Jackets

When you're an active person, finding a raincoat that provides the weather protection you need without impeding your movements is crucial. Biking is my sport of choice and unlike skiing, surfing or sailing, you can get out and enjoy a pedal in just about any weather. Whether the sun is shining or the skies are grey and threatening rain, any ride can be as exciting as the next as long as you are prepared for the weather. The Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell has been my raincoat of choice for bike rides and I think the name showcases why -

Down or down-alternative jackets that are geared for shoulder season wear are incredibly versatile.  Compared to larger winter weight jackets, lighter jackets can be worn under shells more easily, and compress down to small sizes which makes them perfect for keeping in your pack on overnight trips.  Nothing beats finishing a long day on the trail, crawling into your tent with some warm dinner, and throwing on a puffy. Shop Patagonia Our review of this product The pros are: Length is great - long enough to not slide up when bending over or crouching Huge pockets on the outside Very

Sometimes all you want to do is wear a dress and if the rain is falling, who's saying you can't? There are plenty of cute dry-weather coats to pair with a dress to complete your elegant look but raincoats are a little different. Finding the right raincoat that looks as cute with a dress as it does with your favourite pair of leggings or denim can be a challenge but there are some worthy models out there. To the ladies who flaunt their dresses no matter what the weather brings, this list of raincoats to wear with a dress is

Finding the right waterproof-breathable shell that will protect you from all bad weather is not an easy task. Although people might not admit it, it is a major part of your equipment and can often represent an equally major investment. The most important aspect of a shell, in terms of quality, is a combination of the membrane used, but also the cut. After that, look into the features and options each shell comes with- some might have too much or too little for your liking. For example, where are the pockets located (chest or down by the waist), is it

Each jacket has its role and place in your wardrobe, whether it be for outdoor pursuits in the mountains or stylish evenings in the city. Rain coats are for drizzly days; waterproof shells are for adventuring up mountain peaks; parkas are ideal for harsh winter weather; lightly insulated jackets work as layering pieces or as stand-alone apparel in cooler conditions. But what about the softshells? What are they and where do they fit into your jacket wardrobe? What makes a softshell a softshell? Discover lightweight stretch-woven softshells Discover laminated softshells Discover hybrid softshells What are the differences between softshells &

Showing up to work sopping wet can put a negative vibe on anyone's day so a reliable raincoat is essential. Finding a raincoat suitable for hiking can be a lot easier than finding one that works well with your Monday to Friday work attire although it isn't impossible. For the dapper gentlemen who spend their weeks in chic suits, here are our top rain jacket picks for you. Shop Men's Raincoats Stutterheim Unisex Stockholm Raincoat The Stutterheim Unisex Stockholm Raincoat is an inlined coat made of rubberized cotton and double welded seams. If you're looking for a fairly slim and

We said it already, but we - at Altitude Sports - have a soft spot for Scandinavian brands. More specifically, we think that RAINS and Stutterheim often stand out because of their capacity to bring their products to another level. Always in simplicity, the technical design is made for wet and humid climates - while giving out the opportunity to keep an urban and sleek look. What is even more interesting with these two brands is that they offer unisex clothing in a variety of appealing colours. Unisex Stockholm by Stutterheim This handmade jacket is made out from rubberized cotton and

While we aren't made of sugar and venturing out in rain weather never hurt anybody, not everyone is as keen to play in the rain as the ducks at your local pond. For those who are, rain is merely an added twist to the adventure and a reliable raincoat with flexible weather protection is a simple solution. With a wide collection of rain gear comes a variety of weatherproof technologies which are trusted by many outdoor adventurers and The North Face has added their Apex Flex GTX® jacket to that list. Although it was designed as a raincoat, the Apex Flex GTX®

Have you ever had that ‘I should have brought an extra layer’ while out and about? Because if you have then this might that layer you need. Now The North Face has a high-quality reputation for well thought out outdoor gear so I was very intrigued to see how I find the Fanorak over the coming weeks. Shop The North Face Fanorak Our review of this product The pros are: Very lightweight Pack’s very small if needed Nice to have the jacket pack away into its own pouch that can be clipped around the waist and forget about it. The

When you're out on the trail and the weather changes, an ultralight and packable layer for weather protection is crucial no matter what the season is. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you or your activity. Lucky for you, when it comes to ultralight and packable windbreakers vs softshells, we've got all the details here. Shop Women's Windbreakers & Softshells Shop Men's Windbreakers & Softshells Ultralight & Packable Windbreakers VS Softshells Ultralight & Packable Windbreakers windproof water-resistant often more lightweight when compared to a softshell Ultralight & Packable Softshells

Lightly insulated jackets are perfect pieces for seasonal transitions and mid layers for outdoor activities in colder weather. They're lightweight, warm and usually packable so they make convenient, versatile pieces that can easily be taken anywhere and even be tossed into a purse or backpack. Everyone needs at least one lightly insulated jacket in their closet among the winter coats and summer dresses! There are a variety of looks and fits so you can find a lightly insulated jacket to fit any style whether you are looking for something more urban and chic or just something basic and simple. Made

