By the way, if ever you have a favourite product or simply one that you are interested in, please us know by leaving a comment. Thank you and see you soon,

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Click on the following links to see our other picks

The North Face Take Me Down and Arc'teryx Fission SV

Canada Goose Freestyle and The North Face Apex Android

Arc'teryx Alpha SV gloves and Bogs Alex winter boots

Canada Goose Women's Kensington

The Canada Goose Women's Kensington is both slim and long. Making it beautiful in both look and function. The fur ruff is removable and the waist can be adjusted. By the way, winter called and wants you to wear this parka!

Canada Goose Women's Trillium

The Canada Goose Women's Trillium is one of Canada Goose's most popular parkas and there's a good reason for that, it's incredible versatility and flattering silhouette. Both the fur ruff and hood are removable. You've got nice storage in the exterior and interior pockets. Last, but not least, you've got fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets at the chest. Perfect for everything from ice skating to shopping!

Canada Goose Women's Expedition

The Canada Goose Women's Expedition is Canada Goose's warmest woman-specific jacket. It's got some serious warmth. This super practical parka will keep you toasty wherever you go!

I want to be clear that we are down lovers here at Altitude-sports.com. But you know what? Love is infinite. Yup, we also love synthetic. Without further ado, here's my most sublime top 7 women's winter jackets (synthetic insulation).

Town Coat Style

The North Face Lauren Trench + Quartz Nature Eleonore

The North Face Lauren Trench and Quartz Nature Eleonore are perfect town coats. Their length makes sure you'll be protected from both cold and wind. Not only that, but they're both waterproof and breathable.

From the Slopes to the Street Category

Oakley Tiers + Mammut Pike + Bonfire Dream

The Oakley Tiers, Mammut Pike and Bonfire Dream have a sportier look than the above. The tech is right for the slopes and they're sweet and cute for the nicest sidewalks.

Serious Business Category

Arc'teryx Fission SV femme + Arc'teryx Women's Kappa SV

The Arc'teryx Fission SV and Arc'teryx Kappa SV are not horsing around. That being said, you're allowed riding a horse wearing them. They've got everything you need when arctic colds bear down on your region. Both of them are blessed with Primaloft. The Fission SV has 200g at the torso and 133g at the arms while the Kappa SV has 200g all over. That's some serious stuff. Serious business that is. You might be wondering about the difference in price between the two. It's simply, really. The Fission has a waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex Pro Shell membrane while the Kappa SV has the windstopping and water resistant Windstopper membrane.

There you have it, 7 great winter jackets to suit your every need. Reasonable needs that is. If your needs aren't met by this list, they aren't reasonable. Just kidding.

-Jean-Michel

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The North Face Take Me Down + Arc’teryx Fission SV: Altitude-blog.com Winter Favourites

Vero's Top 5 Women’s Winter Boots

Top 5 Valentine’s Day Gifts

If you liked that, and how could you not, check these out:

Video: The North Face Take Me Down & Arc'teryx Fission SV

Top 5 Women’s Winter Boots

Smell the Glove: A review of the Arcteryx Venta SV glove by Mark

By the way, if ever you have a favourite product or simply one that you are interested in, please us know by leaving a comment.

Thank you and see you soon, Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!

Juan

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Click on the following links to see other months's picks

December Picks: The North Face Take Me Down and Arc'teryx Fission SV

November Picks: Canada Goose Freestyle and The North Face Apex Android

October Picks: Arc'teryx Alpha SV gloves and Bogs Alex winter boots

Thank you to Josyanne for her suggestion!

If you have any questions or suggestions for other Altitudipedia topics, do let us know.

Also, here are some links for more Altitudipedia action:

Maintenance Guide for Waterproof-breathable Jackets - Altitudipedia

Waterproof-breathables - Altitudipedia

This one?

Or this one?

We all experience a thousand different situations in a week. I suggest you take the following short quiz to find out what you really need in a winter jacket.

1- Sunday Morning: It’s so cold tiny ice crystals form in your nostrils and sparkle in the sunlight.

a) You planned to go skating and you will go skating.
b) You warm up your muscles with by-the-book exercises, apply wax rated for – 30 C to your cross-country skis and spend the afternoon skiing kilometers, until you reach your starting point, your body nice and toasty.
c) You want your time outside to be pleasant and you propose a long family walk into town for some Christmas shopping.

The North Face - Honcho - Denim Blue

2- Monday Morning: The freezing rain that fell during the night has coated the car windows with ice.

a) You get up early to de-ice all the neighborhood cars because you have the best ice scraper in the world.
b) You scream until the ice shatters off the windows while you drive and warm up your hands, already at your destination.
c) You turn on the heat for five minutes, clear off what ice you can without breaking your broom and let the wind take care of the rest.

