Chaco Sandals For Summer Outdoors
Searching for the best all-around outdoor sandals for summer in Canada? Chaco could be your brand. Known as "Chacos," the legendary footwear company has built a reputation thanks to its simple, durable, and adjustable sandals fitted with a single webbing strap. Below, we've curated the best Chacos for beaches, pools, hiking trails, and water sports. These provide you with the functional comfort and support you need for walking long-distances and many summers of strenuous wear. They come in a range of styles for the whole family, and with both the normcore and fashion communities adopting their signature chunky midsoles -
Norrøna Svalbard Cotton Jacket Reviewed
The Svalbard Cotton Jacket is great for the person that wants it all. This jacket can be worn out on the hiking trails, out biking, running errands in town, or out for dinner with a pair of black skinny jeans. I am in love with the indigo night colour (dark blue) - it looks sharp with absolutely everything. Our review Pros: Long back Large hood Lots of pockets Cons: Short arm length Water-resistant, not waterproof First Impressions This jacket has a very classic look, yet can stand wind, rain, and light snow. It stays breathable for when you start
Norrøna Svalbard Cotton Shorts: the Perfect Everday Short
I might have once looked at Norrøna's Svalbard Light Cotton Shorts and thought to myself, "those look like mom shorts." Now that I have a pair, I think to myself, "why did I not buy these sooner?!" Our review Pros: Fastening loops on the side Super comfortable Options to roll up or down Cons: More colours First Impressions A lot of shorts and bottoms, in general, tend to bag out at the waist after a few hours of wear, especially for those that have no hips like me. So the greatest thing about these shorts is the adjustable loops
Norrøna Svalbard Lightweight Anorak: the Go-To Adventure Anorak
I’ve been looking for a lightweight jacket for all my outdoor adventures, and I've finally found it! The Svalbard Lightweight Anorak by Norrøna is the perfect jacket for venturing out, and great for when the weather seems questionable. Our review Pros: Great fit, Long back. Large pocket Comfortable Cons: More colours I would love to see one that is completely waterproof, rather than water resistant. Whether it be for hiking, camping, outdoor sports, or riding your bike in town with the kids, this jacket is the bomb. I brought the jacket to my softball game last night because the
Get To Know ACC Running Coach Aurelie: Shoes, Travels & More
We started ACC as a running club any level of runner could join while promoting good vibes and an inclusive community – a community that runs together every Wednesday at 6 PM. Even though ACC operates at a 'social pace,' we wanted a professional on board to teach proper techniques, give fitness advice, and help runners find shoes that work for their feet... Enter ACC Running Coach Aurélie Collette. With over a decade of experience as a marathoner and trainer of triathletes, Aurélie helps you improve your running stride. We sat down with her to learn more about her role
Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket Review
Patagonia - the name conjures a remote part of Argentina and incredible natural beauty. To the outdoor clothing industry, it represents an iconic brand logo of a mountain sunset, amazing clothing, and sustainability. Led by its founder Yvon Chouinard, the clothing company has promised 1% off all profits toward environmental causes. The company also doesn't sell Vests to finance bros, which is a plus. Patagonia's renowned apparel collection includes high-quality technical gear that ranges from casual styles to Gore-Tex shells for summiting alpine peaks. I had high expectations for the men's Stretch Rainshadow jacket as the brand has a reputation
Who’s Wearing What at The Tour de France? Cycling Gear Featured in the 2019 Race
As cycling fans and passionate riders, we’ve compiled a list of the gear you’ll see at this years’ Tour de France. From Castelli Jerseys to limited-edition Oakley sunglasses and aerodynamic Fizik saddles, we’ve got the leading apparel and bike accessories you’ll see at every race stage. What is The Tour de France? The Tour de France is the pinnacle of cycling. The race combines-lung busting climbs, blisteringly fast time trials, and photo-finish sprints. The 2019 edition of The Tour de France starts on July 6th with the Grand Départ from Brussels. The race ends, as always, on the Champs-Élysées in
Keen Venture Mid Waterproof Boots: Tested in the Mountains
I awoke at the trailhead to the gentle sounds of raindrops tapping on my windshield. It’s spring in the east and it seems we haven’t seen more than a few hours of sunlight in the past few weeks. Snowmelt and steady rain make for muddy trails and swollen river crossings, the perfect setting to test out Keen’s new Venture Mid Waterproofs. With a quick breakfast in me, I laced up the boots and hit the trails. Shop Keen Venture Mid Our review of the Keen Venture Mid Waterproof Pros: Slim profile and comfortable soles Plenty of ankle support Sealing and
Helinox Chair One Review: Camp-Ready!
