“Our mission is to inspire the world to discover and to walk within nature. We believe strongly it will make a saner future for everyone. And we have our experience and our passion for nature to guide us.''  -Martin Axelhed, President of Fjällräven The Classic hike was created by Ake Nordin, founder of Fjällräven, to celebrate the Scandinavian concept of friluftsliv, life in the outdoors. In 1970, the company started this weeklong outdoor hike, lending equipment and explaining how to use it. Forty years later, I am invited on the very same hike in Northern Sweden, continuing this splendid tradition.

This year The North Face launched their #SheMovesMountains campaign, an inspiring initiative looking to change the face of exploring. There’s no better influence than a role model with whom we can identify. The movement shines a light on powerful female athletes from all over the globe whose adventures are building the foundation for a new generation of explorers. Shop The North Face A post shared by Ashima (@ashimashiraishi) on Apr 3, 2018 at 9:42pm PDT Hilaree Nelson From the smoldering volcanoes of Kamchatka to jagged Bolivian peaks, Hilaree is first and foremost a ski mountaineer, but also an insatiable explorer.

When Mountain Hardwear launched the StretchDown jacket line a few years ago, the groundbreaking stretch and flexibility marked a mini-revolution in the down jacket universe. This season they’re back better than ever with the Super/DS StretchDown, a down-filled jacket designed for movement and exclusively available in Canada through Altitude Sports. Shop the Super/DS by Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown highlights : 800 fill power RDS-certified down No-stitch seams Insulated hood Internal drop pocket and single zippered chest pocket with headphone cord port 85% nylon, 15% elastane 90% Goose Down, 10% Goose Feather 426,5 grams Innovative Engineering. The Super/DS StretchDown is not your

Salomon is best known for their trail running shoes. Ever been to a trail race? Most athletes will be sporting Salomons. It’s not for nothing they’re a major player in that universe. Over the last couple of years, Salomon is being seen in a distinctly different environment: the city. From Montreal’s hip Mile End to the runways at Paris Fashion Week, you see them hitting the pavement everywhere. During our visit to Salomon HQ in Annecy, France, we had the pleasure to talk about this phenomenon with Jean-Philippe Lalonde, the Lifestyle Footwear Program Manager. Shop Salomon View this post on

Salomon is known for their trail running shoes. Go to any trail race, and it’ll likely be the brand most worn by athletes. They are the leading trail running brand after all. But in the past 2 years, Salomon shoes started to appear in a different environment: the city. You can spot them in the hip Mile-End neighborhood of Montreal, in the most trendy sneaker boutique or on Paris fashion runway. We travelled to Salomon HQ in Annecy to learn more about the phenomenon and meet the team behind their fashion footwear collection. And there couldn't have been a better

If you're a Salomon fanatic who loves adding new shoes to your technical shoe line-up, your footwear collection is about to get a little more black with Salomon's limited edition S/LAB Black Edition collection. New this season, Salomon's S/LAB collection is getting a subtle makeover. Replacing their eye-catching colours with shades of black, the S/LAB Black Edition collection blends the sleek designs you love with the sharp elegance of black. Shop Salomon Footwear Created in the Salomon design center in Annecy, the Salomon S/LAB Black Edition evolved from the idea of creating "a serious look, for serious progress." Available in three different models

With the state of the planet today and growing climate concerns,  brands like The North Face and many others, are beginning to take matters into their own hands. When it comes to the outdoor industry, conserving the environment is a big part of the business. From adjusting company manufacturing policies and routines to sharing knowledge with loyal customers, protecting the playground that we all play in is a serious topic. In order to do their part in conserving the nature that we admire and appreciate, The North Face has made a few company changes in hopes to lessen their impact on the

With the start of September behind us and the back to school rush slowing down, it's the perfect time to reflect on the summer and take a breath of relief knowing the first few days have been conquered. Now is also the perfect time to shop for a new school bag! Now that book costs and tuition fees have most likely been taken care of, treat yourself with the Herschel Supply Co. Little America backpack. This must-have urban bag is a hit among students young and old and is simply a great and stylish backpack. Available in a variety of

