Equipment Rental: try before you buy

Altitude-sports.com Montreal at 4140 St-Denis offers the best equipment rental program in town. Three things separate it from the competition:

1) Try it before you buy it; when you bring it back, the amount you paid will be given to you as a credit valid on anything in-store.
2) Our equipment is from the latest season (not old junk).
3) Our rental prices are the lowest around.

Want to equip yourself with hiking and camping gear so you can head out into the woods and have some fun? Want to test out products before buying them?  We had your interests at heart when we created our rental system.  Basically, rent equipment from us, at the lowest prices around, and you will subsequently receive the amount of your bill as a credit to be used in-store.

Try out a rental tent and see how it stands up in the woods.  If you did not enjoy the tent for any reason, simply use the credit to buy another model.  The longer you rent it, the bigger your credit will be to purchase that dream product you always wanted.  And you can use the credit to buy anything: shoes, a jacket, a sleeping bag, whatever. Please note that rentals are only available at the Altitude-sports.com Montreal store.

Once a year we have our blow out sale on the rental fleet, letting us purchase new gear once again for the following season.  Sign up to our newsletter to find out when this sale occurs.

Find out what we have below or by calling 514-847-1515

Prices

How it works

Reservations/availability

You can reserve ahead of time, depending on availability.  Sometimes products can no longer be available; a good reason to call ahead and reserve before making your way to the Montreal store.

Cancelling your reservation

You may cancel your reservation without penalty 5 or more days before the pickup date.  If you cancel your reservation  with less than 5 days until pickup, an amount equal to the full reservation will be debited from your credit card.  You will still receive that amount as a credit to be used in-store (see below).

Payment

The rental fee will be charged in total at the moment of pickup.  To reserve, we accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover as forms of payment.

Security Deposit

A security deposit will be charged to the credit card used for payment, and must be in-hand at the moment of pickup as a form of identification.  Meaning you must have a credit card when you come to pick up the product(s), so that we may take a security deposit.  The card will automatically be debited if the product(s) are lost, stolen, broken or brought back late.

Pickup and return of product 

Pickup of the rental product(s) can be made at noon the day before the first day of rentals, and the return can be made upon opening of the store to 1pm the day after your last day of rental.  Pick up and return is to be made at the Montreal store located at 4140 St-Denis, within its hours of operation.  At the moment of return, the employee responsible for rentals will, in your presence, inspect the product(s) rented.  Please expect about 20 minutes in total for the whole process to be completed.

Policy concerning late returns

For every day the product(s) are late, double the daily rental fee will be charged directly to the credit card used to pay for the rental.  Furthermore, no credit note will be issued for any product(s) returned late.  Let's be clear- don't be late.

If you are planning or even dreaming about a 'Round the World' (RTW) trip you might find just about everything you need to successfully plan your adventure right here.

Seeing the world is a common dream, but putting together a RTW multi-continental trip takes a lot of time and hard work; there’s a lot of reading to do, destinations to search, money to save, gear to buy, and most of all flights and accommodations to secure before you write your “Goodbye Boss” letter.

I have been there!

I am not a RTW specialist but I just returned from a 3 month, 64500 km ( 40075 km at the equator), 4 continents, 19 flight trip…and I traveled by plane, bus, subway, donkey, elephant, bicycle, train, canoe, péniche, Tuktuk, taxi and foot. So I understand the excitement of planning and embarking on once in a lifetime trip.

To give you a push in the right direction, I will (over several blog articles) outline a few considerations you will need to think about before you start searching for the best quote on the market; it can be helpful with lowering your airline cost  and total budget.

Good planning will ensure an efficient use of your travelling time and that your RTW will be truly memorable.

So check back regularly…I will let you know about my own experience.

Rhéaume

A few more teasers:

The warm weather has hit us and unfortunately you no longer have an excuse not to take your bike out.  To rekindle that love we know everyone secretly has for their bike(s), Altitude-sports.com and Dumoulin Bicyclettes are joining forces to get people out on a nice, easy ride around Montreal on the 21st of May.  At the end of the ride we will be serving hors d'oeuvres, some wine, and delicious discounts.

The two-wheeled escapade will be approximately one and a half hours, and will begin at Dumoulin Bicylcettes (173 Jean-Talon East) on Tuesday May 21st at 6pm.  After a little snack to energize the group (and some deals in-store), we will get you out on your bikes, discovering the small, quaint streets of Rosemont, the Plateau Mont-Royal, and the bike paths nearby.   It all ends at Altitude-sports.com (4140 St-Denis st) for munchies, drinks and more discounts.

The staff at Dumoulin Bicyclettes will be pleased to share with you their passion: bicycling as a means of urban transport (and pleasure).  Altitude-sports.com will be there to help you choose the appropriate clothing for cycling in the city, rain or shine.  It'll be like when the two halves of the Double Dragon medallion come together- unstoppable!

For everyone who RSVPs and shows up to the event, their will be discounts occurring in both stores.  Even more exciting will be the numerous folding bicycles you can try out on the ride, generously provided by Dumoulin Bicyclettes.  You will be surprised just how practical they can be: ride to your metro station or bus stop, fold it up, and take a seat without any hassle.  Just that easy.

Don't miss this social, fun and aerobic evening.  Tell your friends and family, and get signed up.  This event is for any level cyclist, so don't be shy.  Don't forget your helmet and bike lock.

Their is a limit of 80 inscriptions: RSVP here!

We look forward to pedaling with you.

We love the outdoors, but like many of you no doubt live in a large metropolis.  There are a whole lot of people, and with people comes garbage.  Look out your window right now and no matter where you are I can guarantee you will see litter on the ground.  Why not change that?

Montreal has been doing a great job of pushing people, communities and businesses to spend some time doing something about the problem of litter.  The 3rd, 4th and 5th of May are designated as days where you can sign up and join people in your community who wish to give a little clean to our wonderful city.  If you happen to be a French linguist, have a read.

It was disgusting.

We took this to heart on Friday when we went to work outside our office and did a serious clean job on the property.  To get an idea, our building is surrounded by grassy/concrete fields which seem to be a black hole for garbage and debris.  It has never been pretty, with its peak of ugliness hitting when the snow melts.

By the end of our cleaning we had 18 large garbage bags full of, you guessed it, garbage.  We found six shoes (none of which matched), 35 bags of dog poop (we hope it was dog poop), 4 random large pots, and of course oodles of beer bottles.  On the creepier end of the spectrum we found a bath robe and a girl's doll.

Inspired by our energetic staff and the city push to clean up your environment, we got some gloves, garbage bags and cleaned up.  We spent three hours sweating, laughing and raking, and in the end loved the outcome.  Furthermore Louis invented hot dogs in a glass.  Basically, when you don't have a bun you pour your condiments into a glass and dip your way to happiness.  It'll be the next sliced bread.

In the end we had a blast and were happy with the results.  Hot dogs and cool beverages followed the hard work, and the new work of removing the splinters began.  Hopefully they won't get infected.

Final result.

Merrell has recently made its way into the limelight (once again) thanks to its minimalist shoes.  The minimalist style of shoe became an ''overnight'' success, and Merrell has not looked back, creating a plethora of models for any and every body (we reviewed two models last year).  The word 'minimalist' is often thought to be synonymous with running shoes, but that is just not correct.  Although Merrell has produced some wondrous Barefoot models like their Pace and Trail Gloves,  they have not limited the technology to just their running shoes, and their 2013 lineup clearly illustrates this point.

The new Proterra Sport is the perfect example of a men's versatile, minimalist shoe from Merrell.  The Proterra Vim Sport is the women's equivalent.  We take a look at the men's model from Merrell, and you may be pleasantly surprised just how versatile this hiking shoe is.

