Camping

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

One of the pivotal moments in our species’ history is when we discovered fire. Not only could we use it for cooking and keeping warm, but we could finally light up the darkness. Unfortunately for our ancestors, transporting fire wasn’t the most practical endeavour. Fast-forward several millennia and we find ourselves in an age where we have access to compact and powerful little fires that we wear like a third eye—headlamps. It’s hard to imagine where an outdoors-person would be without a modern headlamp. It’s a ubiquitous piece of kit for anyone venturing into the woods at night. Our pick for

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

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

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

Before we get into my review of the Mountain Fleece, a Topo Designs fleece top, I should say I've always wanted to be one of those athletes that celebrates winter. I have often wished that I could fly down the ski hill with icy pellets bouncing off my face, still sporting an ear-to-ear grin. Or return from a run outside with ice hanging from my eyelashes and be unfazed. But I'm not, and the driving reason is that I get cold quickly. I've made it a personal mission of mine to find clothing that is warm enough, to the point

Established in 1897 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Filson is the leading outfitter and manufacturer of unfailing goods for outdoor enthusiasts. They have a reputation for being reliable and hard-wearing, a favourite among those who would rather be outdoors, and the same is true for  Filson flannel shirts. I have a few Filson shirts now, and as soon as I put one on, I'm reminded of how strong they are. The quality is right there in the stitching, the fabric, and the details. I instantly feel more capable, ready for anything in a Filson flannel shirt. Right now I’m wearing the

The Eureka Alpenlite 2XT tent is a 4 season tent. However, I believe it excels in the shoulder season and colder months. I received this tent in the warmer months and had been anxiously awaiting giving it a proper winter test. Fortunately (depending on how you view it) winter came early as it often tends to on the east coast. Pros: Cons: (Relatively) Lightweight Rugged Durable Intuitive Set-up Slightly small for 2 people After a fresh snowfall and a few weeks of snow accumulation, I was ready for a backcountry camping trip. Hauling a gear sled with my tent and supplies tucked

Everyone has outdoor enthusiasts on their gift list: a camping lover with an intrepid spirit and nearly impossible to shop for come the holidays. It's one thing to go through camping gear gifts for our hiking, and backpacking friends. Camping articles like the best winter camping sleeping bags can be helpful but sometimes we want a wider choice. Imagine, though, a one-stop article for all unique camping gear gift guide ideas. Here is our guide to unique camping gift ideas, with something to please all enthusiasts whether going away for summer camp or setting up shelter in winter snows. Our

Like many insulated outdoor gear products, sleeping bags use to main types of insulation: down or synthetic. Both have pros and cons that you have to consider. Ultimately, your sleeping conditions will determine the type of sleeping bag you will need. Read our Ultimate Sleeping Bag Buying Guide   Sleeping Bags with Down Insulation The quality and strength of insulation varies. You might have noticed a number beside the down filling : 550, 600, 650...800. This number refers to the loft capacity of the down; the higher the number, the better the quality of the sleeping bag. Remember that this

You’ve liked the spectacular insta pics of vast valleys, sky-piercing peaks and frolicking forests. You geared up with the latest hiking boots, down-filled jacket, merino baselayer and durable hike socks. Your do-everything backcountry backpack is bursting with accessories. You hit the trails full of excitement. And every night you’re cold, sleeping on a lumpy hard surface digging into you where you wish it wouldn’t. Each morning you’re so groggy and tired no amount of instant coffee on your portable stove can save you from stumbling through the day. Camping mat, anyone? Shop Exped Sleeping Swiss-Style Founded in 1983 in Zurich,

The idea of side sleeping designed bag hadn’t crossed my mind. I mean it’s so obvious right?! This is coming from someone that can only sleep if I’m on my side which has meant in the many years that I have been camping and using sleeping bag’s I haven’t gotten the best night’s sleep. So along comes the Nemo Equipment Disco sleeping bag and I couldn’t be more eager to try it out. Pros: Cons: Expandable zips Side sleeping makes it very comfortable Lightweight Packs nice and small Doesn’t retain heat once wet Now first impressions out of the bag

For as long as I can remember, bringing a cooler on summer vacation has always been a given. Whether it was at the campsite or on the beach, as kids, we’d always run over to the cooler to grab ourselves a cold treat after hours of swimming and playing in the sun. As adults, not much has changed, the cooler is still a saviour on hot days - except now, we swap cold snacks for cold drinks. [caption id="attachment_88793" align="aligncenter" width="4969"] Photo by @raphcouturier [/caption] The coolers I’ve used in the past have always served me well, but now Hydro