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

2017 marked the debut of The North Face Apex Flex GTX® Jacket and this year it's back with a posse allowing you to rock your favourite Gore-Tex® coat in the city, on the slopes and on the trails. Wherever the rain is falling, the Apex Flex GTX® jacket provides the waterproof protection you can rely on. Available in a longer fitting trench, a parka and a hooded jacket, the Apex Flex can easily satisfy any raincoat needs, both for urban and active pursuits. The main model in the collection is the Apex Flex GTX® jacket which is now available in an updated

I’m genuinely thrilled to have had the opportunity to test the Helly Hansen’s LifaLoft Insulator Jacket. I have never really owned many products from this brand and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and dexterity of their product. As an insulator product this jacket has a very specific function and provides a necessary service to all kinds of athletes and adventurers. Shop Helly Hansen Lifaloft Collection Our review of this product The pros are: Warm Light Wet Weather resistance Does not absorb moisture The cons are: Susceptible to wear and tear Less stylish look The Lifaloft is a perfect mid layer

When you're an active person, finding a raincoat that provides the weather protection you need without impeding your movements is crucial. Biking is my sport of choice and unlike skiing, surfing or sailing, you can get out and enjoy a pedal in just about any weather. Whether the sun is shining or the skies are grey and threatening rain, any ride can be as exciting as the next as long as you are prepared for the weather. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell has been my raincoat of choice for bike rides and I think the name showcases why -

Down or down-alternative jackets that are geared for shoulder season wear are incredibly versatile.  Compared to larger winter weight jackets, lighter jackets can be worn under shells more easily, and compress down to small sizes which makes them perfect for keeping in your pack on overnight trips.  Nothing beats finishing a long day on the trail, crawling into your tent with some warm dinner, and throwing on a puffy. Shop Patagonia Our review of this product The pros are: Length is great - long enough to not slide up when bending over or crouching Huge pockets on the outside Very

The Abisko Trekking Leggings are the solution to the question that plagues us all when it comes to packing our luggage for a new adventure in the woods. Everything is there: ultra-light, hyper-stretchy, breathable fabric that dries quickly. These combined features make any hike comfortable, even when you're going through a variety of terrain and temperatures. No more contact with ragweeds! Shop Fjällräven Our review of this product The pros are: Both lightweight and thick Fast drying Breathable Extremely strong knee and buttocks reinforcements Comfortable allows a great amplitude of movements Pockets for essentials The cons are: Too warm for

Choosing a backpack is always a bit tricky, especially when you leave for a long time and you plan to put away your whole life. Are you the kind of person to be afraid of missing something on a trip? Are you the type to repack your bag countless times in order to fit as many items as possible? However, to avoid having to take breaks at any time or to have knees that ask for grace after a few steps, you have to travel light. Before leaving, do not forget to think about comfort, weight and practicality! Discover our

We had the chance to meet Louis Garneau during the launch of our new ‘Altitude Sports X Garneau’ collection. The world-renowned athlete was kind enough to answer a few questions about his company, the oldest cycling brand in North America. Shop Garneau Altitude Sports: How did you transition from cyclist to businessman? Louis Garneau: I started racing when I was 12 and stopped around 25, after the Olympics. I always liked making things. I studied art, that’s what I liked best in school. I was interested in painting, sculpture, wood furniture making, and antiques. In 1982 my girlfriend and I

Sometimes all you want to do is wear a dress and if the rain is falling, who's saying you can't? There are plenty of cute dry-weather coats to pair with a dress to complete your elegant look but raincoats are a little different. Finding the right raincoat that looks as cute with a dress as it does with your favourite pair of leggings or denim can be a challenge but there are some worthy models out there. To the ladies who flaunt their dresses no matter what the weather brings, this list of raincoats to wear with a dress is

