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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Is MEC still Canadian? MEC was founded in Canada and is 100% operated and headquartered in Canada. MEC employees are all based in Canada, and we carry 60+ Canadian brands. All MEC Label products are also designed and tested in Vancouver BC.  We are proud supporters of Canadian products and the Canadian economy with 50+ years of gearing up passionate outdoor Canadians. 

With its rich outdoor culture and rugged landscapes, it only makes sense that so many fantastic outdoor brands started right here in Canada. Some of the most innovative and durable gear comes from Canadian companies that understand the demands of the wilderness first-hand. Here are more Canadian based brands that we know are members are passionate about supporting. 

## Norda
Founded in Quebec by runners, for runners. Norda tests in the harshest of Canadian conditions, with ultralight and sustainable running gear made with bio-based, bluesign®-approved Dyneema® materials. While their origin story includes experts from all over the world, they’re proudly Canadian. You’ll find their team testing gear in fields and mountains between Montreal and the Eastern Townships of Canada.  

## Tilley
In the 1980s, a man visiting the Great Lakes in Ontario needed a great hat, and the rest is history. Tilley has been synonymous with heritage and quality, creating the world’s finest hats and adventure clothing. They’re world-famous but still oh-so Canadian. 

## KOMBI
Designed in Montreal and perfected on Canadian slopes, this epic brand has developed gear to withstand the most extreme winters. Since they were founded in 1961, they’ve called the mountains of Quebec their main testing grounds for winter gloves, mitts, base layers and more, so you can stay warm and dry no matter the weather. 

## MEC Label
MEC is headquartered in Canada, managed by a Canadian team and operates in 23 stores in communities from coast to coast. MEC Label is our homegrown gear that’s built to last for hundreds of outdoor adventures. MEC Label is designed and curated by our team in Vancouver and tested in the backcountry to make sure it stands up to everything from powder-filled runs to bushwhacking at sunrise. From cozy base layers to hardy tents built for tough environments, MEC Label gear has it all and then some. 

## Kamik
With over 125 years of experience, Kamik knows boots. Founded in Montreal, this Canadian brand had the perfect environment to test their winter and rubber boots against the harshest (and iciest) environments. They’re built to protect you from the elements and keep you comfortable in all conditions. 

## Level Six 
A Canadian company created by two friends competing on the Whitewater Slalom World Cup, Level Six’s vision has been to redesign and rethink how paddling gear is made. With PFDs, SUPs, rash guards and more, you’ll be well-equipped for the waves with this major leader in water sports gear.  

#### Indyeva 

Founded in Montreal, Indyeva is known for its cozy and warm winter parkas and women’s clothing to make the most of the outdoors. They’re also serious about sustainable choices, with fabric from bluesign®-certified mills and down backed by the Responsible Down Standard.  

## tentree 

tentree is a Vancouver-based outdoor clothing company that prioritizes sustainability in a big way. For every item purchased, tentree plants trees in an effort to regenerate ecosystems, capture carbon and provide planting jobs in communities around the world. Their products are made with a focus on the earth, including attention to fair, safe working conditions, sustainably minded practices and recycled materials. 

## Arc’teryx 

Founded on the idea that “there is always a better way,” Arc’teryx’s name has become synonymous with obsessive and expert design. Their insulated jackets, weather-blocking shells, accessories and more are inspired by and tested in the coastal mountains near their HQ in North Vancouver. Their design centre, Arc’One, is in New Westminster, BC, where they lead product design and innovation.   

## Orage 

In 1989, University of Quebec student Evelyn Trempe made her first waterproof ski jacket and pants for her ski team out of her parents' garage, and the rest is history. Since then, Orage has evolved into a leading Canadian brand specializing in ski outerwear built for deep cold. Deeply rooted in ski culture, they design gear ready for any mountain adventures. 

