Jackets

Arc’teryx combines high-performance fabrics and highly technical features with the knowledge and first-hand experience it takes to overcome the elements. They also help you make a more informed decision with the two-letter Arc’teryx apparel naming scheme,  which categorizes their products by function and climate compatibility.From waterproof rain jackets to down insulated mid-layers, Arc’teryx’s precise attention to detail and focus on creating high-quality all-weather apparel has made them one of the leading brands in the outdoor industry. They design equipment and apparel tailored for every adventure. Here’s a quick guide on what each category means, and what it can do for you. SL: Super LightSuper

Over the years, I’ve owned a lot of tech apparel, but the Svalbard Cotton jacket from Norrøna is definitely one worth mentioning. I’ve always look at Norrøna as the pinnacle of technical clothing, they seem to merge high-quality materials with style very well. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I rely on my clothing to do the job it’s meant to do: keep me warm, dry and comfortable. Pros Cons Nice length, keeps you dry down low Super Stylish Lots of pockets Great fit The cotton finish makes it feel not as waterproof as other tech jackets

The Svalbard Cotton Jacket is great for the person that wants it all. This jacket can be worn out on the hiking trails, out biking, running errands in town, or out for dinner with a pair of black skinny jeans. I am in love with the indigo night colour (dark blue) - it looks sharp with absolutely everything. Our review Pros: Long back Large hood Lots of pockets   Cons: Short arm length Water-resistant, not waterproof First Impressions This jacket has a very classic look, yet can stand wind, rain, and light snow. It stays breathable for when you start

I might have once looked at Norrøna's Svalbard Light Cotton Shorts and thought to myself, "those look like mom shorts." Now that I have a pair, I think to myself, "why did I not buy these sooner?!" Our review Pros: Fastening loops on the side Super comfortable Options to roll up or down   Cons: More colours First Impressions A lot of shorts and bottoms, in general, tend to bag out at the waist after a few hours of wear, especially for those that have no hips like me. So the greatest thing about these shorts is the adjustable loops

I’ve been looking for a lightweight jacket for all my outdoor adventures, and I've finally found it! The Svalbard Lightweight Anorak by Norrøna is the perfect jacket for venturing out, and great for when the weather seems questionable. Our review Pros: Great fit, Long back. Large pocket Comfortable   Cons: More colours I would love to see one that is completely waterproof, rather than water resistant. Whether it be for hiking, camping, outdoor sports, or riding your bike in town with the kids, this jacket is the bomb. I brought the jacket to my softball game last night because the

Patagonia - the name conjures a remote part of Argentina and incredible natural beauty. To the outdoor clothing industry, it represents an iconic brand logo of a mountain sunset, amazing clothing, and sustainability. Led by its founder Yvon Chouinard, the clothing company has promised 1% off all profits toward environmental causes. The company also doesn't sell Vests to finance bros, which is a plus. Patagonia's renowned apparel collection includes high-quality technical gear that ranges from casual styles to Gore-Tex shells for summiting alpine peaks. I had high expectations for the men's Stretch Rainshadow jacket as the brand has a reputation

My first thought when I got the Fjällräven Keb Eco-Shell Jacket designed for rainy weather was, "This looks super sharp!" followed by, "I can’t wait to try this out!" Cue consecutive weeks of sunshine… Normally I’d be stoked with a few weeks of nice weather but that made it a bit challenging to test the waterproof shell. I had to get creative - and I’m pleased to report that whether under a showerhead, a garden hose or even pelted by water balloons the Keb Eco-Shell kept me perfectly dry! The neighbours think I’m even weirder than before of course... Our

Spontaneous spring showers can be a nuisance, but with a stylish raincoat that is comfortable to boot, you can welcome spring showers with open arms. Rains recognizes the need for comfortable rainwear and offers a collection of products that successfully blend fashion and function. It is a brand dedicated to providing rainwear and accessories that are modern yet crafted to withstand the gloomiest, wet weather. Shop RAINS Behind the Brand Founded in 2012, Rains set out to reinvent the classic rubber raincoat into something more modern and functional. Starting with a single poncho their first year, the brand followed-up with

Whether you have a closet full of waterproof garments or you rely on that one classic raincoat that’s gotten you through the toughest showers for women or men, there are a variety of waterproof fabrics and membranes which are sure to get the job done. This ultimate DryVent guide will help steer you right with one of the most versatile fabrics out there.While GORE-TEX has become the most popular and well-known, DryVent is by far the lighter and more flexible of the two. It is PU-based and offers waterproof, windproof and breathable benefits. It’s also developed by The North Face. Shop The North Face What