The first thing you notice when you slide your foot in the Proterra Sport hiking shoe is the lack of a hiking shoe feel.  How can you hike in this light, flexible and comfortable shoe?  Hiking shoes aren't supposed to be like this- at least they weren't before we met the Proterra Sport.  Right off the bat you notice the minimalist construction: your foot finds itself much closer to the ground, giving you a much more responsive shoe.  If you have any other Merrell minimalist or Barefoot shoes, you will understand this feeling.

This means that unlike your previous hiking shoes, which may have had a stiff shank or thick soles to ''protect'' your foot, the Proterra Sport goes in the opposite direction, and tries to get you to feel more of what is under your foot.  Merrell says that this will actually increase your stability, presumably because your brain can react more quickly to feet that feel more underfoot.  I tend to agree with this stance, but it may take some getting used to leaving behind your clunky hiking shoes.

You may snicker at the thought of the Proterra Sport being a hiking shoe due to its surprising weight.  In your hand they feel more like heavy flip-flops than hiking shoes.  This may not seem like much but after four or five hours out on the trail (or stored in your pack on a travel tour), you will be loving the Merrell's.

One way they have cut back on weight in the model is by constructing it with their Stratafuse fabric.  The incredibly thin fabric used, mixed with the TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) overlays, keeps the weight down, but also helps with breathability and reduces fabric bulk, allowing for a much more natural and comfortable fit.

The details are not overlooked on this Merrell model either.  They are flexible and comfortable, but nonetheless have a small shank (Merrell calls it a molded TPU arch shank) giving you ample structural rigidity.  The toe cap comes up a fair bit, as does the rubber of the sole, and protects the toes, which is to my liking.  Hiking through rocky terrain, and stubbing a toe would not be worry in these.  Similarly, Merrell has put a nice rigid heel cup in the Proterra Sport, keeping the heel of your foot in a proper upright position.  The sole is another cool deviation from the norm, using ''reverse lugs'' to keep you stuck to the ground (yes that is my own terminology).

The technical talk is out of the way.   What do I actually want to say about the Proterra?  Forget about calling it just a hiking shoe.  The Proterra Sport and Proterra Vim will be on your feet all the time due to their comfort and versatility.  This shoe will be at home in the garden, at school, or even at a restaurant.  Don't keep them just for hiking.

In the light hiking department they do very well, but make sure you are comfortable walking hiking trails with such a light, low cut shoe.  But in my opinion, the benefits of the ''sensitive'' sole will make hiking much safer, and potentially more enjoyable (know I hate hiking in boots or shoes so stiff they feel like ski boots).

They also look funky, and so depending on your style, may be worn around the city for almost any activity, whether social or business(okay maybe just casual Friday's).  In the end I would almost put them at the top of my list a travel shoe when you can only bring one pair of shoes.  The Proterra Sport will get the job done with ease in a travel situation where you need one shoe to do everything.

Merrell also suggests them for trail running, but I think I will stick with something a little more running-specific.  For instance I would much prefer grabbing the Merrell Mix Master, the Salomon Speedcross 3 or The North Face Hyper-Track Guide.  I will be taking them to the climbing crag this summer and seeing how they hold up as a scrambling shoe over rocky, dangerous terrain.

There are two kinds of people: those who camp with chairs and those who camp without chairs.  This article will be of the utmost importance for the former, but may convince the latter to jump on the comfortable and ultralight bandwagon (and take a seat on board).

We will be reviewing the Big Agnes Helinox Chair One, a collapsible, ultralight chair that will do its darnedest to convince you a camping chair belongs in your pack every time you head outdoors.

Good luck chair.

Let's cover the basics first.  Yes, it is a chair.  You can sit in it and not fall over thanks to four legs 'hiding' beneath.  You sit in a thin hammock-style fabric that is 3/4 solid and 1/4 mesh.  It might sound stupid but I like the mesh for breathability, and for sitting topless in a wet bathing suit, watching NASCAR while waving a large novelty foam finger.  Or you can simply enjoy it on your porch while reading up on vegetarian recipes.

Now that the obvious is out of the way, let us get as technical as you can with a camping chair.  This chair, which you can clearly see above is rather minuscule, weighs in at 2 pounds, but can hold a maximum weight of 320 pounds!  I don't like using exclamation points, because hopefully my bigboy words can express my enthusiasm, but seriously that is an amazing ratio.

Just a bit bigger than a ladies size 7 shoe

The dissected chair

The poles are made out of DAC aluminum tubing, also used in Big Agnes trekking poles and tents.  You can feel their impressive strength when building this chair.  Which brings me to my next point handedly: constructing the chair.  Honestly, it is relatively easy.  I was surprised how little force you needed to use to throw the cover over all four attachment points.  My point is that you won't be stuck out in the woods with a half made chair because you do not do front levers at the gym.

A very handy carrying case is included, with daisy chain loops on the case itself (not visible).

 In the end this chair really presented me with a dilemma.   I come from the school where you must suffer after a long hike in the woods.  Sitting on fallen trees, wet grass, pointy rocks and maybe a pack is okay, but packing in a chair is out of the question.  Or should I say was out of the question.  The Big Agnes Helinox Chair One is incredibly comfortable, and I will have to think hard about changing my opinions on chairs in the outdoors.  On the other hand, this chair will be going everywhere with me when I'm car camping, going to festivals, and/or lawn bowling tournaments.

Next step, in my opinion, should be a Helinox ergonomic hammock.

That's right folks, we will be talking about gadgets, toys, and technical knick-knacks- possibly my favorite subject matter.  Spring is the time when companies like to unleash cool, innovative ideas to us.  I will take the opportunity to look at five that caught my eye.  Know that there are many more on Altitude-sports.com, but I just found a few which I really liked the cut of their jibs.

We will be reviewing an Ultralight Tarp/Poncho by Sea to Summit, a hard-core hydration running pack by Salomon, photochromic sunglasses by Oakley, an ultralight and watertight drybag/pack, and a revolutionary carabiner by Black Diamond.

5. Outdoor Research Dry Peak Bagger $59.99

Sometimes I fear people hear the word 'ultralight,' gasp, take a step back, and prematurely believe the product is too hard-core for them.  Wrong.  Certainly, this pack may have been created (and by that I mean marketed) for people climbing the highest peaks, running the longest distances, and posing in outdoor catalogs, and you would be right, but if you take a moment to think about other possible uses, you may just end up with a really cool pack.

The Peak Bagger by Outdoor Research has a main compartment that is completely waterproof.  Very useful for taking a picnic on a cloudy day with your expensive DSLR, going to the pool with your wallet and phone, or as a (what it was intended for) lightweight pack for hikes.  The roll-top access point ensures no water gets in, so you can even use it as a dry bag while canoe camping or whatever weekend activity captures your heart.  Padded and ventilated straps, and a tiny waist belt adorn the bag/pack, as does sections of daisy chains, and an external pocket.

Cram this unltralight pack in the bottom of your duffel bag during a trip and use it whenever you need something smaller.  The perfect travelling companion.

4. Black Diamond Magnetron Rocklock $23.99

I pride myself on my high-school sense of humor, Mad magazine collection, and general desire to keep the mood light.  But all that goes out the window when I head out rock climbing.  Whether you climb 5.5 or 5.15, being safe on the rock is top priority.  Black Diamond has been making climbing equipment for years now, and yet still seem to be constantly improving upon themselves.  Not an easy feat.

The Magnetron Rocklock carabiner from Black Diamond does not use a screwgate sleeve to ensure it locks in place, but magnets.  Basically your partner cannot start climbing with any chance of your screwgate being down/open.  Using your index and thumb simply press down on the blue bits and voila, open.  It has BD's keylock nose so won't catch on slings/ropes, and is perfect for belaying, rappelling or building anchors.

3. Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 Set $199.99

With the popularity of longer distance runs, and specialty races like the Tough Mudder and the Spartan Race on the rise, I think we will see more products like the Salomon Adavance Skin S-Lab 12 Set pack.  Sure it is not for everyone, but for anyone serious about running longer distances, or even commuting to work, this pack will interest you.  Gone are the days of half-full, shapeless school bags thrashing around on your back as you jog.

The running gearfreak will definitely need this pack in their closet.  It fits snugly around the chest, with pockets front and back, equally distributing the weight, for a much more comfortable feeling.  It holds a 1.5 liter bladder.  Unlike many other similar packs, the Salomon does NOT have a waist belt, but instead has two straps that cinch across the chest.  So many gizmos, it may have been designed by Q from James Bond.

2. Oakley Radarlock Path Photochromic glasses $364.99

Known Oakley construction and quality, but with the added benefit of their Radarlock system of removing lenses.  Just snap another lens into the frame if you want the most versatility.  Light, solid frame, super sticky nose piece and ear sections.  But the good part has yet to come, folks.

Yup, these cost a lot of money.  But so does buying two or three pairs of high quality sunglasses.  The lens that comes on this Oakley Radarlock Path model is photochromic and thus changes colour depending on the conditions present.  If you leave for a run and it is cloudy the lens will be clear, but as the sun pops out the lens will quickly darken to protect your eyes.  They are completely adaptable, so you will not be cursing for leaving with the wrong pair of sunglasses ever again.  One pair to do it all.

1. Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Tarp/Poncho $89.99

When I began looking at new spring products for this article I never thought I would have No.1 as a tarp/poncho combo (regardless, we can all agree these rankings are meaningless).  The gearfreak in me wanted a headtorch/film camera GPS unit, or a pair of socks that filters your sweat and creates drinkable water, not a poncho.  But alas, a small part of being a gearfreak is having cool toys that may seem ridiculous to some, but in reality are as useful as your camping stove.

As you can see in the above picture, the Sea to Summit UltarSil Poncho/tarp it is a massive poncho that will cover your person, your pack and has a hood with ample brim.  However, each corner has a guy loop and so it can be guyed out and quickly turned into an emergency shelter while caught out hiking.  Finally because it is fully waterproof and seam-sealed, it can also be put down under a tent as used as a footprint.  Feel free to use it to collect water, as well.

On those days cloudy days where you will be doing a quick day hike to a summit and don't want to bring a hardshell and possibly a tent, to protect from the threatening weather, just throw the tarp/poncho in your day pack and leave without fear of getting drenched.  Furthermore if you have done any hiking in prolonged rain (ie: periods longer than two days), you will greatly appreciate a poncho covering absolutely all of your possessions.

If you enjoyed this Top5, you should have a look at some other article about gear:

Equipment for bicycle commuting,

Clothing for bicycle commuting,

New spring products 1,

New spring products 2

And definitely have a look at the new LuminAID solar-powered light.

The Timbuk2 Power Commute does not make you do more chin-ups or increase the average speed on your bicycle commute.  The 'power' is not referring to anything muscular, but of a more important kind- at least for today's person on the go.  Charging power.

''Whenever they's a fight to keep your phone alive, it'll be there.  Whenever they's an airport with no available sockets, it'll be there...It'll be there on your shoulder, carrying everything you need.''  Clearly, Steinbeck would have had nothing to write about if everyone had a Timbuk2 Power Commuter messenger bag during the depression.

So my segue is a little weak, but let's just ignore that and dive right into my look at this bag by Timbuk2.

Messenger bag, reddit,and coffee. Oh, and my phone is charging as I read memes.

Part 1.  The messenger bag

As a stand-alone bag for any urban dweller, cyclist or business traveler, the Timbuk2 messenger bag is a great accessory to have.  I was surprised to find it on my shoulder more than my dandruff.

Where to begin?

• The fabric is thick and burly.  This is not the ultralight, see-through bag for peak baggers- this is a tough-as-nails, long-lasting messenger bag that will withstand anything you throw at it.
• Pockets galore.  One enormous pocket that can fit a laptop, shoes and lunch (a Wii, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo Cube, if you prefer).  Under the flap there is a wide 'fuzzy' pocket where you can throw your sunglasses or phone, without worry of scratching anything.  A hidden Napolean pocket, and a water bottle pocket on the side can be found as well.  There is even a pocket dedicated to a power brick for your laptop.
• Has a very comfortable, and padded, shoulder strap that is easy to adjust, even as you wear it.
• Has a burly grab strap to carry it like a briefcase.
• Has a luggage passthrough loop allowing you to slot it onto a wheelie bag at the airport (if you are so inclined).

So far you must still be wondering why it is $220.  But wait, there's more...

Part 2. Laptop features

The Power Commute is TSA compatible for those of you who travel a lot.  Meaning it has a separate compartment, which can be zipped open to allow your beautiful iMac to sit apart, and be passed through the X-Ray machine as is.  No more separating your stuff at the machine in front of a surly TSA agent, while your beltless pants fall to the floor.

Furthermore the TSA pocket is quilted/tricot lined and so tablets can be put in there by people like me who are paranoid about scratching their screen (just imagine playing Angry Birds on a scratched screen, tisk).

Anyone with a 15inch laptop or under, you may begin to get excited.

Here my laptop is sitting on the TSA-compliant part of the bag I had zipped open. Zip up and off I go with my laptop neatly stored inside.

Part 3. The piece-de-résistance: Joey

I had always wanted my best friend to be a joey, but in my mind it would have been a baby kangarou.  The Timbuk2 Power Commute messenger bag comes with the Joey T1 charging unit.  It is about the size of an iPhone covered in one of those  nuclear bomb resistant covers.  It is removable from the messenger bag, but has its own pocket hidden within the bag to safely store it.

The Joey and its cables (as Tom Selleck).

The Joey is a battery that can provide two full recharges on most regular cell phones.  Travelers who have been caught at airports with no sockets available, or those sneaky coffee shops that don't want us in their businesses on our laptops, and so have no sockets, or for the person driving across the country (allegedly) in diapers to kidnap 'the competition:' you will all love this bag and its electronic sidekick.

Lisa Nowak probably would have used this bag, if it had existed in 2007, just saying.

It can charge almost any device that uses USB as a power source.  It is also very smart, so you can plug the device it to a socket to charge the Joey itself, and if you plug your phone in, the Joey will get charged as well as your phone.  No time wasting.  The unit, as mentioned above, is removable so throw it into other bags, packs or even your back pocket.

Basically you can charge your gadgets on the fly without any hassle.  If you find yourself running out of juice with your tablet or cell phone on the road, at a presentation or some such thing, just plug your device into the Joey inside your messenger bag, and don't sweat it.

Joey, hard at work.

Conclusion

The Timbuk2 Power Commuter messenger bag is a damn cool bag, that with the addition of the Joey, is a traveler's ideal companion.  You can literally charge your phone as you speak on it as you walk through campus, or charge your tablet as you take 20 minutes to eat a sandwich in the park after a tough morning at the office.  It is a well made and thought-out messenger back with an ace up its sleeve.  Finally, thanks to the reserved aesthetics of the bag, you can fit in while racing an alley cat through San Francisco or at a business meeting in Silicon Valley.  You may just take it to both.

Altitude-sports.com is very pleased to announce the launch of a video by our friend, and dynamic director, Julien Robert.  The project, in collaboration with us here at Altitude-sports.com,  has been on our minds, ever since the brilliant company Light & Motion inspired us this past summer.  Perfect timing for this video, as the warmth of spring is just around the corner.

