Hiking

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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:

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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:

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