Before starting to explain why I favour rolling bags on vacation, I would just like to make something clear: yes backpacks with a heavy capacity are sometimes more handy: on treks that is. They allow you to carry your luggage more easily through rugged paths by evening out the weight on the shoulders and hips. But if you are not planning on venturing into a forest, I highly recomment the rolling luggage.
See what Max thinks about rolling luggage
Many of us partake in the outdoors often, but still live in an urban environment. Versatility is the key if you want to buy one item to do both city and other (ie: high alpine, mountains, forests, etc). The mid layer is one piece that cannot be omitted from a conversation about versatility. A good lightweight mid layer is worth it's weight in gold- too bad it is lightweight.
Before starting to explain why I favour rolling bags on vacation, I would just like to make something clear: yes backpacks with a heavy capacity are sometimes more handy: on treks that is. They allow you to carry your luggage more easily through rugged paths by evening out the weight on the shoulders and hips. But if you are not planning on venturing into a forest, I highly recomment the rolling luggage.
See what Max thinks about rolling luggage
Naked trees, cold nights, news items on snow tires and an avalanche of squash-based dishes. You know what that smells like? Vertical sliding. Blazing down trails. Skiing and snowboarding. It also smells like innovation. In that spirit, I've scoured many products to make my top 5 new gear for this year. From the Arc'teryx Rush to the Black Diamond Cayenne, these hand picked items will make sure you dominate the slopes with your style and performance.
Arc'teryx, Black Diamond, Oakley, Burton & Icebreaker all make it to our top 5
This week I decided to proceed with a review of four classic down jackets for men. Even though each one of these models was made for braving extreme cold, their urban look makes them excellent city coats. Anybody who has waited at the bus stop for twenty minutes in Québec’s bone-chilling winter winds will understand the advantages of a good coat. The four models under review are: The North Face McMurdo Parka, The North Face Ice Jacket, the Canada Goose Expedition Parka and the Canada Goose Ontario Parka.
Where They’re Made
Many people are initially surprised by the difference in price between these two brands. I don’t really like to repeat or quote myself, but for the benefit of the cause here is an explanation from my previous article: Canada Goose is made in Canada, whereas The North Face (in the case of the McMurdo Parka and the Ice Jacket) are made in China.
Click here for more information in my most recent article: The North Face Gotham vs. the Canada Goose Chilliwack (in French).
After trying them last winter, I have to say they’re all very warm: the kind of jacket good for walking around outside in, but that needs to be taken off on the bus or in the metro. The differences between each one are small in detail. For example, the Expedition has more down than the Ontario. The North Face Ice Jacket and the McMurdo Parka have the same amount of insulation. The down used in both the Canada Goose jackets is white duck down with a fill power of 625, while the two North Face Jackets are filled with goose down with a fill power of 550. In my opinion, the difference between the two types of duvet is too small to cause any hesitation.
Read more about these Canada Goose and The North Face jackets and parkas
Lacking inspiration to astonish your loved one? Don't want to do like everyone else during this special day? We understand. It's the moment of the year where love turns into fireworks, and you've only got one chance to shine, baby. Highly recommended, these surprises will kick some vitamin D back into your couple. After all, times are hard with the dim post-holiday routine. You've never offered a romantic outdoor gift? Come on, be a little daring with our Top 5 outdoor gifts for Valentine's Day.
See all top 5 Valentine's Day gift ideas
Last January, we organized a warehouse sale with Altitude-sports.com and we were blown away by its success. You were a huge amount of people to line up at our warehouse in Montreal. Ever since, we haven't stopped getting questions about when we'll have another such event. That's why I think you'll be happy to hear about the recent launch of The Last Hunt, the first website in Canada to dedicate itself to selling heavily discounted outdoor gear and apparel. It's like a 24/7 warehouse sale, all year round. You'll find name brands such as The North Face, Arc'teryx, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Merrell, Mammut and many others. The discounts are unbelievable. To find out about new shipments and special promotions, I recommend you join the mailing list or "like" their Facebook page.
Shocked by the logo? It's certainly special, but there are three very good reasons behind its look.
Find out about The Last Hunt's rules
At first glimpse, the Sigma AR has everything you want. This glove was designed for downhill skiing in just about any conditions. It is insulated with 200g of Primaloft, a synthetic insulator known to conserve your heat, even when it is moist or wet, unlike down. It is a big plus for a sport like downhill skiing where there is intense physical activity followed by doing nothing as we go back up the chair lift. Arc’teryx also placed Polartec® arctic wool Mid Loft on the inside skin to maximise the insulation capacity. On top of this, the glove is Waterproof/Breathable thanks to a GORE-TEX® XCR® layer. It seems very durable with its ultra flexible Lezanova Leather coating on the inside of the fingers. The Sigma AR also covers the wrists very well and is easily adjustable with the cord that can be tightened with only one hand. The Element look, that is so often coveted by skiers (don’t be ashamed), is sober, and proven in the purest of Arc’teryx traditions. All in all, they passed with flying colors on paper, so I decided to test it!
Read more of Maxime's review of the Arc'teryx Sigma AR gloves
You've been waiting to get your Canada Goose jacket since August but it seems to be taking its sweet time getting into stores? You know exactly what model, what size and which colour you want? Are you tired of making 10 calls, visiting 4 stores and 6 websites a day, asking "Have you received the Canada Goose Trillium Parka in Black, Medium, yet?"
