Blogs
686 is coming to Homies!
If you're a snowboarding enthusiast like us, you know how much having the right gear can make all the difference. This season, we have a new arrival that deserves your full attention: 686 (check it out here ), a brand that exudes snow, style, and commitment. 686 is coming to Homies, and we can already tell it's going to make people happy on the snow this season! Led by a new team and a visionary designer, 686 takes style to the slopes a notch above. The story of 686 is that of Michael Akira West, who, in the 90s, wanted to merge LA skateboarding with the adrenaline rush of snowboarding. Today, 686 hasn't lost any of its edge; quite the opposite: with a team of stylish riders and a rock-solid commitment to sustainability, they continue to make their mark. Certified B Corp, they're doing their part for the planet, and you're riding in style! Sick, right? A breath of fresh air with Team 686 At 686 , community spirit isn't just words. They have a team of talented riders and artists who bring fresh ideas. For example, we're talking about the new Dojo Collection by Forest Bailey, one of our favorite riders with a unique style – a big favorite at Homies! We're also loving the collaboration with Welcome, which adds a bold touch that doesn't go unnoticed. With talents like Tommy Gesme, Katie Kennedy, Robby Meehan, and Cooper Whittier, Team 686 embodies everything we love: passion, style, and vision. They live snowboarding, they inspire it, and they redefine what it stands for. Why do we love 686? Here are some reasons why we're fans of 686 : An urban and snow style : Jackets and pants that can be worn in the city as well as in the mountains. Innovation and comfort : Their pieces are ultra-technical. But above all, they guarantee you warmth and freedom of movement, perfect for the slopes. Sustainability : Choosing 686 also means supporting a brand that is committed to reducing waste and producing responsibly. What you will find in store: Here are some pieces you won't want to miss, available online or directly in store: 686 Jacket : For those who don't let the weather ruin their day on the slopes. Ultra-waterproof, warm, and a style we love! 686 Snow Pants : Whether you're trying a new trick or just enjoying a leisurely descent, they're designed to move with you. SEE MORE See you on the slopes! With their new designer and a growing team of enthusiasts, 686 continues to revitalize their identity without ever forgetting their roots. It's great to see new voices and fresh designs that seamlessly blend functionality and style. In short, if you're looking to upgrade your snow wardrobe, 686 is here for you. See you in store, or on the slopes!
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Gramicci at Boutiques Homies
Gramicci arrives at Boutiques Homies in Chicoutimi: Yo, family! Big news in the streetwear game in Chicoutimi. Boutiques Homies, the go-to spot for streetwear fans, welcomes the legendary brand Gramicci. Gramicci isn't just a brand, it's a revolution in the world of climbing and outdoor trends, and now, it's happening at Homies. Why a brand that has no connection to the skate, snow or surf scene? Adopting a brand that isn't directly tied to the skate, snowboard, or surf scene might seem odd for a shop like Homies, known for focusing its energies on the world around it. So why bring Gramicci into our fold? Uno is a strategic move that reflects a deep understanding of urban culture and evolving trends. Second, we're only human, and sometimes the heart wins over reason. Gramicci: The Legend of Rocks and Streets Gramicci, founded in 1982, creates functional outdoor clothing that combines movement and style. Starting out in a garage in Ventura, California, the brand drew inspiration from the Stonemasters, a generation of 1970s climbers in Yosemite, to design clothing suited to fast, stylish climbing. Founder Mike Graham pioneered the first climbing shorts, offering maximum flexibility thanks to a diamond-shaped gusset and a one-handed adjustable nylon waistband. The name "Gramicci" comes from an iconic climb in Yosemite, leading to the development of the G-Pants, which gained popularity among climbers, surfers, and skateboarders, recognizable by their "running man" logo. Popular as far away as Tokyo, Gramicci has evolved while remaining true to its roots, symbolizing robust, functional clothing designed for movement 40 years later.
