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Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Canadian Winters

Winter is coming. That means preparing for mountains of snow, temperatures dropping far below zero and freezing cold gusts of wind. Whether it’s trekking through the backcountry, or taking on snow-covered city streets, Canadians know how brutal winter can be. That doesn't mean we run from the cold, it just means we need to be prepared. Ski jackets, winter parkas, bomber jackets, and puffer jackets – whatever the style, whatever the purpose, winter apparel has to keep you warm. Keeping that in mind, here’s our selection for men and women of some of the best winter jackets for extreme Canadian winters.Best...

Arc’teryx Sensa Parka Reviewed

Arc’teryx is a leader in technical outdoor gear and apparel. In a ski town like the one I live in, everyone is sporting this brand for a simple reason. It’s one of the best brands for staying warm and dry while going about your outdoor recreation. It’s been so great to see Arc'teryx continue to create pieces that are equal parts sport and lifestyle. So when I first tried on the new Arc'teryx Sensa Parka, I knew that they had hit another one out of the park.The JacketThis jacket looks and feels different from anything I’ve ever seen from Arc’teryx....

How Should a Winter Coat Fit?

Letting Your Coat Gain Its Loft Before Wearing ItIf you’re purchasing a coat online, it will most likely arrive at its destination packaged in a bag or a box and has been compressed to fit efficiently. Like a new duvet blanket or a sleeping bag that has just been released from the compression sack for the first time, you have to fluff it up. This allows the insulation to move around to where it needs to be and take on its appropriate shape and/or fit.The same goes for a new jacket. Whether you have just received a new down insulated...

Which Canada Goose Fit Is Best For You

Size & Fit We often get asked “Which size should I get for my Canada Goose parka?” It’s a great question and it depends on a few factors. Beyond your personal preference, you have to consider your body shape. There’s also a difference between size and fit. While sizes are mostly standard, fit can play a big difference. Most brands will go with a standard fit that uses average measurements as a reference point. Canada Goose understands that this can be limiting and introduced additional fits to cater to those who have trouble with standard fits, or simply want a more custom...

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Hiking

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Best Daypack for 2020

We reviewed the nine best daypacks on the market and evaluated their features, technology, and materials. Our best overall pick for durability, spaciousness, and customer satisfaction is the North Face Recon 30L. Read on to discover the best daypacks for hiking, travel, and other categories! What is a daypack? Daypacks are the smallest units of the backpack family. They’re usually around 15 to 30 litres and are built to carry 9 to 11 kilograms. If you think of travel luggage, daypacks are like the carry-on bags, while overnight backpacks are like the check-in bags. Unlike overnight packs, there is no...

Best Hiking Backpacks in 2020

There are several important criteria to consider when buying a hiking backpack. Some of these include volume, weight, comfort and features. We'll take a look at the best hiking backpack guide for 2020, measuring each reviewed backpack by weight, comfort, performance, and more. Check out the quick list below, and dive deeper for more details. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente our top hiking backpacks, reviewed Product Name ComfortableErgonomicVersatile LEARN MORE Product Name SpaciousHighly customisableTwo-in-one LEARN MORE Product Name Sturdy buildGreat SupportFull front access LEARN MORE Product Name LightweightSleekGreat value LEARN MORE Product Name WeatherproofReinforcedSize options LEARN MORE Product Name MinimalistUltralightSturdy LEARN MORE {"title":"our top...

Best Hiking Boots in 2020

If you've ever had a blister, you know just how debilitating those unimpressive little wounds can be. That's why it's important to minimize your risk of any injury great or small by choosing the right pair of hiking boots. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Our Top Hiking Boots, Reviewed Product Name Weatherproof Sturdy Stable LEARN MORE Product Name Lightweight Traction Comfort LEARN MORE Product Name Price Durability Support LEARN MORE Product Name Lightweight Stable Weather-resistant LEARN MORE Product Name Stylish Rugged Breathable LEARN MORE Product Name Versatile Breathable Waterproof LEARN MORE Product Name Stylish Gripping power Waterproof LEARN MORE Product Name Winter-read Shock-absorbant...

How to Pick a Hiking Backpack

A backpack that is too large risks causing shoulder, back or even knee problems. You can mistakenly over-pack and end up carrying more weight than your body can handle. The three elements to look out for when choosing your hiking backpack are :How to choose the correct size of hiking backpackWhich hiking backpack features do you need?Is your hiking backpack the correct fit for you?Be sure to check our selection of the best hiking backpacks available today. Hiking Backpack SizeFirst things first, you need to decide what type of hiking you will be doing and how long your journeys will be. You need to take into consideration...

