Canada Goose may have started out in a small warehouse in Toronto, but today you can find their coats on every continent, with one of the most unique places being the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. And let’s face it:  if it’s good enough for scientists living on the coldest place on Earth, it’s good enough for me.  The reason for the worldwide popularity of the Canada Goose brand is simple:  they’re the best at what they do. Their Arctic Collection jackets are among the warmest and most well designed coats you can find, anywhere, blending great looking style with an immensely high level of functionality.

While Canada Goose offers collections and styles for nearly any type of weather and body type, here in the Midwest where winter temperatures are regularly in the single digits or below, the Langford Parka from Canada Goose’s Arctic Line is a great choice for looking great and staying warm no matter how cold the wind and temperature gets.

Stylish enough to be at home in the city, the Langford Parka also features everything you’d expect from a coat built to visit the poles. Designed to fall around your mid-thigh, it offers added protection from the cold and the wind as well as giving you a classic, handsome silhouette. Function doesn’t stop at the length of the jacket however, it also features an insulated storm flap under the front zipper and a velcro storm flap over for additional wind protection. For added warmth and protection for your arms, the jacket features rib-knit cuffs to keep gusts of cold wind from going up your sleeves and is designed from Arctic Tech fabric.  Arctic Tech is the perfect winter fabric, as it’s water resistant, windproof and exceptionally durable, thus extending the life of your jacket.

Canada Goose Langford Parka Side

Not forgotten from the Langford Parka is a Canada Goose signature style element – a coyote fur ruff surrounding the hood that offers natural protection for the elements. Coyote fur never freezes and doesn’t hold water, so it always maintains its soft, protective texture, keeping snow and wind off your face. It also adds to the style of the coat and makes it unmistakably a Canada Goose jacket.

Inside, the key to the Langford Parka’s warmth lies in the premium white goose down that surrounds the coat. At a lighter weight than other types and grades of down, premium Canadian down traps more warm air in and keeps you at a perfect temperature in any weather. Rated on The Thermal Experience Index (a five-point system developed by Canada Goose to ensure you choose the perfect jacket for your weather), the Langford Parka is a four, meaning it can handle -15 / -25 Celsius.  If you live in temps any colder than that, you need a new place to live, not a new coat.  The parka also has plenty of room for all of your gear with two zippered interior pockets, two hand warmer pockets, and two ample storage pockets with velcro flaps, all integrated perfectly for a sleek design.

Put it all together, and you’ve got the ultimate coat to do battle with winter’s worst.  Whether you live in single digits like me or are just looking for a stylish winter jacket to keep you warm from cab to door, the Canda Goose Lanford Parka is the perfect fit.  Check it out on the Canada Goose website along with their other equally great winter gear.

There’s only a few weeks left of summer vacation, but if you plan on hitting the beach or the pool, make sure you stay comfortable by packing a bag filled with summer essentials.  To make the job easier,  we’ve selected a few of our favorite  essentials that we’ve been using this summer to make heading out to the beach or the pool a breeze.

SealLine Bags

Kicking things off, you’re going to need a beach bag to stow your summer gear. Keep in mind no matter how careful you are with your bag, it’s going to get full of sand and get dirty and will inevitably get wet. To eliminate the stress of protecting your bag and its contents, check out the SealLine bags.  They’re waterproof and sturdy enough to be dragged in the sand all summer long. Not only does it keep the elements out , it keeps spill in, meaning if you forget about a drink in your bag, you don’t have to worry about your car’s interior getting spilled on as well. My favorite feature of the SealLine bags?  Cleanup.  Spray it off with a garden hose or toss it in the shower and rinse.  It’s as easy as that.

Learn more at SealLineGear.com.

PackTowl Towels

Now that you’ve got your bag, you’re going to have to pack it. Cut down on space by using PackTowl towels instead of standard towels. They’re made from material that can absorb 10x their weight and wring out almost completely dry to pack back up into its book sized case without water-logging everything else in your bag. They save a tons of space and weight and eliminate the full load of wet towels you would otherwise need to wash.  PackTowls are a must for any beach bag – but also great for home use as well, saving closet space and laundry.

Learn more at PackTowl Towels.

Colorescience Makeup + Sunscreen and MDMoms Sunscreen for Kids

Even if you’re wearing sun clothes to the beach, some skin is going to be exposed and sun protection for you and your children should never be overlooked. For adults, the Sunforgttable collection from Colorescience is an easy choice. It leaves your skin looking great at the beach while offering up to SPF 50 and is easy to reapply regularly throughout the day for continued protection. In addition to the beach, I personally carry the Mineral Suncreen Brush in my purse everywhere I go. For kids, I’m hooked on MDMoms suncreen.  Unlike most suncreens on the market that are chemical sunscreens, absorbing UV radiation, the Baby Silk Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes protect agains UVA and UVB rays by blocking the rays. The towelettes also make application easy and mess free.