The North Face - Redpoint Optimus - Bayou Blue

3- Tuesday Morning: It’s January but the sun is shinning like it would in March.

a) With skiing seriously on the brain, you call your boss and cough at him in your best sick-voice that you are suddenly ill.
b) You walk the hour to work instead of driving the car.
c) With a sunny bounce in your step, you use the day to make some headway and get acquainted with your new clients.

Arc'teryx - Atom LT Hoody - Miro Blue

4- Wednesday Morning: The wind’s blowing so hard you can feel it under the covers.

a) You take a deep breath and hold it from the house to the car, from the garage to the metro, from the metro to the office where you finally exhale.
b) You think a short yoga practice in the living room will do just fine.
c) Quick! You’re out the door with your kite-surf before you even eat breakfast.

Arc'teryx - Kappa SV - Dark Ember

5- Thursday Morning: You wake up to rain pouring down the picture windows.

a) You panic and look at weekend ski conditions on the Internet.
b) You prepare yourself for the weekend and change the wax on your skis from - 30 C to + 10 C.
c) You tell yourself that winters are getting warmer, or that it’s the calm before the storm of the century.

The North Face - Varius Guide Insulated - Bittersweet Brown

6- Friday Morning: You’re advised to stay inside due to an attack of the H1N1 flu.

a) You layer up to protect yourself against all possible germs that could infect you in the cold.
b) You dress to move faster than the cold-travelling germs.
c) You dress to be comfortable while everyone else stresses out.

Arc'teryx - Sceptre - Coffee Bean

7- Saturday Morning: There’s a massive snowstorm.

a) You grab your skis, wanting to ski the fresh powder before crowds of tourists get to the slopes and start falling under your feet.
b) You get ready to explore the backcountry on unmarked trails that will take you to the top of the mountain faster than the others will.
c) You spend the day feeding the woodstove, relaxing, going to the spa, snowshoeing and drinking hot chocolate.

If you chose mostly A’s, I recommend a coat made for winter sports. You’ll want one that’s waterproof, with a ski skirt, a high collar, a hood large enough for a helmet, a larger fit for ease of movement and a good layer of insulation so you can stay warm outside all winter long.

Arc’teryx Sceptre Jacket ou The North Face Insulated Varius Guide Jacket

If you chose mostly B’s, I recommend a coat made for aerobic activity. You’ll want one with light insulation, which is easily compressible if you need to pack it in your backpack, stronger material on the shoulders and more breathable material under the arms. You won’t need the coat to be waterproof or windproof, as it won’t breathe as well.
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ou The North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket

If you chose mostly C’s, I recommend a coat you can wear in the city as well as on the slopes. You’ll want one that’s windproof, (which is also very water-resistant), a warm light insulation like Primaloft or down, a hood just in case, and a classic but technical style.
Arc’teryx Kappa SV Jacket ou The North Face Honcho Jacket

But of course, I’ll leave you to make your final choice according to your preference, your comfort and your budget. Have a great winter!

Véronique Altitude

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.

This year, Arc’teryx came out with the Atom LT Hoody: direct competition for the North Face Redpoint Optimus. The company uses their in-house insulation called Coreloft, similar to Primaloft in composition. However, even though Arc’teryx has a reputation for making very high quality products, Coreloft has not proven to be more efficient or durable than Primaloft.

The Redpoint Optimus is slightly more insulated with 100 gm/ m² of Primaloft than the Atom LT Hoody’s 60 gm/m² of Coreloft. Arc’teryx did, however, have the great idea to increase breathability and mobility by using a Softshell fabric (Polartec Power Stretch) on the sides and under the arms. This also allows for a more fitted style than the Redpoint Optimus.

Other points of comparison

Here are some other important points:

- Both jackets are wind and water-resistant. However, the Redpoint Optimus is in part more resistant and will withstand bad weather better than its counterpart, due to its polyurethane lining at the seamless hood and shoulders.

- They are both adjustable at the waist and the wrist-bands are very similar: tight around the wrist to block the wind.

- The Redpoint Optimus folds into its internal chest pocket and also has a napoleon pocket.

- The Atom LT has hand-warmer pockets.

- Both insulated hoods are the same size, but you can adjust the Redpoint Optimus’ with an elastic cord found behind the head.

- Both collars are the same height, but you can adjust the Redpoint’s with the same elastic cord you use to adjust the hood. This is an important detail, especially on the coldest days because the collar tightens around the chin to cover the neck. You don’t need a scarf or a neck-warmer.

- Finally, much to our distress, the Atom’s zipper has a tendency to come undone slightly when we wear the hood (according to Alex).

- With regards to style, my friend Guillaume just made the difficult choice between the two models, and says the Atom LT looks less like a jacket than the Redpoint Optimus. It is also lighter than the Redpoint (375 g vs 600g).