Julien, the directorial mastermind behind this project, is an avid cyclist as well.  It is these two passions that bring us here today.  He recently fell in love with his Light & Motion light system (this one to be specific), and so we proposed he do something artistic with that newfound emotion.  The following video was the outcome.

We are passionate about cycling and wanted something that could capture the elation, childish wonder, and spirit of the pastime   Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said it best, “when the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”  He couldn't be more right.  Thanks to companies like Light & Motion we can enjoy these pleasures in the dark of night, and thanks to videos like this, everyone can understand how we feel riding our metal steeds.

We had another idea for our young director.  We dared him to not only be inspired by Light & Motion, but to use their products in the making of his video project.  Using four Seca 800 Sport light systems he was able to fully light his entire stage (had a little help here and there).  He could not believe the amount of light that is pushed out of each unit.  It may have something to do with the 800 lumens, equaling that of a car headlight, pumping out of the little instrument.

Julien Robert has been creating videos for years now, and has built up quite the portfolio  which you can see on his website here.  You should definitely check out his demo reel.  He has directed and created videos for some big fish, like Sid Lee, Kijiji, Taxi Inc, Koodo and Desjardins.  You should be reading about him at Sundance soon enough.

Without much ado, here is the video he put together called Travelling with Light & Motion as an inspiration.

Travelling from Julien Robert on Vimeo.

We would really like to thank Julien for his hard work and creativity, and Light & Motion for helping with the realization on this project.

Earlier we were talking about appropriate clothing for bike commuting, now let us look at the fun accessories you can adorn yourself with.  Call it bike porn, bike bling or whatever you like; there are some sweet (and useful) toys for your bicycle commuting adventures. Let's dive right in.

Nathan bike lights

Safety First!  Getting noticed on your bike is important.  No, I am not talking about that cute girl outside of Starbucks, but by the motorized vehicles hurtling by you every commute.  Nathan bike lights will get the cars seeing you, and keeping their distance.  Tons of options exist; you can surely find something to your liking.

1. The Nathan Clip Light can be clipped onto any bag or pocket, but also comes with two hubs you can glue to surfaces.  Put one on your helmet and one on your stem.  Move the light around however it suits you.  Blinking or steady stream of light.

2. The Nathan Light Bender can be strapped around your arm or leg (or anything really).  An extremely visible option giving almost 360 degree visibility, and completely waterproof.  Blinking or steady stream of light.  100+ hours of battery life.

3. The Nathan Lightspur is original and a nifty idea.  It slides onto the heel of your cycling shoe and emits a bright light from the LED strap.  Be seen on the go.  Blinking or steady stream of light.  100+ hours of battery life.

4. The Nathan Strobelight is water-resistant, lightweight and can be clipped to almost anything.  The classic bike light.  Strobe or steady light.

Not pictured above are the classic reflective anklebands, which are not only useful for visibility, but also for keeping your pant legs out of the drivetrain.

Petzl Zipka PLUS high output LED

The Zipka PLUS is a favorite of mine for staying visible because of its versatility.  The retractable cord can be wrapped around (almost) literally anywhere.  Wear the Petzl Zipka PLUS on your helmet, wrapped around a tube of your bicycle, around your wrist, your calf, off the back of your pack- anywhere.  Plus it has a high-output LED and a red LED, 5 different lighting modes, two of which are flashing (much better in my option).  Great for camping/hiking as well.

Osprey Escapist 25 pack

Being a backpack addict, bike commuting is a godsend. You want something that will move with you, be light, breathable and make you look like the lead in Premium Rush. Fine, maybe not the last one. The Osprey Escapist pack has a big hipbelt, so you can throw your laptop and other 'heavies' in there comfortably, has a place for a hydration bladder, a built-in raincover, is accessible from the bottom opening, is well ventilated, has a storage pocket for bike tools, and has the Osprey-patented Lid-lock allowing you to carry your helmet on the bag easily.  Finally, 25 liters is a great amount for space for some clothes, repair kit and energy bar.  EPO is optional.

 Patagonia Black Hole Messenger

If you do want to look like that guy from Premium Rush, then a messenger bag is in order.  All the rage these days with cyclists, the messenger bag is a quintessential part of looking the part.  Like many trends, they have come to thr forefront of fashion because of their inherent utility.  I have had a messenger bag for over 10 years now and I love it.  They are great for ease of getting stuff in and out quick-smart.  The Patagonia Black Hole is a cool looking, rugged and weather-resistant son of a gun.  All the bells and whistles, and a padded laptop sleeve in side to boot.  All you need now is a brakeless fixie and utter disdain for your surroundings.

Other great options are the Fred by Cocotte (proudly made in Montreal, Qc) and the Timbuk2 Especial messenger, made for the hard-core cyclists reading this.

Light & Motion: Seca 800 Sport & Vis 360

You have been commuting for years, know what you like, and want the best.  Maybe you are even thinking about doing 24hr bike races?  Light & Motion is your one stop shop for all that is high-end lights.

1. The Light and Motion Seca 800 Sport means business.  It is as powerful as a car headlamp.  Yes, a car.  A lithium Ion battery will charge in five hours and give you 10 hours of intense light.  A good idea if you bike commute on the autobahn, or if you like blinding the planes flying overhead.

2. The Light and Motion Vis 360 light is slightly less intense, but incredibly useful to a daily commuter.  Offering 120 lumens (or 250 for the Vis 360+), this helmet-mounted light will brighten your commute and mood.  Attach the head lamp on the front and the LED screen on the back and off you go, in full visibility.  Runs for 14 hours in flash mood, and charges via micro USB.

I'll see you all out on the bike paths.

You finally realized the benefits of bicycling, and now want to integrate it into your daily commute.  Good on ya.  You will be happier, more fit, and will generally be a better person for it.  Doing it is a whole other discussion.  Bike commuting can be done in a cotton t-shirt and jeans if you want, but you may find yourself arriving at work odorous and wet.  If you want to know about a few products that will make the transition much easier (and safer), then have a read of this article.

This article will focus on appropriate commuting clothing, while a second article will look at accessories such as lights and packs.

We cover shells frequently on this blog and so I will skip over the subject matter as quickly and politely as possible.  Get something waterproof and breathable- it will only be used in emergencies (über windy or rainy days), so spend as little or as much as you want.  A classic choice is the Venture jacket from The North Face, or the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket, or you can spend a little more and get  something with a stronger face fabric, a better quality waterproof/breathable membrane, and usually a better cut.  Two nice options are the new Arc'teryx Tecto FL jacket or the Peak Performance Stark jacket, both using Gore-Tex Active shell, Gore's most breathable membrane.

Okay, let's get down to the stuff that you would be using every time you throw your leg over that top tube.

Icebreaker Victory SS Zip Jersey

For those of you who love rocking the Tour de France look, this jersey is worth having a look at.  In fact, you can't turn up your nose at the Icebreaker Victory Jersey because it just doesn't smell- see what I did there?  You can wear it for a week of commuting and no one will ever notice (maybe the salt stains under the arms might give it away).  Made out of the 150 grade merino wool, this top will keep you cool even when you are crushing up that last hill to the office.  Reflective tape across the back and front for visibility means you will get seen.  The drop hem at the back will be handy for all of you in the Commuter Cup because you can stay in that tuck position and it won't rise up exposing your backside.  Women should have a look at the Icebreaker Glory short sleeve jersey.

