This winter we hooked up with Canadian free skiers Mike Henitiuk, Joe Schuster, Riley Leboe, and Matt Margetts from the web series *Seeking Nirvana*. Sit back and enjoy three episodes of vast powder bowls, big lines and good-time skiing with friends.

#### Seeking Nirvana | Part 1: Home


This is the mountain village of Whistler, 675m above sea level. Forested with old growth fir and cedar. An important black bear habitat. Criss-crossed by deep valleys making way to endless glaciers. There are few paved roads but instead many miles of intersecting logging roads and dirt trails. It is an El Nino year. We are on the far edge of the Howe Sound, famous for fierce storms, which will make landfall from the west, come December.

4 men make haste into the storm in search of vast powder bowls, to which the mountain village has garnered a reputation. A difficult task, travelling the unchartered terrain, requires the groups combined wits. Only persistence and a spot of luck will reward success. The adventure begins in the mountain village they call home but foreign lands beckon. A journey awaits and a feeling desired. We follow this group, through trials and triumph, Seeking Nirvana.


Created by:
Mike Henitiuk
Joe Schuster
Riley Leboe
Matt Margetts

Cinematography by:
Taylor Loughran

Edited by:
Leigh Powis

Narration by:
Colby James West
Jay Henitiuk

Graphic Design by:
Alex Viau

Seeking Nirvana 1.1 - Home



This is the mountain village of Whistler, 675m above sea level. Forested with old growth fir and cedar, an important black bear habitat. Criss-crossed by deep valleys making way to endless glaciers. There are few paved roads but instead many miles of intersecting logging roads and dirt trails. It is an El Nino year. The far edge of Howe Sound is famous for fierce storms.

Four men make haste into the storm in search of vast powder bowls, to which the mountain village has garnered a reputation. A difficult task, travelling uncharted terrain requires the group’s combined wits. Only persistence and a spot of luck will reward success. The adventure begins in the mountain village they call home but foreign lands beckon. A journey awaits and a feeling desired. We follow this group, through trials and triumph, seeking nirvana.

#### Seeking Nirvana | Part 2: Cabin Fever


Childhood friends embark on a journey past roads-end. Far from civilization, deep in the wilds of British Columbia, time slows as they align with their surroundings. Battling blizzards they quest towards untracked landscapes of powder glory. Through trial and triumph they tirelessly press on. The snow falls, the angst builds. Fever has set in...

Strange adventures await, Seeking Nirvana.

Created by:
Mike Henitiuk ~ @mikeheni
Joe Schuster ~ @joe_schuster
Riley Leboe ~ @rileyleboe
Matt Margetts ~ @mattmargetts

Follow us:
@seeking.nirvana 

Video Editing, Sound Design and Color Grade:
Leigh Powis

Cinematography:
Taylor Loughran

Aerial Cinematography:
Dylan Ross

Narration:
Colby James West
Jay Henitiuk

Graphic Design:
Alex Viau

Seeking Nirvana 1.2 - Cabin Fever



Childhood friends embark on a journey past road’s end. Far from civilization, deep in the wilds of British Columbia, time slows as they align with their surroundings. Battling blizzards, they quest towards untracked landscapes of powder glory. Through trial and triumph they press on. The snow falls, the angst builds. Fever has set in. Strange adventures await.

#### Seeking Nirvana | Part 3: The Lucky Strike


This band of seekers have found a treasure, a mother lode if you will... it's time to stake their claim and strike it rich! This treasure.... it’s not the conventional kind ... gold, diamonds or other such things ... this treasure is much more rare. Found only in the alpine, an land of unrelenting rock and ice, caped with soft and endless snow.

Created by:
Mike Henitiuk ~ @mikeheni
Joe Schuster ~ @joe_schuster
Riley Leboe ~ @rileyleboe
Matt Margetts ~ @mattmargetts

Follow us:
@seeking.nirvana

Fellow Traveller:
Josh Bibby

Video Editing, Sound Design and Color Grade:
Leigh Powis

Cinematography:
Taylor Loughran

Aerial Cinematography:
Dylan Ross

Narration:
Colby James West
Jay Henitiuk

Seeking Nirvana 1.3 - The Lucky Strike



This band of seekers have found a treasure, a mother lode if you will… it’s time to stake their claim and strike it rich! This treasure…. it’s not the conventional kind … gold, diamonds or other such things … this treasure is much more rare. Found only in the alpine, an land of unrelenting rock and ice, caped with soft and endless snow.

*All videos via [Seeking Nirvana](https://vimeo.com/user48494445) on Vimeo.*



3 episodes of vast powder bowls, big lines and good-time skiing. Features Canadian free skiers Mike Henitiuk, Joe Schuster, Riley Leboe, and Matt Margetts from the web series Seeking Nirvana.