Quebec, like Canada, has its fair share of hidden gems. With a geography as diverse as the people who inhabit it, there’s still plenty left to explore. Now’s the time to step out of wi-fi range and beyond those campsites easily accessible by car. By bike or on foot, for those of you willing to venture out into wild unclaimed lands, having the right gear is essential. A lightweight compact tent should be the first thing on your list. Here are some tips and suggestions for all your camping tent needs. The North Face Triarch The tent I’m currently using

Glamping—the outdoors made better with the cozy comforts of home at your campsite. Alright, that might not be the exact glamping meaning, but it works for my family, and it’s how we do camping. As attractive as the outdoors are, the city in us love urban comforts. Without my cortado, my New Yorker and my nightcap, I’d be hopelessly lost. Enter glamping, of regal heritage (queens and kings under ornate canopies over 500 years ago), and today’s answer for getting in touch with Nature without, you know, touching Nature too much. My wife and I watched the kids recoil in

A couple years ago I was out camping with friends… I pull out my chair and get cozied up to the fire. A friend looks at my chair and says… ‘You camp how many times a year, are constantly adventuring outdoors and this is your camp chair?’ BIG LAUGH TO FOLLOW. Shop Helinox Chair One Our review of this product The pros are: Lightweight Durable Comfortable The cons are: Missing a cup holder ;) My camp chair at the time was pretty flimsy, not comfortable, and definitely not made for my kind of adventures. It took up so much room,

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

The magic of camping comes mainly from the joy of waking up in the mornings, at the edge of a calm lake or looking as far as the horizon will go from the peaks of a mountain top. To truly appreciate the view, however, it is necessary to have the required energy. Even in the forest far from the comforts of your cozy bed at home, it is possible to get a sound night of sleep. When it comes time to drift away into a deep slumber, choosing the right mattress is essential, but having a sleeping bag suited to your needs

If you're like me, you cannot function properly without your daily dose of caffeine so having a good insulated cup is vital. After all, what's better than sipping hot coffee to start the day off right? Isothermal mugs are also commonly known as "thermos." Their double-wall design allows you to insulate your liquids, hot or cold, to maintain the initial temperature as long as possible. No more drinking a cold Americano once you arrive at the office or in class: the models presented here will keep your beverages hot until your coffee break. Shop Our Thermoses YETI Rambler 30oz Tumbler

My first overnight test of the Oberon sleeping bag coincided with the first official day of winter. Even though we’ve had snow on the East Coast since mid-October, I figured I’d have to wait so it wouldn’t be considered “fall” camping. Hauling a sled of gear into the wilderness and including no actual shelter gave the trip a greater sense of adventure. The plan was to build a lean-to and camp fireside. Well, I’m writing this review so I’m pleased to say it was successful! Shop Therm-a-Rest Our review of this product The pros are: Comfortable Lightweight Compressible The cons

The NeoAir Xtherm mattress has been a great new addition to my camping set up, and I’m pleased to say it will be joining me on many future adventures. From camping in a lean-to, the back of a Subaru, or even taking a nap on the living room floor this mattress is very versatile. Shop Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Mattress Our review of this product The pros are: Tough Comfortable Lightweight The cons are: Fill valve takes time to get used to Features I’ve paired this mat with the Therm-a-Rest Oberon bag with amazing results. The first test was slightly elevated

Nothing is more invigorating than a multi-night winter trip. Lung-searing fresh air and clean powder can quickly dispel your winter doldrums. Luckily, tent or hut sleeping during frigid weather is less of a problem thanks to Marmot’s lineup of ultrawarm sleeping bags. Marmot’s wide selection of sleeping bags can make for a tough choice. We’ll look at warm bags for differing cold temperatures instead of year-round activities like trekking or mountaineering. Let’s start with the deepest cold... Shop Marmot's sleeping bag 1. For Extreme Cold: Col MemBrain Down Sleeping Bag -20F/-29C The Col MemBrain is rated down to -29 Celsius.