Arcteryx Men's Motus Crew LS

I'm guessing some commuters won't want to be labeled as a spandex cyclist, and so tight bike jerseys may not be on their agenda...yet.  No problem, any synthetic or merino top will do.  The Arc'teryx Motus crew is a good choice as it is slightly loose fitting (but won't flap in the wind), wicks moisture away form the skin, extremely breathable, has reflective bands on the arms, and the flatlock seams won't bother under a heavy bag.   There is, of course, the Arc'teryx women's Motus Crew.  You can also get a short sleeve model such as the Mountain Hardwear Wiked Lite T.

 Icebreaker Link Shorts

Icebreaker has been getting into the cycling market recently and they have not been a disappointment.  The Icebreaker Link short is a prime example of the direction they are heading.  39% merino, 45% nylon and 16% elastane.  This comfy short is made with an eight-panel construction, so it hugs you in all the right spots, and doesn't restrict your pedal stroke.  It is also equipped with an Italian chamois inside, which has four-way stretch and a nice amount of channels to allow for quick drying/breathability.  The legs have an elastic strip at the bottom so the don't ride up while riding, and the flatlock stitching found throughout is wonderfully comfortable.  Ladies, the Icebreaker Vibe shorts are this way.

*Bike shorts make the biggest difference in cycling, so do not overlook this if your commute is over a few kilometers.  Your nether region will thank me.  Throw a pair of regular shorts over top and no one will be the wiser.

The North Face Alpine pant

Again, spandex isn't for everyone so I'll put forward another option for those of you who do not know the joy of squishy spandex fondling your 'downstairs.'  I like the Alpine Pant by the North Face for many reasons.  It is made with a four-way stretch softshell fabric, and is thus water and wind-resistant, as well as breathable.  They will not restrict your movement and they are cut slimmer than other pants and so will not get caught in the chain (but beware because that is a constant danger).  It also has zippered pockets so you can put your breakfast burrito in your pocket and it won't fall out on the way to work.  The North Face Nimble pant is a women's version, but feel free to check out other models like the Lolë Run Capri, if you prefer a shorter option.

On the hot summer days a short is definitely a better option, but the same principles apply.  A new option this year would be the Peak Performance Agile Short for either men or women.  2-way stretch fabric which is wind and water-resistant, these shorts will keep you cool and comfortable for the commute.

General Tips:

Dammit, never give up.  Sometimes that first commute can be killer.  If you are nervous to take the first step, go out on the weekend and figure out the best route, taking your time and enjoying the adventure.  That way you won't come across any surprises, and you will realize just how easy it is.  Once you get a week of commuting under your belt, it will be an enjoyable routine.  Even, dare I say, the rainy days.

Sometimes the shortest commute is not the best commute.  Check to see if a few blocks away there may be a bike path or a road less traveled.   I tend to stay away from the main roads when commuting.  As much as I am a fan of car doors, the main roads have way too many that are trying to kill you.

In terms of clothing I find slighter tighter is better than slightly looser, but just make sure nothing is restrictive.  A spare change of clothes is also a good idea- your co-workers may not be as excited about your commuting as you think, if you forget this part.

It's not a race.  People will pass you and you will pass people- enjoy the exercise.

Don't forget a patch kit and mini pump.

Grow a ponytail.  You will feel like a majestic unicorn galloping through fields of gold, as you ride your metal steed.

Montréal-based Lolë is a company about women.  They are more than just a brand of clothing for women, they are an emotion, an idea, a mantra.  Look at their collection season after season and you will realize that Lolë celebrates the female form unabashedly.  Sexy, cute, empowering, you will find it all in their collection.

Although fashion is clearly subjective wherein one person loves a look and another cringes at the thought of it, Lolë's designs have broken down this barrier.  The tanks, dresses, pants, skirts speak to everyone.  Let's have a look at what I mean.

Lolë Mantra 2 Dress (and top)

Left, Sarah is wearing it as a top, at right she flips the top down creating a dress

Whether travelling or just caught downtown at dinner time, a versatile look is often important.  The Lolë Mantra 2 dress /top will blow you away because with two tiny flicks of the shoulders straps, you will find yourself in an ankle-length dress.  In two seconds you can walk out of the gym and be ready to hit the town.  Made with a soft four-way stretch fabric, this piece will be comfortable doing a downward dog or just walking the dog.

The Lolë Solano 2 Jacket

The Solano 2 Jacket is a perfect example of Lolë's genius.  They have taken that boring ''emergency'' windbreaker that people carry at the bottom of their bag, and turned it into a must-have stylish piece that will most probably be worn in situations outside of emergencies.

Being an ultralight, packable windbreaker with a DWR, it is perfect for spring, fall and those gusty summer days.  It has a stand-up collar with a stowable hood for hiding your new coif, two hand pockets that zip shut, and a cinch at the waist to accentuate your silhouette.  Stylish and chic.

Lolë Lunner Skirt/top

Lolë is not content to create a simple, elegant skirt that is as good for a sunday brunch as for a walk through the park.  They decided to make it convert into a top as well.  The Lunner skirt / top from Lolë, similar to the Mantra 2 dress, is a two-in-one fashion piece.  Using stretch organic cotton, the Lunner skirt/top will not impinge on any of your situations, movements or moods. Enjoy the freedom.

Lolë Passage Pants

Okay so these pants don't turn into a tank top, but they are still pretty darn cute looking.  The Lolë Passage pant is, nonetheless, versatile as it can be used in with ease on the hiking trail or for a blind date at the nearest coffee dispensing hipster hangout.  They are made out of a wrinkle-free, abrasion-resistant nylon that will wick moisture away from the skin.  Two hand pockets which can be zipped up, and two welt pockets at front and one in the back, mean the Passage pant will be equally at home while travelling.  And if you decide to have a second Baileys-infused doughnut from that  bakery up the street there is a hook and bar closure at the zip...

Lolë Savasana Tank Top

Time after time Lolë produces simple and elegant pieces that are both sexy and reserved.  I feel like they leave it up to you to decide how sexy you want to present yourself.  The Savasana Tank Top from Lolë will probably have you feeling more sexy than less.  How do I know?  The silouhette is perfect for all shapes, and the crossover back, scooped neckline and asymmetric slit bottom may be why I feel so confident.  Similar to most of their yoga clothes, it is made in soft four-way stretch fabric that will be perfect for those sweaty afternoons in the studio or out on the pavement.

These are just a few models from this brand.  If you like what you see then I suggest you have a look at the rest.  Oh, and we also have their yoga mats!

Last you read I was here.  Things were only getting warmed up.  What follows a day of great skiing ?  A delicious meal with friends in a city founded by Mormons.  When we bribed the maîter d' with a shiny flask to get reservations at a swanky resto he retorted, ''This will be perfect for drinking my apple juice.''  To this day we are still deliberating over his seriousness- on a humor scale of one to deadpan, he might be a Zach Galifianakis.

Back to our classy hotel room where we quickly realized that Salt Lake has either a large amount of animal print spandex lovers, or prostitutes.  Whichever it is, we had a hilarious elevator ride with some very friendly ladies looking for company one way or another.  Next day meant business so we hit the hay.

Hovering around o degrees Celsius that night, it precipitated that unusual rain/snow that we Canadians deal with throughout winter.  Utah obviously is not blessed with this death-ice because it took us two and a half hours to crawl 10 miles.  I assure you we saw over a dozen accidents in that time.  And not I-think-I-touched-your-bumper-accidents, but do-you-know-the-number-to-a-good-reconstructive-surgeon type accidents.  We came to understand that all those pick-up trucks in America are ''equiped'' with bald summer tires.  Picture a field of mechanical rhinoceroses on blunt ice skates playing bumper tag.