If you’re planning your next winter expedition and you’re looking for a jacket that will get you through the stormiest days without compromising breathability and durability, look no more. The Arct’eryx  Theta AR jacket is the ultimate storm shelter. This jacket has been tested for several months in all sorts of conditions. From freezing rain and windy conditions to sunny days, I can safely say that the jacket certainly lives up to its reputation. Shop Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket Our review of this product 9.5 / 10 The pros are: Extremely durable Excellent protection, even in the harshest of weather

Warmth, Comfort and Durability. The Mountain Hardware Thermist Coat brings all 3 of these things together to keep you toasty all winter. This Casual and stylish Insulated Down Jacket is coupled with Thermic Aero(tm) Synthetic Down and RDS Certified Down. It has been so nice to have for the long winters in Interior B.C. Especially this year for me, seeing record snowfalls coupled with high-pressure days. Shop Mountain Hardwear Our review of this product 8.5 / 10 The pros are: Extremely Warm Very Durable Comfortable and Cozy Multiple pockets with lots of Pocket space Removable Hood Well Designed The cons

It was a mild winter day with a few squalls of snow. The clouds made a crown to the majestic mountain. The humidity was striking and that's why I chose the Summit L3 Ventrix jacket, but as a lining under my shell. Snowshoes on, we started the 2-hour climb. A few minutes later, I was suffocating with heat; I had really underestimated the power of the Ventrix jacket. So, I decided to take off my coat and continue only with the jacket and my base layer underneath. I was perfectly fine for the rest of the hike. As much in

  The first day I put this on it felt like a warm hug. A very comforting sensation as this was going to be my main sweater during a series of multi-day hikes through the Yukon. My first impression of comfort transferred well into the field and took the edge off of those Northern nights. Shop Patagonia Better Sweater Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Warm Comfortable Flexible Form-fitting The cons are: A bit heavy In regards to the aesthetic, I believe this sweater can work well in a casual setting but is best suited

Adequate insulation is a must when it comes to keeping warm in both urban and wild environments and with the approaching winter months, there's no better time than now to outfit your wardrobe with insulated gear. While down and synthetic are the most common forms of insulation for coats and parkas, other insulations such as milkweed, fleece and even wool are also excellent options that provide a series of benefits of their own. Another for of insulation that is newer on the market but equally as efficient is Polartec® Alpha® insulation. Found in a variety of products from different brands,

Arc'Teryx is no stranger to producing high-quality goods that just simply, work. The Phasic Sun Hoody has quickly become a staple for any of my adventure's and it still remains that understated but stylish Arc'Teryx allure. I've always been a fan of Arc'Teryx equipment, mainly because it is a no-fuss, easy cleaning and durable no matter what you purchase. Shop Arc'teryx Men's Collection Our review of this product The pros are: Colour: In this day and age, sometimes being under the radar is a relief, so kudos for the subtle colours scheme. Fit: Perfect! Venting: Air flows in, air flows out

"How did you just do that whole race in that jacket?" As with many good-natured cross-country skiers, a racer had approached me for a handshake. We had just crossed the finish line, exhausted, and using our skate skiing poles to hold us up. "Aren’t you boiling in that thing?" And that’s been the story of the Arcteryx Norvan running jacket for the last twelve months. It’s a jacket that comes with a lot of questions. Question: “Aren’t you overheating?” Answer: “No.” Shop the Arc'teryx Norvan Collection Our review of this product 10 / 10 The pros are: A Gore-Tex running

Softshell jackets are known for their exceptional breathability, flexibility, and weather resistant properties, making them ideal garments for all aerobic activities. Softshells are versatile and perform well as a layer under a waterproof shell or as a stand-alone jacket in sunny, more mild weather. Whether you're a skier, cyclist, runner, climber, or mountaineer, a softshell jacket can become one of the most valuable pieces of apparel in your outdoor activity wardrobe. To the outdoor enthusiasts with endless adventures under your belt, we know the right gear makes a great impact on your experience. To make your life easier, we've selected

A softshell jacket should be a staple in any outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. For mountaineers, ski tourers, and even cyclists, softshells make an optimal layering piece for high-output aerobic activities in a variety of weather conditions. On cool, dry days, they make a great stand-alone layer, but when the rains are pouring, you'll want to pair your softshell with a waterproof hardshell. However you decide to wear your softshell jacket, they are exceptionally breathable, manoeuvrable, and comfortable. Below are our top picks for softshell for ladies who are looking to grow their collection or just add a little tech to their

I had a Patagonia Synchilla fleece before, a long time ago.  It was a pull over like this one, in a green and blue colour that I liked very much.  It had a marsupial pouch in the front that I did not like very much, because aside from keeping my hands warm I couldn’t really put anything in it.  It also wasn’t very long and wearing a pack with it was a bit uncomfortable because the hem in the back would ride up and end up above my belt.  I ended up giving it to my brother, who still wears

