Hiking

Explore the wilderness of the backcountry. Make your way through the rugged beauty of vast forests. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the outdoors and see the world. To go on an adventure, nearby or in remote parts of the world, the right equipment is essential. What is the best backpack for a trek? How to choose your hiking boots? At Altitude Sports, we love to explore. Let our experts give you their advice and guide you on your next adventure.

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Fleece, Down, or Merino Wool: The Best Mid Layers Reviewed

Fleece, Down, or Merino Wool: The Best Mid Layers Reviewed

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...
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Fleece, Down, or Merino Wool: The Best Mid Layers Reviewed

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 components from all layers, not just the base. If your mid layer can’t breathe, there’s no point. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Editor's

5 Best Winter Hiking Boots for Staying Warm & Dry in 2024

Hiking in the winter is a beautiful and serene experience - the fresh snow, the blue skies, the snow-capped peaks in the distance. But hiking in winter also comes with its challenges: tricky terrain, cold and uncertain weather, and the potential for wet, freezing feet. However, avoiding cold, uncomfortable feet during winter hikes is easy with the proper footwear. The best winter hiking boots, such as the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots, are insulated, waterproof, lightweight, and have great grip. Below, we break down all of our recommended winter hiking shoes. Best Overall Winter Hiking Boots ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots

The Ultimate Guide to GORE-TEX

In the world of outdoor and sports gear, where unpredictable weather can be your toughest adversary, one technology has consistently risen to the challenge—GORE-TEX. Renowned for its unwavering reliability and exceptional waterproofing capabilities, GORE-TEX fabrics are a beacon of innovation in the realm of waterproof-breathable membranes.But what makes the GORE-TEX brand frontrunner in its industry? To understand its advantages and applications, we decided to dive deep. Read on to discover the unparalleled engineering and use cases that have turned GORE-TEX into a household name. A Brief History of GORE-TEX GORE-TEX has a rich history dating all the way back to

Best Insulated Water Bottles

Choosing the right insulated water bottle doesn’t have to mean choosing the most expensive one. Try to focus instead on picking a water bottle that best meets your needs, whatever they may be. Embarking on a day hike? Going camping with your family? Leaving on a kayak expedition? Mountaineering with your best friend? Enjoying a good hot drink? No matter what you’re doing, there’s a water bottle for it. The majority of insulated water bottles stay hot for 6 to 12 hours and stay cold for between 6 to 24 hours. Choosing a water bottle also comes down to the size

Best Hiking Pants for Women for 2023

Finding the best women’s hiking pants takes a little work, but once you find the perfect pair, they can last you for years! In our book, a good pair of hiking pants has stretchy fabric that moves with you, durable material to withstand the elements, and a style that’s both comfortable and attractive. If you’re looking for the best women’s hiking pants, look no further. We’ve rounded up the top 12 hiking pants in this guide. You’ll find our best picks for different types of weather, price points, and features such as breathability, water resistance, and lightweight materials.For their amazing material,

Best Hiking Pants for Men in 2023

Hiking pants get a bad rap. In the age of ultralight everything, running shorts have become the go-to bottoms for all manner of outdoor adventure. But even though shorts are admittedly awesome, hiking pants offer their own distinct advantages. So, to celebrate the rebirth of the trail pant, we’ve compiled a list of the best hiking pants men can own.Our choice for 2023’s best men’s hiking pants goes to the icebreaker Hike Pants for their impressive mix of durability, comfort, and weight.  ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best Hiking Pants for Men Reviewed Product Name DurableSoftLightweightExcellent design Shop Product Name TechnicalComfortableVersatile Shop Product Name

Guide to Outdoor Water Filters

Understanding the different types of backpacking water purifiers and filters is paramount when planning your next adventure. With so many options on the market—from gravity and squeeze filters to pumps and straws to UV purifiers and drop solutions—it can be hard to make an informed decision.To make things easier, we’ve curated a selection of our favourite water purifiers and filters. Whether it’s an emergency-use LifeStraw, a Katadyn Gravity Microfilter, or just good, old purification tablets, we’ve got all your water filtration needs covered!Important things to consider to choose your water filterTypes of water treatment optionsDo I need a pre-filter to

Best Trekking Poles for 2023

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 or rocky terrain.Our top pick for 2023’s best trekking poles goes to Black Diamond’s Alpine Carbon Z-Poles, for a mix of weight, strength, and packability. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Trekking Poles Reviewed Product Name LightweightStrongCollapsible Shop Product Name PriceFoldingDurable Shop Product