Lunch was a blur

Thanks to the eternal traffic jam from Hell we missed two important meetings at the Outdoor Retail show.  Eventually we got our mojo back and began walking the hallowed (in Salt Lake City I use the term literally) halls of the Conference Center.  We met up with our friends at numerous companies including Icebreaker, JanSport, Arc'teryx, Sorel, The North Face, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, Patagonia, Canada Goose, Merrell, and Columbia.

A lot of cool product, business meetings and professional joking around was seen and had in a mere 5 hours.  It all ended with a few alcoholic beverages (I use that term loosely as beer is capped at 3.2% in the state of Utah) at the Merrell booth.  But this article isn't about the work stuff.  It's about the fun stuff.  So, after an extremely filling meal at a large Italian restaurant we drove back to our prostitute den and fell asleep like little tired ponies.

Friday morning we awoke to a scary Stephen King Fog scenario.  Luckily Picture Left opened up to Picture Right, and magically we we had skis on our feet and Alta had been blessed with 4 inches of snow.  This chance encounter with one of America's best resorts was a perfect opportunity to test out some Peak Performance products which will be released next winter: the stellar one-piece, a pair of goggles and a helmet (stylishly made by POC).  But you will have to wait until next fall to read about those Peak goodies.

If memory serves, I was checking to see how hard my nipples were on the left.  Skiing in a one-piece most definitely leads to hard nipples.  On the right I was going for the ''Sad Top Gun Pilot'' look.  I don't think anyone cares about my nipple hardness or our games of mimicking characters from classic '80's films.  Anyways, there was way too much skiing to be had for me to focus on my nipples- okay I have said nipples way to much already.

Nipples.

There were serious whiteout conditions that day.  You can barely see this guy ripping up a gulley in knee deep powder.  Okay so maybe someone, *cough*messed up the setting on his camera and forgot to look at the LCD diplay for 30 minutes of shooting.  Maybe.  I'm telling everyone I did it for artistic effect, but in reality we all know I am an amateur pictographer.

Please add appropriate colors in your mind.

Know I have about 50 photos with these wonderful shades of white.  Slightly less erotic than shades of grey, no doubt.  For instance, here is our friend Pat who was without question the best skier amongst us, but he decided to catch an edge right in front of me as I was shooting him.  Of course he has a good amount of GoPro footage of us falling so he can get me back for this.

Print this out and get your kids to color it?

We spent the morning in the Mineral backbowl of Snowbird, skiing endless lines on a few good inches of powder.  There is nothing like sharing turns with friends in a huge resort like Alta/Snowbird, with the sun breaking through the foggy clouds.  We carved, we smiled, we fell.  We did this all day and were never bored of seeing the same bowl (mostly because it was enormous and there were no crowds).  With enough guts, and a non-chalante attitude towards losing the base of your skis, you could discover every little skiable crevice in the bowl- and we found some beauties!  The great thing about powder is that with enough of it even a beginner skier can tear through the trees, and couloirs because the stuff slows you down so much.

 Alex, Max and I each took some great falls that Friday, it mad me think of the Shout Out Loud's song with the lyrics ''If you fall hard, I fall harder.''  Max caught an edge on a steep section and his ski decided to do the rest of the run without him.  Luckily for him I was well below cheering him on and had to stop that metal rocket from disappearing off the edge of a cliff.  Mental note: don't stop a fast moving ski with your hands, it leaves bruises.

I was trying to impress everyone on an exposed slope, but all I managed to do was impress my body into a small tree.  I ended up upside down in a tiny tree well.  When I righted myself in the deep quicksand-like snow, it took me 5 minutes to wade up the steep incline to reach my ski two feet from my hand.  Apparently that was caught on film, so hopefully I will be able to use altitude-blog.com to embarrass myself (once again).

A second before I hucked myself off an enormous cliff- about 1 foot high.

Max ripping it up ''Bromont-style''

So what I can I about skiing in Utah that you don't already know? Does this article really have a point?  To answer the first question, not much.  To say that the snow is great would be obvious, but compared to Québec conditions, it is heavenly.  When the locals are griping that the season was the worst in decades know that you will ski past them with an magnificent smile on your face because the conditions will regardless blow you away.  We were skiing through shrubs and undergrowth in certain spots and I wouldn't say we were unhappy in the slightest.

Does this article have a point?  Not really.  But if I can get one person to pack their skis (or any sporting equipment for that matter-mountain bike to Moab, climbing gear to Rumney, etc.) and head to a far away place and spend a few days doing something they love, then I would die a happy man.  And I would like to die happy, so...

Oh,

We also know how to relax.  Alex shows you how below.:  First, find beer, then find a couch, finally add yourself to the equation, and repeat for as long as you want (no he did not ski in jeans).

You have spent all winter using you 'new' toys from last winter, but are  getting bored of the gimmick that is known as skiing (poetic license- I would never say this in reality).  Well spring is upon us and companies are releasing all sorts of goodies to get you excited.  I have already told you about a few here, but since when has four new products been enough?  Enjoy a few more new spring 2013 products.

Let us know what you think about these or any of our new spring collection.  Post a little yea or nay at the bottom of this article if you feel so inclined.  Until then sit back a have a look at products I found interesting and/or from The North Face, Playtpus, Bogs and MSR.

The North Face Hyper-Track Guide $129.99

Versatility is a plus: why buy three products to do three different activities when you can buy one.  The North Face Hyper-Track Guide shoe is an all-round show that you can pack on any running adventure.  If you are hitting the pavement to train for a 10k you can lace her up and off you go, but if you are feeling the muddy vibe and want some cross-country running fun, these beauties will be equally at ease.  Honestly if you want some funky looking trainers to walk the mall in, she ain't bad either.

What really caught my eye about this lightweight runner is the seamless upper.  The construction of the upper excludes seams for a comfortable and snug fit.  Welded support overlays and über-breathable mesh upper adds to the whole package.

Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element $10.49

Hydration systems, I feel, really changed the face of fitness.  Instead of carrying around heavy water bottles in either your hand (not comfortable) or in a small pack (not practical), we can now ski, hike, run freely with a reservoir placed firmly next to the spine in a small pack and drink freely without trouble.  Unfortunately one hick is that the reservoirs often taste like that time I licked a My Little Pony doll: putrid plastic.

The Playtpus GravityWorks Carbon Element will solve this issue handedly.  Simply attach it to the tube you are currently using in your hydration system and the water will flow through the carbon filter eliminating odours, tastes and even organic compounds.  If you hate that plastic taste while you cycle, run or walk, this small filter will put a smile back on your face.

Bogs Kid's Rainboot $39.99

Anything miniature is cool in my books.  Especially when there is an adorable child splashing through puddles with them on.  Bogs has become renowned in cold climates for the brilliance of their neoprene waterproof and warm boots.  You can see a recent mini review of one here.  Understanding that perhaps their initial product was too much for our summers, Bogs is releasing new models made entirely out of a thin rubber.

Here is the Kid's Rainbbot which has all of Bogs' usual features.  Big handles so you don't have to fight putting them on, non-slip outsole, antimicrobial odor protection, and of course 100% waterproof.  It is nice to note that because they are using a thin and flexible rubber the new line of summer Bogs are significantly lighter, leaving you more energy to splash through more puddles.

Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot $229.99

I know what you are thinking.  Really, a cot?  That's not cool or funky.  Like my mother likes to tell me, you are wrong.  This weird looking contraption will change the way you think about comfort in the outdoors.  The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot will put you to sleep, and not out of boredom, out of sweet, sweet comfort.

This is no ordinary, heavy, bulky cot.  The LuxuryLite Cot weighs in at an amazing 2 pounds 12oz, and collapses down to  about the size of a 2 liter bottle of soda.  Constructed using a bow technology, your dainty back won't touch any crossbars or unwanted metal miscreants.  The laminated nylon cover is stretch-free and completely waterproof, and with a supposed three minute set-up this cot is sounding pretty sweet right now.  Next camping trip live the luxurious life.

