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Wear or be square
The puffy down-filled jacket has always presented an aesthetic challenge for fashionconscious adventurers. Insulation is certainly necessary to withstand the Canadian cold, but must one look like the Michelin Man to achieve it? Apparently not. To the rescue this winter is The North Face with its sleek-silhouette Flash Jacket for women and men. Made of water-resistant ripstop Pertex nylon, the Flash Jacket is sufficiently toasty to stand alone against the elements but svelte enough to fit comfortably under a foul-weather hard shell. The secret to its superior form and function is 900-fill goose down — previously used only in sleeping bags — that consists of large, fluffy clusters without the bulky feathers and stems. The finest commerical down in the world, 900 fill provides the highest warmth-to-weight ratio, which means the Flash Jacket also folds to the size of a small loaf of bread, fitting neatly into a backpack or suitcase. This winter, keep warm and turn heads — for all the right reasons. Available at outdoor stores in four hot colours. $330; www.thenorthface.com

Toothsaver
Lint-covered bristles, scuzzy Ziploc bags and leaky toothpaste tubes can now be relegated to the dustbin of travel history. The Toob Brush addresses every imperfection of travel-toothbrush technology, so it's easy to keep those pearly whites sparkling while you're on the road.

Café à go-go
For serious coffee drinkers, a trip beyond the reach of one's own kitchen or favourite café can easily trigger a pre-emptive case of sweaty palms and jumpy legs. Thanks to Java Juice, however, your next delicious cup of black gold is ready wherever you go. A pure liquid extract of fair-trade 100 percent organic arabica coffee beans, Java Juice holds its own against the finest brews. Empty the aromatic essence into a mug, add boiling water and enjoy. Java Juice is produced in a sustainable facility, and its Earthfriendly "rip-it, drip-it and sip-it" vision is ideal for adventurers who want real coffee without the burden of extra gear and the chore of packing out soggy filters and grounds from the wilderness. Once you return to civilization, you can recycle the slim pouch. Available at outdoor stores. About $12.95 for 10 packages; www.javajuiceextract.com

Big maki attack
No winter ensemble is complete without a jaunty hat.

The art of fine luggage
A well-packed suitcase is a thing of beauty. Start your next holiday in style with Victorinox's Tourbach expandable, wheeled upright bags. The Tourbach is built around a dual-trolley, aircraft-aluminum frame that glides on in-line wheels. The case is made of water-, stain- and rip-resistant ballistic nylon outfitted with a generous centre compartment and numerous sleeves, pockets and pouches tailor-made for every essential, from boarding pass to laptop computer. It also features a mini garment bag that keeps pressed items wrinkle-free. With high-quality stitching, micro-silk linings, zinc pulls, sturdy zippers and straps, durable bumper guards and a shape-shifting handle that moulds to your grip, the Tourbach comes with a lifetime warranty and a baggage-tracking service. (Heads up, Air Canada!) Available in black in sizes from 51 to 69 centimetres high. Sold at department and leathergoods stores. From $600; www.swissarmy.com