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March Madness
Snowboarding March Madness: When Nature Offers Its Best Every year, as winter begins to give way to spring, snowboarders around the world eagerly anticipate "March Madness." Far from being a sporting event, this period is synonymous with abundant snowfall. An Expected Natural Phenomenon In snowboarding circles, "March Madness" describes the large accumulations of snow that often occur in March and April, just before the end of the season. This period is particularly popular with snowboarders for several reasons. First, the days are generally longer and sunnier compared to the heart of winter, allowing for longer periods of time on the slopes. Second, the snow, often softer, creates ideal conditions for memorable days. March Madness Challenges Be prepared, March Madness can also present challenges. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden snowstorms or, conversely, heavy rain. In addition, the abundance of fresh snow and rising temperatures increase the risk of avalanches in some areas. Snowboarders should therefore stay informed of local conditions and take extra precautions when exploring off-piste areas. Good for the wallet March Madness isn't just about the best possible snow conditions; it's also a prime time for snowboarders looking for bargains. In March, Homies start thinking about the next season, offering significant discounts on the current year's gear. Shop our March Madess sale.
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Skateshop Day
Celebrate Skateshop Day in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean: An ode to skateboard culture and homie shops. In the world of skateboarding, there is a special day dedicated to celebrating the very essence of this urban culture: Skateshop Day. This day, which brings together skateboard enthusiasts, is a unique opportunity to pay tribute to the local shops that serve as hubs for the skate community. In Chicoutimi and Alma, in the beautiful Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region, this day takes on special significance, highlighting the importance of skate shops in the social fabric of the city. Skateshop Day was created by DLX Distribution, which brings together several well-known skate brands, including Real, Krooked , Spitfire , Thunder , and Anti-Hero . The event was first launched in 2013 to celebrate and support independent skate shops around the world. The goal was to raise awareness among skaters and skateboard enthusiasts about the importance of local shops in skateboard culture and to promote support for these independent businesses, which are often at the heart of skateboarding communities. Located in the heart of Saguenay, Chicoutimi is a city where the passion for skateboarding is strong. With its steep hills and unique spots, the city offers the perfect playground. But beyond the streets and skate parks, it's the Homies boutiques, the Saguenay snowboard and skateboard school, and the VERSA screw brand that bring Chicoutimi's skateboarding scene to life. Homies shops, these small independent businesses run by enthusiasts, are the true pillars of skateboard culture in Chicoutimi. They don't just sell boards and accessories; they are places for the community to meet, exchange, and share. Ultimately, Skateshop Day is more than just a day to buy boards and accessories. It's a celebration of skateboard culture in all its diversity, showcasing independent shops and the community that supports them. So, whether you're a pro or simply curious about the culture, Skateshop Day is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of skateboarding and celebrate everything it stands for together. Alexathomies :)
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DAKINE ACCESSORIES
This week, we'd like to take a look around and show you the Dakine accessories we have in store. Why? Simply because their range of winter accessories is perfect for anyone who loves playing outdoors. We have everything you need to simplify your life during your snowboarding days, whether on the mountain or splitboarding. First, what is Dakine? Dakine is a company founded in 1979 in Hawaii. The company is now located at the foot of Mount Hood in Oregon. Dakine manufactures backpacks, travel bags, accessories, winter clothing, and much more. The brand aims to offer quality products for snowboarding, skateboarding, travel, mountain biking, and snowmobiling enthusiasts. At Homies Boutiques, Dakine is synonymous with winter accessories perfect for snowboarding enthusiasts! BOOT BAGS The first products we're showing you today are Dakine's famous boot bags. Homies has three of their models in store. Boot Locker 69L The Boot Locker is the easiest way to keep all your gear in one place, ready to go at any time. This 69-liter bag offers plenty of space on top for storing jackets, pants, extra layers, mittens or gloves, spare socks, a helmet, and goggles. The bottom section is lined