The North Face Base Camp Skimmer Luxe $79.99

 The North Face Base Camp Skimmer Luxe is... cute.

Spring makes me think of delightful sunshine warming my opaque skin, and terraces, but it also reminds me of brown grass and melting dog poo.  What it should make us think of are the new toys outdoor brands unleash on us at this time of year.  Everywhere I look there are new gadgets, new colours and new products making my heart skip a beat.  Sure it may be a heart murmur, but I like to think of it as gear love.

I thought I would introduce to you a few models that are new this spring.  Some are technical, some are colourful and some are just there because I want them.  Let's have a look.

Black Diamond Nitro pack $117.99

I am thinking of starting Backpack's Anonymous.  It could be a safe place for us backpack addicts to could talk about our love and addiction without judgement.  Instead I think I will buy the Black Diamond Nitro pack.  At 22 liters it is a super versatile pack that is as good for the city and schoolwork as it is for a day hike in the White Mountains.  A comfy hipbelt means you can throw your 12-pack of Redbull in it during finals, or a nice lunch for a a day hike.

With all the bells and whistles attached you won't ever be left wanting more in a daypack:  ice ax loops (if that's your poison), clip for a bike light (if you are a commuter), an open backpanel (if you have overly active sweat glands), a slot for a hydration system (if you were a camel in a previous life), etc.  All it is missing is the kitchen sink.

MSR TightLine Cord Tensioner $15.75

There is nothing more embarrassing than going limp, especially when it is raining.  Who hasn't pitched a tent in the rain only to have the weight of the water push the fly down onto the tent body.  It's a recipe for a wet night.  With MSR's ingenious TightLine cord tensioner system you never have to worry about that again.

This might not excite you like a solar powdered camping stereo system that makes cupcakes, but if you live out West, staying dry in your tent can be serious business.  Gusty weather and even winter storms (the silicone in the cords is good to -37°C) won't keep you from sleeping in a well guyed out tent.  Now if only they could make cupcakes.

Garmin Fenix $399

The future is now and it looks like a watch.  The Garmin Fenix is a GPS watch/computer that is smarter than my laptop, but then again the Fenix doesn't use Windows Vista.  It's got all the features allowing you to program over 1,000 waypoints, record GPS bread crumbs on the go, has a track back feature allowing you to retrace your steps, and much more.  Fitness addicts will love the Fenix as it gives you real-time data like distance covered, pace, cadence and calories, as well as usual things like heading, elevation and any change in weather.

It doesn't hurt that the Fenix looks like a real watch and not like most other GPS watches.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir mini pump $39.99

I bought two copies of Justin Bieber's accoustic album : I didn't need it, but I wanted it.  However, in certain rare instances you don't want something, you just need it.  The MSR NeoAir mini pump is one such product.  There isn't much to say about it, really.  It's a pump.  Attach it to your NeoAir mattress and sip a Heady Topper while you watch the magic happen.  No more getting to your campsite after a 10 hour hike and hallucinating for 30 minutes while you inflate your mattress (consequently depleting the air to your brain) like a pleb.

Weighing in at 2.3 ounces (think $3 in quarters) and using only 2 AAA batteries, the MSR pump will be your new best friend at the end of a long day of hiking.

These are three of many new attractions coming this spring.  I will be doing another article on other new spring products in the next few days, so keep posted.

Winter is sort of, kinda, maybe over soon.  Yes, that means we may get more vitamin D soon, but it also means we will be combating the evil enemy known as slush.  It strikes fear into the hearts of many, but with a good boot your sole may rest easy (boot puns, love them).

If you don't know about Bogs, early spring is the time to learn.  Using neoprene to keep you warm and dry, their boots are revolutionizing fashion and function.  Varying thicknesses of neoprene allow you to decide if you want it for winter, fall/spring, or summer (they are also releasing a summer line of thin rubber boots for the hot-feeted).  Fully waterproof and extremely comfortable, Bogs are a good bet for sloppy conditions.

The Bogs Harper is definitely a model to look at this spring.

Wet floors, slippery entryways and moist boots- I can't stand spring sometimes.  The Bogs Harper removes the worry of slipping your foot into a wet boot every time.  It has 2mm of their Neo-Tech insulation and another 2mm of wicking fabric/technology to keep you dry all day.  For those temperatures hovering around zero, this Harper will be your go to boot*.  It also helps that the aesthetics will probably tickle your fancy.

Come back soon because we will be reviewing some Bogs soon.  This article was just an excuse for me to take photos of cute boots.

*Note that these boots are also great in the summer, and with a warm sock, can last almost all winter long.

Easily slips on and off

Slush Killer

They are sad when not outside showing off

'But the salt will damage the...' No.

Business trips can be notoriously crappy: you fly to a cool place, can't have fun because you are working, and of course it takes hours of flying in a sardine can (obviously sardines don't have legs) to get there and back.  What I never expected was for my latest business trip to Salt Lake City to literally begin on a crappy note.

The flight was postponed 2 hours because of frozen poop.  Yup, you read that right.  Poop.  I've heard of de-icing, but apparently the inventory of the airline lavatories have not.  Okay, it was nearing -30 Celsius, but still.

More fodder for my business trip stand-up, I guess.

Of course this only came after I find out that one of the co-owners of Altitude-sports.com happens to share his name with some sort of serial killer or airline pervert, because he is subsequently put through the ringer at the check-in desk.  Myself, feeling good about having two middle names for the first time in my life, and Alex the other co-owner are easing ourselves into comfortable chairs while Max is getting asked all sorts of questions about blunt objects in his bag and anger management classes, simply because Air Canada can't differentiate two people with one name.  Although it does beg the question, is Max not telling us the whole story?

How a smart person travels (and sleeps)

Okay, they finally let Max through and the poop gets up to a flyable temperature, and we are off.  Flying through the air I usually roll up my Arc'teryx Atom LT jacket into the hood and fall asleep, but thanks to my person being safely stowed away in the middle seat I cannot.  Luckily the acting chops of Liam Neeson got me through the first portion of the trip.  Let me just say Taken 2 was a splendid follow up to the magical tale that is Taken 1.

Sometimes you can get lucky and snap some great ariel shots from the plane.  This usually correlates with not packing a neck pillow and earplugs.

Some Colorado ski resort

The best advice to give someone who wants to travel to Salt Lake City is this: fly into Salt Lake City.  You would think it would be straight forward, but alas no.  But hey, everyone need to go to Sin City once in their life, right?

Our business trip, at this stage, had been hijacked by a road trip, but a really awesome road trip if you ask me.  In our Mitsubishi Eclipse we stabbed our way through the desert's balmy mood.  Turns out the Mitsubishi Eclipse has enough head room in the back for Marie Antoinette, but not for anyone with their head attached to their neck.  My solution was to volunteer to drive five out of the six hours.

We called her Tabatha

We got into Sale Lake, found our hotel, and caught up on some much needed sleep.  The next day was going to be business time, with serious meetings, and serious decision-making.  Who are we kidding, we went skiing at Snowbasin with our friends Arc'teryx Canada.

Snowbasin had not been replenished with their famous powder, but what I can say about Snowbasin is that it has the best service around.  If you want to be treated like a king then head to Snowbasin Resort and you will love your experience.  And yes, the staff bottom left thought my credentials (and possibly photography skills) were rather dubious.  One caveat: don't ask the friendly old chap to take a photo, ask the woman on the right.

Eventually we got skiing.  Fun was had.

