Altitude Blog | Outdoor Gear Guides, Stories & Reviews

Featured

Recent

Ethically Made & Sustainable Winter Jackets

Christmas Socks Gift Guide 2020

See all Recent

Jackets

See all

Ethically Made & Sustainable Winter Jackets

There's nothing like taking a hike through snow-covered forests and icy landscapes. Braving the cool morning air, or enjoying the sunset views from on top of a mountain. For those living in the city, heading up to the chalet and spending a weekend amongst the wildlife can be re-energizing. With growing concerns about the environment, there are certain things we can do to ensure we can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Many clothing brands are taking it upon themselves to do their part for the environment. From going full vegan to using recycled, and ethically sourced materials, here are...

Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody Review: Legendary Versatility

Why? Because the Atom LT Hoody is a jack of all trades that manages to master them all. Whether you’re looking for an outer shell to wear on a chilly day of bouldering, a midlayer to insulate you from the biting winds on a ski slope, or a stylish piece for a night on the town, the Atom LT Hoody will not disappoint. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Atom LT Hoody by Arc’teryx Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop {"title":"Atom LT Hoody by Arcu2019teryx","type":"default","products":[{"product_id":"","product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/arcteryx-atom-lt-hoody-womens-llll-arc-24111","product_title":"Atom LT Hoody - Women's","product_image":{"url":"https://altitude-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ARC-24474_7EDimma.jpg","id":99776},"product_feature":"","_id":"457f8e3"},{"product_id":"","product_link":"https://www.altitude-sports.com/products/arcteryx-atom-lt-hoody-mens-llll-arc-24108","product_title":"Atom LT Hoody - Men's","product_image":{"url":"https://altitude-blog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ARC-24477_7EProteus.jpg","id":99777},"product_feature":"","_id":"20c1979"}],"single_product_link":null,"cta_1_text":null,"cta_2_text":null,"pros":null,"cons":null,"collection":null,"single_product_id":null,"cta_1_url":null,"cta_2_url":null,"image":null,"credit":null,"limit":null,"collection_link":null} Arc’teryx has been making top-quality outdoor gear since their market debut in 1989. Founded...

Canada Goose: Black Friday Sales & Online Scams

If you're like me, you spend a lot of time shopping on the internet. You may even have looked for discounted Canada Goose during a Canada Goose Black Friday deal. Your search results might have turned up a lot of...interesting options. Lots of questions arise about authenticity, especially with something as high-value and sought-after as a Canada Goose winter jacket. We'll look into it, plus answer questions like why Canada Goose costs what they do. There are many reasons why some would want to copy these premium winter jackets! ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Top Rated Canada Goose Parkas Product Name Shop Product...

Why is Canada Goose So Expensive? A Closer Look.

What makes a good winter jacket? In our cold Canadian climate, warmth is the number one criteria. While warmth can be subjective to a degree (some handle the cold better than others), -30°C is still -30°C and you don’t want to face the cold unprepared. A well insulated jacket should get the job done, but are all insulation types created equal, and on that same note, are all jackets created equal? The price would have you believe they are not, and to a certain extent price is a good indicator of quality. While branding has a lot to do with...

See all Jackets

Footwear

See all

Christmas Socks Gift Guide 2020

The holiday season is in full swing and gift ideas that translate into smiles for your loved ones, friends, and co-workers can be a daunting task. We're going to save you that trip to the dollar store for the gift exchange party with our fabulous Christmas socks gift guide! A pair of athletic or casual socks from our collection of feet-focused brands are always an appreciated Christmas gift—especially when the socks have a quality that's built to last. You'll find unisex gift ideas, a gift for your office sock exchange, Christmas socks and much more. Best Socks to Gift This...

Best Winter Running Shoes Reviewed for 2021

Cold weather running isn’t just for the pros. With the right pair of shoes, anyone can get a grip on winter running (see what I did there?). That’s why we’ve rounded up the very best winter running shoes of 2021. Read on to discover our personal favourites alongside tips for choosing the perfect pair to suit your needs!Our choice for best overall winter running shoes goes to the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX. The streamlined upper is highly waterproof and breathable, while the Contagrip TA outsole features aggressive lugs that grip ice and snow. With over five generations of Speedcross models,...