with a tarp and is ideal for keeping your boots warm and dry during the journey to the mountain, and also separates them from the rest of the gear on the way back when your boots are full of snow! Boot Pack 50L The Boot Pack is a backpack-style bag with several spacious pockets, ideal for organizing and protecting your gear during transport. For example, the helmet and goggle pocket is padded to protect them from bumps and scratches. The front cargo pocket is perfect for storing gloves and mittens, extra layers, and other items. Finally, the boot compartment allows you to store snowboard boots separately from the rest of the gear, with easy access thanks to the rear zippered access panel. All for easy transport. Boot Locker DLX 70L The Boot Locker DLX is a happy mix between the two models mentioned above. It includes a dedicated helmet and goggle pocket, a separate compartment for other clothing, and a tarpaulin-lined pocket for boots. The 70-liter capacity allows you to carry everything you need efficiently, regardless of changing conditions. OFF-PISTE BACKPACKS If you're the type of person who prefers to splitboard rather than go to the mountains, or even to snowshoe uphill and snowboard back down, you'll need a backcountry bag. Here are some Dakine models available in stores. Heli Pro 24L Not too big, not too small, the Heli Pro 24L is one of the best backcountry packs. It includes pockets specifically designed for snow tools, like a shovel and snow probe for those who go on long trips. It also includes a large fleece-lined pocket specifically for goggles and a hydration sleeve. In short, this pack is just the right size to have everything you need on your outings. Cool feature: The Heli Pro bag has a zippered main access on the back panel, perfect for accessing your bag if you're snowshoeing and your snowboard is strapped to the front of your bag, and great for being able to open your bag without dropping the back in the snow before putting it back on your back! Mission Pro 25L The Mission Pro pack offers roughly the same storage as the Heli Pro: a dedicated shovel and probe pocket, a main compartment for your layers and split skins, and a special padded pocket for your goggles. The 25-liter capacity is perfect for day trips in the backcountry. The Mission Pro is also available in a 32L version, with the Team Mission Pro 32L model from our team rider Louif Paradis! Interesting feature: the Mission Pro 25L offers vertical snowboard transport, making it perfect for walking through the trees when snowshoeing with the pack on your back, but also allows horizontal transport, for those who drag their boards on snowmobile outings. This way, you can drag your snowboard and still sit on your sled! SNOWBOARD BAGS Snowboard bags are the perfect bags for carrying your board when you want it safe and secure. Freestyle Snowboard Bag The Dakine Freestyle Board Bag is the perfect bag for carrying your board if you want to protect it from bumps and scratches on your way to the mountain. The bag is also lined with a tarp to control snow and water on the way back. This is the bag made for resort users. Low Roller Bag The Low Roller is the bag you want for a weekend trip to another mountain or even a week-long trip elsewhere in the world. This bag is 360 degrees padded and can easily hold a board with bindings, outerwear, all your snowboarding essentials (mittens, socks, etc.) and even includes a removable boot bag to store your boots and keep them separate from the rest. Finally, the sturdy urethane wheels make it easy to glide through airports and parking lots. High Roller Bag The High Roller is our most functional, versatile, and feature-rich snowboard bag. It's the one you want by your side for extended trips and unpredictable conditions. Two removable interior pockets keep your boots and outerwear organized and secure until you're ready to remove the bags and take them with you. It's made thicker than the Low Roller and includes a few more pockets, allowing you to really haul everything for longer trips! DAKINE MITTENS Dakine offers an impressive variety of snowboard mittens. We won't cover every model available at Homies, but we'll quickly present three models that represent the mittens available here. Nova / Tahoe Mitt The Nova mitt (and the Tahoe for the women's equivalent) is the least expensive Dakine mitt at Homies. It's a more than interesting quality/price ratio, since for 65 dollars, the Nova offers a water-repellent shell, quality insulation, a waterproof DK Dry TM membrane and a water-repellent leather palm for greater durability. It's the perfect mitt for every day of the year. Baron Gore-Tex Mitt The Baron Mitt is one of our favorites at Homies. It has everything you could want in a mitten: a full GORE-TEX membrane, Gore Grip technology to maintain dexterity and withstand all conditions, then Primaloft R insulation and a merino wool inner lining to keep your hands warm and dry. It's one of the most complete mittens for us.
