Gear Shed: Beat the Shoulder Season Blues

Don’t let shoulder season slow you down. Supercharge your fall with these gear selections from ML staff and partners.

CEP Compression Socks

Think socks won’t really make a difference in your performance? Think again. CEP’s The Run Mid-Cut Socks (for men or women) stabilize and stimulate your joints with a deep sensory effect to reduce injuries. The proven, wrinkle-free compression works together with a durable blend of materials to help prevent blisters. Plus, breathable padded zones in the foot provide cushioning to protect your joints. And ventilation zones and air channels keep your feet cool and dry throughout the most challenging run sessions. www.cepsports.ca

Collingwood Brewery Bricks & Mortar Oak Aged Porter

A robust, rich ale infused with American and French oak, Bricks & Mortar pours dark brown with aromas of vanilla, coffee and chocolate. Available at the brewery and LCBO for a limited time. www.thecollingwoodbrewery.com 

Filson Lined Wool Packer Coat 

An updated classic that remains as timeless as ever, the men’s Lined Wool Packer Coat combines a 24 oz. virgin Mackinaw wool cape, Alaskan Guide Flannel lining and Australian shearling-lined collar to create a remarkable product. This heavyweight coat provides ultimate comfort and style during the harshest weather. And for an equally well-made top layer, check the Field Flannel Shirt. With pleated shoulders to provide a full range of motion and yarn-dyed fabric that resists fading, Filson’s style, as with everything they make, has been much imitated but never equaled. Buy Filson in Canada at the Vancouver or Toronto stores, or online at Altitude Sports.  

Hestra Fall Line Mitt

The women’s Fall Line boasts a slimmer cut to fit women’s narrower hands and is sewn in hardwearing treated cowhide with a pre-curved fit for comfort and good pole grip. The interior is soft fleece with synthetic G-Loft insulation, while foam panels provide extra warmth and stability. A removable wrist strap (not pictured below), attached to a small carabiner, cancels the risk of dropping a mitt. The Fall Line is perfect for those who prefer on-piste just as much as off-piste and aren’t afraid of a hike to the goods. Also available in a 5-finger model, and in a men’s version. www.hestragloves.ca

Hillsound Trail Crampons

The Trail Crampons are designed for stiff-soled boots and feature a carbon-steel plate system, reducing muscular fatigue and giving you confidence for all your winter pursuits—from shoveling an icy driveway to stomping an icy trail. The crampons can be worn with hiking shoes and boots (rigid soles) and winter boots and excel in different types of snowy, icy and muddy settings. www.hillsound.ca

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Hydro Flask Insulated French Press

The 32-oz. Insulated French Press boasts TempShield double-wall insulation to keep your brew at the right temperature for hours—perfect for leisurely mornings at home or to pass around the campsite. The mesh filter expertly strains out fine particles and the Press-In Lid allows for non-directional, steady pouring. The carafe is made with 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel for durability and no flavor transfer. Plus: the ergonomic, soft-touch handle is comfortable to hold and pour. Having broken more than one glass French press in the past, we vouch for Hydro Flask’s extremely tough version. Buy Hydro Flask in Canada at Altitude Sports, Latulippe, Valhalla Pure and Well.ca.

Merrell Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof Boot

The women’s-specific fit of the Siren 4 Thermo Mid Zip Waterproof boot is uniquely engineered to cradle the distinct contours of female feet, providing comfort, support and stability even on the longest hikes. Now with Solarcore insulation, a lightweight material initially designed for NASA, you never have to worry about warmth. www.merrell.com 

Pearl Izumi Summit Pant

Some rides call for the extra protection of pants and that’s where the new Summit Pant (available for men or women) comes in. Designed with mobility and pedaling performance in mind, it’s constructed from the same ultralight and durable woven fabric as Pearl Izumi’s Summit Short, with a DWR coating to shrug off moisture, plus 14% spandex for stretch. Perforated panels on the inside of the legs keep this pant feeling extra airy, while dual Trail Access pockets hold the day’s essentials within reach, but out of the way. Pair with the Transfer Cargo Liner Short (for men or women) and hit the trail. Tip: In cooler weather, try wearing the Summit Pant under a shell pant. www.pearlizumi.ca

Roark Hebrides Weatherproof Jacket

The Hebrides is a three-season weatherproof men’s shirt jacket inspired by Scotland’s windblown and remote northwestern islands. The classic snap front and dual pockets, over-shirt fit and handwarmer pockets sum up the timeless quality of these storied islands. The recycled poly ripstop shell with waterproof-breathable DWR coating, Primaloft Black 40 g insulated lining and high-pile fleece collar keep the wind/rain/chill off. Buttoned down or open in the front, this is an easy-wearing layer for brisk strolls or work around the yard, in the country or out on the town. www.roark.com

Sunday Afternoons Outback Storm Hat

Lightweight and 100% waterproof, the unisex Outback Storm Hat is breathable with a structured fedora silhouette. Fully seam-taped with a PFAS-free durable water repellent, this classic style has a Reverse Split Brim, so it packs small and flat. And it boasts a UPF 50+ sun rating with reflective piping and an adjustable chin strap. This is a hat made for any and all adventures big and small. www.sundayafternoons.ca

Trek Farley

With its 4.5-inch tires, carbon fork, dropper post and modern geo, the Trek Farley makes riding a blast. It’s the ultimate go-anywhere fat bike. What sets it apart is its fully equipped, frame-specific package of racks and bags for loading up with everything you need to get way, way beyond the beaten path. Extra-wide 4.5-inch tires give you amazing traction over loose terrain and progressive trail geometry gives you extra stability and efficient pedaling. Test or buy in Ontario at Kamikaze in Collingwood: www.kamikazebikes.com

Xcel Drylock 6/5 mm Hooded Full Wetsuit

With its water-tight construction and unparalleled warmth, the Xcel Women’s Drylock 6/5 mm Hooded Full Wetsuit is made for the most extreme of conditions and the coldest surf spots Canada can offer. Celliant Black Smartfiber in the core and Ultra Stretch IR maximize performance. Also available in 4/3 mm and men’s versions.  www.xcelwetsuits.com

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