Winter Gear Guides, Reviews & Advice

Best Cross Country Skiing near Edmonton

Cross-country skiing may look slow-motion to those used to the speed of downhill, but in fact it’s a tranquil way to get outside and exercise - and far more demanding physically than you might think. What’s more, it’s widely accessible, with low-cost gear and trails that anyone can reach by public transportation. In The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide, our own Stéphanie Major shares her best tips and opens up about how cross country skiing helps her with seasonal depression. With many favourite activities cancelled or postponed due to COVID, and people getting more sedentary in winter anyways, there’s never been

Best Cross Country Skiing near Calgary

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been cross-country skiing for years, Calgary is an excellent place to explore on skis. With beautiful aspen-lined trails and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, cross-country skiing in Calgary is nothing short of exciting. Beginners can check our The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide to get started, then pop on over to our What To Wear Cross-country Skiing blog before you go.This guide to the city’s best cross-country ski spots includes parks and courses in town, as well as areas that make for a fun day trip not far outside of town. Beginner,

The Best Places to go Cross-Country Skiing in Ottawa

No need to go off the beaten path to discover snowy landscapes and trails that cut through the woods. The Ottawa and Gatineau regions are full of places to practice cross-country skiing– alone or with the family, beginners and experienced skiers alike have plenty to choose from. Whether you're in town or in the country, hundreds of kilometres await you if you're looking to get out into nature. Below you'll find our team's favourite places to go cross-country skiing in winter 2021. If this is your first outing, don't forget to check out our guide on how to dress for

Best Spots to Cross Country Ski Near Montreal

Increasingly popular in recent years, cross country skiing is enjoying a meteoric success in this pandemic year, and there is no shortage of places to cross country ski near Montreal. Some, well known to the general public and particularly popular with families and Sunday skiers, are much busier this year. Others, more hidden-away, offer a snowy paradise for skiers. No need to rush to the P'tit Train du Nord! This short article reviews five of our best places to cross-country ski in the Montreal area. And to find out how to dress for your outing, check out our head-to-toe guide.

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 that That 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.

Backcountry Guide for Beginners

Like many, I'm relatively new to backcountry skiing, a discipline that was once reserved for the most daring and motivated. Since the 2020-2021 season is marked by limited access to resorts, many skiers have chosen to take a different path to freedom. And that path is ski touring. However, one shouldn't venture off the resort without some basic knowledge and the right equipment. So where do we start? Let's explore the basics to get a good understanding of a sport that's gaining in popularity at full speed. What is Backcountry Skiing? Backcountry skiing, ski touring, alpine touring, off-piste...whatever you want

How Should a Winter Coat Fit?

It's the oft-asked question: How should a winter coat fit? Parkas and winter wear are usually very warm, so getting it right can be the deciding factor when looking for the best winter jacket. Our comprehensive guide will help you make sure you are confident you made the right choice. Letting Your Coat Gain Its Loft Before Wearing It If you’re purchasing a coat online, it will most likely arrive at its destination packaged in a bag or a box and has been compressed to fit efficiently. Like a new duvet blanket or a sleeping bag that has just been

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.

The Cross Country Skiing Beginner’s Guide

Wednesday morning, 7:15 AM. The sun struggles to break through the clouds scattered here and there in the dawn sky. In just a few minutes, over to the east, it'll suddenly set the horizon ablaze, and I'll be able to turn off the headlamp lighting my way along the cross country ski trail. In less than two hours, I'll be back at work, at home in front of my computer. What makes a sane person leave the warmth of their bed so early, brave the biting cold, all to to get lost in the woods at this time of night

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

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 Boots for Snowshoeing in 2021

Snowshoe trails abound and models are evolving more and more, to the delight of users. Once you get your hands on the right pair of snowshoes, you'll need a pair of boots - and we've got a selection of the best snowshoe boots for your needs. BEST BOOTS FOR SNOWSHOEING Nowadays, the majority of snowshoe models easily pair with most winter hiking boots. They feature warmth, insulation and are a perfect beginning before you get into buying equipment and apparel. To maximize your comfort, here are some tips to follow to ensure your pairing is one of the best type of

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

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,

How to Choose the Right Winter Jacket

Knowing how to choose the right winter jacket is essential to not only surviving but thriving in the snow. Some might have a selection of jackets they rotate throughout winter, while others might be faithful to one jacket. The needs of those who like to stay active will be different from those who want something to wear around town. Depending on where you find yourself when the snow starts to fall, the requirements of your jacket will change. Whether it’s for you or your little ones, we’ve got the tips and tricks to finding the right winter jacket to get

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.

Our Favourite Puffer Jackets of 2021

They’ve become a regular sight over the past few years, moving from high-altitude expeditions to the fashion-savvy winter jacket of choice. The puffer jacket is here to stay, and no wonder, with great insulation, flattering styling, and coming in lightweight and warm. Puffer jackets have a distinct, “quilted” design with sections that look puffy between the stitching. Rather than bulky and unflattering, the styles in this review range from boxy to slimming. Many are packable, ultra-warm, and resistant to sleet, wind, and snow. Our best overall favourite on the list was the North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, which combines

Best Canada Goose Parkas for Winter 2021

The Canadian coat connoisseur knows exactly what it takes to integrate arctic-level performance with stylish city outerwear. Your next Canada Goose coat is an investment and should be treated that way—do some research for the right selection. Before you purchase your parka, have a look at the best Canada Goose parkas and accessories for 2021. Overview Countless individuals cherish their Canada Goose parka, particularly at -25 degrees C and they're unfazed due to its powerful insulating properties. Ensure your environment is appropriate for a Canada Goose jacket. Down is the natural insulator used in Canada Goose jackets. While down is light