Our 6 Most Popular Blundstone Boots for 2020

Below, we’ve created a list of our 6 most popular Blundstone boots for 2020. Now, we know that your 2020 probably hasn’t been perfect. But did you know 2020 is also the 150th anniversary of the Blundstone? And did you know that the company remains family-owned and operated in Tasmania, Australia? So why not cap this year off with a pair “Blunnies”? 150-years of Blundstone In 1870, John Blundstone started making footwear built for the cobbled streets, farmland, factories, and well-pounded dance floors of Australia. While Blundstone boots – affectionately known as “Blunnies” in the Outback – remain the footwear...

Winter Boot Guide

As we know, winter is generally colder than the rest of the seasons depending on the climate where you are living so adequate gear is imperative. Due to the more extreme temperatures, proper gear is essential for not only your comfort but for your safety too, (and of course to ensure your experience is exceptional) so make sure you’re picking the right pair of winter boots with the help of this winter boot guide. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best overall winter boot Sorel’s 1964 PAC Nylon Waterproof Boots for men are timeless classics that will keep you warm and dry from zero to 32 below. The removable...

See all Footwear

Running

See all

Gift Ideas for Runners for 2020

The pandemic will have made everyone want to get back in shape by running and being active, and we fully encourage this enthusiasm. However, giving a gift to a running enthusiast is not so easy due to the wide selection of toques, running shoes, sports watches and gloves on the market. If you're looking for running gift ideas, read on and take a look at this guide prepared by our running experts. The Best Gifts for Runners We've prepared a selection of items that will make every runner in your life happy. You'll find products for running on the trail...

Best Winter Running Shoes Reviewed for 2021

Best Cold Weather Running Jackets in Winter 2021

For some, the falling snow and blistering winds mean it's time to hang up their running shoes for the season. It's time to switch gears, literally, to skis, snowboards, snowshoes and whatever else they might enjoy doing on snow and ice. For those who like to stick to their favourite activities all year round we've got you covered. Whether it's swapping your road bike for a fat bike, or running straight through winter, we've got the apparel to get you through the cold. Here's our list of the best winter running jackets.How To Dress For Winter RunningWinter running is less...

Top 5 Gore-Tex Running Shoes

Take your running routine to the next level with GORE-TEX, the best waterproof membrane available. From torrential downpours to light drizzles, you’ll want to keep your feet dry, which is why we’ve prepared a list of the best waterproof running shoes on the market. With the right apparel and footwear, you can say goodbye to boring indoor routines on the treadmill and tackle the wet weather with confidence. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Arc'teryx Tackle slush, mud and rain in the Norvan LD GTX trail running shoes. Designed with GORE-TEX membrane, the Norvan LD 2 fits like a glove and offers exceptional weather protection...

See all Running

Hiking

See all

Patagonia Down Sweater Review

Since 2008, the Patagonia Down Sweater has been a brand icon. And not just among climbers and hikers. Commuters, city slickers, urban explorers, fashionistas, and the environmentally conscious have all remained loyal to the legendary garment. So what makes it so iconic? Besides its many top-notch features, the Down Sweater marked a drastic change in the lightweight jacket aesthetic, ushering in a new era of functional minimalist design and inspiring other outdoor companies to do the same. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket Product Type Product Name Price: 0.00$ The Down Sweater may not the most ultralight down jacket on the...

Best Hiking Shoes for 2020

Hiking shoes are one of the best pieces of gear you can bring on any hike. They provide more support and durability than regular runners. We extensively reviewed the nine best hiking shoes on the market and will present them here in this review. In terms of waterproofing, grip, traction, and lightweight function, we found the Arcteryx Aerios FL Mid GTX Hiking Shoes to be the best all-around. Read on to find the best hiking shoes for every outdoor occasion. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Hiking Shoes Reviewed Product Name Reliably Waterproof Grippy outsole Lightweight design LEARN MORE Product Name Quicklace...

