the time when we get new brands. For spring-summer 2021 we introduce Cotopaxi, Tentree, FOX, Praise and Miles Baby. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Cotopaxi   Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product

Arc'teryx Designer Tanya Hall (Credits - Ryan Hetzel) We spoke with Tanya Hall, Arc’teryx Design Manager, and lead designer of the popular and highly versatile Beta LT. She told us about the design process and the latest upgrades to the lightweight GORE-TEX shell What inspired you to design the Beta LT? Equity and access to the outdoors are important. Being in nature improves people’s wellbeing. I wanted to create a very approachable shell in design/feature set and price, to appeal to a wide audience to support as many people as possible in getting outside. What was the design process like

Cross-country skiing may look slow-motion to those used to the speed of downhill, but in fact it’s a tranquil way to get outside and exercise - and far more demanding physically than you might think. What’s more, it’s widely accessible, with low-cost gear and trails that anyone can reach by public transportation. In The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide, our own Stéphanie Major shares her best tips and opens up about how cross country skiing helps her with seasonal depression. With many favourite activities cancelled or postponed due to COVID, and people getting more sedentary in winter anyways, there’s never been

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been cross-country skiing for years, Calgary is an excellent place to explore on skis. With beautiful aspen-lined trails and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, cross-country skiing in Calgary is nothing short of exciting. Beginners can check our The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide to get started, then pop on over to our What To Wear Cross-country Skiing blog before you go.This guide to the city’s best cross-country ski spots includes parks and courses in town, as well as areas that make for a fun day trip not far outside of town. Beginner,

No need to go off the beaten path to discover snowy landscapes and trails that cut through the woods. The Ottawa and Gatineau regions are full of places to practice cross-country skiing– alone or with the family, beginners and experienced skiers alike have plenty to choose from. Whether you're in town or in the country, hundreds of kilometres await you if you're looking to get out into nature. Below you'll find our team's favourite places to go cross-country skiing in winter 2021. If this is your first outing, don't forget to check out our guide on how to dress for

Take your running routine to the next level with GORE-TEX, the best waterproof membrane available. From torrential downpours to light drizzles, you’ll want to keep your feet dry, which is why we’ve prepared a list of the best waterproof running shoes on the market. With the right apparel and footwear, you can say goodbye to boring indoor routines on the treadmill and tackle the wet weather with confidence. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Arc'teryx Tackle slush, mud and rain in the Norvan LD GTX trail running shoes.  Designed with GORE-TEX membrane, the Norvan LD 2 fits like a glove and offers exceptional weather protection

Since its first release in 2013, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket has been a favourite among ultralight hikers. Even now, its warmth-to-weight ratio is nearly unparalleled in the lightweight puffy category. Then in 2020, the brand dropped a revamped version—the Ghost Whisperer/2. In this review, we cover all the features the new model inherited from its predecessor, as well as those features both new and improved. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know to decide whether the Ghost Whisperer/2 is worth its steep price for your adventures. Things to Consider Before

Brands like The North Face and Patagonia have been making high-quality technical wear for years. You know that old, dorky-looking jacket that your dad wears to go hiking? The one with all those extra pockets made from something called GORE-TEX ? That's just the predecessor to the high-end gear you see on the streets today. But urban techwear is much more than a cool, updated version of your dad’s jacket. AestheticFrom head to toe, it’s an aesthetic that prioritizes functionality, through the use of ultra-durable weatherproof fabrics and features. It pairs sleek, seamless designs with a utilitarian approach and functionality. Its

Increasingly popular in recent years, cross country skiing is enjoying a meteoric success in this pandemic year, and there is no shortage of places to cross country ski near Montreal. Some, well known to the general public and particularly popular with families and Sunday skiers, are much busier this year. Others, more hidden-away, offer a snowy paradise for skiers. No need to rush to the P'tit Train du Nord! This short article reviews five of our best places to cross-country ski in the Montreal area. And to find out how to dress for your outing, check out our head-to-toe guide.

