Holiday Gift Guide 2016

If your budget is limited have a look here to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy. If you have a little more to spend then check out our list of the Best Gifts priced $50-$100, $100-$200, and $200+.

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Black Diamond Iota Headlamp  
The Iota Headlamp is Black Diamond’s smallest, brightest (150 lumens), lightest, rechargeable (by USB) headlamp. The lithium ion rechargeable battery has an average burn time on high power of three hours. Use PowerTap Technology to transition between full and dimmed strength in order to save power. It’s small enough to toss in your ski touring or climbing pack as you never know when you’ll need it--when you do, you’ll be glad to have it.
Find out more here.

Price: $39.95 US
Colours: Salt Water, Denim, Octane, Nickel, Black
Lumens: 150
Batteries:Rechargeable lithium ion
Weight: 56g / 1.9oz (With Batteries)

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DryGuy Force Dry
Wet gear sucks, but it happens—especially if you’re sweating it out on the skin track. To prevent stink and bacteria growth in your ski boots, shoes and gloves use the DryGuy Force Dry unit. It’s a quick and easy way dry your gear after every use. A built-in timer lets you set it and forget it. The Force Dry gently circulates warm air through the two drying stacks, drying anything you put over them. There’s no excuse for wet, smelly gear anymore.
Find out more here.

Price: $50 US
Power: 120V AC Household Outlet, 240 Watts
Max. Temperature: 105°F / 40.5°C
Dimensions: : 8.75" x 10.5" x 4.5"
Weight: 3.25 lbs
Warranty: 1 year

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Platypus Meta Bottle Microfilter
This is a cool concept—it’s a water bottle with a built-in filtration system. It’s not suited for filtering lots of water at a time but it’s perfect for day hikes or ski tours where you aren’t sure about the water quality and you didn’t pack enough. The hollow fibre filter is effective against protozoa and bacteria and, because the bottom half is made of squishy material, the bottle shrinks to half its full size for packing. Cool. 
Find out more here.

Price: $49.95 US
Colours: blue or grey
Size: 1 litre
Weight: 240g

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Big Agnes mtnGLO Accessory Light Kit
No one likes to be in the dark so brighten things up on your next camping trip with the Big Agnes mtnGLO Accessory Light Kit. A series of durable LED lights easily illuminate the interior of your tent or campsite. Hang out with friends or give the kids peace of mind without blinding them with a bright beam of light. The light kit is a 100"/254cm long strand of LED lights incased in lightweight nylon tubing. It’s powered by three AAA batteries but can also be connected to any USB source. When not in use the neoprene travel case keeps them organized and safe.
Find out more here.

Price: $39.95 US

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Therm-a-rest Down Pillow
You know how you think you’ll be OK just stuffing your clothes together to make a pillow when you are in a hut or tent? You know how you never really are OK? Enter the down pillow from Therm-a-rest. It’s super compressible and remarkably lightweight. Great for the tent, hut or couch surfing. Made with drool-proof Nikwax hydrophobic down.
Find out more here.

Price: $29.95 US
Sizes: Regular and large
Colours: Blue and grey
Weight (reg): 4g/113oz

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Bolle Amp Black Robot Goggles with Vermillion lens
This one's for the Groms out there, a pair of junior goggle from Bolle which features flow-tech venting and a P80+ anti-fog coating so things never fog up on you. Double Vermillion lens has a high contrast view of the world that’ll work in both sunny and overcast weather. Be ‘Black Robot cool’ and keep your eye on the landing with the new Bolle Amp Goggles.
Find out more here.

Price: $24.99 US / $39.99 CAN

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Nikwax Hardshell Duo Pack 
Nikwax has been around for over 40 years and it’s the trusted go-to for re-waterproofing your jacket and pants. It’s safe and effective, and should be a part of your yearly pre-season ritual. The Nikwax Hardshell Duo Pack contains a 300ml bottle of Tech Wash and TX.Direct. Tech Wash is a soap-based cleaner which can be used to clean clothing and equipment without damaging the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings. After cleaning your gear use Nikwax TX.Direct to add water-repellency and revive breathability.
Find out more here.

Price: $28.75 CAN
Volume: 300ml / 10oz x2

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Patagonia Provisions  Miir Food Canister
Nothing quite like a 16oz hit of chili or hearty soup halfway through a big day in the backcountry. The Miir is small enough that it’s easy to chuck in your pack. I’ve found that filling it up about ⅘ full delivers optimal results. Double walled and vacuum insulated, it keeps hot foods hot for six hours and cool stuff cool for 12. Short, stout and nice to look at. Bring it along.
Find out more here.