Best Hiking Shoes for 2023

We’ve rounded up the best hiking shoes based on traction, comfort, support, and weather resistance. Get ready for your next day hike or multi-day trip with a new pair of hiking shoes.Whether you’re on high and dry alpine trails or wet, muddy paths, your hiking shoes are the piece of gear that matters most on any hike. They provide more support and durability than regular runners. We extensively reviewed the nine best hiking shoes on the market and present them here.In terms of waterproofing, grip, traction, and lightweight function, we found the Vasque Breeze LT LOW NTX Lightweight Waterproof Hiking

Gear Up: A Guide to Hiking Vs. Trekking Gear

In both outdoor activities, what you bring with you can simplify the process and make the adventure a lot more enjoyable. Examples of essential equipment include footwear, clothing, backpacks, and accessories like walking poles. In this article, we’re going to dive into the similarities and differences between hiking and trekking. We’ll also pour over the critical gear you need to make your next trek or hike more enjoyable.Similarities between Trekking and Hiking For starters, both concepts require you to use your feet! The idea of human-powered movement is central; you’re walking either way. You also need gear to sustain both activities, which

How to Pack a Hiking Backpack: The Ultimate Guide

In this article, we walk you through the basics of choosing the right backpack, what to put in it, and the best way to pack it. This comprehensive guide is suitable for both newcomers to backpacking trips, as well as trail blazers in need of a quick refresher.Step 1: Plan AheadBefore you start packing—and before you decide on how much food or how much clothing you’ll need—plan your trip details. Packing wisely means not overpacking and certainly not underpacking. Remember this as we journey through the topic.Map It OutGrab a map and study your route. Take note of key trail

How to Choose 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

Choosing the Right Hiking Shoes: The Ultimate Guide

Hiking is an activity that can easily be enjoyed by just about anyone due to the variety of terrain available. If you’re a beginner, you can find more mellow, short hikes that are not too steep or technical. If you’re a hiking veteran, you can find the steepest, gnarliest hikes leading you to the middle of nowhere, sleeping under the stars listening to the many sounds of nature.  Besides figuring out how to dress for a hike and selecting the right gear, choosing the right hiking boots and shoes is an important part of preparing for your next trail adventure. Whatever

What to wear for hiking

This 101 guide will show you what to wear when hiking, as well as cover the different types of materials, accessories to consider, layers to wear (obviously you can’t dress the same for the rain, snow and heat) and much more so you can have the most successful outing possible. Hiking Clothing 101 The first thing to do is to plan your hiking outfit according to the weather forecast. As any good hiker knows, the weather is fickle, so you have to be prepared for all eventualities. For example, on a day hike, carrying a thin windbreaker or intermediate jacket

Best Hiking Boots for Men and Women

If you've ever had a blister, you know just how debilitating those unimpressive little wounds can be. A great day's hike can be all for naught—or even worse, your trip turns into an unending succession of replacing bandages and wraps. That's why it's important to minimize your risk of any injury great or small by choosing the right pair of hiking boots. Our top pick for 2023's all-around best boot goes to the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots. The Renegade GTX offers hikers a mix of waterproofing, breathability, stability, and comfort. Read on to learn all about this year’s best

Leather Boot Care: 3 Simple Treatment Steps

Everyone has at least one pair of leather boots in their shoe collection, whether it be a fancy lace-up like the Red Wing Shoes 6-inch Iron Ranger or a durable slip-on like the Blundstone Chisel Toe. We dress them up, dress them down and put them to the test through all kinds weather and terrain. From salted, icy roads in the winter to muddy puddles in the spring, to hot and humid summer days, our favourite leather boots can take a lot. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product Name Shop Product

Best Hiking Backpacks in 2022

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.

10 Best Gear and Gadgets for Outdoor Geeks

If you’re an outdoorsman (or woman!) who loves roughing it but still wants to be caught up with all the best gadgets for outdoor geeks, we understand you. Camping gadgets are useful for everything from making sure your water is purified to ensuring you don’t get lost in the backcountry. Below, we’ve selected the best gadgets and tools to make sure your next trip is a hit. From the portable Moka pot to the ultra-bright headlamp, these gadgets will ensure you spend every minute of your next trip in nature-filled bliss. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Top 5 Outdoor Gadgets for Camping   Product

Hiking Essentials: 5 Items To Bring On Your Next Adventure

 Ask any experienced hiker what items should be on your hiking checklist, and we’ll all rattle off a similar list: Good hiking shoes for slippery and rocky paths, plenty of water or a purification system just in case you run out, a lightweight backpack to hold a few things, and a first aid kit for cuts, bites, and blisters. I pack most of these hiking essentials for those “just in case” moments like a sudden thunderstorm, unexpected injury, or my phone and navigation system dying. While purchasing and bringing along these items requires some planning and effort, it’s always best to