When it comes to staying dry while enjoying your favourite activities in the outdoors no matter what the weather is, Mountain Hardwear has found the secret. While GORE-TEX® is one of the most common and renowned waterproof membranes found within the outdoor industry, there are many others that although often lost in the shuffle, perform remarkably. Dry.Q™ for example, is a waterproof technology used by Mountain Hardwear that allows air and moisture to pass through the fabric outward keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. Shop Mountain Hardwear What is Dry.Q™? Dry.Q™ technology is used in Mountain Hardwear's waterproof products and is available

Shopping for outdoor gear can be a headache and if you don't know what you're looking at, it can be unsurprisingly complicated and confusing. Technical terms and supposedly helpful acronyms are like a language of their own although with a little backup knowledge, you can really simplify your shopping experience. Take Arc'teryx products for example, specifically the SL category. You see that in this collection, you have either a jacket, some pants or maybe a vest. Some of you may be wondering, "what does the SL stand for" and "is this really important to my overall purchase decision?" The answer is

Layering for your outdoor activities is an important factor in how well you will enjoy them. If you are illy dressed, you may enjoy your experience a little less than if you were dressed appropriately. For this reason, brands like The North Face will offer a variety of products and collections to simplify your layering. The weather and temperatures will determine how many layers are necessary and your activities will determine which layers are best. Knowing which layer is best for your activity can be as simple as understanding the difference in the benefits of certain materials and insulations. Below,

As a woman with a long torso, my struggle with most ski jackets is finding one that I can buy in my size, that doesn’t ride up my back and fits my monkey-like arms.  I’ve tried a few brands, including Arcteryx in some insulated jacket styles that just weren’t doing it for me.  The Sentinel LT Jacket has luckily checked off almost every box I have for my perfect winter jacket and it might just be perfect for you too. Shop Arc'teryx Sentinel LT Jacket Our review of this product The pros are: Longer length means great style and cozy

If you spend enough time playing outside, you probably know how much good quality garments are a necessity to enjoy your outdoor experiences to the fullest. When it comes down to picking your winter gear, having the proper insulation is key. This year, I decided to go with one of the most popular insulated jackets that Arc’teryx is currently offering to see if it’s living up to its reputation: The Cerium LT. For the past 5 years, I have been rocking the Atom Hoody from Arc’teryx which is a synthetic insulated mid layer but is pretty much intended for the

In Canada, and anywhere it gets really cold, Canada Goose is known for warm parkas. Initially designed for arctic expeditions, Canada Goose adapted to growing demand from urbanites, and today you'll see their jackets and the famous roundel from Bordeaux to Beijing, Detroit to Davos, and everywhere in between. Choosing can be tough, so here's a guide to two of our favourites: the Trillium and Shelburne parkas for women. Shelburne Parka - Women Shop Shelburne   Trillium Parka - Women Shop Trillium Look & Style At first glance, it's the quilt-through, low-profile puffy padding that distinguishes the Shelburne from the

It's not always easy to combine technical efficiency with elegance when it comes to winter coats. Between oversized jackets and elegant models barely insulated, it often feels like having to choose between feeling warm or looking stylish. Fortunately, some brands offer advantageous compromises. This is the case with Indygena, a Montreal brand whose products combine minimalist designs and comfort with success. Located at the confluence of the outdoor world and the urban world, Indygena focuses on the technical efficiency and durability of its clothing. Result? Timeless products that adapt to your lifestyle. We invite you to discover three parkas that particularly

‘Take a hike’, he replied brusquely. Splendid idea, I thought – but what should I wear? I have two excellent hoodies by The North Face. It depended on my choice of activity, the conditions and its terrain. Ventrix by The North Face is the breathable synthetic ventilation system drawing rave reviews, awarded the 2017 Editor’s Choice award by Backpacker’s Magazine. Micropores in the fabric stretch with your movements, allowing excess moisture vapour to escape as they expand. When aerobic activity slows, they contract, retaining body warmth. The result is a highly adaptable fabric that regulates body temperature during cold-weather activity.

