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Friday May 14th 2010

15h00 – And we’re off. We just left Montreal and we’re on our way to our camping site on the Montagne d' Argent (Silver Mountain) in the Laurentians. Upon our departure, the sun was shining. This was getting us down, but we were still hopeful. Luckily, the forecast was suggesting rain, at which point we would be able to test our Outdoor Research jackets. I had my Helium Jacket at the ready.

18h30 – We’re getting supper ready. Still no clouds in sight (sigh)!

22h30 – I’m all snug in my sleeping bag when that magical sound I was waiting for arrives. The lapping of the raindrops on the tent eventually become a rainy 5th symphony. I’m hoping it lasts until tomorrow, for our ascent of the Pic-Johansen in the Mont Tremblant Park. I’ll finally get to try out my Helium!

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Read more: Helium Jacket: As good as gold on the Silver Mountain

Hello, my name is Gabrielle and I've been an avid outdoor enthusiast for several years now! I do activities such as hiking, canoeing, camping and climbing. For almost a year now, I've been a specialist at Altitude Sports on St-Denis in Montreal.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out an Outdoor Research waterproof/breathable jacket: the women’s Reflexa. Actually, it’s the first piece of OR clothing I’ve ever owned. I tested it mostly on my bike this spring and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly, the jacket is made in a very interesting way, especially the zippers on either side. The zipper that extends from the underarm to the bottom of the jacket allows you to comfortably wear a backpack with a waist belt. You can do like me in the photo and adjust it so that the jacket doesn’t constantly ride up your back.

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Read more Reflexa Jacket: Water Beware

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jérôme and I am a specialist at Altitude Sports St-Denis and a shipper for the Altitude-sports.com website. Being a lover of outdoor activity, I definitely needed a soft shell.

A softshell has the advantage of being much more breathable than a waterproof breathable jacket and does a good job protecting from small showers with its resistance to water and wind. In short, it is great for most situations.

Lately, I’ve been wearing my Ferrosi a lot. I have had the opportunity test it on several short hikes and while biking. I am very satisfied with this product so far.

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Read more on Jérôme's thoughts on the Ferrosi Hoody

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!

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Click here to learn more about the Equipped to Answer Contest by Outdoor Research

I come from Montreal but when I was 6, we moved to Mont-Rolland in the Laurentians, which is where I grew up. Knowing that, you’ll understand why I have a passion for the outdoors. I was surrounded by nature my entire childhood and today I spend as much time as possible partaking in activities that take me outside. I’m back in Montreal now and I’ve been working at Altitude-Sports.com for 3 years. My time outdoors has given me the opportunity to test many of the products we sell. Depending on the season, I love going for walks and bike rides during the week; I use weekends for snowboarding, snowshoeing, camping and treks. I recently took a course to get my hunting permit. Since the hunting season hasn’t started yet, I’ve been practising at a shooting range. I took advantage of that to try out my latest acquisition and share with you my experience.

I tested my Outdoor Research Women’s Ferrosi Hoody.

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Click here to learn more about Magalie's Ferrosi Hoody

Recently, I got to test it out as I walked up Mount Pevee in the Eastern Townships. It is right by my cottage, and has no marked trails to the top. I must say it was quite a scramble to the 600 meter view-point. The panorama was worth it though. I got a glimpse of Mount Orford, Owl’s Head, and Jay Peak, easy to recognise by the still snow-covered ski trails. The jacket was perfect with a small sweater underneath on this cool sunny day. You can see me with my hood on, as I enter the exposed area at the top of the mount. It was a wonderful 3-hour hike, with lots of spring flowers guiding my way.

Me in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody

Me in the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoody 2

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Click here to learn more about Catherine's Ferrosi Hoody

Rumor Hoody : The word is out…

I got hooked the outdoors at the age of 17, though I began my career as an “outdoorsman” long before that in summer camps (sea kayaking, canoeing, climbing, etc..) and with my family (hiking). However, my first real expedition took place in the White Mountains (New Hampshire, U.S.) with three friends. That's when I discovered my passion for nature and adventure. Since then, I have never stopped planning short, medium or long hikes across Quebec, in the eastern United States and elsewhere in the world (Iceland, Germany, Switzerland). Today, despite my duties as manager at Altitude-Sports on St-Denis, I still find the time to escape from the city to enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure.

The word is out in the Adirondacks

When I was asked to write down my impressions of the Outdoor Research Rumor Hoody, I immediately wondered how this stretch fleece could be useful to me in April, when it started getting hot and everyone was taking out their summer wardrobe. I found my answer when I decided to flee the city for a short two day trip in the Adirondacks (New York).

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Read more about what Louis' testing of the Outdoor Research Rumor Hoody

As soon as I put them on, I knew that the Outdoor Research Contour Pants and I were starting a long love story. They’re so comfortable. Although they’re really thin, you can still feel that they can take a beating. Thank you Cordura-based softshell. Not only that, but they are elastic as well, which makes them incredibly comfortable. It feels like you’re floating in them.

Me, wearing my rugged man face

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Click here to learn more about Juan's Contour pants

My name is Judy Murphy. I sing, cook, write, translate, read, ride my bike, and play tennis. I’ve also been known to do crazy things like plant trees for summers on end. I’m from Victoria, B.C, and have lived in Montreal for just over a year.

This is how I roll...with my Helium

Due to lack of rain, I couldn’t test my Helium jacket outside, so instead I took it in the shower – it’s definitely waterproof. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go bush-wacking in it and could not test the durability of the material, but I have faith (as long as you don’t go head-diving into a blackberry bush). My favourite part about my jacket is how red it is! Just kidding. Despite my obsession with the colour red, my real favourite part is the little tiny pocket the jacket fits into. It’s the size of my fist! This means I can take it anywhere with me either stored in my backpack, stuffed haphazardly into my purse, or clipped to my fanny pack by the loop on the stow pocket.

The Helium stowed in its pocket

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Read more Outdoor Research Tested by Judy - Helium Jacket : the deluxe K-way