Michel Tremblay

Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author

Published on 06 July |Last updated on 20 November

Joining the great Chlorophylle family was a turning point in my life. It was with great pride that I was welcomed into the team as an ambassador. It was a great feeling to be part of the gang. This generous team of people who care and listen, with whom I have developed friendships.

My role as an ambassador allowed me to try on, wear and experience a multitude of different clothes. I should tell you that the word "test" is weak, because those who know me well, know that I am a destroyer of all types of equipment. Much to the disappointment of my family and friends, by the way! No, I am not a softy with these things!

Clothing is no exception. As a wilderness survival instructor, they are subjected to constant torture, from abrasion, tears and burns. So, it goes without saying that toughness is a must in my rather harsh forest life.

So, it is through the last four seasons that I have been able to appreciate some of these, by their practicality and sturdiness. Let me share with you my favorite clothing items of the last year, from a forest animal point of view!

Chl2 underwear

The first contact with the skin. It's soft, warm, stretchy and very comfortable. I opted for the hooded model which allowed me on some occasions, to add a light layer of insulation over my head or to protect the base of my neck. This is the kind of garment I like all year round, even in the summer.


See CHL2 underwear
See all underwear

The Montserrat jacket  

This jacket caught my attention because of the technical side it offers. With its light insulation "just right" at the chest level, it offers a lot of ventilation under the armpits thanks to the materials used. This is the kind of jacket that pairs well with the Matéo or Pico jacket in all kinds of activities. Moreover, it can be worn in any season and offers a hood for my greatest pleasure.

Montserrat collection

The Matéo anorak

The "practical" anorak... colossus! It is the most robust of my tests. It even resists to the firebrands of the campfire. It insulates very well from the wind and its polycotton protects from the rain. It took the "branch/rock/abrasion" challenge. Seriously, I love it! Practical and compact with an off-the-beaten-track look that reminds me of Chlorophylle's first anoraks.

See the Matéo anorak for men
See the Florence anorak for women

The Pico set

Two words come to mind when describing the Pico kit: technical and rugged. It's the outer shell that protects you from the elements of wind, rain, snow, all the harsh conditions. The package is a technical work of art. Increased protection, effective ventilation when needed, perfect fit, can accommodate a multitude of different insulating layers. Its spacious adjustable hood even allows the use of a helmet for climbing and skiing enthusiasts. Its integrated Recco system for avalanche tracking is a big must.

See the Pico set for men 
See the Caldeira and Piedra set for women

The Zermatt Down Jacket

This is the kind of down jacket that every North American should own as it is a jewel of comfort and warmth. It compresses very well to reduce baggage and can therefore be easily forgotten in a backpack to use when needed. With the changing climate of our regions, it never leaves my side, even in summer. It can even be used as an improvised sleeping bag on occasion. Yes... of course I tried that

See the Zermatt for men
See the Diva for women

The Primo sleeveless jacket

This little sleeveless jacket has been for me in the last year the perfect thermal fit jacket. I have been able to use it in many ways, both indoors and outdoors, by pairing it with a multitude of clothing items of varying thickness.

See the Primo collection for men
See the Prima collection for women

A little scoop... the Boreal set will be available in spring 2022. It consists of a dream shirt and pants. Why? It brings together everything I want in terms of clothing. The dark colored pants are made of a nylon/cotton blend. The right mix to be as robust as possible. In addition to its practicality, they are convertible, dry very quickly and like the shirt, are mosquito-proof. Indeed, the tight weaving of the materials prevents the sting of those to cross it. They have seen water, ice, snow, mud and even abrasive surfaces... I really appreciate clothes that I can wear all year round. The shirt, on the other hand, is made of a polycotton blend and is just as rugged and mosquito proof. It's lighter shade keeps it from burning in the sun. This is my favorite, which looks great.

The Boreal set will be available in spring 2022.

I'm really a fan of the tarp. I like to configure it in many unexpected ways, depending on the topography of the terrain. The "Cabane" and "Caverne" are without a doubt the most robust tarps I have used in my adventurous career. In fact, I haven't slept in a tent for quite some time now. So, these are the tarps that I use as my camp all year long, no matter the season, the weather or the conditions. I highly suggest this product to any adventurer in you. Plus, it makes such a great group shelter...

Our tarps will be back in the spring of 2022. Stay tuned!

Well, I think I've covered all the clothing highlights from my humble point of view. Here's what my favorites of the past year look like. You're sure to find something you like... especially if you lead the same lifestyle as I do.

Written by :

Forest survival specialist, explorer, adventurer, trainer, speaker and author

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