Learn more at Colorescience.com and MDMoms.com.

SALT Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes is essential during the summer, and my favorite sunglasses come from SALT Optics. It doesn’t matter what style frame you choose, the magic is in their lenses. SALT lenses are made from PFV Polarized CR-39 material that is able to filter out certain types of sunlight to reduce glare. What this means for you is that when you put them on, the world becomes clearer and more beautiful, as you can see detail that would otherwise be hidden behind the sun’s harsh glare. While they don’t make a children’s line (which we’re hoping they someday do), if you have older kids, a pair of sunglasses from SALT is worth the investment. For little ones who aren’t ready for the real thing, check out Babiators, a kids version of aviators that are functional and durable.

Learn more at SaltOptics.com and Babiators.com.

E-Case Cases

Document your trip to the beach with your iPhone or iPad without fear with E-Case Cases. You can splash it, dunk it, bury it in sand or just about anything else you can think to do with it at the beach and your phone or tablet will stay completely dry. So now you can take pictures of your kids above or below the water and update your Twitter letting everyone know that you’re at the beach while they’re not. And if you’re worried you may get a leaky case, every case is tested in Seattle where it’s made to ensure that it’s airtight for a minimum of 30 minutes before shipping it out to you.

Learn more at E-Case.com

With summer in full swing, the time to update your summer sunglass style is here.  To help make your shopping decision easier, here are some of our top picks from the SALT Optics 2013 collection.  Check out the gallery below for five great SALT sunglass options or check out last year’s sunglass picks here.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave this past week, you know summer is in full force, with temps skyrocketing to triple digits in much of the country.  And while shedding clothes to beat the heat is only natural, the one piece of summer style that’s an absolute requirement to block the sun’s retina-searing rays is a quality pair of sunglasses.  Last year we told you about our adoration for the SALT Vargas sunglasses; since then, our adoration for SALT has only grown.  I take that back.  What once was mere adoration for SALT is now a walk across hot coals, throw myself in front a bus, unwavering love for SALT that rivals the love commonly reserved for a small child or household pet.  It’s a love so strong that I’ve pretty much abandoned other brands of sunglasses entirely, and switched exclusively to SALT.

I’d tell you which pair to buy, but the truth is, I can’t pick.  I’ve yet to find a pair of SALT’s that I don’t love.  Instead of detailing a pair, I’m going to give you a look at multiple pairs that I love.  Every pair we detail are owned by either myself or a member of the eMercedesBenz staff, so when we tell you we love them, we’re not just saying it.  We actually own more pairs than the ones found here, but we had to cut some out, just to avoid turning this article into a 500-page novel.

Before I delve into each of the SALT variants, I want to briefly mention SALT’s lens technology, because it’s found on the full lineup of SALT sunglasses.  Every pair of SALT sunglasses features the incredibly fantastic PFV polarized lens technology.  Whereas polarization is the element that blocks 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays (both of which cause irritation of the cornea and have been linked to cataracts), PFV stands for “prism free vision”.  In the world of sunglasses, a prism is when the optical center of a lens is cut and placed somewhere other than directly over the pupil.  Unless prescribed by a doctor, a prism causes a pulling effect on the eye and leads to distortion, two things you don’t want in a pair of sunglasses.  To combat the effect of prisms, SALT utilizes a prism-free design, meaning the optical center is always placed directly over your pupil.  As a result, you gain distortion free clarity, greater color contrast and maximum eye comfort when compared to other sunglasses.  When matched to the aforementioned polarization, SALT’s PFV polarized design cuts glare, increases color vibrance and improves sharpness better than any other pairs of sunglasses I’ve tried, without question.  They’re a masterpiece of engineering, and they’re the single biggest reason to pick SALT over anyone else.

From a style standpoint, your choices from SALT are extensive, but to give you a look at some of our favorites, here’s a snapshot of some of the SALT sunglasses we own.  Like I said, we actually own even more, but we didn’t want to overwhelm you in a single article.  Read on, and check out each of the styles listed in the gallery below.