So to conclude, the Atom LT Hoody is a great option for the quality and price, and makes a good fall, city jacket, but would be less warm in winter than the Redpoint Optimus. Indeed, I’ve worn the Redpoint Optimus for the last three winters, pairing it with a good fleece on the coldest days. For playing sports, the Arc’teryx jacket breathes more and is less insulated than the Optimus. Each jacket satisfies different, precise needs. Also, both are great insulation layers to wear under a shell in winter, for example, if you go skiing.

See you later,

Max

Alex Altitude almost desperate to test out his Atom!!

translation by Judy Murphy

Celui-ci ?

Ou celui-là ?

Mille situations peuvent nous tomber sur le corps vulnérable dans une même semaine. Je vous suggère un petit test pour vous guider vers vos besoins réels d’isolation hivernale :

1- Dimanche matin, le soleil éclaire les micro-glaçons qui nous collent dans les narines :

a. J’avais prévu aller glisser, je vais glisser.
b. Je réchauffe mes muscles selon les règles de l’art, j’applique une cire -30 degrés sous mes skis de fond et je parcours des kilomètres tout l’après-midi pour revenir à mon point de départ le corps chaud.
c. C’est le moment d’harmoniser le froid et l’agréable, je propose une grande marche familiale dans le village pour découvrir les cadeaux de Noël de chacun.

The North Face - Honcho - Bleu Denim

2- Lundi matin, le verglas a givré les vitres de la voiture durant la nuit.

a. Je me lève plus tôt pour dégivrer les vitres des voitures de tout le voisinage parce que j’ai le meilleur grattoir au monde.
b. Je crie jusqu’à ce que le givre casse de lui-même pendant que je me réchauffe les mains au volant, déjà rendu à destination.
c. Je pars le chauffage de la voiture pendant cinq minutes, je déblaie ce que je peux sans briser mon balaie, je laisse le vent souffler le reste.

The North Face - Redpoint Optimus - Bleu Bayou

3- Mardi matin, le soleil de mars se pointe en janvier.

a. J’appelle mon employeur et lui tousse de ma plus belle voix rauque ma maladie soudaine au téléphone, la tout-ski-compte.
b. Je marche une heure pour me rendre au travail à la place de prendre la voiture.
c. Je prends la journée pour faire de la route et rencontrer mes nouveaux clients de bonne humeur du beau temps.

Arc'teryx - Atom LT Hoody - Bleu Miro

4- Mercredi matin, le vent souffle jusqu’en dessous des couvertures.

a. J’inspire et garde mon souffle de la maison à l’auto, du garage à l’entrée du métro, de la sortie du métro à l’entrée du gratte-ciel, et j’expire.
b. Une petite session de yoga au salon fera mon affaire ce matin.
c. Vite, je vais essayer mon kite-surf avant même de déjeuner.

Arc'teryx - Kappa SV - Dark Ember

5- Jeudi matin, la pluie pleure le long des fenêtres doubles.

a. Je panique et regarde les sites internet des conditions de ski pour la fin de semaine.
b. Je me prépare à changer la cire sur mes skis de fond pour la fin de semaine, de -30 degrés à + 10 degrés.
c. Je me dis que l’hiver est de plus en plus doux, ou que c’est le calme avant la belle tempête du siècle.

The North Face - Varius Guide Insulated - Brun

6- Vendredi matin, la grippe AH1N1 nous attaque selon les chercheurs :

a. Je m’habille contre tous les microbes possibles de m’attaquer dans le froid.
b. Je m’habille pour bouger plus vite que le froid qui transmet les microbes.
c. Je m’habille pour être confortable contre le stress humain.

Arc'teryx - Sceptre - Coffee Bean

7- Samedi matin, c’est la tempête de neige :

a. Celle qu’on attendait pour se lancer sur les pistes de poudreuse avant que la foule de touristes nous tombent sur les skis.
b. Celle qu’on attendait pour courir au fond des bois sur des sentiers non-balisés qui nous mèneront au sommet avant les autres.
c. Celle qu’on attendait pour passer la journée à nourrir le poêle de son combustible et relaxer, entre un spa, une promenade en raquette et un chocolat chaud.

