The Seeking Nirvana ski crew is back for another series of strange adventures. Watch Canadian skiers Mike Henitiuk, Riley Leboe, Matt Margetts and MEC Ambassador Joe Schuster in search of winter, year-round.

#### Seeking Nirvana | Part 4: Towers Above the Sea


There was a time, back in the day, when the ski season had a beginning and an end. When we would pause after a long winter and look to other challenges to occupy our time. This was before the thought and possibility of an endless winter had really entered our mind and heading to the southern hemisphere would be unattainable for most. Follow 4 skiers as they embark on a journey of a lifetime from the highest Chilean mountain regions to the endless coastal waves. From the Towers to the Sea.

@seeking.nirvana

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

Locations:
Valle Nevado Ski Resort, Santiago, Chile
Hotel Alaia, Pichilemu, Chile
Ski Arpa Catskiing, Los Andes, Chile
Valparaiso, Chile

Special Thanks:
Valle Nevado - @valle_nevado
Hotel Alaia - @hotelalaia
Ski Arpa - @skiarpa

Co-Director, Editing, Sound Design and Color Grade:
Leigh Powis

Cinematography:
Jamie Tanner
Taylor Laughran

Narration:
Colby James West
Jay Henitiuk

Seeking Nirvana 1.4 - Towers Above the Sea



There was a time, back in the day, when the ski season had a beginning and an end. When we would pause after a long winter and look to other challenges to occupy our time. This was before the thought and possibility of an endless winter had really entered our mind and heading to the southern hemisphere would be unattainable for most. Follow 4 skiers as they embark on a journey of a lifetime from the highest Chilean mountain regions to the endless coastal waves.

Want more backcountry ski radness? Check out [Seeking Nirvana Parts 1 to 3](/en/article/seeking-nirvana-captures-backcountry-ski-radness).

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



Follow 4 skiers as they embark on a journey of a lifetime from the highest Chilean mountain regions to the endless coastal waves. Featuring Canadian skiers Mike Henitiuk, Riley Leboe, Matt Margetts and MEC Ambassador Joe Schuster

Seeking Nirvana Part 4: Towers Above the Sea | MEC Blog

Seeking Nirvana: Towers Above the Sea

It may be Earth Month, but at MEC, reflecting on our impact on the planet is a year-round commitment – and has continued to be since day one.  

Every tent we make and backpack we sell has an impact on both people and planet, from sourcing materials to packaging orders. Understanding how our outdoor gear is made and produced helps us make more informed, meaningful decisions – purchase power can be a real difference-maker. That’s why we’ve got a roundup of some of our favourite outdoor brands doing big things to help the environment. Indestructible duffle bags built with never-before-seen recycled materials, PFA-free puffy jackets and brands that help plant trees, this list is chock-full of innovative gear breaking new trail on our collective climate journey.  

## Patagonia  
Instead of “going public” [Patagonia](/products/brands/patagonia) is “going purpose” by making Earth their only shareholder [as of 2022](https://www.patagonia.ca/stories/a-letter-from-yvon-chouinard/story-127258.html). For over 50 years they’ve continued to push the innovation threshold when it comes to products that put the planet first. In the new iteration of their iconic Black Hole® collection including products like the fan-favourite [Patagonia Black Hole Duffle](/product/6027-482/black-hole-duffle?queryID=e39aab9dcfd7bc65cd09c18447981f9d&colour=Pimento+Red) and [Patagonia Black Hole 25L Daypack](/product/6025-513/black-hole-25-daypack?queryID=e39aab9dcfd7bc65cd09c18447981f9d&colour=Pufferfish+Gold), you’ll notice a matte finish instead of the recognizable sheen. Why? Because they’ve made the switch to a new recycled TPU finish that decreases their carbon emissions by up to 91% per kilogram compared to its counterpart — the shine is gone, but for good reason. This is the first use of recycled TPU in the industry and helps Patagonia work towards their goal of 100% recycled gear across their entire line – incredible! Learn more about recycled TPU and Patagonia’s Environmental Responsibility program below.  