Merino Wool Fabric & Clothing Guide

Can you imagine wearing the same jersey on a summer hike as you would on a ski trip to the world's highest mountains? If that sounds far-fetched, Merino wool promises exactly that type of versatility. Softness, warmth, odour and moisture resistance and more, the wonder fibre is making a big splash in the outdoor world. It is one of the best performing fibres on the market. what is merino wool? A quick look at the science checks out. Merino wool is made up of proteins like amino acids and other natural compounds. The very biology of the wool gives it

How to Layer For Outdoor Activities

Dressing appropriately and layering clothes for the weather and your outdoor activities can be problematic thanks to misleading weather reports and cheeky weather systems: do you dress for the 15-20mm of rain that is being forecasted or do you let your optimism take over and bring out the shorts and sun hat? As I'm sure most everyone's ma and pa always told them before scampering out of the house, "Take your coat! It's better to be too hot than too cold..." they couldn't be more right! These wise words are the idea behind how to do the layering clothes thing

Choosing the Best Snowshoes: Reviews & Guide

With the forecast announcing snow, conditions will soon be ideal to strap on your snowshoes and head out on an adventure. For beginners, finding the best snowshoes among all those available on the market can be a little daunting. Especially since the models offered nowadays are more specialized. You can leave the huge wooden babiche classics behind. Snowshoes have greatly evolved from a technical standpoint and are specialized according to specific types of activities. For the uninitiated, the choice can be overwhelming. Our snowshoe guide rounds up our best snowshoes by activity and explains what to keep in mind when

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

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

Canadian-Made & Designed Winter Coats

Everyone has their favourite brands, strategically chosen for all sorts of reasons—style, materials, fit, and even the origin of the company. More and more people are looking for Canadian-made and designed winter coats, as they are earning a well-deserved reputation for warmth, looks, and durability domestically, overseas and south of the border. Canadian-made and designed winter coats are created by people who know what it takes to feel right and look great in some of the coldest habitable winter climates on Earth. Some are even made from domestically-sourced materials and fabrics. Wherever they are created, buying a winter coat from a

Most Popular Women’s Coats For Winter 2021

Let's get ready for the cold months of winter! Bundling up and staying in is always going to be recommended on lazy Sundays—but when you’re on the go you want to stay warm, dry and comfortable. Finding the perfect winter jacket to fit your style and needs can be a difficult task. For those who need inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of our most popular women’s coats to get you through the snowy season. Women's winter jackets ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente canada goose The Trillium Parka combines heavy-duty winter warmth with classic parka stylings. It lets you comfortably trudging through snowbanks in subzero

Ethically Made & Sustainable Winter Jackets

There's nothing like taking a hike through snow-covered forests and icy landscapes. Braving the cool morning air, or enjoying the sunset views from on top of a mountain. For those living in the city, heading up to the chalet and spending a weekend amongst the wildlife can be re-energizing. With growing concerns about the environment, there are certain things we can do to ensure we can continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Many clothing brands are taking it upon themselves to do their part for the environment. From going full vegan to using recycled, and ethically sourced materials, here are

Sorel Black Friday Sale and Deals

After long months stuck in your living room, the call of nature and wide open spaces is being heard. To answer, get a good pair of boots—and it's a good thing we have Sorel Black Friday discounts! Which brand makes better winter boots than Sorel? None. So you'll be happy to know that you can get your hands on the best boots at a DISCOUNT during our Black Friday sale. sorel black friday Black Friday at Altitude Sports is on November 27, but our week of sales begins November 23. Plus, Cyber Monday lasts a whole week after that. Subscribe

Why is Canada Goose So Expensive? A Closer Look.

What makes a good winter jacket? In our cold Canadian climate, warmth is the number one criteria. While warmth can be subjective to a degree (some handle the cold better than others), -30°C is still -30°C and you don’t want to face the cold unprepared. A well insulated jacket should get the job done, but are all insulation types created equal, and on that same note, are all jackets created equal? The price would have you believe they are not, and to a certain extent price is a good indicator of quality. While branding has a lot to do with

Choosing the Best Winter Boots for Winter 2021

As we know, winter is generally colder than the rest of the seasons depending on the climate where you are living so adequate gear is imperative. Due to the more extreme temperatures, proper gear is essential for not only your comfort but for your safety too, (and of course to ensure your experience is exceptional) so make sure you’re picking the right pair of winter boots with the help of this winter boot guide. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente Best overall winter boot Sorel’s 1964 PAC Nylon Waterproof Boots for men are timeless classics that will keep you warm and dry from zero to 32 below. The removable

Winter Boots Insulation Guide

Winter on a cool day can be enjoyable. Winter at its worst can be an absolute nightmare. Good or bad, winter is cold. Seems obvious, but finding the right pair of boots to take on the elements isn't. Some boots are designed to do it all while others can have a specific use based on activity and weather. There are lots of factors to consider when choosing the right winter boots, but one thing you shouldn't overlook is the type of insulation used to warm your feet. It can be a headache navigating through different winter boot insulation types. We

Best Winter Boots for Kids

These days, parents can find much higher quality winter snow boots for their kids than when they were young. Gone are the days of putting plastic bags over your feet to keep out water. Now, winter snow boots for kids have advanced waterproofing technology, fit securely, are well-insulated, and have excellent traction on the outsoles. We found the best winter snow boots were the Sorel Yoot Pac Nylon Boots, which have excellent insulation, are easy to put on, and are fully waterproof. ShoeChaussureBagSacTentTente The Top Winter Boots for Kids Reviewed Product Name Excellent insulation Design is easy to slip

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