Freezing Canadian winters demand the warmth of a sophisticated down parka. Thankfully, Nobis (which in Latin means ‘us’) has over a decade of expertise designing men's and women's winter apparel in Toronto for freezing northern weather. Their refined collection of jackets, coats, and accessories continues to elevate and resonate, but in this feature, we'll focus on their most popular parkas. Shop Nobis Nobis Tech: Advancing Product & Material Along with the warmth derived from heavy down fillings, the following parkas feature advanced material alterations. Innovative waterproof membranes and seam-sealed construction contribute to versatile pieces that give wearers comfort and the

Introducing world-exclusive milkweed parkas made through a collaboration between Quartz Co., Altitude Sports and Monark™ for the third year. Made in Canada, these parkas will ensure optimal warmth and showcase the clean style of the Quartz Co. brand. With this collaboration, we want to offer our customers a sleek winter parka that showcases the fashionable designs of Canada’s very own Quartz Co., known for their craftsmanship and durable high-quality products which are both beautiful and functional. Shop the Collaboration Milkweed: a plant-based and locally grown insulation Once thought of as a weed, this fibre has been gaining notoriety as an insulator, which

Since 2013, Québec has been celebrating a new provincial treasure. Previously confused for a weed and often called milkweed, Asclepias plants produce an ecological, renewable and a non-animal insulation material. You will eventually be able to find it in winter coats, parkas, boots, gloves and more. Testing Milkweed Insulation Jean-François Tardif, a mountain climbing lover, climbed Everest equipped with milkweed-insulated clothing. He even said he was too hot for the temperatures in which he was climbing (-22 degrees to +25 degrees in the sun). He tested a one-piece jumpsuit, an anorak and a blanket, all insulated with milkweed. He could

Jean-Philippe Robert, CEO of Quartz Co. in Montreal, is used to visiting Japan. We at Altitude Sports followed him during his latest trip to discover his favourite hidden gems in Tokyo. On a late autumn day the two of us set out wandering Tokyo, I with my camera, both of us wearing our JS X Quartz Co. Champlain Japanese Edition parkas - the result of a collaboration between our friends at Quartz Co. and Japan’s Journal Standard, exclusively available in Canada from Altitude Sports. Journal Standard is one of Japan’s leading purveyors of fine clothes, with 25 locations in the

Initially designed as an alternative to glitter and neon which was the norm for ski apparel in Europe at the time, Peak Performance adopted a more versatile mountain look. Today, the brand continues to produce versatile and technical outerwear designed for life on the slopes. Whether you're a chairlift lapper or prefer seeking solitude in the backcountry, Peak Performance offers a variety of ski kits sure to suit your skiing needs. Long jackets, technical and anatomically fitted, tapered mid-cuts and slim fits, Peak Performance knows skiwear and they know how to get the skier's look. While the classics are revamped

Getting prepared for the fast approaching winter months means searching for a new stylish and warm winter coat to get you through the frigid storms and sharp winds. The ideal winter coat will have a longer fit that covers most of your upper body and shields your lower back from harsh winds and cold park benches. While a fully weatherproof jacket is essential, having one or two insulated jackets that aren't necessarily waterproof are great for the cold dry days where water protection isn't crucial. Whatever style of winter coat you are looking for, Arc'teryx has an excellent selection of

When Mountain Hardwear launched the StretchDown jacket line a few years ago, the groundbreaking stretch and flexibility marked a mini-revolution in the down jacket universe. This season they’re back better than ever with the Super/DS StretchDown, a down-filled jacket designed for movement and exclusively available in Canada through Altitude Sports. Shop the Super/DS by Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown highlights : 800 fill power RDS-certified down No-stitch seams Insulated hood Internal drop pocket and single zippered chest pocket with headphone cord port 85% nylon, 15% elastane 90% Goose Down, 10% Goose Feather 426,5 grams Innovative Engineering. The Super/DS StretchDown is not your

2017 marked the debut of The North Face Apex Flex GTX® Jacket and this year it's back with a posse allowing you to rock your favourite Gore-Tex® coat in the city, on the slopes and on the trails. Wherever the rain is falling, the Apex Flex GTX® jacket provides the waterproof protection you can rely on. Available in a longer fitting trench, a parka and a hooded jacket, the Apex Flex can easily satisfy any raincoat needs, both for urban and active pursuits. The main model in the collection is the Apex Flex GTX® jacket which is now available in an updated

I’m genuinely thrilled to have had the opportunity to test the Helly Hansen’s LifaLoft Insulator Jacket. I have never really owned many products from this brand and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and dexterity of their product. As an insulator product this jacket has a very specific function and provides a necessary service to all kinds of athletes and adventurers. Shop Helly Hansen Lifaloft Collection Our review of this product The pros are: Warm Light Wet Weather resistance Does not absorb moisture The cons are: Susceptible to wear and tear Less stylish look The Lifaloft is a perfect mid layer

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

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