Solo camping is great, but it's even better with a partner you can share the experience with. Together you can make memories that you can later reminisce about and it also helps add an extra element of safety on an overnight adventure. The best part of camping with a partner is that a lot of camping gear is now available in sets of two or made for couples. You can pool your budget together and avoid the hassle of bickering over the more cushy mattress or bigger bowl. Camping never goes out of style, so the products just get better every year. This

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus is a four-season R value-5 sleeping pad, which allows you to use it year round in a vast array of temperature ranges. Furthermore, the sleeping pad is 2.5 inches thick which keeps you off the cold ground. I used this air mattress from temperatures ranging from -5° Celsius to 12° Celsius and have slept comfortably every night. I was never too hot or too cold any of the nights I have used this sleeping pad. This makes the sleeping pad extremely versatile! Shop Sea to Summit Mattresses & Accessories Our review of this product The

I run mountain bike events, guide, and instruct, in short, I typically ruin everything within a matter of weeks.I’m very rich with experiences, not so much when it comes to currency.  Why is that important? Well, if I’m going to spend a lot of money on something, especially clothing, it has to have multiple uses and damn well better last a lifetime.  Clothing for me has to to be low maintenance, practical, and rugged.  A bonus if it looks good.Fjällräven is a brand that you often see being worn on the grouse grind, in the Canmore coffee shops, but there’s a

A good night's sleeping begins with your bed. Whether it be a cozy mattress in your bedroom at home or the mattress, sleeping bag duo you've picked for your weekend in the woods, comfort is key. Like anything when it comes to outdoor gear before you make a decision, you need to know what you're looking for. What Kinds of Camping Mattresses Are There? First things first, there are three main types of sleeping mattresses so you will need to decide which one is right for you. Some people that do a variety of outdoor activities and different types of journeys may

While February was doing its own in Quebec, I flew one week to the country of adventure and beautiful weather: Costa Rica. I was fortunate to have two cool pieces from The North Face to accompany me on this adventure. I went to the airport with the Ventrix L3 jacket on the back, lightweight insulator that I could easily roll and hide in my luggage after the flight. I also put on the Aphrodite Motion Pants that kept me warm all the way from my front door to our “casita” in Liberia, without being too warm once we landed. Shop

When we finally arrived in Oslo, the city welcomed us with a radiating early May sun, and crisp blue skies. It was two days before the official start of High Camp Turtagrø, a multi-day ski touring event which takes place in the Jotunheimen Nasional Park, which Altitude Sports had been invited by Norrøna to take part in. Our group spent Wednesday evening sharing stories and getting to know one another over some fine wine and a savoury bowl of Fiskesupp (fish soup) as the Norwegian sunset. We laughed, we smiled, and it was hard to believe we were all strangers

Camping is a simple hobby loved by families, weekend-warriors, outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies. I mean, who doesn't love sleeping out under the peaceful, starry, night sky staring at the star constellations? The possibilities are endless and you can camp nearly wherever and whenever you wish, even in the winter. That's right, camping isn't just for spring and summer outings folks! Whatever the reason for your winter camping adventure, we want to ensure that you are well-prepared and ready to make memories in the snow! Read on for some winter camping survival tips. Shop Our Winter Camping Collection Planning and

The Blue Kazoo by The North Face is a quality sleeping bag offering increased comfort and exceptional performance. Insulated with 650 treated down, the sleeping bag resists moisture and provides consistent performance even during prolonged use. During our test, we used this sleeping bag every night for three consecutive weeks in the Icelandic spring without ever losing performance. The rainy nights and the wet days when the sleeping bag cannot be ventilated have not diminished the comfort and insulation. Shop The North Face Sleeping Bags Our review of this product 9 / 10 The pros are: Perfect collar, sufficiently deep and

Some families will take these months to embark on family adventures to far off destinations in foreign countries. Others will head into the wilderness for weekends of camping and others will enjoy stay-cations and explore all there is to offer in their own town. However you spend your summer vacation, these few months of fun create memories that are cherished by the whole family.If you’re a parent with a busy schedule and have a hard time finding the time to fill your kids’ free time with activities and fun, why not send them to a summer camp? Sports camps, arts camps, educational camps, there’s a summer camp

It's that time of year where the kids run wild and free and spend their day's enjoying their summer activities. If you're one of the may parents who works a busy schedule throughout the year, a summer camp may be a great option for your little ones. They can learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy their summer vacation to it's fullest before heading back to school. There are multiple summer camps to choose from around the world and many offer different activities. Before you can send your little one off for a few weeks of fun in the sun,