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Running

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How to Carry Water While Running

Shop Our Running Collection Carrying Water While ExercisingBikes are generally equipped with water bottle holders that are conveniently located so you can hydrate throughout your ride. There are also backpacks which can hold water bladders and have a hose so you can hydrate on the go. While hiking, you generally have a day pack which can easily hold multiple water bottles or a bladder, but how do you carry water while running?Running with a water bottle in your hand is convenient but it isn't so practical. It can be hard to have a good grip if the water bottle is too...

Best Running Watches

Of all the running watches we examined, the Garmin Forerunner 245 was our Best Overall running watch. It has exceptional technological capabilities and monitors advanced running dynamics.Let’s get started with our best running watches guide.Best Overall Running Watch Garmin Forerunner 245 A high-functioning Garmin at an accessible price? You’ve got it with the Garmin Forerunner 245. It provides users with detailed fitness tracking and long and short-term training analyses.The Forerunner 245 comes in two different versions, one with music storage of up to 500 songs. Both the Forerunner 245 Music and the Forerunner 245 have one or two-hour-long GPS tracked activities per...

Best Hydration Packs for Running

Whether you’re trail-racing, running a marathon, a casual runner or training for your next event, after your shoes a hydration pack for running should be the most essential piece of equipment on your list. We’ve compiled reviews, a guide and answered some FAQs to help you find the best hydration packs for running.Since aid stations are spaced far apart, a hydration pack ensures runners have enough hydration to make it to the next station. Some hydration packs in our review have bladders or reservoirs, which are soft, flexible plastic bags that sit on your back. Others have pockets for soft flasks of water that...

Best Stability Running Shoes In 2020

After reviewing the top stability running shoes on the market, we found the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 shoes were the best overall in comfort, stability, and cushioning. Below, we look at the best stability running shoes for different types of terrain and purposes. What is a Stability Running Shoe? Top Stability Running Shoes Reviewed: Best Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 Shoes Best-selling: ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Shoes Best Premium: On Cloudace Shoes Best Lightweight: Mizuno Wave Sky Waveknit 3 Shoes Best for Training: Saucony Omni ISO 2 Shoes Most Comfortable: Salomon Predict RA shoes What to Look for in a Stability Running Shoe FAQ for Stability Running Shoes...

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Cycling

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Best Cycling Shoes of 2020

In this guide, we’ll review the nine most competitive cycling shoes on the market and explain their strongest and weakest points. Of all our favourites, the Garneau Granite II shoes topped the list for their multitude of features and functions Why Cycling Shoes? Cycling shoes are essential to keep your feet protected and maximize the transfer of energy from foot to the pedal. In some models, the innovative closure system protects pressure points on the top of the foot. Additionally, the soles are more stiff to aid in the effective transfer of energy as you ride. Best All-Around Cycling Shoes...

The Best Mountain Biking Helmets of 2020

Are you looking for the best mountain bike helmet for your next adventure? Your helmet is an essential part of your mountain bike equipment, but how to choose it? Here are the criteria to consider. We have evaluated over 50 helmets and have collected the best 6 in this guide. The Smith Optics Forefront 2 helmet is the big winner for its price, its robustness, and the protection it offers. Whether you're on a budget or ready to spend a little luxury, this guide presents the best mountain biking helmets for all styles and budgets. The Best Overall Helmet 1....

Choosing The Right Biking Helmet

Best Road Bike Helmets 2020 The most important factor when choosing a road bike helmet has always been safety, but how do you decide which of the best road bike helmets is right for you? Do you search for a lightweight helmet or one that is stylish but perhaps a bit on the heavy side? Can a mountain bike helmet do the trick? And what is MIPS anyways—and do you need it? The amount of choices available can make the search seem overwhelming. That’s why we studied 9 of the best road bike helmets on the market and found that...

Gear for the Streets: Discover Urban Cycling Apparel

Some riders like to treat every ride like it’s a personal time-trial and for those riders, we’ve got the latest cycling apparel for the new season. But for the commuters who like to ride around town with their friends on their vintage bikes and fixies, going from work to the pub…we’ve also got the latest urban cycling apparel to keep you relaxed, comfortable and stylish. Essential Gear No matter what your style, no matter what you ride, when you're hopping on the bike your gonna need a few essentials. Like the rule about never leaving the house without your keys wallet and...

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Training

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5 Easy At-Home Workouts

Like all of us, you're probably stuck at home thanks to the coronavirus going around. Even though this is the right thing to do for the time being, staying confined between four walls can be difficult for your mental health. That's why you can't ignore your daily workout. Exercising is the best way to deal with stress. You might not be able to go to gym or visit any national parks, but you can still find a way to exercise. Here are some easy at-home workouts and tips for staying in shape during the quarantine! A Few Easy At-Home Workouts...

