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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Kombi B2 Merino Blend Base Layers Reviewed

No matter what you like doing during the winter - whether it’s skiing, hiking, tubing, running or even ice fishing, there’s one thing you always have to make sure of: staying warm and dry. Choosing the right base layer makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time outside during colder days. Known for their warmth expertise, Kombi has me preaching for them once again. I had the chance to try the B2 Merino Blend Crew top and bottom and here’s why I was more than satisfied. Firstly, these base layers are very comfortable. If I could wear

In The Mountains With Rab: Technical Clothing For Extreme Conditions

Buenos Aires, 1973. Rab Carrington, the Scottish climber and mountaineer is preparing to head out for the mountains of Patagonia when he finds out that his equipment got lost in transit. Knowing that he couldn’t venture into the great outdoors without his gear, he learned how to make his own sleeping bags. Rab was born out of necessity and has gone on to revolutionize the outdoor industry.  From state-of-the-art sleeping bags to coats and base layers for rock climbing, Rab specializes in trekking and mountaineering clothing and equipment. Inspired by the mountains and tested in extreme conditions, Rab is made

The North Face Denali Fleece is Back

Did The North Face Denali Fleece ever go out of style? Apparently. But right now, these jackets and sweaters are back with a vengeance, and winning fans from the city to more traditional mountain settings. Much like the re-launch of Nuptse, everyone from Hypebeasts to climbing and hiking enthusiasts is lauding the arrival of the ‘95 Retro Denali Jackets and loving the updated Denali 2 Jackets. From the trailhead to the ski lodge, and your hip neighborhood hangouts, these essentials (they come in jacket, anorak, and hoodie styles) are this seasons’ ‘it’ items.  Since 1968, The North Face been providing

The North Face Summit Series with FUTURELIGHT

Introducing The North Face Summit Series with FUTURELIGHT Collection - "the world's finest alpine equipment." A collection of gear designed to keep climbers protected and comfortable in the harshest locations in the most extreme conditions. The North Face's Summit Series with Futurelight Collection focuses on creating a pinnacle kit for climbers using the best materials and design techniques. Now they come with FUTURELIGHT, The North Face's proprietary fabric and their most advanced waterproof, breathable, lightweight shell fabric. FUTURELIGHT The finest materials and insulation are used in each layering piece to ensure top-quality products and performance. Most important is the addition of

BLACKYAK—Himalayas on the Mind

Yaks, powerful beasts that survived the ice age, roam the Himalayas, surviving and thriving in otherwise uninhabitable conditions. The people and mountaineers of the region have long benefitted from yaks for transportation, wool, milk and meat. With the animal as its talisman, the outdoor company BLACKYAK emerged from South Korea – one of the largest outdoor sports markets in the world – with an eye firmly on the loftiest peaks on the globe. And like the yak, they aim to make ascents easier for those who dare. Shop BLACKYAK Bakosi Jacket Men Shop now Niata Jacket Women Shop now Tae

On the Mountains with Mammut: Alpine Performance Signed By Swiss Craftsmanship

We landed in Zurich on a beautifully warm Sunday morning in mid-April—a stark contrast from the almost winter-like weather we left behind in Montreal. We were greeted inside the hyper-modern airport terminal by Kris and Mark, Mammut representatives doubling as our tour guides for the next 6-days of adventure throughout Switzerland. Our journey had the goal of learning the ins-and-outs of their brand. We’d travel across the Alps to the Mammut headquarters in Seon, and up some of the most iconic ski slopes in Europe.  During our stroll through the quiet, modern city of Zurich, Kris mentioned that, “Sundays were

Mountaineering With Mountain Hardwear: Training New Adventurers At Canada’s Most Historic Alpine Camp

"We're all here because we’re not all there,” commented Sylvia Forest, one of the lead guides at the Alpine Club of Canada’s General Mountaineering Camp (GMC for short). I felt she aptly described the type of people who find amusement in walking over crevasses or swinging off granite spires. Usually, these people are known as mountaineers. Mountaineering, the art of ascending a mountain, requires multiple skills – glacier travel, rock climbing, scrambling, and even ice climbing. I’ve dabbled in most of those disciplines, but seldom combined them. When Mountain Hardwear extended an invitation to this year’s week-long GMC I was

