Don’t Just Survive Winter, Embrace It!

I’m not one of those people who loves the cold weather. I’d rather be laying on a warm beach or cuddled up under 50 blankets with a hot tea in hand, watching the cold from somewhere indoors. But, I’m also a huge proponent for the fact that if something makes you uncomfortable or pushes you outside of your comfort zone, that you should explore why you feel that way. And if you’re so inclined to decide to push through it, you can usually come out on the other side with a broader perspective of some of the wonderful facets of who you truly are. 

So that’s why, although I’m not a fan of the cold, I’ve made a commitment to myself to embrace it and to make the most out of it, as much as I can. It all started 2 years ago. I went on a mission to find some of the warmest, most functional and cute (because let’s be honest) clothing I could find. Because there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices, right? That year, I actually hiked for hours through several feet of snow in the Gatineau Hills on New Years Day. And you know what? I had a blast. And I haven’t stopped the need to keep exploring the cold ever since.

Now, it’s been a couple of years and some of my gear is wearing down. So, I decided that it was time for a new winter coat. But, also time to up the game a little more – especially with something that’s more durable and will last me more than 2 years. That’s why this year, when Daniel and I attended the launch of the Woods™ Limited Edition 2018 Winter Collection, which is now available at Sport Chek, we both knew that we just HAD to have one. I mean, I don’t need any excuses to stop exploring and expanding my boundaries – so it’s time to truly gear up properly (and look cute too… I mean, I mentioned that right?)

This company really knows how to kick cold in the buns. Founded in 1885 by James Woods, they have a long history that started by pioneering a new lightweight and revolutionary canvas that was virtually waterproof. Woods™ tents, sleeping bags, mackinaw sweaters, camp stoves and other gear stored in Woods™ packsacks, were used in the Klondike Gold Rush in the harsh climates of Canada’s Yukon. The brand went on to then be used by explorers on expeditions all around the world. From the Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, and his crew who were first to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage, to Joseph B. Tyrell – a noted geologist, cartographer and mining consultant who first discovered the dinosaur bones in Alberta’s Badlands. 

The gear was also integral to the conquering of the South Pole, to the Canadian Arctic Expedition that was a daring 5-year mission to study the Arctic and its indigenous peoples, to even being used within WWI. Woods™ then went on to actually become the nation’s largest flag manufacturer. And because of my absolute obsession with Mount Everest, I love knowing that the company, along with Laurie Skreslet, and his team – were the first Canadians to reach the summit of Nepal’s Mount Everest in the Himalayas. 

Today, the collection is engineered with technical innovation to meet the demands of today’s modern outdoor explorers. From mountain tops to urban streets, Woods™ remains committed to helping Canadians explore more of their own backyard and beyond. Now, I know that living in Toronto, it doesn’t mean that I’m in the middle of the coldest, most mountainous region in the world. But, it’s still Canada. And it still gets so freakin’ cold here in the winter. So that’s why I’m excited to be sporting a Woods™ jacket that can keep me warm on the go in the city, but can also withstand my new found outdoor adventures.

Now, I think it’s about time for you to head into one of your local Sport Chek locations, or hop online to check out this amazing collection. Keep exploring, my friends, no matter what the weather brings!