How to Create Your Yoga Haven at Home

Stop and take a deep breath. Practiced around the world for centuries, yoga seems to be more popular than ever. Many turn to this practice to increase their well-being, from relieving stress to increasing flexibility and beyond. A great thing about yoga is that its practice takes up very little space. This means you can easily practice yoga at home and create your very own sanctuary to unwind and recharge. This is more than welcome at a time where we are pretty much all confined to our homes because of the coronavirus pandemic. Where to Set Up Your Yoga Space...

10 Workout Essentials for your Gym Bag

Getting in shape has never been more relevant for the modern man and woman. Everyone it seems is more fitness-conscious as we become more informed about health—and we're heading outside for our workout more than ever before. But going to the gym in winter with a gym bag full of workout essentials and cool workout gear is a great option when the weather gets too rough for our winter running or warmer-weather run routine. What to Carry in your Gym Bag What you bring to the gym depends on what you like to do best. Running, interval training, yoga—it comes...

Ranking Reigning Champ Hoodies & Sweaters

Alright, so you’ve done some research and decided on a Canadian-made hoodie or sweater from Reigning Champ. Good choice on the clothing brand. Now you’ve got to pick the right sweatshirt. Do you go basic or branded? Are you looking for something thicker and warmer for winter or more of a lightweight sweater for spring? Either way, we’re assuming you’re prioritizing comfort, which is why you've chosen Reigning Champ. To help make your choice a little easier, we've ranked the best Reigning Champ hoodies and sweaters from our collection. Our rankings are based on our customer reviews and our expertise...

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Footwear

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Best Hiking Boots in 2020

Best Cycling Shoes of 2020

Best Stability Running Shoes In 2020

Best Long-Distance Running Shoes

This form of running requires a high level of physical endurance, extended timeframes, and long paths. We found that the best overall shoe for this strenuous activity is the Saucony Kinvara 11 running shoe. They epitomize the ideal running footwear with their cushioning and responsiveness.Here’s an in-depth look at our best long-distance running shoes.Best Long-Distance Running Shoes Reviewed: Best All-Around: Saucony Kinvara 11Best-Selling: Asics Gel-Cumulus 21Best Cushioning: Saucony Omni ISO 2Best for Wide Feet: On CloudstratusBest for Ultra-Runners: Salomon Ultra Pro TrailWhat to Look for in Long-Distance Running ShoesFAQs for Long-Distance Running ShoesBest All-Around Long-Distance Running Shoes Saucony Kinvara 11 Running Shoes For runners looking for a flexible,...

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Camping

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Best Camping Mattresses and Sleeping Pads 2020

Not only does a sleeping pad add a layer of heavenly comfort between you and a patch of rocky soil, it prevents precious body heat from escaping through the ground. Below, we review the best sleeping pads in 2020. The Top Sleeping Pads Reviewed ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Product Name Lightweight Warm Price LEARN MORE Product Name Ultralight Durable & comfy Price LEARN MORE Product Name Price Comfortable Warmth-to-weight ratio LEARN MORE Product Name Comfortable Easy to inflate Car-camping friendly LEARN MORE Product Name Very warm Highly compressible Price LEARN MORE Product Name Warm, comfy Durable Compressible LEARN MORE Product Name Lavishly comfortable Packable...

Best Camping Chairs In 2020

We’ve rounded up this year’s best camping chairs to guide you through the different ways you can comfortably kick back in nature.Our choice for best overall camping chair in 2020 is the Helinox Chair Zero, for its combination of lightweight materials, packability, durability, and comfort. Best Overall Camping Chair The Helinox Chair Zero is the ultralight answer to your traditional, bulky camping chair. Constructed with lightweight DAC aluminium poles and a ripstop polyester seat, it weighs just 1.1 lbs. It can be compressed into a 4”x4”x 14” stuff sack, roughly the size of a foot-long Subway sandwich. For its weight and size, you might think it flimsy; however,...

Best Camping Tents of 2020

Remember, choosing the right tent isn’t about choosing the priciest or the one with the most features—it’s about choosing the one that meets your needs. Going for a weekend glamp with the fam? Looking for a seriously insulated winter shelter? Planning a thru-hike on a shoestring budget? Here we review 11 of the best camping tents for 11 types of campers.THE BEST CAMPING TENTS REVIEWED BEST OVERALL CAMPING TENT Marmot has been kicking grass since 1974 and their Limelight 2-Person Tent is no exception. It marks a crossroads between value, space, insulation, and durability. For its performance in all those categories, it...

Best Camping Sleeping Bags In 2020

As an outdoors person, you already know that a good night’s sleep can be the difference between a lovely day on the trail and a wilderness nightmare—and that’s the best-case scenario. In the woods, where circumstances can change very quickly, it’s essential to pack the right stuff. A lousy sleeping bag is not only uncomfortable but can allow precious body heat to escape, which can result in hypothermia. For its warmth-to-weight ratio, water-resistance, insulation, and compressibility, the Mythic 600 Down Sleeping Bag by Rab is our choice for best all-around sleeping bag in 2020. Check out our other top picks...

