One of the joys of the outdoors is getting to see the night sky far away from the city lights. What a wonderful feeling to lie on your back and lose yourself in the Milky Way. It always takes me away on an interstellar journey, reminding me in the end of how small we really are.
I’m far from being the only one who likes looking at the stars. Stargazing has been one of humans’ favourite activities since the beginning of time. The following image proves this well.
I thought you might like this. The Season looks at five lives in outdoor sports. Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Snowboarding and Kayaking. Check it out.
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.
If you're like me, you find mountains amazingly inspiring. Inspiring to do what? That I do not know exactly. I guess just inspired to breathe in the majesty of life. Wow, that was pretty cheesy, but hey, that's what mountains do to me. And I've always said (since, like, now) that life is like bread, it's better with cheese.
Anyways, check out Environmental Grafitti for some sweet mountain pics. The theme is the interaction between mountains and clouds.
Even small things make a big difference. And I’m a big guy, so I’m preaching against myself! Kidding aside, if you want to be having the time of your life outside in the winter, you’ve got to be well prepared and by that I mean well dressed. And by well dressed, I mean you don’t notice what you’re wearing. 'Cause when it’s -15C and the wind is howling, if something is out of place you’ll know right away and you’ll suffer the entire time. I'm not a fan of needless suffering.
Arc'teryx Rho LTW Neck Gaitor - Raisin
Which is why I really like the Arc’teryx Rho LTW Neck Gaitor. I’ve always found a good neck gaitor to be an essential part of my winter arsenal and I really find the outdoor industry does not give it enough importance. Read more about the Arc'teryx Rho LTW Neck Gaitor
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.
I’m a lucky man. You see, I’ve got a new favourite shirt. The Icebreaker Men’s Bodyfit 260 Slalom Zip to be precise.
I wear every chance I get, which is often.
It is simply amazing for when you want to spend significant amounts of time outside when it’s cold. No silly, it’s not waterproof nor windproof and actually isn’t all that warm. But that doesn’t detract it from being an awesome baselayer. Quite the opposite in fact.