Altitude Blog | Outdoor Gear Guides, Stories & Reviews

Featured

The Complete Guide to Cold Weather Running

Cold weather running unlocked: learn how to, avoid the traps, prepare the right way and find the best gear, advice and tips to open a whole world of winter activity, fitness and training.

READ

Recent

Best Ski Gloves for 2021

Cross-Country Ski Apparel Guide

The 6 Best Winter Sleeping Bags for Camping Adventures

Best Yoga Pants for Winter 2021

See all Recent

Discover

See all

The Arcane Series: Urban Minimalism from Osprey

In the adventure backpack world, Osprey reigns supreme. Powerful long-haul carriers; light, technical trekking and hiking packs; transportation solutions of all kinds: Osprey is a sure bet for carrying comfort, functionality and durability. A less known fact is that Osprey uses their quality materials and rich know-how to create beautiful urban lifestyle bags. From comfortable day packs to colourful tote bags, Osprey offers sleek builds and all the functionalities you need to make the best of your everyday journey. The brand has also embraced sustainable practices by opting for recycled materials and bluesign-certified fabrics, so you can carry their pieces...

10 Ski Clothing Brands You Should Know for 2021

The fourth season, for many, is winter, when the temperature drops to subzero and the snow starts to fall. But there are many who live to see that first snow for different reasons–the beginning of ski season. It's the time of year when we gladly go to the back of our closets, size up our ski clothing and dust off our ski gear. While you keep yourself active the remaining three seasons of the year, we all know you’re really just waiting to strap on your boots and kick them into your bindings before tearing down white powdery trails. For...

Discover

The Art of Dressing: Nobis X SERGE IBAKA Capsule Collaboration

Champion. Philanthropist. Big scarf sensation. Taste-maker to the stars. Serge Ibaka, pro NBA basketball player, is all this and more. Now we can add apparel Designer to the multi-talented Congolese forward’s list, thanks to his capsule collaboration with Toronto-based Nobis. While Serge may have moved his basketball address from the Toronto Raptors to old pal Kawhi Leonard’s Los Angeles Clippers, his Queen City connection remains strong with Nobis’ involvement in the collection, dubbed Nobis X SERGE IBAKA. It’s Serge’s first foray into the design world, and for Nobis, a first collaboration with the man they named global ambassador in 2019....

Discover

High-Performance Comfort: The Smartwool Intraknit Collection

Smartwool is the first name you think of when you hear merino wool. For decades they've been making their socks and apparel using the softest and most versatile natural fabric available. No fabric available has the next-to-skin softness of merino wool, and very few can match it for performance. This natural fibre is renewable and capable of adapting to your needs. The moisture-wicking fabric transports sweat away from the body to the surface dries quickly. Merino benefits from layering, so a base and mid-layer will work well together to keep your body temperature regulated. It also works well to keep...

See all Discover

Ski & Snowboard

See all

Best Ski Gloves for 2021

As a skier, the number one thing you want to avoid is icy fingers on the mountain. To keep your fingers warm and dry, you’ll need waterproof hand protection. Though all ski gloves may seem relatively similar, there are significant differences in comfort, features, and design. There are also considerations such as your preference for gloves or mitts, leather or softshell, and heavy-duty or ultrathin builds. We’ll admit it: there are technical challenges in choosing the best ski gloves. But Altitude Sports has you covered with this round-up of the best ski gloves for 2021. After extensive review, we found...

Cross-Country Ski Apparel Guide

Your friends hit the downhill slopes every weekend, but have you always wanted to try cross-country? You're not alone—cross country skiing is booming in 2021! Cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to keep fit in winter. It's a cardio activity, but it's also quite peaceful (imagine skiing through the woods!) and suitable for the whole family. And with the right cross-country ski clothing, it's easier than you might think. While it often costs hundreds of dollars to buy new downhill ski equipment, cross-country ski equipment and clothing is much more affordable. However, it's not always easy to know...

Goggle Care: How to Care For & Maintain Your Goggles Properly

Ski goggles are essential for taking on the mountain. Like your jacket or snow pants, they protect you against the elements–in this case by shading your eyes from the sun or blocking the wind. While they are built durable, they still require some upkeep and care. To make sure you get the most out of your goggles for years to come, here's our guide on how to care for and properly maintain your goggles.Use the Goggle BagMost new goggles come in a protective microfibre bag, designed to clean the lens as well. Use it - it doesn't take up extra...

Why Are My Goggles Foggy & How Do I Fix Them?

The search for the perfect pair of ski goggles needs to take in one important aspect: fog. Although most goggles on the market nowadays are treated with an anti-fog coating, there are instances where your goggle lenses can become foggy. Understanding why your goggles are fogging up will help to prevent it from happening more often. Below we offer a few tips and some problem-solving techniques which may shine a light on your foggy goggle disaster. Yes, goggle defects do occur but user error is the most common culprit. Shop ski goggles What Makes Goggles Fog Up? We all know...

See all Ski & Snowboard

Winter

See all

The 6 Best Winter Sleeping Bags for Camping Adventures

If you’re like me, you may be experiencing a special kind of melancholy this year; an unfortunate synergy between your run-of-the-mill winter blues and the novel coronavirus blues. Most days we’re stuck indoors, counting down till summer, trying to catch but a glimmer of sunlight through the short, overcast days. But while there’s many ways to deal with this bummer, here’s one you haven’t considered: Winter camping. Really—what better time to hit the trail? It’s the pinnacle of social distancing! Best of all, you’ll have the lovely woods all to yourself. There’s no better way to recharge your body and...