Tired of Your Hiking Shoes Failing You? Salewa MTN Trainer GTX Reviewed

Let’s be honest here, we need gear that can actually withstand the rough conditions that we put them through. Now let's be really honest, most gear won't last and perform at the standards we expect. As a photographer, I’m willing to go the extra mile for the shot and I need shoes that will take me there. Trying to find shoes that fit right out of the box is not an easy task either, but luckily I think I found a pair that ticks most of the boxes. Hiking shoes I’ve had in the past have done the job but

The Future Is Now: The North Face’s industry-changing Futurelight fabric put to the test in Zermatt

Travelling to Zermatt by train is exciting, even on the back of a 24-hour blitz from Montreal to the heart of a remote region in the Alps. The North Face had invited a handful of people to a private event where we would experience the future – specifically, their revolutionary material set to disrupt the outdoor industry. The spectacular scenery made the long journey well worth it. Finally, the Matterhorn appeared, towering over the distant peaks in the morning light of late November. Nestled halfway up the Matter Valley, Zermatt is historical and yet forward-looking in its approach to mountain

Norrøna Svalbard Flannel Shirt Reviewed

As a Canadian, I know a thing or two about flannels. Some might say we are all born wearing one, I have yet to check that fact tho… But one thing I do know is that a flannel jacket is a key component to any good Canadians wardrobe. When I first saw the Svalbard Flannel Shirt, it seemed different to the ones I’ve previously owned. It was thinner, which made me think it would be a light layer for mild days. The quality of the material seemed high and it stood out with its vintage-looking elbow and shoulder patches. Pros: Cons:

Isle of Skye: Top 5 Locations You Don’t Want to Miss

If you haven't already heard of the Isle of Skye, it's a must for outdoor enthusiasts looking to discover unique landscapes. The largest island of Scotland's Inner Hebrids archipelago is the perfect spot for road tripping. With so many things to see, here are the best places to stop along the way. Portree Portree is the main village on Skye and has everything a visitor could wish for in terms of accommodations - making it a good place to set up camp on your trip. You can stroll around town, admire its picturesque harbour surrounded by cliffs and green hills,

How to keep your electronics safe and powered on adventures

Okay, you may be thinking “I go outside to connect with nature, why worry about electronics?” Well, I have a similar view but many of my trips involve remote locations and the need to capture photos, videos, and sound. This article is my 2 cents and geared to those who want to be able to keep their gear safe and functional for days on end. First off, there are varying degrees of complexity in a tech set up but the main concerns are protection, power and weight. My set up would change slightly on a canoe expedition versus a hiking

Deuter: 120 years of backpacking adventures.

With the array of features, styles and brands available, it’s not easy choosing the right hiking backpack. If you’re still hesitating after figuring out what you need, best to trust the people who’ve ‘been there, done that’ – and continue to lead in innovation and design. Enter Germany’s Deuter, with over 120 years of revolutionary evolution in backpacks and more, creating technical quality packs for every need imaginable. Shop Deuter Sac à dos Futura 22 SL Shop Sac à dos Futura 30 Shop Sac à dos Futura PRO 34 SL Shop Sac à dos Futura PRO 44 EL Shop Hans

Columbia Sportswear Travel Outfits: Packable Sun & Rain Apparel for Summer

Every travel outfit starts with comfort. Columbia's range of travel clothing makes summer getaways more comfortable than ever. With sun protection, wrinkle-resistance and packability, these ensembles work from airport touchdown to urban exploring - no need to change at the hotel. Choose a UPF hat to keep the ultraviolet rays off. Find tops and bottoms that shield from the sun and look the part. Pull out a compact emergency rain shell when the weather turns. Everything you want for warm weather adventures comes in Columbia Sportswear's clean styling - now book your trip and hit the road. Shop Columbia For

Vuori Kore shorts review

Then again my Vuori Kore shorts, in black, aren’t in a sexy product category. Athletic shorts are meant to be utilitarian. Sure, Vuori offers louder prints and a price tag that could turn some interested heads, but where these shorts excel, much like my non-ripped body, is performing beyond expectations.I’ve run 10km and slept in them. I’ve done hot yoga and plunged into frozen lakes with them. What I have yet to do is find their limit. Our reviewPros:Soft, velvety texture ad luxury feel.Quality drawstrings, drawstring ends and hardware.Subtle, thin and soft liner allows comfort with or without boxers.Length and fit are