SALT Vargas Sunglasses

SALT. Vargas ($390, saltoptics.com)
We detailed the SALT Vargas last year, and they’re still just as awesome.  If I could only own one pair of sunglasses, it would have to be a pair of aviators, and the SALT Vargas are the best in the business.  They feature a classic teardrop aviator style that looks great with pretty much anything; they’re ridiculously comfortable; and they feature SALT’s PFV polarized lens technology.  There’s a total of six frame/lens combos, and their style works  equally well on men and women.  There’s certainly no shortage of aviators on the market, but there are none better.  They’re simply perfect.

SALT Warner Sunglasses

SALT. Warner ($400, saltoptics.com)
If you’re looking for a pair of aviators in a slightly more streamlined package, the SALT Warners feature a semi-wrapped teardrop design.  In many ways, the SALT Warner is a slightly more modern version of the aviators.  They’re still classic, but with a modern edge.  As with the Vargas aviators, the Warners come in a total of six frame/lens color combos, and their style also works for both men and women.

SALT Lester Sunglasses side view

SALT. Lester ($390, saltoptics.com)
The SALT Lester is a throwback to the frames of a ’70’s naval officer, featuring a predominantly square shape and masculine design.  Like the aviators, the Lester is just as much at home on a woman as it is on a man, and your choice of six vintage color frame/lens combos means the Lester can match anything in your wardrobe.  For a truly vintage look, check out the tempest frame with green bird lenses.

SALT Adler Sunglasses

SALT. Adler (52) ($375, saltoptics.com)
I love vintage everything, so it goes without saying I love the Adler (52)’s.  Inspired by the legendary looks of the ’50’s and ’60’s, the Adler (52) are a throwback to iconic James Dean and JFK style.  They’re available in three frame/lens color combinations, and while not for modernists, if you’re looking for a present day interpretation of classic style, the Adler (52) is it.  I own two pairs, and I love them both.

SALT Norton Sunglasses

SALT. Norton ($375, saltoptics.com)
Whereas the Adler (52) is a close relative of the ’50’s and ’60’s glasses, the Norton is the Adler’s more evolved cousin.  Larger than the Adler, the Norton features a square shape with rivets in a classic style, but with a dash of modernity thrown in.  If you want to be retro without being too retro, the Nortons are a great choice.  They’re available in a total of four frame/lens color combos, with my personal favorite unquestionably the brownstone frame with brown gradient lenses.

SALT Holtz Sunglasses

SALT. Holtz ($375, saltoptics.com)
Our last pick that applies to the men is the Holtz, which is without question our most modern choice.  Featuring an oversized frame with a modern shape and angles, we’d describe the Holtz as a classic frame, if we were 10 years in the future.  In other words, while it’s modern, the Holtz doesn’t have a contemporary look that you’ll look back on in a decade and wonder what the hell you were thinking.  They’re modern, but they have a distinctly classic quality about them as well.  The Holtz is available in four frame/lens combos, with black tortoise and grey lenses my personal weapon of choice.

SALT Odette Sunglasses

SALT. Odette ($400, saltoptics.com)
Just for the ladies, the SALT Odette are gorgeously classic, featuring a round butterfly shaped face that multiple members of our staff absolutely love.  In addition to their distinctly feminine design, the Odettes feature gold and silver decor pieces at the temple, both of which contrast perfectly with the beta-titanium temples.  In picking colors, there’s a total of four frame/lens combos, and as with all SALT sunglasses, all feature SALT’s PFV polarized technology.

SALT Harper Sunglasses

SALT. Harper ($400, saltoptics.com)
Featuring a classic cat-eye shape, the SALT Harper is a luxurious option in SALT’s female lineup.  Despite its luxurious design, the Harper works fantastic with virtually any style, and as with the Odette, the Harper’s feature gold and silver decor pieces at the temple, both of which contrast perfectly with the beta-titanium temples.  The Harper is available in four frame/lens color combinations.

SALT Kyla Sunglasses

SALT. Kyla ($375, saltoptics.com)
Our last choice in for distinctly female SALT sunglasses are the Kyla’s, which features a design modeled after a vintage pair of frames.  One of the most unique elements of the Kyla is the beveling, which sits above the brow line, adding a more modern look to the Kyla’s style, while dashes of color throughout the contouring add a gorgeous, subtle luster.  Another fantastic element is the temple contouring at the ear bends, which significantly enhances the Kyla’s comfort.  The SALT Kyla is available in four frame/lens color combinations.

