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

When we finally arrived in Oslo, the city welcomed us with a radiating early May sun, and crisp blue skies. It was two days before the official start of High Camp Turtagrø, a multi-day ski touring event which takes place in the Jotunheimen Nasional Park, which Altitude Sports had been invited by Norrøna to take part in. Our group spent Wednesday evening sharing stories and getting to know one another over some fine wine and a savoury bowl of Fiskesupp (fish soup) as the Norwegian sunset. We laughed, we smiled, and it was hard to believe we were all strangers

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

  The first day I put this on it felt like a warm hug. A very comforting sensation as this was going to be my main sweater during a series of multi-day hikes through the Yukon. My first impression of comfort transferred well into the field and took the edge off of those Northern nights. Shop Patagonia Better Sweater Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Warm Comfortable Flexible Form-fitting The cons are: A bit heavy In regards to the aesthetic, I believe this sweater can work well in a casual setting but is best suited

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,

Well known within the outdoor industry for their apparel and technical equipment, American brand The North Face has been working since 1966 to offer consumers a variety of high-quality products. Like their motto states, The North Face encourages you to "never to stop exploring" and to discover all that nature has in store for nature lovers, who forests and mountains are like a second home. Yet, aware that not everyone has the chance to walk paths and peaks daily, the brand decided to create the Cryos collection to appeal to the fashion conscious urban dwellers. The brand has dedicated its expertise to the fashionistas

Arc'Teryx is no stranger to producing high-quality goods that just simply, work. The Phasic Sun Hoody has quickly become a staple for any of my adventure's and it still remains that understated but stylish Arc'Teryx allure. I've always been a fan of Arc'Teryx equipment, mainly because it is a no-fuss, easy cleaning and durable no matter what you purchase. Shop Arc'teryx Men's Collection Our review of this product The pros are: Colour: In this day and age, sometimes being under the radar is a relief, so kudos for the subtle colours scheme. Fit: Perfect! Venting: Air flows in, air flows out

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

Trying new shoes and evaluating them? Yes, okay ... Salomons? You bet, obviously yes! I had the chance to get to test out the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX shoes during a trip to the Adirondacks and here's what I thought. Shop Salomon Footwear Our review of this product 8/ 10 The pros are: Very comfy Efficient lace system Excellent grip Do very well on soft park path Feel light Can be used for hiking too The cons are: Lack of colourfulness (I love colours) GTX a bit hot for summer Lacks of traction on rocky trails First Impressions Saturday

Fall is the best season for chic ensembles complimented by a stylish pair of leather boots. You can turn a regular outfit into something more sophisticated by pairing it with some tall boots and knee-high socks. If tall boots aren't your thing, you can always compliment your jeans or skirt with a lower cut boot, which you can dress up or down depending on your mood. Lucky for you, we've got a variety of leather boots styles from your favourite brands that are just waiting to spice up your fall wardrobe. Dr. Martens Women's 1460 8 Eye Smooth Leather Boots

"How did you just do that whole race in that jacket?" As with many good-natured cross-country skiers, a racer had approached me for a handshake. We had just crossed the finish line, exhausted, and using our skate skiing poles to hold us up. "Aren’t you boiling in that thing?" And that’s been the story of the Arcteryx Norvan running jacket for the last twelve months. It’s a jacket that comes with a lot of questions. Question: “Aren’t you overheating?” Answer: “No.” Shop the Arc'teryx Norvan Collection Our review of this product 10 / 10 The pros are: A Gore-Tex running

Softshell jackets are known for their exceptional breathability, flexibility, and weather resistant properties, making them ideal garments for all aerobic activities. Softshells are versatile and perform well as a layer under a waterproof shell or as a stand-alone jacket in sunny, more mild weather. Whether you're a skier, cyclist, runner, climber, or mountaineer, a softshell jacket can become one of the most valuable pieces of apparel in your outdoor activity wardrobe. To the outdoor enthusiasts with endless adventures under your belt, we know the right gear makes a great impact on your experience. To make your life easier, we've selected

Osprey has been in the backpack business since 1974.  It’s all they do – so it isn’t surprising that they do it very well.  The Ozone 46L Travel Pack is no exception. This bag provides ample, well-organized storage, and comfortable ventilated straps all in an extremely light weight package. Shop Osprey Backpacks Our review of this product 8.5 / 10 The pros are: Lightweight & well ventilated Multiple pockets for versatile packing options Easy access to contents even with compression straps fastened Comfortable straps, harness & hip belt can all be tucked away Large enough for travelling but the light

Earlier this season, The North Face introduced their XtraFoam™ technology which was created to eliminate foot fatigue so that you can explore for longer. This technology is composed of four parts; an XtraFoam Core, Perimeter EVA Midsole, ESS Snake Plate™, and the Vibram® XS Trek Outsole. XtraFoam™ can now be found in a handful of The North Face boots and shoes, including the brand new Mountain Sneaker. Crafted to make your approach that much more comfortable, the Mountian Sneaker is a shoe designed for the trail. This sneaker is available for both men and women in a mid-rise as well as a regular model

A softshell jacket should be a staple in any outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. For mountaineers, ski tourers, and even cyclists, softshells make an optimal layering piece for high-output aerobic activities in a variety of weather conditions. On cool, dry days, they make a great stand-alone layer, but when the rains are pouring, you'll want to pair your softshell with a waterproof hardshell. However you decide to wear your softshell jacket, they are exceptionally breathable, manoeuvrable, and comfortable. Below are our top picks for softshell for ladies who are looking to grow their collection or just add a little tech to their