We have good news for you then: Altitude-sports.com thought of you by setting up a pre-order service! Its simple, we've decided to free up, in advance, a limited quantity of coats that we've ordered directly from Canada Goose. By ordering a model identified as a pre-order right away, you automatically reserve your jacket. We'll ship it to you as soon as we receive it at our warehouse. Not only will you get your coveted down-jacket, but you'll also receive either a Canada Goose t-shirt or a pair of merino wool socks to thank you for your patience.
Check out our Ladies' Canada Goose jackets section as well the Men's Canada Goose jackets to see the available pre-order models. Hurry; quantities are limited and this offer won't last long!
*Please note that we can only ship Canada Goose products to Canada and the United States.
Read more about Canada Goose pre-orders
This old jacket of yours is still waterproof and you still love its look? Why change it then? Is it still as breathable as it use to be when you bought it? If water is not beading on it anymore the answer is probably no. Check out this video to learn how to give it back its full breathability!
If you want to learn more about waterproof-breathable jackets:
Altitudipedia: Waterproof-breathables
Top 5 Women’s Waterproof-Breathable Shells
Check out related washing and DWR products

The Equipped to Answer contest came about when Outdoor Research challenged Altitude-sports.com. Together, we chose 10 products and gave them to 10 different employees so they could test them out. The Altitudians had to be honest and report both the positive and negative aspects of the products. The Equipped to Answer entails answering a quiz by finding the answers in articles below. That’ll give you the chance to win an Outdoor Research kit (men or women) or one of 10 Altitude-sports.com membership cards!
Click here to learn more about the Equipped to Answer Contest by Outdoor Research
If you are an outdoor apparel bargain hunter, all your dreams have come true!
Altitude-Sports.com is launching a new outlet section at their Mont-Tremblant store. There you will find amazing deals, up to 60% off, on The North Face, Arc’teryx and Icebreaker apparel for men, women and kids! Items are from previous seasons, including both summer and winter collections. It’s a real goldmine, definitely worth a detour to Mont-Tremblant (St-Jovite)!
The store is located on Highway 117 at St-Jovite in a new shopping centre, Promenades Tremblant. Click here to see a map. Our store is located between Puma and Mexx. Other stores found here include: BCBG Max Azria, Tommy Hilfiger, Stokes, Souris Mini, La Vie en Rose, Le Château and Avalanche. Most of these stores also offer great deals on clothing on sale.
Also, for a limited time only, take advantage of the great deals below. Please note these deals are only available at our Tremblant store.
Hey Everybody,
Once again this year, Altitude-sports.com and Altitude-blog.com will be at the Montreal Outdoor Festival (French-language site), which will be held from the 14th to the 16th of May at Parc Jean Drapeau.
Since one of our goals is to surprise you every year, we've been working really hard to come up with original concepts. Now, thanks to highly scientific and cutting-edge technology, we'll test the depths of your soul to discover your outdoor personality! Are you Extreme ? Urban? Or a Weekend Warrior ? Are you Mount Manaslu, Mont-Tremblant ou Mont-Royal? Are you part mountain goat, raccoon or squirrel?
Click here to find out more about the contest
On February 27, 2010, during the 7th Montreal Highlights Festival, Flexigloo set itself up on the quays of the old port. Altitude-sports.com is proud to have helped out this unique tribe.
For the second year in a row, this mobile animated shelter provided some warmth at the festival’s peak – this long winter night filled with cultural activities. The Flexigloo is an event concept designed to shelter festival goers while they’re waiting outside or going to and from different activities. Once inside the igloo, people are entertained with a good dose of funny Nordic tales and a goblet of chocolate chai. The actual igloo and the interactions among the Iglooite tribe are amusing enough in themselves.
Click here to check out more pictures
Hey there!
Those who subscribe to our newsletter are already aware of it (you can join by adding your email address in the upper right hand corner); we're currently throwing a great End of Season The North Face Sale at Altitude-sports.com.
You can immediately start taking advantage of rebates that go up to 50% on over 330 selected products. Whether you're looking for apparel for men, women, or children, equipment, men's or women's footwear, odds are our selection will satisfy you.
This offer is only valid for orders placed on our website. You can pick up your orders in store if you like!
Here's a sample of the deals you can get by checking out our website :
The North Face Men's Tahoe (down!)

Regular price: 300,00$
50% off price: 150,00$
Regular price: 430,00$
50% off price: 215,00$
Read more about the End of season The North Face Sale
Bargain hunters, remember these historic dates!
January 28-29th from 5pm to 9pm (this Thursday and Friday), Altitude-sports.com is opening its doors for the first time, to liquidate its inventory surplus.
Take advantage of rebates of up to 60% on current year clothes, shoes and equipment. Get up to 75% off on previous seasons' stock. A great opportunity to get your hands on quality products at tiny prices.
We'll do our best to have you remember this event for a long time with a great selection of top brands such as The North Face, Arc’teryx, Icebreaker, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Merrell and many more.
Where is this mysterious warehouse?
6600 rue St-Urbain, Suite 410, in Montreal(between Beaubien and St-Zotique). It's on the fourth floor. Exit the elevator and you're there.
Click here for some Google Maps help.
More info on the Altitude-sports.com warehouse sale