Seeking Nirvana captures backcountry ski radness | MEC Blog

Seeking Nirvana captures backcountry ski radness

As summer winds down (and we get prepped for ski season events), it’s time to look back at all the amazing events we’ve had in the last few months. Have a peek at some of our favourites – we hope to see you at winter events coming up: 

### There’s No Place Like Camp 

To celebrate the camp season in July, we welcomed campers to events across the country in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary. Big thanks to our friends at The WKNDRS, the [L.A. Foundation](/en/explore/la-foundation), MSR, Nemo and more. Everyone took part in camp clinics, gear tutorials, bingo games and s’mores stations (yum). 

*Photo: Kieren from the L.A. Foundation gave clinics on how to pack your pack and goal setting for the outdoors.*

### Out and About Pride 

This year, Pride was more important than ever. In partnership with Arc’teryx, we had a full weekend of Pride events across the country from June to August – everyone was welcome to come and celebrate their true colours. Local community groups and climbing partners joined the festivities, Vancouver-based artist Leah Day transformed the MEC twin peaks into an epic art installation, and we worked with four incredible artists across Canada to design one-of-a-kind The North Face Base Camp Duffles inspired the outdoors to raffle off. In total, we donated over $5400 to five different 2LGBTQIA+ outdoor communities across Canada – amazing.  

*Photo: MEC members across the country left special “love letters” on the art installations by Leah Day.*

### Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada 

From June to September, MEC teamed up with [Parks Canada](/en/explore/parks-canada) at their annual Learn-to Camp overnight events across the country. MEC members joined us for in-store workshops led by Parks Canada, where they learned basic camping skills and safety in the wilderness. 

*Photo: Learn-to Camp attendees found out how to use a camp stove, set up a tent, light a campfire and more.*

### Moncton Grand Opening 

A huge one! We celebrated the opening of our newest Maritimes-based store in [Moncton](/en/stores/moncton), New Brunswick. Climb clinics were hosted, local musicians played some tunes, prizes were won and delicious coffee was sipped. New friends lined up down the sidewalk (even in the rain!) to get in on the action – over 5500 Monctonians paid us a visit over the three days of the grand opening event. 

*Photo: Moncton members had a blast at the grand openings with live music, gift bags and tasty trail mix at the new store.* 

### International Trails Day 

On June 3, we celebrated International Trails Day – an annual celebration of trails, trail development and the active lifestyle they encourage. On the West Coast, we met up with MEC Outdoor Impact partner [North Shore Mountain Bike Association](/en/explore/north-shore-mountain-bike-association) for a day of trail building and maintenance.  

Want to join us for a Trail Day? [Learn more](https://nsmba.ca/attending-a-trail-day/) about what to expect and sign up for the next event.  

*Photo: Our amazing team helped maintain the Expresso Trail at Mount Fromme for future bikers.*

### Trail Party with Hike MTL 

In Montreal, we joined MEC Outdoor Impact partner Hike MTL for their annual Trail Party. This event is an opportunity for BIPOC of all ages to learn about camp life in a safe environment while highlighting a sense of belonging. MEC staffers joined the event with games, hike workshops and prizes to celebrate the end of the summer season. 

*Photo: The Hike MTL crew met up in Saint-Hippolyte for a day of epic outdoor workshops.*

A major thank you to the incredible organizations who helped make these events a reality, and thanks to everyone who came out and had a blast with us. Here’s to another great summer in 2024! 

Stay tuned for more events as we launch into our celebrations of all things winter soon, with the return of the annual MEC x POW Season Opener (tickets go on sale October 5). 

Camp workshops, Pride, a new store and so much more. 

Everything We Did For Summer 2023

Everything we did for summer 2023

*One of our favourite parts of ski season? All the ski films that kick it off. MEC is proud to announce the world premiere of* People Like Us, *a short film that explores queer identity in mountain towns and the snowsports world by filmmaker Ryan Collins.*

*Check out the trailer, film screening dates, and a behind the scenes look about the creation of this film.*

People Like Us | Trailer

## What inspired People Like Us?
**Ryan**: I’ve negotiated my sexuality and role in the outdoor sports industry, and the small towns I find myself in, for many years. I’ve often asked myself what it is about the adventure industry and its rural settings that make me, a gay man, so uncomfortable. Is it the activity or the space? What is it like for other queer people in the industry?

*Photo by Laura Szanto*

I’ve explored this discomfort in the past both professionally and academically. I have worked throughout the outdoor industry, from surf, to rock, to snow. While each industry holds up a select few queer professionals, overall members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ still feel out of place.

