Auclair ewool Heated Mitts and Gloves

My initial reaction to these battery-powered leather gloves was: “Not another thing to recharge.” After a week of snowmobiling in central Ontario, my tune shifted to: “Where have these been my whole life?” A collaboration between Montreal-based companies ewool and Auclair (the latter crafting high-quality gloves and mitts since 1945), these insulated leather gloves and mitts feature a slim battery that powers three heat settings, easily controlled by a button on the exterior of the glove. Within seconds, you can say au revoir to cold hands, whether you’re sledding, on the slopes, or trudging across a frozen city. The battery life is impressive (one charge lasted three days of skiing), and I seldom needed the highest setting even as temperatures plummeted. No matter how cold it gets, warmth is just a click away. Plus, wearing high-tech utility gloves also makes you feel like a superhero.

AirNEST rugged inflatable shelter

Here’s another product from the ‘there has to be a better way’ department, one that might just revolutionize your next car-camping adventure. The brainchild of Whistler-based adventurer Todd Lawson, the AirNEST was designed to eliminate the hassles and backaches of traditional tent setups. Years of trial and error resulted in a durable and unified air mattress and tent system that rapidly inflates and deflates with a built-in air pump. Special attention went into reinforcing the zips and seams to prevent leaks and tears, which is why the tent can even double as a floating air mattress for lake excursions. The AirNEST sleeps up to four people and features a large entryway and a zip-on gear vestibule. The waterproof yet breathable shell includes a bug mesh, puncture puncture-resistant base and ample pocket storage, while its quick set-up and takedown ensures everyone remains a happy camper. A three-year warranty and videos of the tent surviving an apocalyptic dust storm at Burning Man have already converted many skeptics. The accompanying AIRBANK™ pump can even charge your phone. 

Henson razor blade

Each year, more than two billion plastic razors are sent to U.S. landfills alone. Meanwhile, two-thirds of men report irritation when they shave, and we all know the razor blade business model that locks you into exorbitant prices. A group of experienced aerospace engineers in Kitchener, Ont., thought (and you’re probably sensing a theme here): there has to be a better way. They went to the science, consulted skin experts, medical imaging, and focus groups, and eventually engineered, in Canada, a stylish safety blade that simply works better. The ask is for you to invest in the razor, not the blades. Reader, I admit I was skeptical. How can a simple, widely available hair-thin blade compete with a lubricated, swivelled five-blade marketing behemoth? Then I tried the Henson. Effortless to rinse, always sharp and the cost of a universal blade: just 10c each, lasting about four shaves. When you do the math, the Henson AL13 isn’t just a sharp-looking razor; it’s a fine-crafted, precision-engineered game changer you’ll want to pass down to future generations. It works great for women, too!

MEC Tour 32 backpack

This one is for adventurers who enjoy escaping into the hills with everything on their back: organized, compact and ready to go. Technically, the MEC Tour 32 is a ski touring pack designed for the backcountry, although I found it just as useful on summer trails. It’s features straps for skis and snowboards, a dedicated avalanche tool pocket, an integrated helmet strap, zippered internal and external pockets and an inner roll-top collar to add another 10 litres to the 32 litres on offer. The padded shoulder pads are comfortable, there’s a moulded EVA foam back panel and an internal hydration sleeve for a camel pack (or a laptop, should you need it). Bonus points for large loops on the zippers to minimize fumbling, especially when you’re wearing gloves, and it unzips completely from the back, making it feel more like a handy duffel bag than a top loader

Must Do Adventure Scratch Cards

Here’s something to scratch the itch of a Canadian travel bug. Matt and Karla Bailey have been inspiring Canadians for years with Must Do Canada, their award-winning travel blog, digital guide and newsletter. The couple have now put together a Must-Do adventure box with a deck of 50 cards, split into three boxes, each featuring unique adventures in B.C., Alberta and Ontario. Each card is labelled with the name of a city or area to indicate where the activity takes place, providing additional details that include the price range, duration, recommended time of day and when best to go. To discover the adventure, simply scratch off the card and see where fate sends you. Scan the QR code on the card to load up the website, where you can learn how to turn your random scratch into an unforgettable adventure.

Arcteryx Alpha SV Jacket

The Alpha SV is the first piece of gear I pack for every expedition, no matter the destination. It’s a cornerstone Arc’teryx shell, a staple in every alpine climber’s kit. Built to withstand some of the world’s harshest conditions, the Alpha SV is lightweight, engineered for mobility and constructed with durable materials that deliver unmatched weather protection during prolonged exposure. On Kilimanjaro, it kept me bone dry after hours of hiking in relentless downpours. I’ve also seen firsthand how impressively waterproof the GORE-TEX material is during a demonstration at Arc’teryx’s ReBird Service Center, where products are rigorously tested to ensure they exceed expectations in the field.

– Madigan Cotterill 

Kombi Climate Series

As the climate changes, so can your gloves. Founded in Montreal in 1961, Kombi specializes in gloves and mitts, along with base layers and cold-weather accessories. Their new Climate Series is an innovative, insulated, multi-layer system designed to keep hands toasty and dry in even the most intense downpour or blizzard. It consists of 3 layers that can be worn separately or together, with a moisture-wicking lining, warm and breathable microfibre mid-layer, and a fully waterproof laminated shell. Conveniently, the different layers can be stored in a handy zippered pocket on the outer shell, which neatly folds up into a little bag you can tuck away or latch with the accompanying carabiner. The collection also includes unisex and kids-sized waterproof gloves and mitts, with various proprietary membranes for warmth and breathability.