Solo camping is great, but it's even better with a partner you can share the experience with. Together you can make memories that you can later reminisce about and it also helps add an extra element of safety on an overnight adventure. The best part of camping with a partner is that a lot of camping gear is now available in sets of two or made for couples. You can pool your budget together and avoid the hassle of bickering over the more cushy mattress or bigger bowl. Camping never goes out of style, so the products just get better every year. This

Finding the right waterproof-breathable shell that will protect you from all bad weather is not an easy task. Although people might not admit it, it is a major part of your equipment and can often represent an equally major investment. The most important aspect of a shell, in terms of quality, is a combination of the membrane used, but also the cut. After that, look into the features and options each shell comes with- some might have too much or too little for your liking. For example, where are the pockets located (chest or down by the waist), is it

Showing up to work sopping wet can put a negative vibe on anyone's day so a reliable raincoat is essential. Finding a raincoat suitable for hiking can be a lot easier than finding one that works well with your Monday to Friday work attire although it isn't impossible. For the dapper gentlemen who spend their weeks in chic suits, here are our top rain jacket picks for you. Shop Men's Raincoats Stutterheim Unisex Stockholm Raincoat The Stutterheim Unisex Stockholm Raincoat is an inlined coat made of rubberized cotton and double welded seams. If you're looking for a fairly slim and

We said it already, but we - at Altitude Sports - have a soft spot for Scandinavian brands. More specifically, we think that RAINS and Stutterheim often stand out because of their capacity to bring their products to another level. Always in simplicity, the technical design is made for wet and humid climates - while giving out the opportunity to keep an urban and sleek look. What is even more interesting with these two brands is that they offer unisex clothing in a variety of appealing colours. Unisex Stockholm by Stutterheim This handmade jacket is made out from rubberized cotton and

While the summer heat keeps giving and weekends at the lake aren't over yet, back to school preparations are just around the corner. Whether your youngest is about to start their very first day of school or your oldest is headed for the final year down the lockered hallways, send them in style with JanSport backpacks. Shop JanSport Right Pack Expressions 31L Shop Black Label Super Break 25L Shop Madalyn 25L Shop Hatchet 28L Shop More than 40 years later since it started making backpacks and outdoor gear back in 1967, JanSport continues their expertise with their classic and innovative designs that are

A Little Fjällräven History Let me tell you a bit about the makers of the Fjällräven Kånken. Fjällräven is a brand that started making framed backpacks over 50 years ago.  Since then, they have been making clothing and equipment, often out of their waxed, and tough poly/cotton fabric. They've been a go-to for outdoor adventurers for years, and now they are the latest in hip, understated urban wear and accessories. The Kånken is a cool, minimalist backpack perfect for all sorts of people and adventures.  In 1978, this now iconic pack was designed for adorable little Swedish school children. Kånken

If you’re like me the first thing people ask as they come through the front door is “ How many pairs of shoes could you possibly need? ” And it’s a fair question; a runner’s shoes often dominate the front closet. To a non-runner, all shoes might look the same. Faded colors, a coating of dried mud, half-worn rubber lugs. But to a dedicated runner, patterns emerge. There’s a couple pairs for the road. A couple pairs for distance. There’s a pair saved for racing. And then there are several pairs kept on a shelf of their own. The after

While we aren't made of sugar and venturing out in rain weather never hurt anybody, not everyone is as keen to play in the rain as the ducks at your local pond. For those who are, rain is merely an added twist to the adventure and a reliable raincoat with flexible weather protection is a simple solution. With a wide collection of rain gear comes a variety of weatherproof technologies which are trusted by many outdoor adventurers and The North Face has added their Apex Flex GTX® jacket to that list. Although it was designed as a raincoat, the Apex Flex GTX®