Never Stop Exploring Responsibly: L.A. to Joshua Tree & Back with The North Face

The plan was simple: fly to California for a project, then ride to Joshua Tree to explore the National Park in the desert with The North Face. That morning we’d set out from LA with supplies strapped to our dual-sport bikes. But the plan had been in jeopardy. The longest US Government shutdown in history had closed all national parks. During the shutdown, The North Face issued statements regarding the need for vital park protection services. Partial services had returned, and a window opened for us to head out that weekend.    We’d seen the news but didn’t know what

Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody: It Will Make You a Fleece Believer in Fleece

I have been skeptical of using fleece for activewear for many years now.  There was always something about the lack of breathability and less than ideal coziness that made me doubt I’d ever wear it again.  But then I wore this fleece, and now I’m a believer! The Kyanite Hoody has been put through its paces with me, and I’m excited to continue to keep it around as my go to, all round great layer! Here’s why. Shop Arc'teryx Our review of this product The pros are: stretchability versatility as a layering system or by itself breathability The cons are:

Why the Arc’teryx Phase SL Boxer & Bra Should Be Your Go-to Undergarments

I think that shopping for good underwear is one of the biggest challenges an adult faces.  Growing up, it was one of those things that just always showed up at Christmas or birthdays, so you never really had to think about it.  Then you move away from home and see that these things can be pricey, and better be worth it for all the time and effort it takes to buy it.  So I’m happy to have added the Phase SL Bra and Boxers to my active underwear rotation, because they are simple, basic pieces that are well made, well

Testing the Garmin InReach SE + Satellite Communicator in Remote Nunavut

In the Beginning On expeditions in remote places, safety and being able to communicate is a real concern.  If something happens to you or a member of your team, it brings peace of mind knowing that you can alert someone, and have them contact loved ones and arrange for help if necessary. It doesn’t even need to be in a truly remote location.  Accidents can happen on small outings, and if you find yourself stranded somewhere, it’s reassuring to know that you can reach out. Even if everything is going well, it’s a great feeling to be able to check

The Ultimate Guide to Patagonia’s H2No® Performance Standard Shell

Patagonia’s H2No® Performance Standard ensures that each product that beholds this standard is backed by their Ironclad Guarantee to provide a high level of long-term performance. These products have met all the criteria within the H2No® Performance standard and have undergone the most rigorous testing within the industry. Shop Patagonia What is H2No® Performance Standard?At Patagonia, they have the H2No® Performance Standard as well as the H2No® Performance Standard Shell. The standard is as it sounds, a standard that consists of a series of criteria that products must reach in order to be considered completely waterproof, windproof and breathable.The H2No® Performance Standard Shell includes most Patagonia waterproof jackets

Smartwool Smartloft Review

Iceland is known for many things. OK, just kidding. But what it should be known for is ski touring – holy moly does it have amazing ski touring. And where there’s touring, there’s cold weather with extreme and variable conditions. That’s where Smartwool’s Smartloft jackets and vests come into play. Shop Smartwool's Smartloft Collection  I flew out to Dalvik, a tiny fishing village in the Troll peninsula in the northwest of Iceland, to spend some time with Smartwool and truly test their products. As you may or may not know, they are renowned for their base layers and socks, but

The Fjällräven Classic: Conquering the King’s Road

“Our mission is to inspire the world to discover and to walk within nature. We believe strongly it will make a saner future for everyone. And we have our experience and our passion for nature to guide us.''  -Martin Axelhed, President of Fjällräven The Classic hike was created by Ake Nordin, founder of Fjällräven, to celebrate the Scandinavian concept of friluftsliv, life in the outdoors. In 1970, the company started this weeklong outdoor hike, lending equipment and explaining how to use it. Forty years later, I am invited on the very same hike in Northern Sweden, continuing this splendid tradition.

Fjällräven Abisko Trekking Tights Reviewed

The Abisko Trekking Leggings are the solution to the question that plagues us all when it comes to packing our luggage for a new adventure in the woods. Everything is there: ultra-light, hyper-stretchy, breathable fabric that dries quickly. These combined features make any hike comfortable, even when you're going through a variety of terrain and temperatures. No more contact with ragweeds! Shop Fjällräven Our review of this product The pros are: Both lightweight and thick Fast drying Breathable Extremely strong knee and buttocks reinforcements Comfortable allows a great amplitude of movements Pockets for essentials The cons are: Too warm for