A couple years ago I was out camping with friends… I pull out my chair and get cozied up to the fire. A friend looks at my chair and says… ‘You camp how many times a year, are constantly adventuring outdoors and this is your camp chair?’ BIG LAUGH TO FOLLOW. Shop Helinox Chair One Our review of this product The pros are: Lightweight Durable Comfortable The cons are: Missing a cup holder ;) My camp chair at the time was pretty flimsy, not comfortable, and definitely not made for my kind of adventures. It took up so much room,
Performance Jogger by Vuori Review
I don’t remember having had such a pleasant tactile experience with a garment.For sleeping or going to yoga. For running or going to the gym. For going on road trips, relaxing at home or on the beach, the Performance Jogger is ideal for any level of activity. They are so easy to wear that you’d be tempted to put them on as pyjamas and wear them throughout the day (guilty).Pros:Ultra soft and comfortableClassic cut both casual and stylishPractical waist adjustment cordQuick-dryMoisture-wickingPretty detailsGreat stretchCons:Weak fabric The details make all the difference. The structured yet relaxed fit benefits the silhouette. The ⅞
O’Neill Hyperfreak Hydro Boardshorts Review
I’m not a professional surfer, but I've owned a ridiculous amount of boardshorts. The reason is simple, they just keep getting better. Materials have gotten stretchier, lighter, faster-drying. The shorts I owned just a few years ago are pretty much obsolete compared to what’s available now. Pro’s Con’s Thin stretchy material: these shorts have more range of motion than your yoga teacher Hemless seams on the legs No-tie fly gets rid of the drawstring Insanely quick-drying Limited size range: The no-tie-fly doesn’t leave you much room for error, or room to grow either. Pro tip: if you’re not sure what size
Fjällräven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket Review
My first thought when I got the Fjällräven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket designed for rainy weather was, "This looks super sharp!" followed by, "I can’t wait to try this out!" Cue consecutive weeks of sunshine… Normally I’d be stoked with a few weeks of nice weather but that made it a bit challenging to test the waterproof shell. I had to get creative - and I’m pleased to report that whether under a showerhead, a garden hose or even pelted by water balloons the Keb Eco-Shell kept me perfectly dry! The neighbours think I’m even weirder than before of course... Our
Made in Canada Men’s Clothing Brands for Summer 2019
It’s Summer, and we're celebrating by showcasing our premium Made-in-Canada men's clothing brands. From Victoria's Viberg handmade leather boots to Vancouver's innovative Veilance, and Toronto's Bather swimwear, we've got you covered from coast-to-coast. What sets these guys’ clothing brands apart from the competition - outside the fact they're made here? It’s quality. Their apparel is manufactured in Canada, giving them an edge on design and material production. They are also leagues ahead in aesthetic and refinement - let's call them trendsetters. Shorts, shirts, swim trunks, and fine denim - we've got the best in Canadian-made men's clothing for summer 2019
Made in Canada: Women’s Styles To Wear This Summer
With temperatures rising and the long weekend ahead, it’s time to break out this summer’s trends. Why not take advantage of the Canada Day Weekend to stock up on Canadian-made clothing? Whether soaking up the sun on a Vancouver beach, sipping an iced latte in a metropolis, strolling by the sea in Nova Scotia or living it up anywhere in between, these brands whip up the perfect summer looks. Shop our Canadian Brands FIG's Modern, Wear-Anywhere Style ENI Dress Shop Now BEL Skirt Shop Now DAO Pants Shop Now Elegant, versatile and comfortable, FIG staples are the perfect companions
New UGG Women’s Sandals for Summer in Canada
Cozy sheepskin lined footwear and women’s winter boots - that’s how UGG built its reputation in Canada, the United States, and beyond. When most of us think of the brand, we see people (mostly women) walking around campuses, offices, or cities in the ultra-warm suede boots during the colder months, not summer sandals. But sandals are what we’re talking about - more specifically the new UGG Braelynn and Jane Patent women’s styles. This brings us to the company’s newest 2019 summer collection, which happens to offer sandals and slides perfect for summer in North of the Border. Get ready to
How to keep your electronics safe and powered on adventures
Okay, you may be thinking “I go outside to connect with nature, why worry about electronics?” Well, I have a similar view but many of my trips involve remote locations and the need to capture photos, videos, and sound. This article is my 2 cents and geared to those who want to be able to keep their gear safe and functional for days on end. First off, there are varying degrees of complexity in a tech set up but the main concerns are protection, power and weight. My set up would change slightly on a canoe expedition versus a hiking
Deuter: 120 years of backpacking adventures.
