Green Garden Gear Shed: March Forward – Mountain Life – GWC Mag gwcmagMarch 18, 2024036 views 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. 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 Photo: Blundstone Pull-On All-Weather Boot Pull-On All-Weather Boot 96 100 0 1 “Blundstone Australia tracks its heritage back to the mid-1800s. Despite having grown into one of the world’s most recognizable boot brands, Blundstone headquarters remains in Tasmania under family ownership, keeping intact long-standing ideals and principles—not the least of which are a total devotion to comfort, ease of use, simplicity of design and value for money spent. Blundstone Canada has been walking the walk since re-booting the market 25 years ago freeing Canadians from laces, footwear fashion trends, and boots that are more clunk than comfort.” www.blundstone.ca “Blundstone Australia tracks its heritage back to the mid-1800s. Despite having grown into one of the world’s most recognizable boot brands, Blundstone headquarters remains in Tasmania under family ownership, keeping intact long-standing ideals and principles—not the least of which are a total devotion to comfort, ease of use, simplicity of design and value for money spent. Blundstone Canada has been walking the walk since re-booting the market 25 years ago freeing Canadians from laces, footwear fashion trends, and boots that are more clunk than comfort.” www.blundstone.ca 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 Photo: Glerups Sustainable Slipper Sustainable Slipper 96 100 0 1 “It started as a hobby at our small farm in Denmark—making practical, comfortable, colourful slippers for family and friends using our own wool. It was a slow, step-by-step process that turned into a passion. We go a bit faster now, but we still put the love, natural comfort and family pride into every Glerups we make.” —Nanny Glerups, Founder “It started as a hobby at our small farm in Denmark—making practical, comfortable, colourful slippers for family and friends using our own wool. It was a slow, step-by-step process that turned into a passion. We go a bit faster now, but we still put the love, natural comfort and family pride into every Glerups we make.” —Nanny Glerups, Founder 96/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 a plethora 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. A 30-L Alpaca Gear Tote, a Gear Wagon and a Gear Pod is also available. Buy Gregory in Canada at MEC. Photo: Gregory Versatile Gear Storage/Transpo Solution Versatile Gear Storage/Transpo Solution 97 100 0 1 The Gear Basket has reflective gear loops on all sides and a large interior zippered pocket to separate smaller items if necessary. It’s also made from blended recycled fabric (double wall construction) to reduce its carbon footprint. You won’t find a lighter gear storage system that also flattens to stow away. Once you try one, you’ll wonder how you and your gear coped without it. The Gear Basket has reflective gear loops on all sides and a large interior zippered pocket to separate smaller items if necessary. It’s also made from blended recycled fabric (double wall construction) to reduce its carbon footprint. You won’t find a lighter gear storage system that also flattens to stow away. Once you try one, you’ll wonder how you and your gear coped without it. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 Photo: Landyachtz 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 Photo: MiiR All-day Hydration Cup All-day Hydration Cup 97 100 0 1 With 90% recycled content, the ultra-durable 18/8 stainless steel is a huge stride toward sustainability and a circular economy. And all the elements of the cup are BPA-free. Plus: every MiiR product sold helps fund nonprofit organizations that work to empower communities, while investing in the health of our natural environments. More at www.miir.com With 90% recycled content, the ultra-durable 18/8 stainless steel is a huge stride toward sustainability and a circular economy. And all the elements of the cup are BPA-free. Plus: every MiiR product sold helps fund nonprofit organizations that work to empower communities, while investing in the health of our natural environments. More at www.miir.com 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best Related content from ML: 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 Photos: New Balance All-Weather Trail Runner All-Weather Trail Runner 95 100 0 1 The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a plush ride without sacrificing responsiveness—and it’s lighter than light. Heel-striking runners will find plenty of cushiness, especially on downhill slopes. The 4.5mm lugs work well for digging in while climbing or descending. The wide base also delivers a stable ride over rocks. Overall, the Hierro v7 is a workhorse on mud, snow or rocky terrain. However, the Fresh Foam X bio-based material is reportedly only 3%—hardly enough for New Balance to bother with. Considering the pollution crisis, more bio-based material in the sole would be a welcome addition. The Fresh Foam X midsole delivers a plush ride without sacrificing responsiveness—and it’s lighter than light. Heel-striking runners will find plenty of cushiness, especially on downhill slopes. The 4.5mm lugs work well for digging in while climbing or descending. The wide base also delivers a stable ride over rocks. Overall, the Hierro v7 is a workhorse on mud, snow or rocky terrain. However, the Fresh Foam X bio-based material is reportedly only 3%—hardly enough for New Balance to bother with. Considering the pollution crisis, more bio-based material in the sole would be a welcome addition. 