Top Backpacks for Multi-Day Hikes

Choosing a backpack is always a bit tricky, especially when you leave for a long time and you plan to put away your whole life. Are you the kind of person to be afraid of missing something on a trip? Are you the type to repack your bag countless times in order to fit as many items as possible? However, to avoid having to take breaks at any time or to have knees that ask for grace after a few steps, you have to travel light. Before leaving, do not forget to think about comfort, weight and practicality! Discover our

Thule Subterra 30L Backpack Reviewed

The Thule Subterra pack fits me incredibly well and has a surprising amount of storage space for a pack of its size. It’s the first non-hiking pack I’ve used regularly in years and it does not disappoint! It makes a cozy companion for commuting or cycling around the city. Shop Thule Subterra 30L  Our review of this product The pros are: Comfortable External Handles Durable Water Resistant Ample Storage The cons are: Could benefit from additional external access Subterra Features The Thule Subterra pack boasts many features and delivers on them expertly. With 30L of capacity, it easily accommodates my

Smartwool: Why You Should Wear Merino Wool in Warm Summer Weather

It's no secret that merino wool has taken over the outdoor industry, because what's not to love from a soft-to-touch material that breathes as well as it fights odour-buildup? The sought-after properties of this wondrous fibre are praised throughout the winter months, but what if you could benefit from these features year-round? From base layers and socks to casual tees and dress shirts, merino wool isn't just for cold weather activities these days. Shop Smartwool Why Wear Merino Wool in Warm Weather? When it's warm outside, it can be hard to dress appropriately and remain comfortable. No matter how hard the

Merrell Overlook 6 Ice+ Boots Reviewed

Merrell's Overlook 6 Ice+ boots were incredibly comfortable from day one and didn’t need the ‘break-in’ time required by most other footwear. The first few days, I primarily wore them indoors at work in order to get used to the feel, yet found it took no more than the first few minutes of wear. As an added bonus, they ventilate well enough that I didn’t overheat even after a whole day working inside. Shop Merrell Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Warm Comfortable Durable Impressive Grip Waterproof The cons are: Could benefit from an extra

How to Prepare for a Long Winter Hike

Here's to the adventurers that don't let cold weather and the change of the seasons keep them inside and away from exploring the great outdoors. Unless it is pouring down with rain like a monsoon or snowing sideways that they cannot even see their own hand right in front of their face, they're out there. Whether it be winter camping in -40°C, ice-climbing on a frozen waterfall or playing in rapids in a river kayak while the rain falls, these people are equipped and keen for adventures no matter what the weather is (to an extent obviously) and you can

Review of the Arc’teryx Bora AR Backpack

Arc'teryx is continuously setting the stakes high for the outdoor industry and blowing our minds with innovative designs and technology. They do not settle for mediocre and will constantly strive to improve and better their products which is exactly what has happened with the Bora Ar backpack. Our review of this product 9.75 / 10 The pros are: Made of waterproof materials RotoGlide™ hipbelt = no uncomfortable rubbing Hydration compatible Side access zippers The cons are: It would be nice to have zippered pockets on the hip belt Arc'teryx's Bora pack was first introduced in 1994 and revolutionized the backpack

How to Choose the Right Walking Pole

Are you the type to raise your nose to walking poles? For many, this is a cumbersome accessory, which serves only to test the terrain. While it is not a tool that will appeal to all, using walking poles has many physical advantages, especially in long-distance hikes where we carry all our equipment on our backs . Why Use Walking Poles? For those who have already had knee pain after a day of walking trails, using walking poles significantly reduces impacts and loads on the joints. This can be exceptionally helpful especially if you carry a heavy bag or are on downhill trips that can be

Luminox Navy Seal Colormark 3050 Series Watch Review

Luminox is a watch company that has only been around since 1989, but has become a leader in watch technology used by military groups around the world. These include the US Coast Guard, the Navy SEALs who first asked Luminox to develop a watch for them in 1993. The Colormark 3050 series watch features a 44 mm diameter case fabricated from carbon reinforced polycarbonate, finished in matte black with a pebbled texture. The case back is screwed on, with a double gasket system promising 200 metres of water resistance. The watch uses hardened mineral crystal. The strap is a soft

So You Want to go Tree Planting?

For a lot of students, the middle to the end of April is the start of freedom known as summer holidays. Some will move back home to work and pay off student debts, many will book flights leaving the second they finish their last, torturous exam, and a few will pack their life in a backpack and head out into the bush to fight off starburst-sized, black flies and plant trees. Tree planting is a form of piecework employment and is a common summer job for students, artists and travelers as it is a chance to make as much money

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