*Photo by Laura Szanto*

I’m making *People Like Us* for this community, whether they’re a pro or a newbie. This film is for people who live, work, and play, in rural outdoor settings. People who maybe need more than a gay Olympic athlete to feel welcome. I aim to share stories and experiences that paint an honest picture of queer life in rural spaces and hopefully allow for conversations on how both the outdoor community and municipal communities alike can create a more inclusive environment.

## Fall 2023 film screenings
Interested in hosting a screening of your own? Fill out this [screening request form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhepY5gduRtI5g_S3FSGkyjT9lcMSjY-22fFinyy7L0HkSEA/viewform) to get started. Keep an eye out for more dates and locations being added to the list below:

- October 14: [World premiere at MEC Vancouver, BC](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/people-like-us-world-premiere-tickets-717992072617?aff=oddtdtcreator) 
- October 26: Portland, Oregon (details TBD)
- December 1: Revelstoke, BC presented by MEC and Arts Revelstoke (details TBD)

*MEC supported People Like Us with funding and gear donations. Additional support for the film came from Mountain Hardwear and Story Hive.*

A short film that explores queer identify in mountain towns and the snowsports world.

Film premiere: People Like Us

Picture this: crisp air, clear skies, perfect friction on rock. If you love to climb, you're in for a treat this month. “Fall is prime season for climbers,” says MEC Ambassador [Emma Contaoe](/en/explore/emma-contaoe). “Most of us train all summer so that we get to send our projects in the fall when climbing conditions are ideal.”

Let's dive into a few reasons why September (a.k.a. Sendtember) is the best time of year for rock climbing. Plus, some top gear picks for this season.

## 1. Milder weather
Bid farewell to the scorching sun. September’s cooler temps creating an inviting atmosphere at crags across the country. Without the intense heat of summer, you can focus more on the climb and less on battling sweat. Just-right temperatures makes crushing projects truly enjoyable.

## 2. Strong and in the flow
When working on your strength for climbing, it’s important to start slow or risk injury (like a finger pulley injury), which can take a long time to recover. More often than not, September is when you hit your strongest climbing strength and feel the most confident in terms of the mental strength required for lead climbing. This combination will set you up for being ready to tackle your hardest projects.

> “I'm kicking off fall by hosting climbing clinics and a retreat, then heading to Spain and Portugal for a climbing trip. I’m excited to come back to Quebec to try projects I started in spring, and hopefully send them!” – MEC Ambassador Emma Contaoe

## 3. Less crowded crags
There’s nothing worse than getting to the route you’ve been planning to climb only to see four groups ahead of you waiting to go. With schools back in session and summer vacations ending, climbing destinations tend to be less crowded. This means more time spent climbing and less time waiting.

> “Most of the crags near me become less busy after the summer rush. On a smaller note, when the trees change colours it's quite majestic.” – MEC Ambassador [Sean McColl](/en/explore/sean-mccoll)

## 4. Optimal friction
Gripping holds and finding secure foot placements are the essence of climbing. September's cooler temperatures translate to better friction on rock surfaces. In simple terms, this means your hands and climbing shoes will find better purchase on the rock, which can give you the confidence to tackle more challenging routes.


## 5. Less buggy
Climbing’s all about focus, determination and flow. An unexpected insect buzzing around can throw you off balance and break that flow. Fortunately, September sees a decrease in insect activity compared to warmer months. This means you can focus on your climb without swatting at mosquitoes or other buzzing distractions during crux moves.

> “For fall comps, my focus is the PanAmerican championships in October. If I win, I'll punch my ticket to the Olympic Games in 2024. Outdoors, Squamish conditions will be prime and I'll be looking for my next project.” – MEC Ambassador Sean McColl

## Best gear for fall climbing
“It’s all about layering,” says Emma. “The [MEC Rockwall Midlayer](/en/product/6011-749/rockwall-midlayer) is comfortable and warm, yet breathable and flexible, so I can move easily on the rock. For an insulated jacket, the [MEC Northern Light Hoodie](/en/product/6016-911/northern-light-hoodie) is great to throw while belaying but light enough to climb with too.” 

“For fall layers, I’m excited to put on my [MEC Northern Light Hoodie](/en/product/6016-910/northern-light-hoodie),” says Sean. “There’s nothing better than feeling warm between attempts before taking it off for the send.”

Gear up, pack your chalk bag, and get after it. Next up: Rocktober.

Let's dive into a few reasons why September (a.k.a. Sendtember) is the best time of year for rock climbing.