Price: $36 US
Colours: black and white
Weight: 387g, 13.5 Oz

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Montana Fly Company Stainless Steel Hip Flask
What’s a camping trip or backcountry ski tour with out a little shot of something smooth to keep you going or celebrate a summit. The eight-ounce BPA-free Montana Fly stainless steel hip flask is just what you need. It fits easily into ski pants or jacket pockets, and is perfect for toasting, well, anything.
Find out more here.

Price: $30 US
Material: Stainless Steel 

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Mont Bell Trail Action Balaclava
Mother Nature never co-operates when she’s supposed to. So when you head out in the backcountry and the mercury is set to plummet, take along the Trail Action Balaclava. With a smooth, stretchy fabric it’s ideal for under a ski helmet, it’ll keep you warmer and also wicking away any moisture.
Find out more here.

Price: $39 US
Colours: Black, Chestnut
Sizes: S/M, M/L
Fabric: Stretch CLIMAPLUS™ (47% Nylon + 36% Polyester + 17% Polyurethane)

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Arc’teryx Castlegar Toque
Work your swag with this wool/acrylic blend toque from Canadian backcountry powerhouse, Arc’teryx. Suitable for the uptrack or the club, the Castlegar’s ample size and poly fleece headband merges your  needs of design and function. Just don’t try and fly in or out of this hat’s namesake in the winter. You might get Cancelgared.
Find out more here.

Price: $40 CAN
Colours: five to choose from
Materials: Wool, acrylic

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GSI Destination Kitchen Set 24
If you’re like most people you have a huge Tupperware which contains all of you car camping cooking utensils. They’re typically unorganized and a mess. No more with the GSI Destination Kitchen Set 24. It contains: Mini Cheese Grater, Collapsible Whisk, Pivot Spoon, Pivot Spatula, Utility Knife, 12 pc. Cutlery Set, Salt + Pepper Shaker Spicer, 2 Soft Sided Condiment Containers, Cutting Board, Scrubber and Camp Towel all in a durable ballistic nylon outer case. Now that sounds easy!

Find out more here.

Price: $95.95 US
Pieces: 24
Size: 297 x 196 x 89mm / 11.7 x 7.7 x 3.5"
Weight: 799g / 28.2oz
Materials: Copolyester, Nylon 6-6, Acetal, Polyethylene

If your budget is limited have a look here to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy. If you have a little more to spend then check out our list of the Best Gifts priced $100-$200, and $200+.

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Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer 1/4 Zip & 250 Baselayer Bottoms
Smartwool is all about the merino base layers and it'll be the perfect gift for that special person on your list. The 250 Baselayer 1/4 Zip Top & Bottoms are Smartwool’s best selling, and warmest, baselayers, they have  a covered elastic waistband and flatlock seam construction on the bottoms and improved fit; chafe-free seam construction on the 1/4 Zip. Both are made from 100% Merino Wool so you know they’ll keep you warm when it’s cold and stink free over the long term.
Find out more here and here.

Price: 1/4 Zip  - $100 US / $129.99 CAN. Bottoms - $95 US / $114.99 CAN
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: 1/4 Zip - Deep Navy,  Charcoal Heather, Olive Heather, Taupe Heather, Light Grey Heather, Black, Moab Rust Heather, Dark Blue Steel Heather. Bottoms - Deep Navy, Black, Taupe Heather, Charcoal Heather

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Rab Nucleus Pull-on 
Know someone who’s in need of more than a base layer this holiday season? The Rab Nucleus Pull-on is a light-weight, two-tone fleece with a high-stretch double knit fabric. It’s the perfect mid-layer in colder conditions and the Polygiene STAY FRESH odour control treatment will ensure they don’t smell things up when it gets warmer. A super deep venting chest zip lets you dump heat when you need to, so it works for cold winter day and cool fall nights. You know you want it.
Find out more here. 

Price: $99.95 US / $114.99 CAN
Weight: 305g / 10.8oz

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Outdoor Research Lodestar Sensor Gloves
3DFit and touch-screen compatibility makes the Lodestar Sensor Gloves one technical pair of gloves. They are built for being active in the mountains when you need warmth as well as breathability. Ideal for the ski touring buff, snow shoer, climbers or cross country skier on your gift list. The gloves use Polartec Power Shield High Loft fabric on the back for warmth. This is a synthetic insulation but it has the wicking properties of fleece. On the palm, the exterior is goat leather and the interior is a grid micro-fleece lining so they are warm but not too warm. Winter enthusiast will love this gift.
Find out more here.