The crowds were unbearable

 I stupidly asked to test some of the gear these guys had lying around their rental car, and got 'stuck' with the beautiful Quintic ski pack.  But Arc'teryx being Arc'teryx really wanted me to test it fully and so threw in everything they could find with a little heft (I'll do a more in-depth review when I have the time).

The six-pack comfort test

Needless to say our first day of skiing ended on a good note.  And my Quintic test pack was substantially lighter.

We still had 2 days left in SLC, but this article is already too long...

My lips have been trembling for months now trying to keep in my dirty secret.  No, not that Lance Armstrong was actually a half man-half goat cyborg who needed EPO so as not to overheat in the mountain stages- everyone knows that.  I've got the mouth itchies because an outdoor brand is going to be releasing products long awaited by die hard fans (*ahem* not the movie series) next Fall.

How can I drag this out more, you ask?  I guess I could reminisce a little longer.

Arc'teryx has been making high end products for decades now.  They started with a climbing harness and slowly got into hardshells and backpacks, revolutionizing both in my opinion.  Almost every gear freak has drooled over the Alpha SV jacket or Bora packs at one stage.  Their WaterTight zippers, über-light harnesses, articulated gloves, expanding ski line (just to name a few)  are all insanely popular.  In short, they are good at what they do.

They seem to have this habit of taking a product that has worked well for years, and make it better.  Try out a pair of their insulated gloves, like the Beta Ar glove, and you will understand how they can make something that works perfectly well, even better.  And they have done just that once again.

Drum roll?

Next Fall Arc'teryx will be releasing a line of down mid-layers and jackets that may just blow your socks off.  Cats out of the bag, folks.  The highlight, in my opinion will be the Cerium LT jacket and Cerium AR jacket.  Essentially think of the Atom LT jacket, but replace the Coreloft insulation with delicious, and much warmer,down feathers.

Above are two of the women's models from the Outdoor Retailer.  They are using an extremely light face fabric (20 denier for those who won't sleep tonight if they don't know) on the LT and 850 fill down.  She is light!

To get an idea of how Arc'teryx made a down jacket better we have to look at the details.  It is hard to tell in the picture, but they have added their synthetic Coreloft insulation to areas where humidity and/or rubbing would normally damage or render the down useless.  Meaning, the shoulders and cuffs are in Coreloft for the roughnecks,as well as the underarms and mouth section of the hood, due to moisture buildup from breath and perspiration.

Here are the men's versions.  On the right is the Cerium AR, which you may notice is slightly less fitted, made for more everyday use and slightly less than the LT, made as a serious under layer piece.  The AR also differs from the LT in that it uses a 40d face fabric and so will be more resistant to abrasion and everyday wear and tear.  Lastly you should pay particular attention the arm shape: you are looking at an articulated down jacket.  Try and remember the last time you saw one of those.  This will translate to superior range of motion and possibly get you into trendy bars with gear freak bouncers?  Maybe.

Arc'teryx, being the nice guys and gals that they are, twisted our arms into going skiing in Utah with them.  Deciding it was the best decision for 'the business' we jumped into our car and drove to Snowbasin.  Sure the snow conditions were medicore at best, but we got to test out some of the new down pieces.

I chose this picture only because honestly I must win the award for most chins, come on.  If anyone needs a skin transplant just give me a call.  ALSO, you can see the Cerium's Coreloft cuffs and shoulders.  You might also notice the large amount of sweat flowing from my face.  Tip: Don't test down jackets at 0 degrees Celsius.

I can't and won't (some things must remain a secret) give you all the juicy details about the jacket, so you will have to come back to Altitude-blog.com and read more as Arc'teryx gets down!

Finally, just to really twist the knife, that military green jacket you see above is a model that will be down-filled and covered in a Gore-Tex shell.  But that is another story for another time...

In conclusion, put a note in your calendar for early August.

Harricana is a brand that sells products for the person who wants something original.  They take the idea of uniqueness to its absolute extreme.  Every piece the company produces is one of a kind.  Their pieces are not made from a roll of endless fabric but from a unique materials: recycled animal fur.

Harricana produces some of the finest earmuffs, and hats on the market.  Many of the furs Harricana use, such as raccoon, beaver and otter, are so durable that they can last up to 100 hundred years.  When you buy one of their products you know it will be a piece that was recycled and can be recycled in the future- timeless you could say.  Furthermore, the recycled fur is more than just eye candy, it will also easily keep your head from feeling the cold in even the worst winter conditions.

Altitude-sports.com is proud to stock this Quebec brand from a woman who has put our province on the fashion map.  It is a small price to pay for a fur hat of superb quality, made in Quebec, which will last (almost literally) decades.

I spend a lot of my time sitting in front of an old laptop, writing articles about products I find interesting, trips of collaborators (I don't seem to find time for them myself anymore) or events and/or sales that are coming up.   Sometimes I throw in a little piece of internet culture, like this, because it makes me giggle.

Our brain cogs are always working overtime after we get back from the Outdoor Retailer, as you can see by the numerous articles (here is one, and here is another) pertaining to the products we get to play with over in Salt Lake City.  We got to thinking how you guys could benefit from our experience, and so wanted to try a new recipe.  Six hours and 13 appletinis later we found a way: we are going to post more photos products which will be released next winter and everyone can lets us know what they think, and then we can order more of the products you want.

Without much ado, here are some more pics of products you may be seeing next winter.  Let us know if you like or dislike the products.

JanSport does some pretty crazy patterns every year (you can see another JanSport sneak peek here) and sometimes it is overwhelming to choose the right ones.  Is vintage what people want, funky patterns brought back from decades prior?  What about stonewashed?

Gloves is another area that has so many options sometimes we just close our eyes and throw darts at the catalog to choose.  Black Diamond gloves are popular for us, but what about color?  Is black the way to go for all our goth friends or should we spice it up a little with beige, white and anything else un-black? (I had too much coffee that morning so I apologize for the blurriness)

On the subject of color, we used to order black across the board, but it seems that fashion and fun is superseding our desire to have a color that goes with everything?  No, just me?  Luckily companies are hearing the cries and brands like Outdoor Research and Patagonia and producing bubblegum-esque color schemes.  Yes or no?

Shells and jackets are one thing, but what about those dangly, ten-toed pegs at the bottom of your legs?  Merrell shows us that perhaps we shouldn't be afraid of it.  Do you want flashy running shoes?

And boots, what do we do with boots?  Brands such as Merrell, The North Face and more recently Sorel, have been producing fashionable boots and it is hard to say no because they are so popular with customers.  Sorel will be producing some of the below next winter.  Should we stock them?

What about these tall beauties?  Do we have equestrian fans among us?

I definitely don't want to neglect the men here.  Sometimes we want a good looking boot to take to the pub, theater or Lazer Tag, right?  Would any of you men out there wear this leather model?

Technologies are progressing in the industry, with Gore-Tex improving their Pro Shell membrane, Polartec coming out with the Alpha insulation, Oudoor Research making a fully waterproof down jacket, just to name a few.  The North Face is introducing the ThermoBall insulation that is formed into balls, trying to mimic down feathers more efficiently.  Do these new technologies interest you guys?  Do you want to try the latest and 'best' new technology?

We are left with Arc'teryx.  They are known for making some serious gear.  But they are (only slightly, but still) getting into the game of dressing you in the urban environment as well.  Would you like to see more of Arc'teryx's urban line?

Here are a few models you will see next winter.  It's as if they are making plaid classy.

And I'll throw this one in because it is 'controversial' and full of secrecy   Arc'teryx is going all out next fall.  Does a super well insulated urban jacket with Gore Tex interest any ladies or gents?  Hint: it is not made with Coreloft.