The North Face has created the Apex Flex GTX jacket, a completely hydrophobic softshell jacket. Excellent for a rainy day adventure, protecting yourself against a windy mountain top or as a cool weather all round jacket. Shop The North Face Our review of this product 8/ 10 The pros are: Durable: With 3 layer GORE-TEX and the soft knit face & backer this jacket is burly and sure to stand up to whatever you throw at it. Fit: With “Active Fit” this jacket is spacious and allows for layering underneath. Price Point: The Apex Flex is one of the most

When it comes to shopping for a new coat, there's always that one questions that is always asked.  Do you buy a coat that is insulated with synthetic or down? Of course, everyone has their preference and can lead you on a rant about what they think although it may or may not work for you. Before getting lost in the world of jacket insulations, here are a few tips and tricks about each so you can make your own decision and choose wisely. Down Coats VS Synthetic Coats For starters, the biggest difference between these two popular insulation types is

The jackets PreCip from Marmot and Finder from Mountain Hardwear represent an entry point into the wonderful world of waterproof-breathable jackets. You’ll appreciate their waterproofness as well as their compactibility. Indeed, the main difference between them and their higher-priced brothers comes down to features, fit, breathability and durability. While those are important considerations, sometimes the price is the only point you want or have to consider.  Marmot PreCip Jacket Women's Precip Jacket Girl's PreCip Jacket Men's PreCip Jacket Men's PreCip Jacket Tall Shop Now The seam-taped, waterproof and breathable PreCip® Jacket now features Marmot's most comfortable waterproof/breathable coating technology ever.

Zippers are everywhere from our pants and jackets to sleeping bags and backpacks. They're far more convenient than a row of buttons or snaps and can be opened and closed in a matter of seconds. For these conveniences, zippers are used so often for a variety of products around the world. Zipper Mechanics Because zippers are used in a range of products, both heavy-duty and not, utilizing a variety of different materials and fabrics, there are of course multiple types. You wouldn't use a basic nylon coil zipper on a 3-season tent or a heavy duty travel backpack. With each type of

A warm and technical jacket : for the city and the leisures The style of the Woolrich John Rich & Bros Military Parka leads us to believe that it is intended for the city and bought mainly for its trendy style, but the technical aspects shows us that it is much more versatile. The Details The Military Parka has been very well thought out as it is very versatile and adaptive. It's as perfect for wearing on your daily commute to work as it is for going on long winter walks. This coat is conveniently adjustable at the waist and allows freedom at shoulder-level. Down Insulation

Finding the right winter coat can be a daunting task but it's possibly the most important piece of your winter wardrobe. Having a warm winter coat to protect you from the frigid winter weather can be the deciding point between an enjoyable winter season and the worst one yet. With so many styles to choose from, there's sure to be the perfect one for everyone so don't hide away in your house wrapped in blankets all winter, find your perfect winter coat and enjoy the winter weather! The Look For the sophisticated gentleman looking for a sleek winter coat that

It can be hard finding a winter coat that complements the look of a perfectly pressed suit. Bomber jackets are too short to where with a suit, and a shell isn't warm enough to take on winter. Stay warm and look good this winter with our choice of the best winter jackets to wear with a suit. Our Favourite Winter Jackets to Wear with a Suit: You don't have to let winter get in the way of looking good. Boxy parkas aren't the only option available. With so many to choose from and a variety of styles, you're bound to

The North Face's Thermoball Hoodie For those who aren't familiar with the Thermoball technology, the concept is fairly simple. It is an insulation developed by The North Face, in collaboration with Primaloft. It imitates down insulation's capacity of expanding and compressing. However - contrarily to down, Thermoball will keep you warm, even if it gets wet or humid. This could be very interesting for winter climate. Elastic cuffs and hood will keep the heat inside the jacket, while the 100% nylon shell will keep it dry. This ultra-light and ultra-compressible coat is also very warm. Bonus: you can store it

Over the past five years, Scandinavian brands and designers have left a mark on the fashion industry. Internationally speaking, we are used to the French and Italian brands when it comes to European fashion, but we can now notice a growing popularity for Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and Danish clothes. The reason why people like Northern-European brands so much is pretty simple: the products and accessories are normally manufactured to be practical. They are made with luxury materials and have modern features, while being easy to wear in the everyday life. The following brands are using the best fabrics available on

*The Proton AR model will be available for purchase Fall 2016. Get excited. Bottom Line: The Proton AR Hoody from Arc'teryx is an insulated yet breathable hoody that can easily be used as a 3-season soft shell or used as a mid-layer in winter. Perfect for all things mountain were you need to stay warm while also being on the move. Don't be surprised if you start seeing these being worn in mountain town cafe's also. Stylish design and fit. Our review of this product 8.6 / 10 The pros are: Quality Wind Resistance Technical Features The cons are: Weight

Canada Goose Victoria What we notice first about the Canada Goose's Victoria parka is its great cut that puts forward an elegant and feminine silhouette. Its mid-thigh lenght will provide a great protection against the elements, while the numerous technical features that we know from Canada Goose will make the coat ultra-practical during the coldest months of the year. To begin, you'll find an insulated storm hood, that will keep you safe and warm. Adding to that, we can find an heavy-duty zipper, an elastic cord around the waist, hand-warming pockets, an inside pocket and an earbuds hole. The elastic