New Hiking Trends 2022 – Buyers Guide

Warmer weather heralds more and more people getting outdoors. While hiking is something that goes year-round, we'll admit to being seduced more by the milder balm of Spring and the high skies of summer. With that in mind, we turned to our Altitude Sports buying team for expert advice on new hiking footwear and equipment must-haves for the season. From the coolest pair of kicks at the campfire to your campfire cooker, here are the picks bound to make your new hiking passion - and footwear and gear - the envy of all around you. hiking gear 2022 Vincent is

Best Rain Pants for Hiking of 2021

When most days are wet and rainy, you’ll want the best rain pants for hiking tucked in your gear bag. Having a sturdy, durable pair of rain pants helps you spend more time outdoors, no matter the forecast. They can also turn a miserable wet day around camp into one that’s fun and functional when you know you’ll be kept dry. Choosing the best rain pants can be like trying to read an old map. They all look fairly similar, and it’s hard to tell which option is the best for you. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best

Best Multitools for Backpacking in 2021

Whether you’re a camper, a hiker, a climber, a hunter, or a field worker, you need a multitool. While multitools are great for common situations like cracking open a cold one or trimming some rope, they can also save your life when the unexpected arises. Whether it’s sawing wood to build a shelter, starting a fire in cold weather, or simply whistling for help, multitools are a lightweight piece of your kit that will serve you in more ways than you can imagine. Our top pick for best hiking multitool goes to the Leatherman Signal Multi-Utility Tool - Peg. It

PocketRocket Deluxe Review

The last thing you want is for your stove to break while camping in the middle of the wilderness. Though you can find cheap canister stoves at your local department store, it pays to invest in a sturdy, well-made stove like the PocketRocket Deluxe. This stove helps you heat up breakfast, coffee, and dinner in a snap, without using much fuel. It’s great for backcountry travelling when, after a long day, all you want is a quick meal. Campers in windy, cold, or elevated conditions will find the PocketRocket Deluxe makes a dependable companion. Thanks to its wind-resistant construction, it works

Osprey Atmos AG Review

Whether you’re a passionate thru-hiker or a world traveler, the Osprey Atmos AG Backpack is your perfect companion. Choosing the right backpack can be a big decision since having the wrong one can result in soreness and fatigue. For many adventurers, their hiking backpack is one of their most important pieces of equipment.We tried and tested many different backpacks and found that the Osprey Atmos AG is top of the line in terms of comfort, breathability, and durability. The women’s version, the Aura AG, shares many of the useful features but is built for a female frame. Let’s dive deeper

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. They usually

Q&A with Canadian Director of Marketing at KEEN, Matthew Merko

We sat down with Matthew Merko to learn more about the mission at KEEN to make hiking and nature accessible to everyone—regardless of age. Read on for all you need to know before you hit the trails with your loved ones this summer! Tell us about yourself! I’m Matthew Merko, the Director of Marketing at KEEN in Canada and I have been enjoying the outdoors for most of my life. From cycling and running to camping and hiking, the outside is my happy place. One of the reasons I love working at KEEN is that my work embodies my values

JetBoil MiniMo Cooking System Review

Food is more than just biological fuel. It’s a source of comfort and pleasure. Even on the trail, there’s nothing like a warm meal to recharge your body and your mind. So, when it comes to choosing the right cooking system, it’s normal to treat the decision as seriously as choosing a life partner (Ok, fine—almost as seriously).Today, we’re excited to review the JetBoil MiniMo. This is an all-in-one cooking system that’s perfect for a wide array of hikers and campers. Whether you want to boil water, make coffee, strain paste, or fry up some eggs, the MiniMo makes it

Best Mountaineering Boots for 2021

What are Mountaineering Boots? Unlike hiking boots, mountaineering boots are designed to be used in snow and ice. Mountaineering boots can fit with a variety of crampons, and the stiffness of the sole allows for good edging. The uppers have some flexibility for climbing and a waterproof membrane for weather protection. Mountaineering boots are specifically designed to move over rough terrain and support mountaineers as they traverse vertically through ice walls and frozen waterfalls. Mountaineering boots provide extra ankle support, they tend to be heavier and more rigid than hiking boots. They’re an essential piece of kit when you’re traversing

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

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

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 Brand Name | Product Type Product Name Prix: 0.00$ The Down Sweater may not the most ultralight down jacket

Osprey’s Adventure-Ready Backpacks

If you’ve ever hit a trail, biked, or traveled with a backpack, you know that having a good one makes all the difference. Feeling comfortable on the last miles of an ascent or well-ventilated when pedaling through rocky trails makes for more enjoyable adventures. Designed with the wearer’s needs in mind, Osprey backpacks are packed with useful features and built to last. Comfort and Functionality Founded in 1974 by an outdoor enthusiast who created custom packs, Osprey has established itself as one of the most well-known outdoor backpack brands around. Their operations are based in Vietnam, where the world's leading

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