With the array of features, styles and brands available, it’s not easy choosing the right hiking backpack. If you’re still hesitating after figuring out what you need, best to trust the people who’ve ‘been there, done that’ – and continue to lead in innovation and design. Enter Germany’s Deuter, with over 120 years of revolutionary evolution in backpacks and more, creating technical quality packs for every need imaginable. Shop Deuter Sac à dos Futura 22 SL Shop Sac à dos Futura 30 Shop Sac à dos Futura PRO 34 SL Shop Sac à dos Futura PRO 44 EL Shop Hans
DANCING WITH THE MOUNTAINS: Trail Running In The Rain With Arc’teryx Marketer Josh Barringer
It seemed like the sun hadn’t woken up. Dark rain clouds contrasted with the bright green of the Cove Forest. The droplets splashing on the car hood soothed our eyelids, still groggy from the early morning. The vehicle swept over Indian River Drive, a winding vanishing point of a road whose only yellow line served as a landmark in the deluge and enclosing trees. "This is where I feel most alive," said Josh, who parked in a spot known only to locals. That morning, Jennifer and Josh, teammates at Arc'teryx marketing, met us at dawn to go trail running on
Columbia Sportswear Travel Outfits: Packable Sun & Rain Apparel for Summer
Every travel outfit starts with comfort. Columbia's range of travel clothing makes summer getaways more comfortable than ever. With sun protection, wrinkle-resistance and packability, these ensembles work from airport touchdown to urban exploring - no need to change at the hotel. Choose a UPF hat to keep the ultraviolet rays off. Find tops and bottoms that shield from the sun and look the part. Pull out a compact emergency rain shell when the weather turns. Everything you want for warm weather adventures comes in Columbia Sportswear's clean styling - now book your trip and hit the road. Shop Columbia For
PEPPERMINT Bikefest: The PEPPERMINT Cycling Experience
Saturday morning, I packed up my road bike and hit the road early for Mont Tremblant. It is PEPPERMINT Bikefest this weekend, and I get the chance to participate in the fun alongside many other like-minded women. This event is a cycling event dedicated to bringing women together through the sport of cycling initiated by PEPPERMINT Cycling. You can sign up for one of the two types of cycling offered (road or mountain bike) and join other fellow female cyclists on the trails or the road. While I usually reach for my mountain bike and head for the dirt, this
Adventures Close To Home with the Deuter Futura 26 SL
Adventure. We all seek it out. We want to feel the thrill of unexplored trails, never before seen vistas and the feeling of something new. The secret is though, we don’t need to travel far from our front door for adventure. Just grab a backpack and go. Like me, you may often be guilty of thinking that a lot of preparation, hours spent driving and tonnes of gear are needed to call an activity “adventure”. However, I’ve learned that adventure is so much more than that. It’s the ability to throw only the essentials into a daypack like the Deuter
You Can Have it All – Ultra Fastpack III Trail Runners by The North Face
The right pair of shoes makes all the difference when getting outside and active. This is especially true of trail running, where you push your limits on demanding terrain and not always in the easiest weather conditions. The Ultra series by The North Face features their Fastpack models, designed for runners looking to devour the trails while bettering their performance. Shop the Collection Mix the protection of a hiking boot with the flexibility of a running shoe – this is the gambit The North Face took on when designing their Fastpack products. The secret to making it work is an
Vuori Kore shorts review
Then again my Vuori Kore shorts, in black, aren’t in a sexy product category. Athletic shorts are meant to be utilitarian. Sure, Vuori offers louder prints and a price tag that could turn some interested heads, but where these shorts excel, much like my non-ripped body, is performing beyond expectations.I’ve run 10km and slept in them. I’ve done hot yoga and plunged into frozen lakes with them. What I have yet to do is find their limit. Our reviewPros:Soft, velvety texture ad luxury feel.Quality drawstrings, drawstring ends and hardware.Subtle, thin and soft liner allows comfort with or without boxers.Length and fit are
Wear This, Do Good: The Bottle Source Collection by The North Face
384,000 pounds of recycled plastic bottles. That’s what The North Face’s Bottle Source collection is made of. It’s a remarkable initiative with both style and a plus for the planet. Discover the collection Chandail à capuchon Bottle Source - Homme Shop Chandail à capuchon Bottle Source - Homme Shop Chandail à capuchon Bottle Source - Femme Shop Chandail à capuchon Bottle Source - Femme Shop Never Stop Exploring The North Face slogan evokes summits scraping the clouds, paths snaking through forests, streams shimmering in the sun…In fact, our planet’s medical report paints a far from rosy picture. To adhere to