2018 marks the fourth edition of our limited edition Altitude Sports X Garneau cycling kit and this year's design showcases dark tones and polka dots. We have chosen dark navy for the core colour with slight red accents in the form of polka dots. The inspiration derives from the night lights in the city and the somber shadows. In order to capture the night ambiance of this kit, we took to the streets for a night photo shoot. Shop the Altitude Sports X Garneau Collection [shopify_product id="1312955662439"] [shopify_product id="1312956088423"] [shopify_product id="1312955727975"] [shopify_product id="1312956121191"] For 2018, we offer three kits: a race

I assure you that you will come to love the Vibram FiveFingers Furoshiki shoe for more than their snazzy appearance once you let your feet slip inside. Shop Vibram® Furoshiki Shoes Our review of this productThe pros are:No movement restrictionCompact & lightweightEasy maintenanceThe cons are:Low breathabilityGradual transition from non-minimalist shoes a mustComing from the concept of the traditional Japanese packaging wrap, Furoshiki, the shoe ties itself around the top of your foot with little or no pressure at all. Wrap & go! They are very lightweight and can be rolled up into their little carrying case to be brought anywhere, on

The Thule Subterra pack fits me incredibly well and has a surprising amount of storage space for a pack of its size. It’s the first non-hiking pack I’ve used regularly in years and it does not disappoint! It makes a cozy companion for commuting or cycling around the city. Shop Thule Subterra 30L  Our review of this product The pros are: Comfortable External Handles Durable Water Resistant Ample Storage The cons are: Could benefit from additional external access Subterra Features The Thule Subterra pack boasts many features and delivers on them expertly. With 30L of capacity, it easily accommodates my

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus is a four-season R value-5 sleeping pad, which allows you to use it year round in a vast array of temperature ranges. Furthermore, the sleeping pad is 2.5 inches thick which keeps you off the cold ground. I used this air mattress from temperatures ranging from -5° Celsius to 12° Celsius and have slept comfortably every night. I was never too hot or too cold any of the nights I have used this sleeping pad. This makes the sleeping pad extremely versatile! Shop Sea to Summit Mattresses & Accessories Our review of this product The

Summer means warmth and sunshine. As the temperature rises, it can be tricky to know exactly what to wear and not overheat. To help you take advantage of your favourite summer activities, Icebreaker developed Cool-Lite. This technology combines the natural benefits of merino wool with TENCEL®, a eucalyptus-derived fibre. This unique combination results in clothes that breathe and evacuate heat easily. Shop Icebreaker Cool-Lite™ Collection Advantages of Merino Wool [shopify_product id="241609998357"] [shopify_product id="10057825606"] [shopify_product id="10057837638"] [shopify_product id="163704537109"] A favourite among outdoor enthusiasts, merino wool is known for its numerous technical qualities. Several are quite useful when it comes to keeping

At Altitude Sports, we are particularly proud of our origins and to celebrate Canada Day on July 1st, we decided to put our local brands in the spotlight. For the occasion, we offer you week-long discounts of up to 30% on many of our Canadian brands, as well as products designed and produced here in Canada. Better still, we've put together a little contest to help you win a great Canadian product: a Terry crewneck sweater from the Canadian brand Reigning Champ. Win a Reigning Champ Sweater What? A classic Terry mid-weight crew neck sweater from the Reigning Champ brand

Today it’s easy enough to find a variety of dynamic clothing for your children. The Canadian market has also blossomed, and if you’re thinking to outfit your kids in style, take a look at Luvmother, Little Yogi, and Electrik Kidz. These adorable new brands are not only Canadian-made, they strive to create high-quality and environmentally-friendly products. Shop Our Youth Collection Little Yogi [shopify_product id="299384995861"] [shopify_product id="299384963093"] [shopify_product id="299385225237"] [shopify_product id="299385159701"] Little Yogi was founded by a mother-and-daughter team. They pour their imagination and invention into creating amazing products for kids, with three principles as their foundation: High-Quality Materials What’s amazing