Pure Outside

The first thing I will say about this backpack is that if I had one for every adventure I’m doing right now it would be this one. That’s a pretty tall order for a backpack. It’s only a 33 litre bag so it’s not going to fit tons and tons of stuff for overnight hikes [...]

I assumed with all the talk about La Nina conditions again this year, we’d be looking at much more snow than we’ve currently got. Even with the mediocre conditions, I couldn’t turn down an opportunity for a fun ski tour to Mount Elma on December 11th. Where is Mount Elma? Mount Elma is across Paradise [...]

I’ve heard so much about Marble Meadows in Strathcona Park so it was finally time to get out there and see what it was all about. August 12-14 some friends and I headed out there to camp for 3 or 4 days, summit Marble Peak and Mount McBride and check out the scenery. The plan [...]

Congrats to Mike from Victoria who entered our Whitecap ski touring trip giveaway. He’s now got a 2 for 1 backcountry touring trip with Whitecap Alpine. Merry Christmas, Mike. You’ll have to let us know how it goes! To everyone else, have an awesome holidays and we’ll talk to you in the new year!

2012 is going to be another awesome year to get outside and participate in the great events all over the island. There are races of all size and description for you to participate in. You can run, mountain bike, ski, kayak, snowboard, road bike, canoe and sail. Make sure you check back to this page [...]

Winter is pretty much here. There’s snow on the mountains. I’m going ski touring next weekend. All is right with the world. To celebrate the white fluffy stuff we’re giving a way a 2 for 1 backcountry ski touring trip to McGillivray Pass Lodge with WhiteCap Alpine. The trip will be January 10-14. You’ll be [...]

Every year there’s a slew of new ski videos. Some of them are just updates from older series but some of them are the result of incredible riders, new technology and unlimited creativity. It’s really up to you to pick. If there are links missing below and know it, let us know in the comments [...]

You can’t get much smaller than the Arcteryx Silo 18 for a ski pack. The pack is 18 litres from bow to stern. That means you can’t bring the kitchen sink with this little guy. This was the first pack I got for skiing but I had actually bought it for a different purpose. I [...]

When I got my pair of Infinity HPi Trail Runners from Hi-Tec I have to say I was a little skeptical. I had been a staunch fan of my Salomon Wings when I was running with them. Unfortunately in a bid to make the ultimate trail shoe they scrapped the Wings and made the CrossMax’s. [...]

It’s hard not to talk about gear when you love being outside. It’s not a show-stopper but having bad gear can be uncomfortable or even dangerous out in the wilderness. I try and get the best gear I can afford because it works the best, lasts the longest and is the most comfortable. The only [...]