And those, ladies and gentlemen, are just some of the great offerings from SALT.  We’ll almost certainly be bringing you more from SALT in the future, but this will at least get you started on finding the perfect pair of sunglasses to combat the harsh summer rays.  Whatever pair of SALT sunglasses you choose, you truly can’t go wrong with any, as I’ve yet to find a pair I don’t absolutely love.  For more info on SALT. Optics and to check out their full lineup of sunglasses (and regular glasses), head over to the official SALT. Optics website.

Wrapping up our three-day lifestyle sailing feature, we’ve got a look at a product that, as with our other sailing gear, is at home off the boat as much as it is on.  The product to which I’m referring is a pair of SALT. Optics Vargas sunglasses – sunglasses that to date are hands down the best pair of aviators I’ve ever owned.  And believe me, I’ve owned plenty.

But before I tell you why I love the SALT. Vargas sunglasses, let me tell you a bit about SALT. Optics themselves.  Founded in 2006 and located in beautiful coastal southern California, SALT. has set out to provide the world with an alternative to the mass-produced optics of conglomerates and licensed brands.  Their optics are built on the principles of simple, timeless design; impeccable quality; useful technology; hand-craftsmanship; and a pure fit.  Is this a beautifully written mission statement?  Absolutely.  But SALT. delivers.  Their sunglasses are among the most comfortable I’ve ever worn; they look great; and SALT.’s polarized lenses give me seemingly superhero-like vision they’re so clear.

But back to the SALT. Vargas.  I own sunglasses in seemingly all shapes and sizes, but my favorite all-around style has to be the aviator.  They’re just a classic, beautiful all-around design.  They can be worn anywhere, for virtually any activity, and when spending time out on the water, they’re my go-to sunglasses.  The SALT. Vargas takes the classic aviator design and subtly streamlines it.  The lenses are just a touch shorter than some of the other aviators I own, and they’re contoured to wrap ever so slightly around your face.  The result is a more tailored aviator that despite its more modern character, retains the classic aviator styling – and they look fantastic.

Another endearing feature of the SALT. Vargas is the comfort.  In fact, this may very well be the defining attribute of both the SALT. Vargas and SALT. Optics as a whole.  SALT. are incredibly, incredibly comfortable.  I can’t tell you how many pairs of sunglasses I own that just don’t fit right.  They’re either too loose in an area, too tight, or there’s some part of them that after wearing them for a day, becomes an annoyance.  With SALT., the fit is absolutely perfect.  I can wear the SALT. Vargas all day and be completely comfortable.  They offer the perfect level of security, so when I’m on the boat or doing anything else with a high activity level, I don’t have to worry the SALT.’s are going to slip off.  But they’re not too tight either, so there’s not the feeling after wearing them for a few hours you need to take them off to give your aching temples a break.  The fit truly is superb.

Of course, when selecting sunglasses, the main goal is to protect your eyes, which is where quality lenses become vital.  All SALT. Optics feature PFV (prism-free vision) polarized technology.  If you’re unfamiliar with a prism in sunglasses, it’s when the optical center of a lens is cut and placed somewhere other than directly over the pupil.  Unless prescribed by a doctor, this causes a pulling effect on the eye and leads to distortion, both of which you don’t want.  All SALT. Optics utilize a prism-free design, meaning the optical center is always placed directly over your pupil.  As a result, you gain distortion free clarity, greater color contrast and maximum eye comfort.  In addition, all SALT. lenses are polarized, meaning glare is greatly reduced, colors are more vibrant and details are sharper.  Most importantly, 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays are blocked, both of which cause irritation of the cornea and have been linked to cataracts.

As for colors, the SALT. Vargas comes in your choice of four color combinations:  a Honey Gold frame with grey lenses, a Silver frame with grey gradient lenses, a Honey Gold frame with brown gradient lenses, and a Gun Metal frame with grey gradient lenses.  If you’re unsure which option to go with, grey lenses are a great all-around choice for sunny days, as they reduce visible light and glare.  Brown lenses serve to reduce blue light and also work great in sunny conditions, and they also serve to improve both depth perception and contrast.  I own the SALT. Vargas with brown gradient and grey gradient lenses, and you really can’t go wrong with either, as they’re both fantastic lenses to look through.  If I had to pick, I’d probably go with the brown gradient lenses, but that’s based on personal preference as opposed to the light filtering abilities of the lens.  Whichever route you take, you’ll be completely happy with the SALT.’s, as they’re truly phenomenal sunglasses.  The fit is incredible; their style is classic; and most importantly, they filter out impeccably the light you don’t want.  They may very well be the perfect pair of aviators.

Pricing for the SALT. Vargas is set at $390 for each, and all can be ordered directly from the official SALT. Optics shopping website.