5 reasons why September is the best month to go rock climbing

The MEC Toaster Suit first showed up in our catalogue in 1992 – yep, more than 30 years ago. Ever since then, the Toaster Suit has been a huge hit with parents and kiddos alike. So much so, that it almost always sells out (hint: that’s why we start talking about it in August).

One of our all-time favourite designs, this year’s version is easily our best yet. Here’s why parents have loved it for more than three decades, and why it’s good to get your hands on one before the mercury drops.

*Above: The Toaster Suit has gone through many evolutions over the years, along with plenty of colours and prints. Today’s versions are made with bluesign®-approved fabrics, which means a reduced environmental footprint.*

## They’re hand-me-down ready
We’ve heard it countless times since 1992 — Toaster Suits are legendary for their hand-me-down durability. Case in point: one MEC staffer told us she’s bought three Toaster Suits over the years for her son, and they held together so well that she was able to hand them down to her daughter… and then along to her nephew.

Over the years, we’ve made it even more durable. Redesigned and updated based on member feedback, Toaster Suits are waterproof and tougher than ever. Toast on!

> *“We have two of these suits and they’re awesome! Washed and worn endlessly over two years and still perfect. I only wish they came in bigger sizes.” – review from Liz888*
>
## They prevent tantrums
Few things are worse than “trying to get out the front door” tantrums. That’s why we’ve improved the Toaster Suit again and again over 30+ years to make it super easy to put on and take off. Your kid steps in, you zip it up, and voilá – they’re ready for snow. It’s even easy for kiddos to put on themselves before recess or at daycare. So, rest easy — they’ll always be cozy.

> *“This is the fourth winter with the MEC one piece snowsuit and we absolutely love them! My son is now in kindergarten and he find it’s quick and easy to take on and off independently.” – review from Momofboys*
>
## They stay warm and waterproof
With 300g of MEC Hyperloft insulation, the Toaster Suit just might be the coziest kids’ snowsuit out there. And it's waterproof-breathable too. That means kiddos can brave slushy, wet snow without getting soaked, cold and bummed out. Snow fort architects, toboggan pros, or recess rascals, the Toaster keeps the snowy good times rolling even when the going gets really, really cold.

> *“True to its name, it’s toasty warm even below -30C. My kids are now all approaching 20 and they still dream of the times they spent out in the winter wonderland on our acreage in Edmonton wearing these suits.” – review from CKP*


## There are clever details
Remember when powdery snow or slush would creep up your pantleg as a kid? If you don’t, your kiddo will remind you. To prevent dreaded slush and powder leaks, the Toaster features a foot cuff liner. 

And because we want every Toaster Suit to keep them warm season after season, we included a grow hem. The grow hem lets you undo a line of stitching at the ankle, allowing for a longer pant leg when the time comes. Neat, right? 

> *“We put our three kids through these suits. Outstanding. It was worn under Halloween costumes, in strollers, playing in the park and at daycare. One suit was worn by all three, and still solid enough to be handed down…” – review from Denis*
>
## Snowsuits are just the beginning...
With Toaster Suit being such a huge hit, the Toaster name now spans an entire collection of winter go-tos. Gloves, snow pants, parkas, hats and more – the entire range is purpose-built to keep kids cozy and happy as clams. 

For new parents (and parents-to-be), check out the [Toaster Bunting Suit](/en/product/5037-265/toaster-bunting-suit). Just as warm and insulated as the Toaster Suit, it keeps infants warm, even if they aren’t wriggling around quite yet. 


### But it’s August... why talk Toaster Suits now?
It might seem a bit weird to talk about snowsuits before there’s even a hint of snow in the forecast. Thing is, Toaster Suits sell out fast – especially when the temperatures really start to dip. 

Our advice? Get your hands on the colour and sizes you’ll need now – and before things get chilly. The last thing you want is to run around looking for that right size when the first October snow drops. And you can let them pick their favorite colour, too.

Whatever you need to keep them warm this winter, the Toaster Collection has you and (most importantly) them covered. Stay toasty out there.

## Related articles
- [Outdoor clothing tips to keep your kids warm all winter](/en/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-keeping-your-kids-warm-all-winter)
- [How to enjoy winter activities with kids](/en/explore/how-to-enjoy-winter-activities-with-kids)
- [How to choose the best backpacks for kids](/en/article/7-tips-to-find-the-best-backpacks-for-school)

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Seeking Nirvana captures backcountry ski radness

Seeking Nirvana | Part 1: Home

Seeking Nirvana | Part 2: Cabin Fever

Seeking Nirvana | Part 3: The Lucky Strike

Recent articles

Everything we did for summer 2023

Film premiere: People Like Us

5 reasons why September is the best month to go rock climbing

30+ years of Toaster Suit coziness