Black Hole® Matte Duffels

## Keen  

[Keen](/products/brands/keen) has taken big strides to eliminate all PFAs, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, from their footwear since 2018 – a huge accomplishment. PFAs are a group of over 4,700 human-made substances that can be found in anything from non-stick cookware to cosmetics and firefighting foams (yikes). It’s no surprise that these “forever chemicals” can have adverse effects on our health and our environment and are super hard to remove because of how persistent they are. To help other brands make the change, Keen condensed their 10,000 hours of work into a [12-page Green Paper](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/3263/7348/files/KEEN_PFAS-FreeGreenPaper_ffb6f5b9-0fe9-4106-b717-504c2fe0ab65.pdf?v=1682116905) to help other brands eliminate these extremely toxic chemicals broadly used in outdoor footwear. 

## NEMO  

[NEMO Equipment](/products/brands/nemo) created the Endless Promise® collection with one goal: to help keep products out of the landfill. Each piece of gear in this collection is engineered for total recyclability, so once you’ve racked up a lifetime of adventures with your favourite gear, you can give it new life. How cool is that?  

NEMO | Introducing Our Endless Promise™ Collection

## Kathmandu  

[Kathmandu](/products/brands/kathmandu) is also working on making their gear fully recyclable, so at the end of its life, it can become something new. The [Heli R Jacket](/search?q=heli%20r&brand=Kathmandu) incorporates recycled polyester, liner fabric, trims, details and zipper tape. Every Heli R jacket has its own unique QR code, you can scan this to see the full history of the jacket, from inception to creation and delivery. That’s some next level transparency in the name of environmental accountability. 

## EDELRID  

[EDELRID](/products/brands/edelrid)’s 3R collection – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – is a collection of equipment that meets the highest standards of responsible manufacturing. EDELRID’s 1R line consists of their ECO Dry ropes that are PFC and PFAS free as well as their bluesign certified harnesses, ropes and chalk bags.  The [Swiss bluesign® system](https://edelrid.com/int-en/vertical-freedom/edelrid-expertise/edelrid-technologies) certification is one of the most rigorous standards for textile production out there. A few of our favorite EDELRID bluesign at MEC? The [Tommy Caldwell Rodeo Chalk Bag](/product/6028-201/tommy-caldwell-rodeo-chalk-bag?queryID=f5cd3a14db3e459117fdf8f13d1fc4a7&colour=Black) and [Sirana TC Harness](/product/6027-122/sirana-tc-harness). EDELRID’s 2R products are led by the Boa Eco 9.8mm rope, where the sheath is made from left over yarns from their standard rope production and the Drone Rope Bag, made from upcycled, remnant fabric. The 3R pinnacle products are the [Zodiac 3R Helmet](/product/6023-905/zodiac-3r-helmet), the first part-recycled helmet on the market, the Neo 3R 9.8mm, the first recycled rope and made from 50% recycled content, and the Moe 3R harness, which uses recycled polyester foam and fleece. Want to learn more about EDELRID’s sustainability initiatives? Click the link below.  

*In the Zodiac 3R Helmet, the shell and inner foam are made from melted down ropes, plus it’s super light.” - Tommy Caldwell*  

## tentree  

[tentree](/products/brands/tentree) plants trees for every item sold, and since they started at MEC we’ve planted over 2.8 million trees together – that’s huge! All tentree products are made using only sustainably sourced fabrics or recycled materials, and they’ve even started using organic [regenerative cotton](https://textileexchange.org/knowledge-center/reports/regenerative-agriculture-landscape-analysis/) in select items to help ecosystems stay healthy. This Earth Month tentree has launched a cool new project: [Tune into Nature](https://www.tentree.ca/pages/tune-into-nature), designed to help you unwind to the natural sounds of locations from around the globe.  

## Want to check out more sustainably minded gear?  

Know what goes into your gear. Sustainably minded products from top brands.

