How To Layer for Skiing and Snowboarding: A Guide (With Examples)

How To Layer for Skiing and Snowboarding: A Guide (With Examples)

With winter approaching, snow sports and activities will attract numerous enthusiasts up high on beautiful mountain peaks and resorts.

Snow sports are not like most sports. While they share similarities in that you are better off being experienced, and having the proper clothing to wear for a comfortable experience, there is a major difference that greatly affects how you should prepare for partaking in these activities. That is, the risks.

Snow sports will not challenge only your athletic ability, but they will also put you in adversarial conditions that can prove to be far more challenging than balancing on the snowboard or skis.

Low temperatures are not the safest conditions to be in, especially if you will be sweating and spending quite some time outdoors, and mountain terrain is not the most friendly either.

That is why safety is of the highest priority in these circumstances.

Hypothermia is a major concern and you are not at risk for it solely for not having a warm outfit, but also because of a too warm and not breathable outfit. The latter will leave you at a much higher risk from the cold because you will be both wet and exposed to below 0 temperatures.

For that reason, our focus for today is learning the proper ways to layer for sports like snowboarding and skiing for a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Read more

Osprey vs The North Face: Which Brand is Better for Backpacks?

Osprey vs The North Face: Which Brand is Better for Backpacks?

Having the right outdoor gear and clothing is one of the most important factors in ensuring that, not only will your adventure (be it hiking, climbing, skiing or any other activity) be enjoyable, but that it will also be a safe one.

With safety being paramount, it’s no wonder that major brands in the market of outdoor clothing and gear have developed impressive designs that keep outdoor adventurers safe and comfortable when dealing with the elements.

However, practicality is also an essential aspect of going on a hike, for example, as you will have to carry things with you. Typically in a backpack. Which brings us to today’s topic.

Over the past years we have discussed a number of different brands that are renowned in the outdoor world, primarily focusing on the quality and performance of their jackets. Lately, we have been trying to explore more outdoor essentials and backpacks are today’s choice.

Let’s take a look at two of the most renowned brands out there, Osprey and The North Face, to see which one makes better backpacks for outdoor activities.

Read more

Fleece vs Cotton: Comparison and Differences

Fleece vs Cotton: Comparison and Differences

Comparing different fabrics and materials is a helpful way of not only learning more about a particular material, but also understanding what makes them different from others and, ultimately, which one you should go for.

Throughout these past two years, we have compared various materials, some in regards to their use in jackets and other garments, and others for their ability to provide insulation.

Today we will have a mix of both these qualities as we look at Fleece and Cotton, two commonly-used fabrics, one especially suited for colder weather and the other excelling at breathability and moisture absorption.

Let’s get right down to it!

Read more

Salomon vs Merrell: Which Brand is Better for Hiking Shoes and Boots?

Salomon vs Merrell: Which Brand is Better for Hiking Shoes and Boots?

Now that the seasons are changing once more, clothing and gear for having a comfortable and safe outdoor experience also change.

One very important part of the outdoor attire for hiking, climbing, or any activity is also footwear. Boots and hiking shoes, to be more specific.

We often focus on jackets and brands that specialize in jackets for a variety of activities, ranging from the easiest and simplest ones to extreme sports that require high-performance and technical clothing and gear.

Well, it is time to look at footwear, as one of the most important things to ensure that you purchase correctly as it can make or break your experience in nature.

While there are shoes that can be versatile and suitable for a number of sports activities, this does not necessarily translate into them being proper footwear for those who are looking to challenge themselves. This is why shoes and boots made for a specific activity, for example, hiking, are an essential part of your wardrobe.

However, today we will not be looking at different types of boots and hiking shoes, but rather at two brands which are renowned for making quality footwear, Salomon and Merrell.

Let’s get started!

Read more

L.L. Bean vs Lands’ End: Which Brand is Better?

L.L. Bean vs Lands' End: Which Brand is Better?

As the range of products that we review and explore expands, looking at brands that are renowned for a variety of outdoor products and not solely limited to clothes is also necessary.

This past year we have gone through numerous brands and their top-selling and most popular designs, and fortunately there are many more brands to feature and become acquainted with.

In today’s brand face-off, we have selected L.L. Bean and Lands’ End, two brands that make outdoor clothing and other gear that are essential for having a safe and cozy time in your adventures.

We will begin with L.L. Bean, as it is a brand that has been previously featured in our comparisons.

Let’s get started!

Read more

8 Scandinavian Jackets & Outdoor Gear Brands for the Cold Weather

Best Scandinavian Jackets & Outdoor Gear Brands for Rain and Snow

Most of the readers are already acquainted with several Scandinavian brands and their jackets and outdoor gear, either by having read, heard, or even tried the products themselves.

It’s no news that these brands are some of the best out there, especially when it comes to winter gear. This might be related to the fact that they know quite well what truly harsh weather is.

The brands selected for this article are eight. They are popular and renowned for the high quality of their designs. As for style, the jackets for this selection are definitive eye-catchers, with different styles and lots of colors, because it is important to remain in style and look good even when the rain will not stop.

The jackets are for both men and women, with unisex selections as well, so let’s head right into it.

For each brand, we’ll start with some information and then we will continue with the product we have picked. Also, for some brands, we have compiled a section where we answer some questions asked by users online and offline.

Read more

9 Icelandic Clothing Brands for your Outdoor Adventures

9 Icelandic Clothing Brands for your Outdoor Adventures

Clothing for outdoor adventures is not hard to come by in this day and age. For those looking to shop locally, odds are that you will get your hands on a design that is just right for you, and if that doesn’t work out, online stores are there to save the day.

Because those of you coming to this selection are from across the globe, for some time now, we have been looking at several brands that make great quality outdoor clothing, at times focusing on a single brand, and other times focusing on brands from a particular country.

We have gone through a number of countries so far, including those of the Scandinavian peninsula, which are part of the Nordic countries, in which Iceland is a part of, too.

Iceland is a country with a rich history and some of the most impressive geological landscapes in the world. Active volcanoes, strong winds, and cold temperatures are just some of its characteristics, and with those come particular clothing requirements.

While Iceland brands have primarily been focused on providing quality winter designs that could withstand the harsh weather, some innovative and impressively stylish brands have emerged in the last few decades, too.

Today, we will be looking at 9 Icelandic brands that make great designs for both activewear, as well as for a casual day out.

Let’s take a look!

Read more