RAINS: Modern and Comfortable Rainwear
Spontaneous spring showers can be a nuisance, but with a stylish raincoat that is comfortable to boot, you can welcome spring showers with open arms. Rains recognizes the need for comfortable rainwear and offers a collection of products that successfully blend fashion and function. It is a brand dedicated to providing rainwear and accessories that are modern yet crafted to withstand the gloomiest, wet weather. Shop RAINS Behind the Brand Founded in 2012, Rains set out to reinvent the classic rubber raincoat into something more modern and functional. Starting with a single poncho their first year, the brand followed-up with
A Journey through the Southwest
The first signs of spring are upon us. Every day the sun feels a bit warmer and daylight stretches out a bit longer. Ski lifts have now shut off for the season and wet snow gives way to muddy trails. We love winter in Quebec - the snow has a way of transforming a landscape like no other, but every year around this time we get the urge to go. This year we dreamed of desert towers, long open roads and cool nights under the stars. As a landscape photographer, road tripping through the Southwest is a rite of passage,
Haida Gwaii: Have You Heard of the Islands of the People?
Have you heard of the Islands of the People? A place that sits in the Northern Pacific Ocean, exposed to the harsh brutal Arctic storms, worlds removed from the reaches of modern connectivity. Should you choose to venture to the archipelago you can do so via air or sea. Choosing the seafaring route my friends and I set off on the longest and most remote ferry passage we have ever taken. We did this so we could bring our vehicles to explore this hidden world more commonly known as Haida Gwaii. It’s been on my bucket list to travel to
Hit the Trails & Road in Our Newest Cycling Brands this Season
While it may have been a slow start in some parts of the world, the sun is beginning to shine, and spring is finally here. If you're a cycling enthusiast, the sign of spring is a heaven send and those extra hours of light are a doorway to endless two-wheeled adventures. There's nothing better than finishing a day of work to an extra few hours of light to enjoy your outdoor activities. This season we have a collection of new cycling brands to offer to our active cyclists. From aero spandex to relaxed trail style, you're sure to find the
Never Stop Exploring Responsibly: L.A. to Joshua Tree & Back with The North Face
The plan was simple: fly to California for a project, then ride to Joshua Tree to explore the National Park in the desert with The North Face. That morning we’d set out from LA with supplies strapped to our dual-sport bikes. But the plan had been in jeopardy. The longest US Government shutdown in history had closed all national parks. During the shutdown, The North Face issued statements regarding the need for vital park protection services. Partial services had returned, and a window opened for us to head out that weekend. We’d seen the news but didn’t know what
Top 5 Sleeping Bags of 2019
The magic of camping comes mainly from the joy of waking up in the mornings, at the edge of a calm lake or looking as far as the horizon will go from the peaks of a mountain top. To truly appreciate the view, however, it is necessary to have the required energy. Even in the forest far from the comforts of your cozy bed at home, it is possible to get a sound night of sleep. When it comes time to drift away into a deep slumber, choosing the right mattress is essential, but having a sleeping bag suited to your needs
ACC Running Club: an interview with club founder & Altitude Sports Buyer Simon Pelletier-Marcotte
We at Altitude Sports are all-season runners - but spring and summer are when we hit the streets in numbers. Our new ACC club welcomes any runner, no matter your level. This year we’ll be involved in the sponsorship of running events, holding product testing clinics across Quebec, and showing up almost any place where running is the focus. Simon Pelletier-Marcotte, one of our buyers, founded the club. He’s a gear and footwear aficionado who’s followed his passion for running everywhere he’s been. From running with top clubs around the world to hanging with the shoe designers, Simon truly has
Altitude Sports X Garneau Cycling Kit: The 2019 Edition Has Arrived
Get your bike ready, the latest Altitude Sports X Garneau collaboration has finally arrived! Every year since 2015, Altitude Sports and Garneau have teamed up to create an exclusive collection of cycling apparel and accessories that combines style and performance. The years go by and cycling apparel looks alike... except when it comes to the Altitude Sports X Garneau collection. From black and white lines to a camo pattern to sober black, the patterns have varied greatly over the years and 2019 is no different. To highlight the 5 years of tradition, we got a little daring and added some