95/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 THe men’s (L) and women’s Conduit TIghts. Photo: Rab Cold-Weather Tight Cold-Weather Tight 97 100 0 1 Set aside your old long underwear. The Thermic G Fleece balances warmth and durability with fast drying performance, making these tights highly efficient for energetic mountain activities. The grid backer adds improved breathability and reduced weight. And the tights are made with a total of 87% recycled content. Set aside your old long underwear. The Thermic G Fleece balances warmth and durability with fast drying performance, making these tights highly efficient for energetic mountain activities. The grid backer adds improved breathability and reduced weight. And the tights are made with a total of 87% recycled content. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 Photo: 66 North Lightweight Insulated Snow Pant Lightweight Insulated Snow Pant 97 100 0 1 Our tester Nate wore a pair of Skálafells to Revelstoke and shredded under some super-sketchy weather including sleet. Not only did the pants keep him totally dry and warm, they never slowed him down, with their consistent performance even in wet conditions. He also found them very lightweight. “I’ve never worn snowpants lighter than the Skálafells. They feel more like a shell but the insulation kept me warm high up on Mount Revelstoke,” he said. “The cut is also very friendly when you’re moving up and down a lot, adjusting bindings. The outer fabric also stood up well when we were hiking through some tangled brush trying to find a glade. These pants are exceptionally tough.” Our tester Nate wore a pair of Skálafells to Revelstoke and shredded under some super-sketchy weather including sleet. Not only did the pants keep him totally dry and warm, they never slowed him down, with their consistent performance even in wet conditions. He also found them very lightweight. “I’ve never worn snowpants lighter than the Skálafells. They feel more like a shell but the insulation kept me warm high up on Mount Revelstoke,” he said. “The cut is also very friendly when you’re moving up and down a lot, adjusting bindings. The outer fabric also stood up well when we were hiking through some tangled brush trying to find a glade. These pants are exceptionally tough.” 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 Photo: Smartwool Photo: Smartwool Merino Garments + Socks Merino Garments + Socks 97 100 0 1 Merino wool is an unbeatable performance fabric. It’s soft, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating (warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s warm), sustainable, and odour-neutralizing—helping to keep you comfortable, and warm for longer than synthetic fabrics. Smartwool was the first outdoor company to make performance Merino wool ski socks and they continue to make the best. Merino wool is an unbeatable performance fabric. It’s soft, moisture-wicking, thermoregulating (warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s warm), sustainable, and odour-neutralizing—helping to keep you comfortable, and warm for longer than synthetic fabrics. Smartwool was the first outdoor company to make performance Merino wool ski socks and they continue to make the best. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best 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 Photo: Surefoot Custom Ski Boot Custom Ski Boot 97 100 0 1 After scanning your feet, a Surefoot technician will do a thorough evaluation of your skiing history, athletic ability, physical build and future goals. He or she will use the information you provide, along with your computer-generated measurements, to select the optimal ski boot shell for you. Surefoot has over 100 models to choose from and carries all the major ski boot brands including Lange, Nordica, Tecnica, Atomic and Salomon. After scanning your feet, a Surefoot technician will do a thorough evaluation of your skiing history, athletic ability, physical build and future goals. He or she will use the information you provide, along with your computer-generated measurements, to select the optimal ski boot shell for you. Surefoot has over 100 models to choose from and carries all the major ski boot brands including Lange, Nordica, Tecnica, Atomic and Salomon. 97/100 Total Score iLegend The best You might also like: Check the ML Podcast!