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Our Favourite Face Masks

Some manufacturing companies created masks for the public as well as healthcare workers, brands like Kanuk, Little Yogi, Naked & Famous and Keen. Their experience and craftsmanship was put to work to make beautiful, high-quality face masks we’ll actually want to wear. And with many provinces making masks mandatory in closed public spaces, the timing couldn’t be better. While you'll find an extensive collection on altitude-sports.com, here are some of our faves. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Kanuk: Health Regulations with Elegance Well-established in Montreal since 1970, Kanuk was born out of a local entrepreneur’s desire to make winter coats for our cold and humid climate. Armed with its...

Growing a Revolution

Can agriculture save the planet? That’s what Patagonia believes. Patagonia is the outdoor company that’s made battling climate change their front line. Even their slogan states it: We’re in business to save the planet. I certainly didn’t expect to find myself on a farm up to my elbows in earth, gardening with the precursors to an agricultural revolution. My impression of California was more of a place ravaged by years of withering drought and wildfires, an ironic twist to the supposed cornucopia of America. And yet it is in precisely this climate that Patagonia is working on their new project:...

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Vallier Spring Summer 2020

Vallier is back—our new collection brings a classic minimalist style to spring & summer clothes and accessories. It’s the fusion of outdoor technical clothing with everyday urban essentials, and we couldn’t be more excited for our first warm-weather drop. Eco-responsible, comfortable fabrics like Sorona, Tencel and organic cotton are threaded into selected pieces. Quick-dry, cool wicking, anti-wrinkle materials perform in summers, including an abrasion-resistant nylon that adds ruggedness. Fresh rose and baby blue add spring pop to our rich palette of navy, khaki, grey and white. It’s all designed in Montreal, with an eye on Canada’s warm months. Short sleeve...

Wonderfully Eccentric Sunglasses by Pit Viper

With a psychedelic website that's reminiscent of good ol' Windows 95 and a more-than-dubious sense of humour, Pit Viper is on its way to conquering the market of urban and sport sunglasses. The Utah-based brand seems to make a point of not taking themselves too seriously, all while manufacturing some of the most resistant and imaginative sunglasses around. Pit Viper: With Respect and Authority Pit Viper's slogan is hard to forget. In 2012, adventurer Chuck Mumford wished to find an alternative to his sunglasses, which kept on breaking and couldn't survive his most intense expeditions. That's how Pit Viper, dedicated...

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Gift Guides

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Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father's Day—time to look for the right gift for the man, the myth, the legend, using our Father's Day Gift Guide. You could source some wood and show off your handy-work you've learnt from your pops by building something special to give. Or, if he's more of the gadget type, find him the latest and greatest in sports or fashion watches. Our fathers and father figures play a special role in our lives and Father's Day is his special day, so show him how much you appreciate all he does and has done in your life. And hey, why not...

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2020

Valentine's Day is just around the corner which means love is growing in the air. Pink, red and white hues add a festive touch to shop windows and romantic deals for two are popping up everywhere you look. Looking for that perfect gift for your special someone? Whether your partner is a chic and sophisticated urban dweller or an adventurous outdoor enthusiast, at Altitude Sports our Valentine's Day collection is sure to light up their smile. Shop Valentine's Day Gift Ideas Valentine's Day Gifts for Her Whether she's at home in the city or lives for nights under the starry sky,...

His and Her Christmas Sweaters

What says Christmas more than His and Her Christmas sweaters? Relaxing by the fireplace with family and friends, with your favourite Christmas music in your ears and favourite Christmas libation in your hand—all while snug inside your Christmas sweater, the last word in holiday comfort. Which brings us to this guide, a collection of His and Her Christmas sweaters with style and eye-catching flair for every occasion imaginable. Take a post-dinner walk in the winter wonderland, look smart at carolling hour, make Santa jealous the night before Christmas and look the part when handing out gifts in the morning. Plus, Altitude Sports...

The 10 Best Gifts for Ski Bums & Snowboarders

Picking out the best gifts for the skiers and snowboarders in your life can be challenging. Whether it's insulated ski jackets, snowboard pants, GORE-TEX mittens, or essential accessories, trying to find the right gear can be a tough task - especially if you're shopping for a rider with a particular taste or style. Thankfully our staff of avid skiers, boarders, and backcountry adventurers have curated a selection of timeless styles, innovative designs, and trending essentials. These recommended products will help you find the perfect gift for a special someone who lives for fresh groomers, slushy park laps, and deep powder....

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