Price: $99 US / $125 CAN
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Pewter/Black/LemonGrass
Weight: 130g / 4.6oz 

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Alpine Labratories Pulse Camera Remote
Stills. Videos. Time lapse. This is the ultimate camera remote for the tech geek you have to buy for. Pulse gives you remote control over your camera wirelessly from your smartphone. It works with over sixty DSLR cameras and adds functionality that you otherwise wouldn’t have. Camera buffs and tech geeks alike will love this gift.
Find out more here.

Price: $99 US
Weight: 42g / 1.5oz
Compatibility: 60+ Cameras, iOS & Android
Size: 40 x 60 x 17.5mm / 1.5 x 2.36 x .7”

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MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit
Coming in just under the $100 mark, the PocketRocket Stove Kit is the bubushka doll of cooking systems. It includes everything you need for two people (apart from your fuel). This is the kind of thing you might give to a hiking partner and then you both can use it. Sneaky, eh?  Includes 2 bowls, two mugs, 2 sporks and the cult-followed PocketRocket stove--which’ll boil a litre of water in 3.5 minutes.
(Available 2017)

Price: $99.95 US
Weight: 705g / 24.9oz
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Red, Blue, Black, Lemon

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Ruff Wear Approach Pack
Even Rover needs a holiday gift to enjoy. The Ruff Wear Approach Pack is light and durable and suitable for any adventurous dog. It’s comfortable for man’s best friend with strategic padding and a harness frame which provides load stability and weight distribution. It’s a great everyday pack for day hikes, overnight adventures and even ski touring into a hut or day shelter. Now your canine friend can carry his/her own treats and perhaps some of yours too.
Find out more here.

Price: $79.95 US
Colours: Blue, Orange
Sizes: XS/S, M, L/XL

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Helly Hansen Women’s Sunna HT Mitt 
If you are like me, there are plenty of women on your shop-for list. The women in my life tend to get cold hands--which can be a day breaker. For all but the most frigid of days, the Sunna will do the trick. Made with goat leather palms, 3M Thinsulate insulation and a waterproof/breathable liner, you know these will make her smile when she shreds  open your lousy wrapping job.
Find out more here.

Price: $110CAN / $80 US
Colours: Black, blue/white

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Katadyn Base Camp Pro 10L
Get the gift for the camper on your list who has everything. The Katadyn Base Camp Pro 10L is a foldable water filtration and storage system that doesn’t require any pumping. Hang it up and let gravity do the work. With 2 litres/min flow rate you’ll have all the water you need within minutes. The filter will treat up to 1,500 litres of water and the unit can also be used with a shower add-on. Clean, hydrated campers are happy campers.
Find out more here.

Price: $99.95 US
Dimensions: 26.7 x 6.9 x 14.8cm / 10.53 x 2.73 x 5.85”
Output: 2 litres/min / 2.11 quart/min
Weight: 350g / 12.35oz

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Ibex Women’s Woolies 1 Bottoms
Full disclosure: I am wearing a pair of the Woolies as I type. The women's version is bound to be a crowd pleaser. Super cozy, slightly fuzzy, warm (but not too), wicking and stink free. They also feature a wide band across the belly; kinda like yoga pants. They are suitable under a skirt, under denim and/or under Gore-Tex. Get a pair and be an instant hero. Get a pair for yourself too. Go on.
Find out more here.

Price: $85 US
Colours: Black, green, red
Women’s sizes: XS ,S, M, L, XL
Garment source: Canada (!)

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GSI Pinnacle 4 Season Stove
If you’ve got a person on your list that’s a gear geek obsessed with weight then this is a gift for them. The GSI Pinnacle 4 Season Stove is made of stainless steel and aluminum and weighs only 164 grams. You read that right. With it’s diminutive size it still packs a fiery punch with 9,820 BTU’s of cooking power. It provides all-season performance and it’s compact design won’t take up much space in your pack. Gear geeks rejoice.
Find out more here.

Price: $79.95 US 
Output: 9820 BTU/h / 2.87 kw
Dimensions: 51 x 46 x 81mm / 2.0 x 1.8 x 3.2"
Weight: 164 g / 5.8oz

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Royal Robins Merinolux Go Everywhere 1/4 Zip
Everyone loves merino wool for its anti-microbial odour control properties, so what skier wouldn’t want to receive the new Royal Robins Merinolux Go Everywhere 1/4 Zip? It has the benefits of merino, combined with renewable Sorona fibres for increased softness and durability. It’s also great at temperature-regulation and moisture wicking, the wrinkle-resistance fabric also offers up UPF 50+ protection. What more do you want from a base layer? Oh, it also looks great to just wear out and about.
Find out more here.