Si vous avez obtenu une majorité de A, je vous conseille un manteau créé pour les sports d’hiver, muni d’une jupette pare-neige, d’une membrane imperméable, d’un collet haut, d’un capuchon assez grand pour le casque, d’une coupe plus ample pour la liberté de mouvements, d’une bonne isolation afin de passer l’hiver dehors, au chaud :
Arc’teryx Sceptre Jacket ou The North Face Insulated Varius Guide Jacket

Si vous avez obtenu une majorité de B, je vous conseille un manteau conçu pour les sports aérobiques, avec une isolation légère et compressible, si on a besoin de le transporter dans notre sac-à-dos, sans membrane donc laissant mieux passer l’humidité, avec un matériel plus résistant aux épaules et plus respirant au niveau des aisselles :
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ou The North Face Redpoint Optimus Jacket

Si vous avez obtenu une majorité de C, je vous conseille un manteau polyvalent pour vous satisfaire en ville comme en montagne, avec une membrane coupe-vent et très résistante à l’eau, une isolation chaude et légère, un capuchon en cas de besoin, un style classique mais technique.
Arc’teryx Kappa SV Jacket ou The North Face Honcho Jacket

Ensuite, je vous laisse suivre votre coup de cœur, votre confort et votre budget. Bon hiver!

Véronique Altitude

The North Face Woman's Gotham

The North Face Men's Gotham

Canada Goose Women's Chilliwack

Canada Goose Men's Chilliwack

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.

Made in Canada vs. Made in China

At first glance, customers are often surprised that the Chilliwack is more expensive than the Gotham (for prices see “Related Products” at the bottom of the page). The difference in price can be partly explained because Canada Goose is made in Canada and The North Face is made in China. I think this is an important point because it’s rare that manufacturers make their outdoor clothes in Canada, and a great achievement considering the availability of labour in our country. However, we should consider the fact that Canada Goose produces jackets on a much lower scale than The North Face, for whom it would be impossible to produce such a large quantity only in North American factories. I will leave you to form your own opinion on the subject and to decide whether or not “Made in Canada” is important enough to pay the difference when you buy your next coat.

The Big Technical Differences

Down

First of all, I have to say that both jackets are very well insulated. From Edmonton to Montreal, I’d have no problem recommending either to a customer. The Gotham Jacket uses goose down with a fill power of 550, while the Chilliwack uses duck down with a fill power of 625.

A note on down: a higher fill power number means the coat contains a higher quality down and therefore less is needed to obtain the same level of insulation. Goose down is generally more efficient in terms of warmth than duck down. However, duck down is sturdier and performs a bit better in humid climates. This means it can be used with thicker nylon fabrics. For example, if a thick nylon is used with goose down, the feathers will tend to compress and won’t keep the heat in as effectively. It’s then a question of deciding which compromise is best: light nylon fabrics which are more compact but less sturdy, or strong exterior nylon fabrics that can withstand abrasion.

In both of these cases, these two jackets are equally warm.

With or without a waterproof liner?

Unlike the Chilliwack and Gotham for women, which have a water repellent coating sprayed on the outside of the jacket, making them water resistant, the Gotham for men is totally waterproof. In addition to a spray-on coating, this jacket is lined with a waterproof-breathable liner The North Face HyVent, and has sealed seams, which ensure that water won’t leak into the coat. However, whether a jacket is waterproof or not shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your choice; it’s unlikely you will wear such a coat when it is warm enough to rain. In my opinion, the important point to consider is how wind resistant they are. Both jackets do a great job in this regard. The outer, reinforced fabric on both models for women cuts the wind, while the Gotham for men benefits from a second barrier: its liner HyVent.

Real of Synthetic fur?

Animal lovers will probably prefer the Gotham Jacket with its detachable synthetic fur, making it easier to wash. The Chilliwack has real coyote fur around the hood. I can say from experience that real fur tends to be slightly more durable and will protect your face better from the wind than synthetic. However, I find the Chilliwack’s collar less practical in winter as it comes up awkwardly high around the chin. You either have to wear it zipped down to the base of the neck, or zipped completely up to the nose. The Gotham’s collar has a better design because it zips up high, still leaving room for the chin.

Cut and Style

Apart from their logos, these two coats are very similar in style. They are the same size, but the Chilliwack is slightly more fitted than the Gotham; however, on the same models for women, the reverse is true: the Gotham is more fitted than the Chilliwack. Contrary to other Canada Goose jackets, the Chilliwack will correspond to your normal size. It is also a bit longer than the Gotham.

Well I think I’ve covered all the important points necessary to make a distinction between these two classic jackets, but please don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments box below. Also, if you want to know more, click on the product in the “Related Products” section found at the end of the article.

Until next time,

Max

This article was originaly published on 2009-11-02 and has been subsequently updated.
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The North Face Gotham vs. Quartz Nature Bomber

Canada Goose Chilliwack versus Nobis Cartel

They currently offer three packages. The pictures were enough to make me salivate! Here's a sampling from the tours:

The Canadian High-Arctic and Summer Solstice tour

Monsoon Photo-Safari tour

Polar Bears,  Dog-sledding and Aurora Borealis tour

Each tour includes Canada Goose apparel. And as you know, the only thing better than a Canada Goose jacket is one that comes with a story! Do yourself a favour and check out the tours, if only to get some good ideas!

Juan Altitude