Best Daypacks for 2020

Daypacks are essential for both long and short hiking trips. They allow you to carry water bottles or bladders, extra clothes, and any other gear. You can use daypacks for biking trips, SUP adventures, and other outdoor sports. 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 internal frame. However, some still have back...

Fleece VS Down VS Merino Wool – The Ultimate Midlayer Face-Off

It's always best to know how to layer for outdoor activities. Having an idea of the weather and the demands of the activities you'll be doing will make choosing those layers simple. But mid layers — like fleece vs down vs merino wool — aren't just for the mountains. You can wear them all fall and winter long. While a base layer is the root of a good layering system, choosing the best mid layer is just as important. High-output activities that make you sweat need moisture-wicking from all layers, not just the base. If your mid layer can’t breathe, there’s...

See all Hiking

Cycling

See all

10 Best Gift Ideas For Cyclists

With the way that things have gone this year, it seems everyone has gone out and updated their old one or purchased themselves a new bike. Chances are someone close to you is part of this growing group of riders. Whether they're commuting, hurling down muddy trails or setting the pace on long road journeys, they'll need the right gear to get them to the end of their ride. From essential equipment to the latest gadgets, we’ve put together a selection of gift ideas for the cyclists in your life. Gift Ideas for Cyclists Aerodynamic helmets, commuter bags, and weatherproof...

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...

See all Cycling

Camping

See all

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 ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Product Name Easy set-up Well-ventilated Well-insulated Spacious vestibule LEARN MORE Product Name Lightweight Great head space Amazing ventilation LEARN MORE Product Name Spacious interior Spacious vestibule Well-ventilated Standing room LEARN MORE Product Name...

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...

See all Camping

Discover

See all

Discover

Wash, Rinse, Recycle—The North Face Environmental Commitment

What to expect from a fleece jacket made of recycled materials? When it’s The North Face fleece, expect the same comfort, versatility, softness and warmth you’re used to. Getting to a jacket that checks those boxes and is part of their overall sustainability program wasn’t simple, however—and it’s part of their ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The North Face has been encouraging and partnering with ranchers and manufacturers to shorten the supply chain. Regenerative agriculture is part of that, specifically carbon farming that draws down carbon into the soil while yielding important crops like cotton and wool.Chemical responsibility comes...

Discovering the Ancient Wisdom of Sherpa Adventure Gear

Under the cover of night we took the long winding road to Naktapor, hoping to catch the first rays of the rising sun from up in the mountains. The air was cool as we stepped out of the van and made our way to the lookout point. We watched as the fog slowly lifted, revealing the valley below. As the sky grew paler, the Himalayas came into view. Stretching out in the distance towards the east, the snow covered peaks rose into the clouds. The legendary range, home to Everest, has become a pilgrimage site for mountaineers for over a century....

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:...

See all Discover

Gift Guides

See all

Christmas Socks Gift Guide 2020

10 Best Gift Ideas For Cyclists

Gift Ideas for Runners for 2020

The 10 Best Gifts for Ski Bums & Snowboarders

Climbing skins, avalanche transceivers, GORE-TEX shells and essential accessories... understanding industry jargon can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you're shopping for a backcountry enthusiast or snowboarder with distinctive tastes. Fortunately, our team of ski and snowboard enthusiasts has put together a selection of the best products to perform, ride with style, and stay safe. Discover the best gifts for skiers and snowboarders, all available at Altitude Sports. The 10 Best Skiing & Snowboarding Gifts Our collection of downhill and backcountry essentials are equipped with the latest technology. Our selection, meticulously chosen by our snow sports experts, includes everything to...

See all Gift Guides

Featured

Recent

Jackets

Footwear

Running

Hiking

Cycling

Camping

Discover

Gift Guides

Subscribe now to get the latest news and guides on your favorite gear!

Featured

Best Guides

How to's

REVIEWS

Shopping Links

Social medias