Price: $70 US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Slate, Spanish Moss, Jet Black, Phoenix Blue, Dark Paprika, Dark Olive
Fabric: 68% Sorona, 32% Merino Wool

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Helinox Chair One
Big Agnes is responsible for the Helinox Chair One which is a folding camp chair like no other. It weighs only 850g and packs down smaller than the Sunday Times. The anodized DAC aluminum poles supports up to 320 lbs. Ideal for enjoying the campfire, picnic, or outdoor concert. This is the gift that any outdoor enthusiast would get excited about.
Find out more here.

Price: $99.95 US
Weight: 850g / 1.9lb
Packed Size: 35 x 10 x 12cm / 14 x 4 x 5"
Load Capacity: 145kg / 320lb
Colours: Cloud Burt Grey, Meadow Green, Palm Leaves Print, Rhubarb, Swedish Blue, Black, Multicam, Blue Tiger Camo

If your budget is limited have a look above in the under $50, and $50-$100 price categories to see what works. We’re sure you’ll find something that won’t break the bank and that will make them super happy.

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Gregory Targhee 32 Ski Pack
We did a video review of an earlier iteration of the Targhee 32 from Gregory. We loved it then, and now, since it has been further tweaked,  we love it even more. The large version fits me perfectly and the pack comes in three sizes to accommodate anyone on your list. It’s fairly low profile and has the cinch straps to adjust the volume. The top pocket is massive and works for more than just goggles.There’s also a new insulated shoulder strap/ sleeve to stop your hydration program from freezing up. A lifesaver.
Find out more here.

Price: $189.95
Colours: Orange, Black (with accents and without), Blue (with accents and without)
Volume: 32 litres (depends on size, large is 35L)
Weight: 1814g / 4lbs

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Mont-Bell Plasma 1000 Down Vest  
Know someone who’s constantly cold? The Mont-Bell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket was a huge success and now they have created the Plasma 1000 Down Vest. Not quite as warm or as much money as the jacket, the Plasma Vest still utilizes the finest 1000 fill power goose down and gossamer 7-denier nylon (bet you didn’t know that down fill even went that high? We didn’t). The Plasma 1000 Down Vest is light and compact and built to keep your special someone warm all winter long. 
Find out more here. 

Price: $199 US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Colours: Primary Blue, Black
Weight: 89g / 3.1oz
Fill weight: 31g / 1.1oz
Insulation: 1000 Fill Power Down
Compressed size: 10 x 13cm / 3.9 x 5.1”

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Keen Durand Polar Shell Boots (men's & women's) 
Who doesn’t want new winter boots for the holidays? Especially when they look this good. The Keen Durand Polar Shell Boots are available for him and her and are a warm-burly boot to protect you from winter's bite. They’re also waterproof so you can wear them fall, winter and spring and know they’ll take you pretty much anywhere.
Find out more here.

Price: $230 US
Sizes: 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 13, 14, 15
Colour: Black Olive/Brindle
Weight: 587g / 20.7oz (per boot)
 

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Arc’teryx Satoro AR Zip-Neck Shirt
Again, to please the women in your life. The indisputable quality and cachet from Arc’teryx. Standard merino tends to break down over time; not with the Satoro. It’s made with a blend. Merino fibres spun around nylon core. All the best attributes we love from merino combo’ed with the resilience of nylon. A tall collar with a long zip means a wide range of temperature control. Heck, there’s even a zippered pocket on the upper arm.
Find out more here.

Price: $170 CAD
Materials: Nucliex™ STR - 180 Nylon Core Spun Merino - 81% Merino wool, 12% nylon, 7% elastane
Weight: 196g / 16.9oz
Colours: Black, redish, blueish, greenish (see site)
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

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Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket
Backcountry skier on your present list and looking for a jacket built specifically for ski touring? Then consider the Outdoor Research Skyward Jacket. It’s built for the up and the down with OR’s proprietary AscentShell technology, its electrospun membrane provides air permeability with a fully waterproof stretch construction. More comfortable and breathable breaking trail and protected shredding pow on the way down.
Find out more here.

Price: $450CAN / $350US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Black/Tahoe,  Hot Sauce, Vintage/agate
Weight: 735g /26oz 
Fabric: AscentShell™ 3L, 84% nylon 16% spandex 70D stretch plain weave face with 100% polyester 30D knit backer

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Exped DownMat WinterLite
Who says winter hut trips have to be cold adventures. Treat yourself to the Exped DownMat WinterLite Sleeping Matt, it’s reported to be the worlds lightest mat at this warmth and comfort rating. It’s incredibly compact when packed away and features a tapered shape that fits your body and your tent. It also includes the Schnozzel Pumpbag which helps you inflate it in a flash.
Find out more here.