Innovative gear that puts the planet first

There’s no better time than Earth Month to hold ourselves accountable on our climate targets. This April we’ll be checking in on our **Climate Action Plan** progress, teaming up with our incredible community of **outdoor partners** and orgs and hosting some cool **initiatives and events**. Get all the details below from our 2030 climate targets to when Tommy Caldwell will be visiting MEC Vancouver.   

## Pushing towards our climate action goals
Our full sustainability report drops in August, but we figured there’s no better time than Earth Month to give an update on where we’re at with our Climate Action Plan. While we love to share our good news, we’re not going to shy away from where we came up short and how we’re still aiming to improve. 

One of our big pushes for lower-carbon products is within our MEC Label lineup, where we’re upping the usage of recycled fabrics. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re not done yet.  

- MEC Label more than **doubled our use of recycled nylon** going from 8% in 2022 to 19% in 2023. Our goal for 2023 was 30%, so there’s still a ways to go on this journey. 

- We also increased our use of **recycled polyester**, taking it from 41% in 2022 to 44% in 2023, but our goal for 2023 was 50%. 

In both cases we did not meet the goals we laid out. While we’re encouraged by the progress we made, not meeting a goal always stings a little. But we’re picking ourselves up, dusting off our boots and setting our sights on our 2030 goals of **100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester.** We know there will be some challenges on the journey ahead, but as the saying goes, if you’re reaching all your goals, you’re not setting them high enough. 

You’ll find recycled fabrics in some of your favourite MEC layers like the [MEC Fireside Fleece Snap Pullover](/en/product/6014-893/fireside-fleece-snap-pullover?queryID=5ec344622295bb1d02d6a79750f439d6), which uses 100% recycled polyester and the classic [MEC Aquanantor Rain Jacket](/en/product/6016-853/x-aquanator-rain-jacket?queryID=37ffcb45b7344a13b3279c5922897a5c) uses 40-denier recycled nylon – just to name a few. 

Beyond our products, we’re making big moves to tackle our carbon emissions, and we’re leveraging some incredible partnerships to help maximize our impact.  

## UBC Sauder Centre for Climate and Business Solutions: SME Climate Clinic 
The UBC Sauder School of Business Centre for Climate and Business Solutions launched its first SME Climate Clinic in 2024, with MEC as the first Supply Chain Partner. This initiative helps us connect small brands with support and resources at UBC to start measuring and reducing their own emissions and MEC’s supply chain emissions, too. It also helps equip students with applied skills to drive sustainable change as future business leaders.

## City of Vancouver: False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU) 
One of the ways MEC Vancouver reduced the carbon emissions from our flagship store location is by connecting to the City of Vancouver’s False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU). The NEU system is super neat, it works by using waste thermal energy (a.k.a. heat) captured from sewage to provide space heating and hot water to buildings in Vancouver’s False Creek neighbourhood. This means our MEC Vancouver store uses renewable energy to heat the building, instead of only using conventional natural gas, and helps us operate our store in a lower-carbon way. The heat rejected from MEC Vancouver’s cooling system also helps to heat other buildings in the neighbourhood with renewable energy.  

## Get involved: Workshops and events 
It’s all about coming together as a community to help protect our favourite planet where we get to hike, bike, camp and climb. We’ve been cooking up some sweet events and initiatives to help you and your crew support some incredible outdoor organizations.  

### In-store clinics 
Want to learn how to repair your favourite gear or keep your kit pieces performing like new? Join us for in-store gear repair and maintenance clinics led by MEC staffers.  

### Community Upcycling Workshops 
Want to get creative? We’re partnering with local organizations to host workshops events in your area. Tickets are just $10 – sign up quick as spots are limited. 


**MEC Vancouver**  

**Sunday, April 21**  
**12 – 2pm**  

Learn how to make your own bike bag or chalk bag from recycled materials with [The Cut Design Academy](https://www.thecutfashionacademy.com/), one of North America’s only accredited fashion and design schools. All materials and tools will be provided. 

 

**MEC Calgary**  

**Sunday, April 21**  
**11am – 2pm**  

Make your own utility pouch with [Rick Rack](https://www.rickracktextiles.com/), a garment-focused sewing shop in the heart of Calgary. All tools and materials will be provided, but if you attend feel free to bring your own recycled fabric, too.   

**MEC Toronto**  

**Sunday, April 21**  
**(2) workshop times: 10am – 12pm or 2pm – 4pm**  

Learn to make a stylish drawstring bag with [Create Studio](https://createartstudio.ca/), a team of artists and educators who provide workshops and classes in a variety of art mediums from sewing to pottery.  


**MEC Montréal**  

**Sunday, April 21**  
**11am – 3pm**  

Make your own bike bags out of recycled banner pieces with [Les Affûtés](https://www.les-affutes.ca/), an organization founded on the idea that we can slow fast-paced consumerism by learning to build what we need and repair what we have. All materials and tools will be provided.   

### MEC X Edelrid present:
### Tommy Caldwell Talks: Ride for the Planet

Last year was a record breaker: tickets for our Evening with Tommy Caldwell sold out in 1.5 hours! This year, he’s back, with more **wild stories**, **cool prizes** and even a chance to **climb with Tommy** himself.  

First up, make sure you’re following [@mec](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled on April 9 at 10am PST when Tommy takes over our Instagram Live.  

This second one’s a biggie. We’ll be hosting an Instagram giveaway where you could win 2 tickets for a VIP climbing sesh with Tommy Caldwell and MEC climbing ambassadors [Emma Contaoe](/en/explore/emma-contaoe) and [Sean McColl](/en/explore/sean-mccoll), **PLUS** 2 tickets for our live event, [Tommy Caldwell Talks: Ride for the Planet](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/tommy-caldwell-talks-ride-for-the-planet), at MEC Vancouver. Did your brain just max out of stoke? Ours, too. 

Then of course there’s the grand finale, Tommy’s event hosted by MEC and Edelrid at MEC Vancouver. You can expect **silent auctions** on some sweet Edelrid gear, **prizes**, **drink tickets** for purchase and some wild stories for our climbing community. All event proceeds go to Van Queer Climbers and Climber's Access Society of British Columbia to help protect the rocks and walls where we live, play and learn.  

Tip: this is a very (very) popular event so make sure you’re following us on socials and marking your calendar for when tickets go on sale on **April 11 at 12pm PST.**

## Our partners in climate progress 

Like a bucket list peak, we believe climate goals should be lofty and hard to reach – otherwise, you’re probably setting the bar too low. Luckily, we have some incredible partners doing big things every day to help push climate efforts in the right direction.   

### Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. With almost 60 years of success, [Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society](/en/explore/canadian-parks-and-wilderness-society) is Canada’s leader in conservation.  

### Protect Our Winters Canada
At [POW Canada](/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) their mission is to turn outdoor enthusiasts into climate advocates. With 13 chapters nationwide, they team up with pro athletes, industry leaders and outdoors enthusiasts to bring real change and political reform to Canada’s fight against climate change. 

### Leave No Trace Canada
Promoting the responsible use of outdoor spaces is a cause that is near and dear to every outdoors enthusiast’s heart. That’s why MEC has been supporting [Leave No Trace Canada](/en/explore/leave-no-trace-canada) through education, research and partnerships since 2006. 

## In-store initiatives 

### Smartwool Second Cut Program  
**When:** April 1 – 30 at all MEC stores  
Only 12% of clothing materials end up getting recycled. It’s time to change that. The Smartwool Second Cut Project™ is back in Canada to **recycle your old socks** into new gear.    

Drop off unwanted socks at your local MEC store; look for the Smartwool Second Cut Project bins. Merino wool is preferred, but all socks are welcome as long as they’re clean: all brands, all colours, all materials, all conditions (single socks are good too). Smartwool will give these socks new life as a new Second Cut™ Project Hike Sock – nice! 

Smartwool: The Second Cut Project Hike Sock

### Sterling Rope Recycling Program  
**When:** Ongoing at all MEC stores (excluding HBC locations)  
Back for 2024, MEC will continue to offer a way for members to re-purpose their used climbing rope. Sterling Rope's dynamic rope recycling program gives old ropes new life. Some ropes get upcycled into things like dog leashes or bag handles. Others are melted or ground down into nylon pellets to be turned into carpet fibres, fleece, skateboards and dog toys.  

If you have **dynamic climbing rope** that’s dirty, damaged or ready to retire, this is your chance to get it out of your garage or gear closet and put it to work in a new way. Any brand is accepted, as long as it’s dynamic (not static) climbing rope. Coil or bind your rope (no flaked and loose ropes, please) and drop it off in the big Sterling Rope Monster Box at MEC stores. 

### Edelrid giveback  
**When:** April 1 — 30 in-store and online  
**Edelrid** and **MEC** have teamed up for Earth Month and will be donating $1 from each Edelrid product sold during the month of April to **Protect Our Winters Canada** (up to $2,000). 

## Sustainably minded products 
Check out some of our favourite **innovative gear** pieces designed with the planet in mind, from puffy jackets made with recycled materials, to biodegradable camp soaps, to rugged duffle bags descended from a long line of plastic water bottles.  

Stay tuned for even more sustainable tips and info coming later this month.

 

Celebrating Earth Month at MEC. Climate Action Plan, events, orgs and more.

Earth Month 2024

We’ve rounded up our top 5 hiking rain jackets for everything from light showers on your favourite day loop, to big bad backcountry storms when you’re scrambling down from the top. 

Why? Because we've all been there: backpacks packed, trail conditions checked, hiking shoes waiting by the door and then you refresh the forecast and... rain. The non-stop kind, the on-and-off-and-on kind, the sweep away your tent kind. That’s where the **right hiking rain jacket** comes in handy. If the weather has ever put a damper on your hiking plans, you know the importance of fully-taped seams, watertight zippers and waterproof-breathability (for when the going gets sweaty). 

Choosing the right hiking rain jacket can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fabrics, patterning, pockets, seams, helmet compatibility and intended activity all factor into a rain jacket’s overall performance in a downpour. Check out our picks below for best sustainably minded design to best value in an all-rounder. 

## Best rain jacket for sustainably minded hikers: Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket 

Patagonia was a world leader when it pioneered transforming pop bottles into fleece jackets in the early 90s. Now, in [Patagonia’s NetPlus® fabric](https://www.patagonia.ca/netplus/) they’re breaking more ground by recycling salvaged plastic fishing nets (a major source of oceanic pollution), into hard-wearing, highly functional rain jackets treated with a PFC-free DWR finish.  

**Top marks for:** Weight, packability, waterproofing, sustainability. 

**Why we love it:** Designed to be worn over a climbing harness or under a pack hip belt, the Patagonia Granite Crest Jacket is a lightweight, technical rain jacket with spacious handwarmer pockets placed well above the waist for easy access.  

**Features and benefits:**
- Supple yet sturdy 3-layer waterproof-breathable shell for superior all-day protection  
- 2 adjustable toggles for helmet-compatible coverage 
- Elbow-to-armpit vents let you dump heat 
- Packs down into its own pocket for easy stashing 

**Wear it:**  On camping trips, day hikes and scrambles in thundershower-prone ranges.  

## Best rain jacket for freedom of movement: 
## MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Jacket 

The challenge with a lot of traditional waterproof jackets lies in the stiff, “cardboard effect” of heavy nylon fabric. We decided to get rid of those rules with our Hydrofoil, which has supple 4-way mechanical stretch and [2.5 layer Pertex Shield fabric.](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-rain-jacket) The Hydrofoil doesn’t just block out moisture, it moves with you.   

**Top marks for:** Freedom of movement, packability, versatility and value. 

**Why we love it:** At $219.95, this versatile, go-anywhere jacket packs a ton of value in its diverse feature set. 

**Features and benefits:** 
- 2.5 layer Pertex Shield fabric with DWR finish for superior waterproofing 
- Fully taped seams seal out water  
- Adjustable helmet-compatible hood with shielded brim for visibility 
- Zippered pockets are compatible with climbing harness or backpack hip-belt 

As part of [MEC’s mission to empower more people to get outside](/en/article/new-from-mec-label-plus-size-hiking-gear), the women’s Hydrofoil is **available in plus-sizes** as part of a technical layering system. 

**Wear it:** On mountain missions over steep, technical terrain, day hikes or multi-pitches. 

## Best rain jacket for minimalist packers on fast missions: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket  

When Arc’teryx’s Beta LT landed on the market in the mid-1990s, it changed the game of form meets function. For the first time, articulated (rounded, not square) patterning was used in the arms and waist allowing for unprecedented freedom of movement in a GORE-TEX® jacket. Many of the Beta’s features have become industry standard in premium rainwear, like water-tight zippers, underarm pit zips and shock-cord adjustable hoods, making today’s iteration an investment piece for years of wear. The “LT” designation stands for ‘lightweight’, perfect for minimalist packers or covering a lot of mileage quickly. 

**Top marks for:** The triple combo of design, materials and fit. Over two decades after its original release, today’s Beta LT Jacket is the latest iteration in design evolution. 

**Why we love it:** More than a mere rain jacket, the premium quality GORE-TEX® 40-denier face fabric offers outstanding breathability which makes the Beta a great jacket in even dry, breezy conditions.   

**Features and benefits:** 
- Articulated patterning allows uncompromising, dynamic movement  
- Adjustable storm hood is helmet-compatible, with a laminated brim to deflect rain and snow  
- WaterTight™ external zippers on pockets blocks out elements 
- Drop hem allows for more coverage 

  
**Wear it:** Hiking, trekking and mountaineering in backcountry conditions. 

## Best rain jacket for town to trail versatility: Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket

It’s the little details that truly show the care and mindfulness that goes into garment design. In the case of the Patagonia Torrentshell, that means creating a rugged, 50-denier 3-layer rain jacket that can be stuffed into its own pocket and clipped to your pack with a small, functional carabiner.  

**Top marks for:** Waterproofness, functionality, size (fits a wider range of body types), durability, sustainability. 

**Why we love it:** Function, versatility, and did we mention that the Torrentshell comes in perhaps the most varied colour palette of any rain jacket on the market today? Eye-catching style is combined with Patagonia’s beloved 3-layer H2No® waterproof-breathable ECONYL® recycled nylon ripstop fabric.  

**Features and benefits:**
- Packs into its own pocket or can be clipped to a pack to save space 
- Front zipper has exterior and interior storm flaps  
- Underarm zips with storm flaps let you dump heat 
- Drawcord-cinch hem and adjustable cuffs seal out biting winds 

**Wear it:** Day hikes, relaxed multi-days, wet portages or everyday use in soggy conditions. 

## Best rain jacket for everyday value:
## MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket 

Sometimes, all you need is reliable rain protection for when a sudden downpour puts a damper on your hike. The MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket is made for those times when a cloudburst catches you off guard on your favourite out-and-back. Constructed with MEC’s very own VarioShell waterproof-breathable membrane and PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) this jacket gives you waterproof-breathability for daily downpours at a price that’s hard to beat. 

**Top marks for:** Waterproofing, value, wind protection. 

‌**Why we love it:** There’s an Aquanator for every member of your crew, which makes it the perfect everyday rain jacket to pack for family camping trips in shifty forecasts or the jacket you grab for after work meet-ups at the trailhead.  

**Features and benefits:** 
- Rugged 40-denier nylon features 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable membrane   
- Fully-taped seams seal out water 
- PFC-free 
- Priced for max bang for your buck 

**Wear it:** Day hikes, wet campouts and everyday use. 

Looking for more options or some accessories to go with?  

You can also check out other useful MEC resources when choosing your next waterproof layer:
- [How to choose a rain jacket](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-rain-jacket)
- [Waterproof vs. water-resistant fabrics](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/waterproof-vs.-water-resistant-fabrics)
- [How to wash waterproof jackets and pants](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket) 

We've reviewed and rounded up our top 5 hiking rain jackets in 2024, for everything from light showers on your favourite day loop to big bad backcountry storms.

Best rain jackets for hiking 2024

Hi, MEC community, I’m Jamillah – founder and CEO of [Hike MTL](https://www.hikemtl.com/). We’re a team of outdoor facilitators bringing BIPOC representation to outdoor spaces and one of MEC’s newest Outdoor Impact partners. Right now, we’re gearing up to host one of our favourite events of the year: BLK Winter Fest – a celebration of Black joy in the heart of winter and yes, it’s Black History Month!  

## About Hike MTL
Based in Montreal, Québec, Hike MTL is a social enterprise born from the need of representation in the outdoors. Our mission? Empower and destigmatize BIPOC communities by fostering a feeling of belonging through nature-based excursions, reducing economic and social barriers and promoting a healthy mental and physical lifestyle in the process.

## How it came to be
Our outdoor family adventures often surprise people, mainly because, let’s be honest, it's not the narrative people expect from the Black community. My passion for advocacy and social work began with my background in education and social work, but my journey into the outdoors started two decades ago, while working with youth facing mental health issues and trauma.  

Nature became our therapeutic playground. I vividly remember leading a group of boys on an unconventional hike, tippy- toeing off ledges and jumping tree stumps across streams. It felt like rediscovering the world as a child. That moment lingered. Fast forward to today, and despite being passionate about the outdoors, I've grappled with a sense of belonging. Being Black, outdoor spaces rarely showcase faces like mine. This lack of representation inspired me to create Hike MTL—an inclusive sanctuary that welcomes Black, Indigenous and people of color. It's a space where nature's therapeutic benefits are accessible to all. We guide our clients from feeling disconnected to experiencing a profound sense of belonging in nature. As someone who has always struggled with mental health and goes through waves of ups and downs, I have to admit, being in nature has always been a grounding tool for me. My favourite part about getting active outside is how I feel afterwards.

> "After following the Instagram page for about 2 years, I finally attended my first event today. It was beyond expectations. Spot on organization, amazing instructors, welcoming vibe.” - Laurence, QC 

## BLK Winter Fest 2024
BLK Winter Fest is first and foremost, a VIBE. Pure winter celebration with different outdoors excursions throughout February, Black History Month. This is an inclusive opportunity for Black Canadians of all ages to engage in winter activities within a secure environment to foster a profound sense of belonging. We’re actively challenging ingrained stereotypes in the Black community by using the outdoors to promote a healthy way of living.

## What to expect

Vibes on vibes. A sense of community and belonging. Shifting your own narrative and perception of what outdoor adventurers look like. You can expect all of these at every Hike MTL event, but BLK Winter Fest is something special. From February 3– 24 we’re facilitating 5 winter excursions: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, skating and ice climbing. There will be an instructor teaching each activity, but all events are open to pros and newbies alike.  

## Seeing yourself in the outdoors

Because everyone deserves to feel connected with nature. The more BIPOC we see in the outdoor industry, the more stories we get to tell about our experiences, the more young people will connect to the outdoor world and enjoy nature’s therapeutic benefits. We need to know nature, to love nature and foster that will to protect nature. 

If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about trying a new outdoor activity or looking to get outside but don’t see yourself occupying those spaces, start small. Join a local community, organization or business that focuses on outdoor experiences and values. I know I would have started way younger if I had those groups around growing up – it would have made a world of difference.

> “My favourite part about getting active outside is how I feel afterwards.” - Jamillah Jean, Founder, Hike MTL

## Go live it
Interested in signing up for an excursion with BLK Winter Fest or want to know more about Hike MTL? Follow along on our socials and if you’re on the East Coast register for an event this winter (spots fill up quick!).

Seeking Nirvana: Towers Above the Sea

Seeking Nirvana | Part 4: Towers Above the Sea

Recent articles

Innovative gear that puts the planet first

Earth Month 2024

Best rain jackets for hiking 2024

Hike MTL: BLK WinterFest 2024