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SHOE BREATHABILITY: AN IMPORTANT ASPECT DURING SUMMER
This week, we're talking about the different technologies that help combat a very common problem, especially in the hot summer months: hot feet. Of course, there's no magic cure for good old-fashioned sweaty feet, but there are some technologies from shoe companies that can help you be a little more comfortable (and cooler) in your shoes during the summer. THE MATERIAL The material used to make your shoe is one of the first points to analyze to be comfortable and breathable in summer: is it a leather, suede or textile shoe? You may have already guessed it, but textiles are the best choice if you don't want your feet to get too hot. Textiles are naturally more breathable than suede or leather. However, if you skate, you know that textiles aren't the first choice when it comes to durability, but to keep your feet cool, there's nothing stopping you from buying a second pair of shoes to wear when you're not skating and it's hot! THE MESH We've got something really interesting here! Mesh is a synthetic fiber structure that increases a shoe's breathability because, in other words, it's an open mesh that improves the shoe's ventilation. The favorite places to incorporate mesh into shoes are often on either side of the foot. This allows the foot to be well ventilated and the whole thing to breathe better! A good example of mesh incorporated into the shoe: The New Balance 306, where we can see the mesh sections in gray on each side as well as the full tongue on top! THE HOLES There's no real fancy name for this, but it's really just holes. You can see them mostly on the top and side of the shoe. These are tiny holes that allow air to circulate better through the material. Vans actually introduced this idea to their UltraCush TM tongue by adding breathability holes all along the tongue to provide superior airflow. For example, here we have the Vans Zahba, the latest model from Vans, which definitely incorporates the good old holes in the suede! If you're lucky, you might be able to find a model like the Nike SB Ishod Wair, which has included everything you need in its design: holes on the top at the toe to ventilate the interior despite the use of leather and, in addition, large mesh sections on each side of the foot and under the tongue! THE ULTIMATE SHOE FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS Okay, all these ways to increase a shoe's breathability are pretty cool. However, there's one type of shoe that's much more effective in terms of breathability. The kind of thing you could wear all summer long, in the city or at the beach, with or without socks (it's up to you to decide if you're game or not) and which will solve all your foot breathability problems: the good old babouche! You're lucky, we have different models of this too, so don't hesitate to look on our website or come and visit us in store and choose the shoe that suits you best!
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THE HERSCHEL ISOLATED COLLECTION
This week, we're bringing you a rather different article than usual. Why mention this? Simply because a major brand at Homies has a complete collection dedicated to this type of product, and with summer and the nice weather coming, we could all use it. So today we're talking about Herschel Coolers. INSULATED PROGRAM Herschel's Insulated Program is a collection specifically designed for insulated bags perfect for summer. This collection includes lunchbox/cooler-style coolers, insulated backpacks, and even insulated tote bags! Available in a variety of sizes, the items in Herschel's Insulated Collection are also all made with recycled materials. These are the ideal insulated bags for all your summer projects: keep drinks and snacks cold all day in coolers, backpacks, and insulated tote bags. AT HOMIES As for Homies, we decided to stock coolers and tote bags. Why not backpacks? Because we thought you probably wouldn't want to buy a second backpack. Coolers and totes, on the other hand, are a sure thing! Our complete inventory is here by the way! THE COOLERS Herschel coolers come in a variety of sizes. Here's a quick overview of each size and their features! HERITAGE COOLER INSERT This is the smallest size. About the size of a small lunch box, the Cooler Insert can hold up to 6 cans. Plus, like the entire collection, it's made from 100% recycled materials. Finally, a bottle opener clip is attached to the mini cooler, allowing easy access to drinks on the go. POP QUIZ COOLER 12 PACK As for the size, it says it all in the name: it can hold up to 12 cans. It's also made from the same 100% recycled materials and comes with a built-in bottle opener. POP QUIZ COOLER 30 PACK There, I think you understand where we're going: you can fit 30 cans in this model, and you once again have the recycled materials and the bottle opener! TOTE BAGS Hershcel insulated totes offer the same benefits as coolers: made from recycled materials, insulated to keep drinks cold all day, and available in a variety of sizes. However, instead of a bottle opener, the tote bag comes with an insulated bottle sleeve that's perfect for keeping drinks cold longer. There, I see you coming with the famous question: why would I need an insulated tote bag? The answer might surprise you. Yes, all the products in the collection are insulated, but they're also all 100% waterproof. In addition to insulation, the coolers and totes have a waterproof lining and reinforced, waterproof seams. This makes them the perfect tool for carrying gear that might get wet at some point. For example: your beach towel, your wetsuit, your dirty hiking boots—in short, anything you want to separate from the rest of your belongings! There you have it! Now that you know everything there is to know about these useful and practical products, don't hesitate to find the model that interests you and suits you best! Shop Herschel insulated coolers and totes!