Price: $229 CAN / $198 US
Weight: 475g / 16.7oz
Dimensions: 9 x 183cm / 3,5 x 72”
Dimensions Packed: 22 x 11cm / 8.6 x 4.3”
Insulation: 700 fill power goose down

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Falke 3/4 Merino Wool Base Layer Tights & Long Sleeve
Merino base layers are the Cadillac of base layers and Falkes 3/4 Merino Wool Base Layer Tights & Long Sleeve are no exception. Their 60% virgin wool, 37% polyamide, 3% elastane fabric is designed to be warm, flexible and anti-microbial. On the bottoms there are ventilation zones to dissipate heat at the back of the knee and on the 3/4 they are located on the armpit and inside of the elbow. Flexible zones are located at the knee, shoulder and elbows for maximum freedom of movement. If you haven’t tried merino wool base layers before, give the Falke apparel a try, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how they perform.
Find out more here.

Price: 3/4 Tghts - $150.00 US  / Long Sleeve - $130.00 US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Space Blue, Black

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UVEX p.8000 Tour Helmet
More and more manufacturers are coming out with ski touring specific helmets--very good news. The latest offering from german-company UVEX features a special twist; the p.8000 is certified for biking, climbing and skiing. Perfect for those multisport days everyone likes to brag about. At 360g, it’s light enough that you’ll forget it's on. It also comes with an integrated RECCO reflector and a BOA closure system lets you dial-in your fit. Speaking of fit, the p.8000 runs a little small this year and it may not fit you if you’ve got a big noggin.
Find out more here.

Price: $149 US
Weight: 360g / 0.66 lb
Colours: Black, orange

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Peak Designs Everyday Backpack
Not everyone wants a technical pack for urban use and this is where the Peak Designs Everyday Backpack comes in. Accessibility, expandability, and organization are the key design principals behind this pack which is rugged and good looking. The Everyday Backpack uses patented MagLatches for fast top access, dual side-loading weatherproof zips, tuck-away straps, 2 expandable external side pockets, integrated luggage carry, configurable FlexFold dividers, internally padded accessory pockets and a dedicated sleeve for 15” laptop, tablet, and documents. The ultra clean aesthetic with minimal dangling straps is perfectly at home in the city and can do double duty on hikes in the mountains.
Find out more here.

Price: $259.95 US (20L) / $289.95 US (30L)
Weight: 1350g / 2.9lb, 1542g / 3.4lb

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Eddie Bauer Telemetry Freeride Jacket & Pants
Most ski apparel these days is waterproof and breathable but the Eddie Bauer Telemetry Freeride Jacket & Pants are also athlete designed and tested. World-class freeskiers, Drew Tabke, KC Deane, and Andy Mahre are the brains behind the good looks and functionality of the Telemetry Freeride Jacket & Pants. Some of the features they included are forward facing venting zips on the jacket for gathering air while going down hills, WeatherEdge Plus fabric, hip-to-knee vents on the pants along with articulated knees, and snow gaiters. Everything you need for that powder run at the resort or backcountry ski adventure.
Find out more here and here.

Price:  Jacket - $379.00 CAN / $299.00 US, Pants - $299.00 CAN / $229.00 US
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colours: Jacket - Ascent Blue, Reed Yellow / Pants - Dark Smoke, Vibrant Orange

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Helly Hansen Vor Glove
You know how you can come across some gloves that are so comfortable, you don’t want to take them off?  The Vor gloves are like this. Maybe it’s the super buttery goat skin leather or the rodeo styling (whatever that may mean), the Vors are comfy wumfy from the get-go. Consider picking up a pair for a favourite brother, yer dad or a bud. They'll  love them for après or mountain town wear—rather the uptrack.
Find out more here.

Price: $125 CAD/ $95 USD
Colours: Wheat, black
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
Material: Water repellent goat skin leather

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Sweet Protection Grimnir TE Helmet​​​​​​​
The Sweet Protection Grimnir TE Helmet is for someone who appreciates the finer things in life, since only the best materials and production technologies are used to create it. This Terje Haakonsen’s Pro Model helmet is a pre-preg full carbon fibre helmet which takes days to produce and the price reflects this. The Grimnir TE Helmet is also equipped with MIPS, a technology that reduces rotational forces to keep your brain safe. Always good. This is one of the highest end and safest helmets on the market, don't you deserve that?
Find out more here.

Price: $499US
Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
Colour: White, Black
Weight: 600g / 1.3lb