I had a Patagonia Synchilla fleece before, a long time ago.  It was a pull over like this one, in a green and blue colour that I liked very much.  It had a marsupial pouch in the front that I did not like very much, because aside from keeping my hands warm I couldn’t really put anything in it.  It also wasn’t very long and wearing a pack with it was a bit uncomfortable because the hem in the back would ride up and end up above my belt.  I ended up giving it to my brother, who still wears

The Blue Kazoo by The North Face is a quality sleeping bag offering increased comfort and exceptional performance. Insulated with 650 treated down, the sleeping bag resists moisture and provides consistent performance even during prolonged use. During our test, we used this sleeping bag every night for three consecutive weeks in the Icelandic spring without ever losing performance. The rainy nights and the wet days when the sleeping bag cannot be ventilated have not diminished the comfort and insulation. Shop The North Face Sleeping Bags Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Perfect collar, sufficiently deep and

The North Face has created the Apex Flex GTX jacket, a completely hydrophobic softshell jacket. Excellent for a rainy day adventure, protecting yourself against a windy mountain top or as a cool weather all round jacket. Shop The North Face Our review of this product 8/ 10 The pros are: Durable: With 3 layer GORE-TEX and the soft knit face & backer this jacket is burly and sure to stand up to whatever you throw at it. Fit: With “Active Fit” this jacket is spacious and allows for layering underneath. Price Point: The Apex Flex is one of the most

When it comes to shopping for a new coat, there's always that one questions that is always asked.  Do you buy a coat that is insulated with synthetic or down? Of course, everyone has their preference and can lead you on a rant about what they think although it may or may not work for you. Before getting lost in the world of jacket insulations, here are a few tips and tricks about each so you can make your own decision and choose wisely. Down Coats VS Synthetic Coats For starters, the biggest difference between these two popular insulation types is

Arc'teryx is no stranger to innovating perfection, and when they first decided to enter the footwear game, everyone was eagerly awaiting their entry. Sure enough, it doesn't disappoint; with an integrated tongue, cord-of-let lacing and a durable, robust outer that stills breaths, this is surely the one shoe to fit all of the Cinderella's at the ball. But can you handle the 80's bowling shoe style? Our review of this product 9.75 / 10 The pros are: love the style comfortable fit durable materials extremely waterproof The cons are: would have liked to see a quick lace system First Observations

When it comes to vacation, the first decision to make (and this is often the most difficult of all) is where to go. Will you be flying to the other side of the world to discover the Australian Outback or do you prefer to explore the steep streets lined with colorful houses in San Francisco? The possibilities are almost infinite! However, the next choice you will have to make will be just as delicate: what do you pack? When you have limited space and a weight limit, finding the right suitcase if a must. If you're bound for a more

Cross-country running can often be spent crossing streams or battling muddy sections (losing shoes in the mud is a specialty of mine) and a shoe that can thrive in these conditions can potentially get you on the podium. Hense, new to the line-up is the S-LAB XA Amphib shoe. Shop Salomon Our review of this product 8.9 / 10 The pros are: Evacuation of water Lightweight Grip in wet conditions The cons are: Tight getting on The XA Amphib is a 4mm drop light running shoe with its eyes set on wet conditions. First, the upper is made from a

Some families will take these months to embark on family adventures to far off destinations in foreign countries. Others will head into the wilderness for weekends of camping and others will enjoy stay-cations and explore all there is to offer in their own town. However you spend your summer vacation, these few months of fun create memories that are cherished by the whole family.If you’re a parent with a busy schedule and have a hard time finding the time to fill your kids’ free time with activities and fun, why not send them to a summer camp? Sports camps, arts camps, educational camps, there’s a summer camp

It's that time of year where the kids run wild and free and spend their day's enjoying their summer activities. If you're one of the may parents who works a busy schedule throughout the year, a summer camp may be a great option for your little ones. They can learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy their summer vacation to it's fullest before heading back to school. There are multiple summer camps to choose from around the world and many offer different activities. Before you can send your little one off for a few weeks of fun in the sun,

With the good weather setting in, there are few excuses for not getting out on a bicycle and exploring new routes. Now that you have prepared your bike for the season, it's time to prepare yourself for cycling and get equipped. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just ride your bike to get to work in the morning, there is a wide range of clothing and accessories that will make your life easier once you get behind the handlebars. Tops Craft Women's Velo Graphic Jersey Buy Now Castelli Women's Riparo Jacket Buy Now Louis Garneau Men's Metz Lite Cycling Jersey Buy Now

Don’t be offended but the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG might not be your shoe. And the people at Salomon are probably fine with that. After all, they arguably hold the largest share in the ever-expanding trail running market. And they made the Speedcross, a shoe that every runner should own. But Salomon had a particular runner in mind when they designed the S-Lab Sense 6 SG. If you’re wearing a fitbit, this might not be your shoe. If you’re racing “just racing to finish”, this might not be your shoe. If you call this “jogging”, stop doing that immediately,

Knowing a few good fire starting hacks can make this process a breeze and are a great way to impress your fellow campers.Everyone has their hacks that they live by and practice every time they head out into the woods. If you haven’t got any fires starting hacks of your own, here are a few of our favourites that are sure to impress your camping crew. Dryer Lint & Toilet Paper RollYou know that fuzzy pile of lint you extract from your dryer after every use to prevent a spontaneous combustion? Yah, that fuzzy stuff that wrecks havoc when it sticks

Arc'teryx is continuously setting the stakes high for the outdoor industry and blowing our minds with innovative designs and technology. They do not settle for mediocre and will constantly strive to improve and better their products which is exactly what has happened with the Bora Ar backpack. Our review of this product 9.75 / 10 The pros are: Made of waterproof materials RotoGlide™ hipbelt = no uncomfortable rubbing Hydration compatible Side access zippers The cons are: It would be nice to have zippered pockets on the hip belt Arc'teryx's Bora pack was first introduced in 1994 and revolutionized the backpack