A roundup of our favourite Canadian outdoor brands

Canadian brands we love at MEC

If you’re reading this, hello! My name is Emma, I’m an [MEC Ambassador](/explore/emma-contaoe), rock climber and climbing instructor based in Montreal. I’ve been rock climbing outdoors for 12 years and have been ice climbing for a little over 2 years, now. I also own a climbing business, [Climbing Escapes](https://climbingescapes.com/), where I teach both beginner climbers how to climb safely outdoors, and advanced techniques to help seasoned climbers  progress on their climbing journey. 

A few years ago, I fell in love with ice climbing. For those who might be new to the sport - it is similar to rock climbing, except you ascend an ice formation, like a pillar or an ice drip, using tools like an ice axe and crampons instead of chalked hands and climbing shoes. I got into ice climbing  during the pandemic when travel restrictions made it impossible to travel to warm, sunny crags. I was not a big fan of winter growing up, but I wanted to take on a new sport so I had something outdoors to look forward to on those cold, snowy weekends in Quebec.  

So, when some of my friends were going ice climbing at a local crag, I decided to tag along. They lent me some gear, including my first pair of hand-me-down La Sportiva mountaineering boots. That was a special moment for me - feeling like I was breaking new ground, and I was so excited about my new journey ahead. 

They showed me some ice climbing techniques like how to place my ice axe and what colour ice to look for and although it was challenging and totally different from rock climbing, I was excited to be a beginner again and learn something new.

I remember watching another girl climbing next to me and thought “Wow she is such a badass.” I told myself that I wanted to climb like her one day. I knew right away that  I had fallen in love with the sport. 

After that first day out, I decided to gear up and spend every weekend ice climbing as much as possible, even the screaming barfies couldn’t keep me away (IYKYK). I would often set up the ropes for my friends and I, and I remember noticing  how I was usually the only person of colour at the crag. Starting a new sport can be intimidating, even more so when you don’t see people who look like you in those spaces. Something clicked for me then that by getting more involved in the ice climbing community, I could help make every crag a more diverse and inclusive space for other aspiring ice climbers.

During my second season, I found out about a guiding opportunity for an intro to ice climbing event that [Routes to Rootz](https://www.routestorootz.com/)  (formerly HikeMTL) was organizing for people of colour. I volunteered to assist another instructor for that event and helped give ice climbing tips to the group. I felt empowered to be sharing some techniques with beginners, especially since I had just taken up a new activity myself. I knew how difficult and intimidating it was to start over as a beginner with a new activity, especially in ice climbing, which is a bit of a niche sport with a smaller community. Watching the participants try something challenging, seeing them reach the top and feeling pumped about it, brought some incredibly inspiring energy.

After climbing for 3 seasons, I felt ready for another challenge. I was talking to Caitlin, the Senior Community Manager at MEC who runs the MEC Ambassador program, about my dreams to one day become an ice climbing guide. She encouraged me to take a course to earn my lead climb certification so I could help people new to ice climbing get started in the sport. I didn't think I was ready, and honestly, I felt a little scared. I have to admit I had a bit of imposter syndrome since I didn’t have a ton of experience behind me to be lead climbing yet. **But if there’s one thing climbing has taught me, it’s that sometimes self-doubt and fear are the only things standing between you and the climbing goals you thought were “impossible.”** Proper training and the ability to recognize your limits are important on every route, but sometimes you need to push aside your nerves, trust your gut and go for it. You never know what goals you’ll reach or communities you’ll discover on the other side of self-doubt. And you never know who else is watching and feeling inspired – telling themselves that they want to climb like that one day. 

When I arrived at the course, I was excited to find out that we would be a group of four women. Our instructor, Anouk, turned out to be that very same badass woman I had watched climb on my very first ice climbing outing. I was even more excited to learn, and felt comfortable to go at my own pace, knowing I was sharing this experience with other courageous women. 

The course was informative and empowering. We learned how to place ice screws, build anchors, rappel and then practiced climbing on lead with a backup top rope. Honestly, it was really difficult and I needed a lot of practice, being a beginner again is not for the weak!

I was so impressed and inspired by the women there. Whether they had lots of experience ice climbing or were completely new to the sport, these women were pushing their boundaries and it had me thinking, if they can do it then so can I.

