Gear Reviews: 5 Items Ideal for Canadian Winters

December 18, 2015

Are you buying a present for a loved one? Or for yourself? Either way, one of these five items will fit the bill—perfect for tackling the Canadian winter:

Credit: Oleksandr Kotenko | Dreamstime

We review the gear that keeps you going strong, all winter long. Here are five top picks for the holiday season:

Columbia Titanium Shreddin’ Jacket

($500; columbiasportswear.com)

Fight winter woes with the Columbia Titanium Shreddin’ Jacket—a waterproof-breathable outer-layer featuring four-way stretch, critically placed thermal reflective zones and 80 grams of synthetic insulation throughout. Proprietary waterproof zippers where it counts, internal comfort cuffs and a goggle pocket are more notable touches. Aimed at skiers and boarders who stay on the slopes when the crowds call it quits, this is the hardiest ski jacket we’ve tested in 2015. (Men’s and women’s.) —David Webb

My Pakage First Layer Long Underwear

($50; mypakage.com)

Go commando. That’s the thinking behind these long johns. Like the popular Saxx underwear, My Pakage uses a segregated pouch to create separation between men’s sensitive bits and sweaty legs. Modal, a nylon-like fibre made from cellulose, feels like cotton but breathes and absorbs sweat better. —Ryan Stuart

Canada Goose Trenton Soft Shell Jacket

($525; canadagoose.com)

Melding a tailored fit with technical chops, Canada Goose’s Trenton Soft Shell Jacket could be the most versatile item in your closet. Constructed from waterproof-breathable fabric backed by high-loft fleece, it’s as warm as a light puffy, yet fends off the nastiest wet weather with ease. Critically placed hard shell panels dump excess heat; cozy neoprene cuffs seal out drafts; five pockets stash essentials. We wear this jacket to dinner, while cycle commuting and into the snowy alpine—it does it all with style. (Men’s and women’s.) —D.W.

Burton AK First Layer

($110; burton.com)

There’s nothing worse than bending over and feeling the cold bite your backside. The extra-long cut on this funky hoody-style base layer helps prevent gaps, while thumb loops seal the wrists. Built with Polartec Power Stretch, it wicks and dries fast and is super breathable. (Men’s and women’s.) —R.S.

InStance Portillo

($40; stance.com)

Anyone who spends time outdoors—particularly in winter—knows the importance of good socks. InStance has an impressive selection of tootsie-covers, but we like their Performance Snow lineup the best. Their premier Portillo sock has hollow-core fibres designed to wick and warm and are anatomically designed for each foot. With an elastic arch and targeted compression, they’re all-day ski boot comfy. —D.W.