Most Popular Winter Boots for Women

Looking for the best women's winter boots to take on the infamously cold Canadian winters? The choice is not easy. The warmest winter boots for women are not necessarily the biggest or thickest. There are many things to consider, such as the look, the purpose (for walking, everyday life, snowshoeing, etc.), the sole, and more.This year's winter is gearing up to look a little different than we are used to. We'll probably be spending more time at home, plowing snow, playing outside with people or finally trying out winter sports, now that we have a little more time. We reviewed...

Best Winter Gloves & Mitts in 2021

There’s nothing worse than having cold hands. Whether you’re working outdoors, enjoying winter sports, or simply going for a stroll in the city, gloves are a must. With so many styles and features to choose from, it can be time-consuming and overwhelming finding the right pair. So we’ve made it simple. Using our guide to the best winter gloves and mitts in 2021, you’ll discover this year’s best, while learning all you need to know about choosing a pair. For their incredible versatility, durability, warmth, and style, we’ve named Smartwool’s Ridgeway Glove as the best gloves in 2021. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The...

Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Canadian Winters

Winter has landed—prepare for mountains of snow, temperatures dropping far below zero and freezing cold gusts of wind. That kind of extreme winter weather calls for the apparel to match, and we've got the best winter jackets to do just thatThat doesn't mean we run from the cold, it just means we need to be ready. 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. our...

See all Winter

Jackets

See all

Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket Review – The Best Severe Weather Jacket Just Got Better

Last year saw an unexpected revamp of the classic Arc'teryx Alpha SV (men’s; women’s), Arc’teryx’s answer to severe alpine weather. And we won’t lie—when we first got wind of the news, we were both excited and a little worried. You see, reboots have a knack for spoiling the original (looking at you, Ghostbusters 2016). But as soon as we got our hands on it, we were more than just pleasantly surprised. In terms of both material and design, the renovated classic is a cut above its predecessor in all the right places (even in places we hadn’t thought to look)....

Most Popular Men’s Winter Jackets for 2021

The cold is the main reason why so many people dislike winter. Yes shovelling the snow in your driveway, or sliding down the sidewalk might make things even harder, but that can't be controlled. What you can control is how you're going to stay warm. For those who don't ski or snowboard, the fun doesn't have to stop once the temperature drops. Here's a selection of urban and technical jackets that will keep you stylish, comfortable and confident this winter. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Arc'teryx Even if the Cerium LT Hoody can be used as an intermediate layer, the Arc'teryx jacket is warm...

Best Winter Jackets For Extreme Canadian Winters

14 Best Kid’s Winter Jackets

Best Kid's Winter Jackets - It's Time To Buy Back to school is done. The first snowfall is around the corner. And the biggest parent dilemma of the season has again arrived - finding the best kid’s winter jackets. We need a guide to something warm, waterproof, and comfortable for your boy or girl to go with their winter boots and gloves. Some kid’s winter jackets are insulated with goose or duck down. Some use synthetic insulation. Almost all of them are waterproof and have lots of features for winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and fun in the snow. But...

See all Jackets

Footwear

See all

Most Popular Winter Boots for Women

Best Hiking Shoes for 2021

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...

Our 6 Most Popular Blundstone Boots for 2021

Below, we’ve created a list of our 6 most popular Blundstone boots for 2021. Now, we know that your 2021 probably hasn’t been perfect. But did you know 2021 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 BlundstoneIn 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 of choice...

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...

See all Footwear

Running

See all

The Complete Guide to Cold Weather Running

For all of winter’s dazzling beauty, there’s something sinister about it. Yes, that fluffy, festive season is a special kind of bummer for runaholics. Friends might say Why don’t you just join a gym? Maybe they’ll even advise you to “take up indoor sports.” But they don’t get it—not really. For you, nothing can replace the simple elegance and steady rhythm of a good ol’ run.But this year is going to be different. Because this is the year you take running back from winter.We present you with the complete guide to cold weather running. By the end of this article,...

8 Best Running Pants and Tights for Winter Running

Whether you’re running in winter, on cold summer days or windy fall afternoons, a good pair of running tights are essential for running all year round and fighting off cold weather. There's nothing like a pair of the best running pants and tights for men and women for winter running.We've pulled out the stops and chosen our eight faves, all to help you enjoy the outdoors and your training regimen through the winter. Our top pick for men is the Sub Zero Zap Tight by Sugoi, and for women, the Winter Warm High Rise Tights by The North Face. Read...

Best Cold Weather Running Jackets for 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...

Gift Ideas for Runners for 2021

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...

See all Running

Hiking

See all

Best Hiking Shoes for 2021

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 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

Camping

See all

The 6 Best Winter Sleeping Bags for Camping Adventures

Best Gifts for Campers & Hikers

Those who love the Great Outdoors are not always easy to shop for. Not only do they value experience over objects, they’re also likely very knowledgeable about the gear they do need. Lucky for you, we’re here to help! Our list below is filled with gift ideas that any outdoors person will love. And, with gear constantly being built stronger, lighter, and more durable, there’s always some piece of equipment in their kit that can use an upgrade. With our advice, you’re sure to turn Christmas 2020 into a holiday miracle. Read on to discover our top 10 gift ideas...

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,...

See all Camping

Featured

Recent

Discover

Ski & Snowboard

Winter

Jackets

Footwear

Running

Hiking

Camping

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

Featured

Best Guides

How to's

REVIEWS

Shopping Links

Social medias