> “This course gave me the confidence to continue in my ice climbing journey safely, to remember to believe in myself and the joy of allowing myself to be a beginner again.” 

If ice climbing sounds like your next winter activity or if you’re on the hunt for great winter crags, check out some of my favourite spots to go ice climbing in Quebec, like **Lac Mastigouche** and **Lac Sylvère.** Before you strap on your crampons, always make sure you have the skillset and knowledge to ice climb. For your intro into the sport I really recommend you take a course (also a great way to meet fellow climbers!), [read up on ice climbing tips](explore/ice-climbing-basics-how-to-get-started) and make sure you’re trained up on how to use your gear. Like all outdoor spaces, try to be careful to leave your climbing area even better than you found it by practicing your [Leave No Trace](/explore/leave-no-trace-canada) principles. We want to preserve our outdoor spaces for future climbers to enjoy, too! If you do go out on your own, make sure you get a membership with **Fédération Québécoise de la Montagne et de l’Escalade** to get access to local ice climbing areas — and always, always check conditions before you head out.  

# Emma’s top picks 

Once you’re ready to get into the sport, here’s some ice climbing gear picks I don’t climb without: 

[Mammut 9.8 Crag Dry Rope](/product/6007-982/mammut-98-crag-dry-rope): I like this rope because it has a thicker diameter, and most importantly, its Dry, meaning that its protective sheet allows for minimum absorption of water. 

[Petzl Nomic Ice Tool](/product/5059-975/petzl-nomic-ice-tool): I love the weight distribution on these tools. I first started out with the Nomics and even after a few seasons of ice climbing experience they are still my go-to tool. 

[Petzl Lynx Crampon](/product/6028-161/petzl-lynx-crampons-front-section-pair): I love the precision on these crampons and how you can switch the bind system to accommodate different boots for different terrain. 

[Mammut Smart Belay Device](/product/5057-954/mammut-smart-20-belay-device): When you’re ice climbing, you want to avoid using a Grigri or any other passive belay device. A Mammut smart is a good option in-between an active and a passive device and offers that protection if ever the rope gets weighted and your hands slip from the rope. 

MEC Climb Ambassador, Emma Contaoe, gets her ice climbing lead climb certification.

How to be a beginner: Overcoming self-doubt in pursuit of ice climbing

Going for it: Breaking barriers in ice climbing

Our annual MEC x POW Season Opener event has always been one of our favourite events, and our celebration this year didn’t disappoint. In partnership with Arc’teryx, our all-out celebration of winter with athletes and climate advocates took place at MEC stores across Canada. We watched epic films and talked with POW athletes, all while enjoying ski waxes, drinks, tunes and prizes from our friends at Osprey and Arc’teryx.

With an epic **1,228 outdoor enthusiasts** joining us across nine events across the country, together **we raised over $43,000** for [Protect Our Winters Canada](/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) in the fight against climate change for a better planet.    

### “Farming Turns” with Chris Rubens

At this year’s Season Opener event, we watched an impactful film by professional skier and POW Canada athlete [Chris Rubens](https://www.instagram.com/chrisrubens) called [“Farming Turns.”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-v10XrSWG8) The film explores how a life-changing expedition changed Chris’ perspective on our rapidly changing climate. It follows Chris’ journey in becoming an organic farmer to foster a more sustainable community and connection to the mountains. 

We sat down with Chris at the event to chat about the film. Here’s what he had to say: 

**Q**:  

*Tell us about how and why you got involved with POW Canada?*    

**Chris**:  

This is the easiest, simplest and possibly most effective way to be a climate athlete. The bigger the membership the more power in lobbying the government for systemic change in our systems. This is by no means the end all be all of environmentalism and I'm personally a huge advocate of individual change but I'm proud to be part of such a great organization.   