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UMA LANDSLEDS
A few weeks ago, we received our first order of decks from a company we wanted to tell you about today: UMA Landsleds. What is UMA Landsleds? UMA Landsleds is a skateboard brand created by none other than Evan Smith. It was by bringing his spontaneous and creative energy to Mesa Distribution that the brand was born and grew. Based in Los Angeles, California, UMA has quickly made a name for itself in the industry by offering quality and, above all, aesthetically appealing products. The company offers skateboards designed to meet the needs of beginners and professionals alike, and already offers a more than interesting range of boards. Design at UMA Landsleds Design is probably the aspect that most sets UMA apart from other skate brands. UMA offers unique and creative graphics on each of its boards. To achieve this, the brand often collaborates with talented artists to create eye-catching designs. To achieve this, UMA has chosen artists to lead their artistic direction, such as Thomas Campbell and Andy Jenkins, but also uses the art of Nathaniel Russell, who has now become the epicenter of UMA Landsleds' art. What else? In addition to their unique design, UMA also stands out for their commitment to sustainability and the environment. The company uses sustainable materials in the manufacture of their boards, such as responsibly sourced maple. They are also committed to reducing their environmental impact by using water-based inks and minimizing waste in their production process. The UMA Landsleds team That's all well and good, but the company also has a whole team to spread their products and their vision of skateboarding. At its helm is the legendary Evan Smith, of course, but many other names are among the list: Cody Smith, Maite Steenhoudt, and Roman Pabich. These skaters have really hit the mark with the first official UMA video: Punch a Hole in the Sky . If you haven't had the chance to see it yet, don't hesitate and go for it! Speaking of the UMA team, the company, in addition to having their own pro team, also encourages riders from all over the world. One of them is actually based here in Chicoutimi and you've probably seen him hundreds of times in our videos since the opening of our shop in 2010: Simon Gagnon. Well, yes, our Wallap is lucky enough to ride UMA Landsleds boards and you'll easily be able to spot him the next time you see him at the Bassin or in the streets of Saguenay! In short, don't hold back and come shop for your UMA board , online or in store!
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XCEL WETSUITS
With the beautiful weather just around the corner, we thought it was time to talk a little more about summer sports. You may have noticed it in-store or on our website, but a new company is joining Boutique Homies this season. It's called Xcel Wetsuits, and we decided to introduce them to you! THE COMPANY Xcel Wetsuits is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of watersports wetsuits. Founded in 1982 by Ed D'Ascoli, who was working from his bedroom in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, the company quickly gained popularity across America. Initially focused on surfing, the brand has expanded its horizons to offer quality products to anyone who plays in the cold ocean water; today, Xcel Wetsuits offers wetsuits for anyone who surfs, paddleboards, kayaks, and even scuba dives. In short, Xcel is a brand that cares deeply about the industry it inhabits. It remains close to the fundamentals of surfing and wetsuit design, but it is still proud of the very important role that research and development play within the company. Their goal: to create and offer high-quality products with constant innovation. They have also been voted "Wetsuits of the Year" by the Surf Industry Manufacturer's Association (SIMA) four times, in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2020. SOME TECHNOLOGIES Neoprene Limestone: Xcel uses mined limestone to replace petroleum-based products and other processed chemicals, reducing the company's dependence on oil. Recycled Polyester: A wide selection of Xcel fabrics are knitted with polyester yarns made from recycled plastic bottles. This helps reduce waste and material consumption at the same time. Thermo Dry Celliant: The brand uses reflective particles to retain body heat. Xcel Infiniti: This is a seamless construction to improve the flexibility and comfort of the wetsuits offered by the company. ECO-RESPONSIBILITY Xcel Wetsuits is also known for its commitment to the environment. The company uses eco-friendly or recycled materials whenever possible, such as recycled neoprene. The company also works to continually reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. IN SUMMARY In short, Xcel Wetsuits is a globally recognized company in the wetsuit industry. The company stands out for its high-quality products, constant innovation, and commitment to the environment. Look no further; Xcel probably has the perfect wetsuit for you!
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