Ahhh, winter. Season of breathless beauty. Season of heavenly outdoor activities. Season of hellish weather.
That hellish weather sure takes a toll on your footwear. Especially if you're inclined to wear running shoes or sneakers. Boots simply aren't made for everyone. I for one prefer shoes simply because my bike is my main mode of transportation and you pedal better with sneakers than with boots. Not to mention that once you are inside, shoes are much more comfortable. We all have our reasons and whatever those are, we want something for the winter.
Wondering about which to get between The North Face Arctic Parka, the Mountain Hardwear Downtown, and Canada Goose Kensington, The North FaceMetropolis? It's a tough choice. Well look no further has we’ll explain the differences here. But first, let’s check out the similarities.
This week I decided to treat myself and talk to you about two of our favourite jackets here at Altitude Sports. All the employees have at least one or the other, if not both. I have both. Made for men and women, these two coats are lightweight, synthetically insulated, and great for fall, spring or even winter if you’re often moving from inside to outside during the day.
The Women's North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket
The North Face Men's Redpoint Optimus Jacket
Arc'teryx Women's Atom LT Hoody
Arc'teryx Men's Atom LT Hoody
Synthetic Insulation
The North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket became an employee favourite a couple years ago, when we first discovered Primaloft, the best synthetic insulation on the market and the closest imitation of down available. Click here for more information on the company, which also makes insulation for your home! Well-loved because it is very breathable, very light, dries quickly, and efficiently stores your body’s generated heat, this insulation regulates body temperature during drastic temperature changes, such as going from inside to outside. What’s more, a thinner layer of Primaloft is required to obtain the same warmth as down and it keeps you warmer even when wet or damp.
With winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today’s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: the Gotham Jacket by The North Face and the Chilliwack Parka by Canada Goose.
Last winter I answered a lot of questions from many clients on Altitude-sports.com, who wanted to know the differences between these two very similar models, their style and their characteristics. With an urban look, these hip-length jackets are insulated with down and made for men and women. They have plenty of pockets, fur around the hood, and rib-knit cuffs that keep out the wind. One last point before we get into the heart of the matter: down is a very effective insulator, and even though there are other synthetic options such as, Primaloft and fleece, it is still the best for those who don’t stand up very well to the cold.
The arrival of the beautiful season that is Fall also brings temperatures, that for many, are harder to manage. Carefully choosing your clothes to avoid suffering through the winter becomes a veritable science. Advice is wide-ranging and depends on many factors. Even if many of us have developed an outdoorsy side, reality is often much simpler and more dramatic.
We spend most of our time inside: metro, bus, car, work, school, cafés, restaurants, home, but once we step outside, it’s hell frozen over, just like the post-apocalyptic road from “The Road” leading to Vostok.
Montréal in the winter
Obviously, even if I’ve also suspected that the best set-up is to wear merino underwear and a down insulated Himalayan one-piece, it’s important to take a look at a plethora of other possibilities. Here’s one of them that I’ve choosen to wear for a typical Fall day. My friends, here’s where I reveal myself to you by sharing the secret of my set-up for the day. Check out my underwear...or read more about my sartorial technical style
"Hahaha!" I can hear you already: "Is he serious? Is he really doing an underwear review?"
The answer, dear reader, is: “OH YEAH!”
If you knew what I know, you would have already written one. But what can I say, I’ve been pretty busy these days; but not too busy to continue my love for merino wool. We here at altitude-blog.com love the merino. That being said, I’m just gonna step up and say that no one loves it like I do. In fact, if I had any musical talent, I would probably have written this little ditty
For this first article, dear reader, I want to tell you that, I, Cindy, yes me here, am not adept at any extreme sport. I’ve never gone camping, I ride a bike once every five years, I don’t go to the gym because the idea of being a lady hamster on her wheel mortifies me, and I’ve never backpacked around the world either, BUT!!!!
I’m a super yoga pro at Ardha Chandrasana!!
Alright, I admit it, I’m not as gracious as the photo when I do it, but I can at least flatter myself by saying I can balance on one leg without falling….or almost! ;-) Read more about Cindy's ideal yoga clothes
Most tree planters are very unconcerned with their appearance. People go days without showering. Brushing hair is a hysterical waste of time. Wearing the same clothes is a practical delight. They wear odd compilations of chewed, borrowed clothes and rare new articles replacing last year's long dead and weather ravaged ones. Finding styles that accentuate their hips and bust, or that slim out their legs, or that are the right colours, is NOT a priority. Clothes should serve their primordial purpose, which is to protect you. Because if everything else is soaking wet or moldy with sweat, and all you have is an over-sized purple and blue dress shirt that makes you look like an inflated rubber ball, you may as well wear it with pride; any other way and your entire chest will be blistering with sunburn. It’s function over form out there folks. And remember: it’s not what you’re wearing, it’s how you wear it.
That's it. We had so many questions, requests and threats that we finally gave up.
"You should make your own t-shirts. They would be awesome."
"Do you have any Altitude t-shirts I could wear?"
"I will tattoo your logo on my chest if you don't send me an Altitude t-shirt now!!"
Our answer:
Well, we've done it. For the 2009 Montreal Outdoor Festival, we decided that we would all be wearing an Altitude Sports t-shirt. So far, the comments have been quite encouraging.
Alex L. and Mauricio, the happy hikers (sorry Alex..)