**Q**:  

*What was the driving force for you wanting to change your lifestyle and make changes to reduce your emissions?*    

**Chris**:  

The outdoor environment that I have had the privilege to play in. I have had so many incredible life experiences and opportunities from a life spent outdoors. I'm a firm believer that spending time in nature makes us better people. All this being said, we are having a drastic effect on nature and I want future generations to enjoy the things that I have. Curbing our carbon footprints is a necessity for this to continue.   

**Q**: 

*What was the hardest part about changing your lifestyle and remaining a professional skier?*  

**Chris**:  

The hardest part is the first step of trying to change. The shame spiral that we go down can be pretty dark and depressing which isn't always the best at motivating us to do something. Once I made that first step and committed to some goals, everything got easier. It felt right to be trying to do something better no matter how small it is. This did make me say no to a lot of trips and ideas, but it also gave me opportunities into different trips and ideas.    

**Q**:  

*What advice do have for others looking to make an impact?*   

**Chris**: 

I mean the most basic thing that you can do that could have a huge impact is signing up to be a POW member, it is literally free. When they go to Ottawa to lobby for a better environment the more numbers they are representing, the more impact they have talking to politicians. This seems like such a minor thing, but it really is the starting point. From there I would highly encourage making small individual changes no matter how big or small.  This starts putting climate change in a positive light instead of always negative. Having positives encourages us to do more instead of feeling negative which often leads to no action. 

**Q**:  

*How has being a father influenced your values around climate and sustainability? What does living in line with your environmental values look like?* 

**Chris**:  

My son Huxley is two, and it doubles down on what I want to do here. It’s pretty cool to see the world through a little two-year-old’s eyes. He’s stoked about our farm, as it’s an amazing place to live. 

Now I’m invested in the future, and I want him to have as many opportunities as I did, if not more, and bringing him into this world makes me want to work harder.  

I have two retirement plans right now. First, Huxley’s going to grow up and he’s going to love the farm and he’s going to take over the farm. Or the second, he’s going to hate farming, get a real job and feel sorry for his parents. Either way, I think it’ll work out. 

**Q**: 

*Having grown up with a father in the oil and gas industry—an industry that has contributed significantly to Canada’s prosperity and is often seen as a source of national pride—how did this background shape your views on energy, the environment and the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels? In what ways did these early experiences influence your journey toward becoming a climate advocate and organic farmer?* 

**Chris**: 

There’s no doubt that my upbringing, my privilege of being able to ski, came from oil and gas and there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve also made a movie called **“Beyond The Green Veil,”** which is all about old growth logging in BC and it’s very much the same idea.  

If we go after the workers of these industries, they’re going to fight our efforts to make change, because if you come after my job, I’m going to fight you, because that’s how I put food on the table. I think that villainizing workers is absolutely not the right answer. We need to bring everyone along with us. A lot of that mentality came from my dad and hearing his stories and seeing the other side of it. There are really two sides to this, and we can do better with everybody. 

### Join the fight 

This economic report from our friends at Protect Our Winters Canada highlights the importance of outdoor recreation for Canada’s economy. Dave Erb, Executive Director of POW Canada estimates Canada’s outdoor recreation economy to be at over $101 billion annually and has discussed the need for climate action to protect these vital spaces. 

Want to help out? You can send an email to the five Canadian political party leaders and their team to protect our favourite natural (and snowy) spaces that we love.

You can also become a member of POW Canada for free to join the fight. 

### Shoutout to volunteers and sponsors

We also want to give a great big THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers and sponsors from Arc’teryx and Osprey for helping make our Season Opener event as epic as it was. 

Special shoutout to our friends at Backcountry Brewing, Rally Beer, The Straight & Narrow, Eighty Eight Brewing Co. and Boréale for providing tasty drinks, as well as Salomon, Rossignol, Baffin and Smartwool for sponsoring the sweet prizes for attendees. 

Catch you on the mountain! 

The MEC x POW Season Opener event was a major success

Season Opener 2024 recap: POWerful speakers, epic films and so much more

Whether it’s enjoying the views from across the valley or standing in a col wishing you had more time to explore the area - winter camping is how I choose to spend more time into natural wild spaces. