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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

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A step-by-step guide to responsible camping

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In the Mountains with Joe Grant

Sustainability

Patagonia’s Buy Less, Demand More Movement

A Commitment to Responsibility

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Running

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Running

In the Mountains with Joe Grant

How do you usually respond to the question “what is your profession?” The answer depends on the context. I specialize in mountain running and ultra distances - my job revolves around running, but also around the mountains and being an ambassador for the mountains. I’m an athlete, writer, photographer. I create content, I’m involved in product design and development. I organize events and work for nonprofits. I also do speaking engagements, and clinics. For the uninitiated, what distinguishes mountain running from trail running? The difference is highlighted in the names. Trail is on a set path and can get quite...

Best Running Shoes in 2021

Ready for your daily jogging routine? The beauty of running is that it is a particularly accessible sport. It can be practiced anywhere, anytime, and with minimal equipment. In fact, the only thing that is really important to consider is the pair of shoes that you will be wearing. Finding a good pair is essential, not only to improve your performance but also to avoid injury in the short or long term.With so many models to choose from, how do you choose just one?First and foremost, you should know what kind of running you will be using your shoes for:...

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...

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 Arc'teryx Aerios GTX. The streamlined upper is highly waterproof and breathable, while the Vibram outsole features lugs that grip ice, snow and even mud when the weather starts to warm up....

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Cycling

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What to Wear Winter Cycling

From insulated shoe covers and three-finger gloves to windproof cycling pants and comfortable mid-layers, the right cycling clothing for winter is all you need to spend the cold season on two wheels. We've prepared a guide to winter cycling clothing to help you prepare for the cold. Winter Cycling Jackets Finding the right winter cycling jacket or jackets is key for cycling to work in winter. It is your protection from the elements and the source of warmth that your muscles need when the frigid, winter winds bite. Because winter brings with it a variety of conditions, you may be...

Best Winter Cycling Jackets for 2021

When you’re cycling in winter, your primary concern is to stay dry and warm. Modern brands design cycling jackets to keep you comfortable with modern synthetic fabrics that insulate and waterproof. They also feature excellent reflective zippers and convenient pockets for storing additional layers. We reviewed the best winter cycling jackets, and found the best overall winter cycling jacket with the most impressive features like waterproofing and breathability to be the Castelli Alpha RoS 2 Jacket. Breathable microporous membrane fabrics such as Gore-Tex prevent rainwater from getting in but allow moisture (read: sweat) to get out. These days, there is...

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...

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Hiking

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Nature is Waiting

60 years of close collaboration with nature has motivated Fjällräven to keep finding new ways of developing functional, durable, and timeless products. Fjällräven’s core value of sustainability is present in every design, action, and initiative undertaken by the company. Sustainability also fuels the brand’s constant desire to inspire more people to discover and enjoy the outdoors, thereby contributing to more widespread interest in nature and its protection. In 1960, Fjällräven’s founder Åke Nordin created the ultra-strong but lightweight backpack Lätt at a time when most backpacks were bulky, uncomfortable, and not doing a particularly good job of supporting one’s trekking...

Best Daypacks for 2021

Finding the best daypack or hiking bag can be quite a challenge. To help you make sense of all the technologies and materials used, we've put the nine most popular daypacks of the year to the test. The North Face's Borealis 28L bag won the title of the best backpack for a day hike in 2021. Its sturdiness, pockets and storage capacity make it a favourite among our customers. Browse our shopping guide to find the best bag for your next day hike, camping trip and more. What is a daypack? Daypacks are the smallest units of the backpack family....

Best Trekking Poles for 2021

From weekend strolls in the woods to full-on thru-hikes, trekking poles are an essential tool for every hiker. Studies have shown that hiking poles significantly reduce the impact load on your knees—especially when going downhill. This prevents long-term damage. Additionally, hiking poles can help mitigate short-term injuries, like twists and sprains, by assisting with your balance and stability on uneven terrain. Our top pick for 2021’s best trekking poles goes to Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Flz Z-Poles, for a mix of weight, strength, and packability. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Trekking Poles Reviewed Product Name Lightweight Strong Collapsible Shop Product Name...

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Review – The best ultralight down puffy for hiking

Since its first release in 2013, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer jacket has been a favourite among ultralight hikers. Even now, its warmth-to-weight ratio is nearly unparalleled in the lightweight puffy category. Then in 2020, the brand dropped a revamped version—the Ghost Whisperer/2. In this review, we cover all the features the new model inherited from its predecessor, as well as those features both new and improved. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know to decide whether the Ghost Whisperer/2 is worth its steep price for your adventures. Things to Consider Before...

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Camping

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A step-by-step guide to responsible camping

Responsible camping is more than putting out your fire and gathering garbage. The Leave no Trace movement offers seven simple guidelines to ensure that you can enjoy your outdoor adventure without harming the environment. Seven protips for responsible camping Plan your trip beforehandWe camp to enjoy the peace and serenity that nature brings. However, a lack of preparation can certainly cramp your style. The first principle of the Leave No Trace movement is to plan your trip well. A lack of preparation can lead to bad decisions and improvisations, which could have a negative environmental impact. Take only what you...

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...

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 in 2021

Believe it or not, your sleeping bag isn’t the only thing keeping you warm and toasty at night. For a good night’s sleep in the bush, sleeping pads are the true unsung heroes.Not only does a sleeping pad add a layer of heavenly comfort between you and a patch of rocky soil, but it also prevents precious body heat from escaping through the ground. Below, we review the best sleeping pads in 2021. The Top Sleeping Pads Reviewed ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Product Name LightweightWarmPrice Shop Product Name UltralightDurableComfortablePrice Shop Product Name PriceComfortableThoughtful designWarmth-to-weight ratio Shop Product Name Seriously ultralightWarmth-to-weight ratioPackable Shop Product...

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Packs & Travel

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Best Daypacks for 2021

The North Face Base Camp Duffel Review

My duffel is often that item that I don't need to give much thought to when I'm preparing for my next trip. Between packing my flashy technical hardshell, my sleek climbing pants and my rugged hiking boots, I’m worrying more about the gear and apparel I need for my next trip. But that’s only because I’ve found a reliable pack that answers all my needs.Whether it’s a weekend adventure or a month-long odyssey, I know that what I pack my gear in is just as important as what gear I’m packing. When I travelled to Nepal for a week (even...

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 with...

Best Hiking Backpacks in 2021

A hiking backpack is by far the most important piece of gear for any serious hiker. So choose your companion wisely. In fact, choosing the best backpack is like choosing the right car: it should be comfortable, able to carry all your essentials, and aesthetically pleasing. And, just like cars, the choices are seemingly endless. Our picks for this year's best hiking backpacks will guide you in making the right choice for your next trip in the wild. There are several important criteria to consider when buying a hiking backpack. Some of these include volume, weight, comfort, durability, and features....

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Jackets

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Nature is Waiting

But Wait, It Gets Beta

Arc'teryx Designer Tanya Hall (Credits - Ryan Hetzel) We spoke with Tanya Hall, Arc’teryx Design Manager, and lead designer of the popular and highly versatile Beta LT. She told us about the design process and the latest upgrades to the lightweight GORE-TEX shell What inspired you to design the Beta LT? Equity and access to the outdoors are important. Being in nature improves people’s wellbeing. I wanted to create a very approachable shell in design/feature set and price, to appeal to a wide audience to support as many people as possible in getting outside. What was the design process like...

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Review – The best ultralight down puffy for hiking

What is Techwear: Apparel of the Future

Brands like The North Face and Patagonia have been making high-quality technical wear for years. You know that old, dorky-looking jacket that your dad wears to go hiking? The one with all those extra pockets made from something called GORE-TEX ? That's just the predecessor to the high-end gear you see on the streets today. But urban techwear is much more than a cool, updated version of your dad’s jacket. AestheticFrom head to toe, it’s an aesthetic that prioritizes functionality, through the use of ultra-durable weatherproof fabrics and features. It pairs sleek, seamless designs with a utilitarian approach and functionality. Its...

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Training

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Best Yoga Pants 2021

Yoga is a dynamic workout that consists of more than just stretches. It can be an excellent workout for recovery, flexibility, and coordination. Many studies link it to transformational health and fitness levels. If you’re a regular yogi, you know that your yoga pants make a huge difference in your practice. And if you're not, well, we’ve put together this expert guide to help you. After extensively reviewing the best yoga pants in Canada, we found that the Girlfriend Collective Compressive High Rise Leggings were the best overall. The combination of compressive materials and aesthetic appeal make the pant a winner....

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 and are looking to shake up our...

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...

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...

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Swim & Surf

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Everything You Need for a Day at the Beach

We’re lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty in Canada, including beaches, coast to coast. There are well-known spots like Tofino, Sandbanks, Bay of Fundy, Lawrencetown and Tadoussac. If those are far away, call your local tourism association to find out which beaches are close to home.Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to pack up and hit the sand! We’ve rounded up everything you’ll need for a great day at the beach. Swimsuits & Swim Shorts Everyday Sunday Wrap One-Piece LEARN MORE Patagonia Wavefarer LEARN MORE Everyday Sunday Wrap One-Piece LEARN MORE Patagonia Wavefarer LEARN...

Avoiding the Plastic Vortex with icebreaker—One Swim & Panel Discussion at a Time

Feel like swimming through a huge pile of trash floating in the Pacific Ocean? That’s what icebreaker ambassador Ben Lecomte did with his Vortex Swim team in June 2019. Their destination was the infamous Pacific Trash Vortex in the Pacific Ocean somewhere between California and Japan. Ben swam more than 300 nautical miles towards it. Why? To raise awareness about a near-invisible threat to our ecosystem: microplastics. On November 14, 2019 icebreaker presented a panel in collaboration with Altitude Sports about Ben’s expedition in the Pacific. Leaders in the sustainable development sector gathered in Montreal’s Mile End neighbourhood to discuss...

O’Neill Hyperfreak Hydro Boardshorts Review

I’m not a professional surfer, but I've owned a ridiculous amount of boardshorts. The reason is simple, they just keep getting better. Materials have gotten stretchier, lighter, faster-drying. The shorts I owned just a few years ago are pretty much obsolete compared to what’s available now. Pro’s Con’s Thin stretchy material: these shorts have more range of motion than your yoga teacher Hemless seams on the legs No-tie fly gets rid of the drawstring Insanely quick-drying Limited size range: The no-tie-fly doesn’t leave you much room for error, or room to grow either. Pro tip: if you’re not sure what size...

Haida Gwaii: Have You Heard of the Islands of the People?

Have you heard of the Islands of the People? A place that sits in the Northern Pacific Ocean, exposed to the harsh brutal Arctic storms, worlds removed from the reaches of modern connectivity. Should you choose to venture to the archipelago you can do so via air or sea. Choosing the seafaring route my friends and I set off on the longest and most remote ferry passage we have ever taken. We did this so we could bring our vehicles to explore this hidden world more commonly known as Haida Gwaii. It’s been on my bucket list to travel to...

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