Gear Shed: March Forward

Across Canada, quality snow has been elusive at best, but a recent snowfall in the west gave the season a boost. And in the east, snowmaking kept most resorts open through March Break. Here’s to searching for every last stash of snow while it lasts, and staying outside longer, thanks to lots of rad stuff in the Gear Shed.

Adidas Sport SP0074 Sunglasses

With a featherlight durable frame, Roviex polarized mirror lenses and a retro wraparound design that offers an extra-wide field of view, these sunglasses are perfect for high-output runs, bike missions and even ski-touring. With nine holes on the top bar, the aeration system is second to none. We tried to fog up these lenses on the trail, and mostly failed. (A light mist was present on the lenses but our vision was not significantly impaired.) Another cool feature is the security block hinge, which keeps the arms secured in only two positions: open or closed. Once closed, the end-tips will not touch the inner lenses, so you can stow your shades safely.

Blundstone Winter Thermal Classic

Built by Blundstone to weather the elements, the fully waterproof Winter Thermal Classic #584 boots (available for women and men) are packed with features like genuine shearling footbeds and 200 g Thinsulate insulation to keep your feet toasty and dry in fall, winter and spring. www.blundstone.ca

Glerups Denim Boots

The Glerups Denim Boots are made of 100 per cent pure, no-itch wool with soles of natural rubber and uppers free of heavy metals and toxic dyes. Once you try them— no socks needed—you’ll never want to take them off. Glerups are naturally wicking and temperature-wicking and the ultimate antidote to the chilly ways of Canada’s fall, winter and spring seasons. www.glerups.ca 

Gregory Alpaca Gear Basket

Need to sort out your gear storage? Thought so. We do, too. The 70-litre Alpaca Gear Basket will give us all a head start, with a flexible base connected to an anodized aluminum frame that provides durability and strength for heavy usage. Ideal for camping essentials, it fits loads of gear and with its lightweight built-in handles, it’s easy to carry from your car to wherever you might need it. It collapses down flat to save space when not in use and comes with a reusable mesh bag for storage. An Alpaca Gear Tote, a Gear Wagon and a Gear Pod are also available. Buy Gregory in Canada at MEC.

Landyachtz Snow Surfer

Made in Vancouver, the Snow Surfer is perfect to take advantage of those small stashes of pow that most people miss or ignore. Whether you ride it in an urban park, the hidden spots on your local hill or a nice slope near the backcountry hut, this unique tool will complement your snow quiver.  www.landyachtz.ca 

MiiR All Day Straw Cup

The 32-oz All Day Straw Cup sports a sleek silhouette and moves easily from your counter to the cup holder, from the gym to your desk—while sealing in the cold and preventing spills. The Thermo 3D Double wall vacuum-insulation kept our drink cold for 24 hours. (The cup is not intended for hot beverages.) The top section of the straw is flexible food-grade silicone. www.miir.com

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GORE-TEX Trail Runners

The Hierro v7 (for women or men) boasts a Fresh Foam X midsole for mattress-level comfort plus a durable Vibram outsole for versatile traction. The GORE-TEX upper protects from wind, rain and water without sacrificing breathability. The no-sew overlays add durability against rocks, sticks and anything else the trail will throw at you—as does the Toe Protect technology. www.newbalance.ca

Rab Conduit Tights

Thin, stretchy and fleecy-warm, the Conduit Tights (for men or women) are designed for mountain ascents in cold temperatures and bitter winter weather. Made with 92 per cent recycled Thermic G fleece, they balance breathability and wicking with warmth and insulation. Articulated knees help you move with ease on the skin track, the rock or a steep ridgeline. www.rab.equipment

66° North Skálafell Semi-Bib Insulated Shell Pants

It’s rare to find insulated shell pants that feel as light as just a shell, but the Skálafell Pants (for men or women) do the trick. These semi-bibs offer ultimate protection from wind and moisture (GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER, no less) plus a layer of Polartec Power Fill for exceptional warmth that won’t underperform when wet and is also breathable. (And 100% post-consumer recycled.) The pants feature two hand pockets and one safety pocket at the waist. Zippers on the leg at the hem and the powder cuff are ideal for fitting around boots. Adjustable snaps on the leg hem also allow for regular boot use, making these bibs a versatile, everyday winter go-to. www.66north.com

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

The classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew has been updated with new colour options and an enhanced fit to improve functionality while elevating aesthetics. The addition of shoulder panels and flatlock seam construction help prevent chafing while increasing the comfort level. You’ll experience the difference the next time you go skiing, hiking, climbing or biking. And no one does socks as well as Smartwool, so check out the Ski Targeted Cushion Extra Stretch OTC Socks, now with Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability, the 4 Degree elite fit system for an unmatched performance fit, body-mapped mesh zones for added breathability and extra stretch to accommodate fuller calves. www.smartwool.ca  

Surefoot Custom Ski Boot

The Surefoot Custom Ski Boot is the ultimate choice for skiers of all levels. With an ability-specific shell and a heater-integrated customized liner and custom orthotic, you’re ready for the best skiing of your life—all in just under an hour. Discover the Surefoot difference. www.surefoot.com 

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