When you purchase a high-end down coat, you're making an investment. A good one at that: the right coat keeps you warm, dry and stylish all winter long. If you take good care of your coat, it can last many years - even a lifetime. Why not take advantage of the change of season to give your coat a boost of freshness? Find out how to clean your down coat to ensure it's ready to wear when next winter rolls around. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Down cleaning products   Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name

If you’re like me, you may be experiencing a special kind of melancholy this year; an unfortunate synergy between your run-of-the-mill winter blues and the novel coronavirus blues. Most days we’re stuck indoors, counting down till summer, trying to catch but a glimmer of sunlight through the short, overcast days. But while there’s many ways to deal with this bummer, here’s one you haven’t considered: Winter camping. Really—what better time to hit the trail? It’s the pinnacle of social distancing! Best of all, you’ll have the lovely woods all to yourself. There’s no better way to recharge your body and

Last year saw an unexpected revamp of the classic Arc'teryx Alpha SV, the Canadian brand's answer to severe alpine weather. And we won’t lie—when we first got wind of the news, we were both excited and a little worried. You see, reboots have a knack for spoiling the original (looking at you, Ghostbusters 2016). But as soon as we got our hands on it, we were more than just pleasantly surprised. So much so, we couldn't help but write an Alpha SV Review. In terms of both material and design, the renovated classic is a cut above its predecessor in all

From insulated shoe covers and three-finger gloves to windproof cycling pants and comfortable mid-layers, the right cycling clothing for winter is all you need to spend the cold season on two wheels. We've prepared a guide to winter cycling clothing to help you prepare for the cold. Winter Cycling Jackets Finding the right winter cycling jacket or jackets is key for cycling to work in winter. It is your protection from the elements and the source of warmth that your muscles need when the frigid, winter winds bite. Because winter brings with it a variety of conditions, you may be

In the adventure backpack world, Osprey reigns supreme. Powerful long-haul carriers; light, technical trekking and hiking packs; transportation solutions of all kinds: Osprey is a sure bet for carrying comfort, functionality and durability.A less known fact is that Osprey uses their quality materials and rich know-how to create beautiful urban lifestyle bags.  From comfortable day packs to colourful tote bags, Osprey offers sleek builds and all the functionalities you need to make the best of your everyday journey. The brand has also embraced sustainable practices by opting for recycled materials and bluesign-certified fabrics, so you can carry their pieces with

The cold is the main reason why so many people dislike winter. Yes shovelling the snow in your driveway, or sliding down the sidewalk might make things even harder, but that can't be controlled. What you can control is how you're going to stay warm. For those who don't ski or snowboard, the fun doesn't have to stop once the temperature drops.Here's a selection of urban and technical jackets that will keep you stylish, comfortable and confident this winter. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Arc'teryx Even if the Cerium LT Hoody can be used as an intermediate layer, the Arc'teryx jacket is warm enough

The fourth season, for many, is winter, when the temperature drops to subzero and the snow starts to fall. But there are many who live to see that first snow for different reasons–the beginning of ski season. It's the time of year when we gladly go to the back of our closets, size up our ski clothing and dust off our ski gear. While you keep yourself active the remaining three seasons of the year, we all know you’re really just waiting to strap on your boots and kick them into your bindings before tearing down white powdery trails. For

Take your pick of the four seasons and you'll find that each one comes with unexpected weather and changing temperatures. Ready to embark on an outdoor adventure? Fortunately, we are not made of sugar so a little rain and mud shouldn't' keep you from enjoying the outdoors, it only makes it more exciting! And with the right gear, you're ready for anything. Finding the perfect raincoat or choosing the right winter jacket aren't always easy tasks but they aren't impossible. For those spending a lot of time commuting, if you don't already, you should have at least one GORE-TEX coat

Champion. Philanthropist. Big scarf sensation. Taste-maker to the stars. Serge Ibaka, pro NBA basketball player, is all this and more. Now we can add apparel Designer to the multi-talented Congolese forward’s list, thanks to his capsule collaboration with Toronto-based Nobis. While Serge may have moved his basketball address from the Toronto Raptors to old pal Kawhi Leonard’s Los Angeles Clippers, his Queen City connection remains strong with Nobis’ involvement in the collection, dubbed Nobis X SERGE IBAKA. It’s Serge’s first foray into the design world, and for Nobis, a first collaboration with the man they named global ambassador in 2019.

With the forecast announcing snow, conditions will soon be ideal to strap on your snowshoes and head out on an adventure. For beginners, finding the best snowshoes among all those available on the market can be a little daunting. Especially since the models offered nowadays are more specialized. You can leave the huge wooden babiche classics behind. Snowshoes have greatly evolved from a technical standpoint and are specialized according to specific types of activities. For the uninitiated, the choice can be overwhelming. Our snowshoe guide rounds up our best snowshoes by activity and explains what to keep in mind when