With active apparel produced by many great brands, constructed in different styles and fit, using innovative materials and features, it can be difficult for the consumer to determine what they should purchase for their outdoor adventures.
Major brands put their clothing through rigorous testing to determine their temperature ratings and our lab is one centre where the testing occurs.
Sportswear is evaluated for its level of thermal comfort (i.e. temperature ratings), evaporative resistance and air permeability (two of the factors of breathability), water repellency and other material performance measures.
This data is important when consumers want to pick the right clothing to get the most out of their winter fitness routine. A day cross country skiing can easily be ruined, or even dangerous, if you are on the trails in a soaking cotton t-shirt.
Layering is key in winter. Start with a base layer that will pull moisture away from the skin. Typically, this could be a merino wool or synthetic base layer. Beyond the base layer is usually a soft shell fleece jacket that is also treated with a durable water repellent finish, performing three complex functions: evaporating sweat, insulating the body and repelling water. Winter pants or tights should have some stretch. In deeper snow, throw on waterproof gators to keep feet and ankles dry and warm.
Always wear a toque or buff to reduce heat loss from the head and gloves will protect against frostbite.
The North Face – Men
- Isotherm Jacket $200
- Isotherm Pants $170
- Momentum ½ Zip $100
- Ultra Equity GTX Shoes $104
- Louis Garneau Ranier Snowshoes $230
The North Face – Women
- Thermoball Full Jacket $240
- Motivation ¼ Zip $75
- Isotherm Tights $170
- Ultra Equity GTX Shoes $120
- Tubbs Expedition Snowshoes $250
De Soto Sport – Men
- Face2Face Fleece Pullover $88
- Fleece Tights $88
- Fleece Helmet Beanie $26
- The North Face Runner’s 3 Overmitt $40
- Salomon Vitane 9 CL Pilot Boots $249
- Fischer RCR Vasa Crown Classic Skis $449
- Leki HM Carbon Poles $470
De Soto Sport – Women
- Polypro Thermal Hood Jersey $88
- Women’s Run Tights $72
- Fleece Helmet Beanie $26
- The North Face Runner’s 2 ETIP Gloves $40
- Madshus CT 120 Ski Boots $179
- Madshus Nano CR 100 Poles $189
- Rossignol Xium Classic AR Skis $549
MEC – Women
- Frigorific 2 Headband $15
- Kindle 2 Long Sleeve $115
- Mercury 2 Tights $75
- Deploy Run Gloves/Overmitts $25
- Brooks Ghost 8 Shoes $145
MEC – Men
- Coal Frena Hat $27
- Spy Marshall Snow Goggles $129
- Nordique Mitts $79
- The Steepside Ski Jacket $280
- Sidecut Pants $195
- Rossignol All Track 90 Ski Boot $399
- Völkl RTM IS 75 Skis & Marker 4Motion Bindings $699
Brooks – Men
- LSD Thermal Vest $110
- Dash 1/2 Zip $75
- Seattle Shell $260
- Seattle Tights $165
- Drift Gloves $50
- Ghost 8 GTX Shoes $165
Brooks – Women
- Fly-By Sweatshirt $80
- Streaker Tights $105
- Joyride Beanie $28
- Joyride Mittens $35
- Uplift Crossback Bra $50
- Adrenaline ASR 12 GTX Shoes $165
Models: Haley Zokol, Adam Onulov
Hardgoods courtesy: Atmosphere, Norseman Ski & Hiking and MEC
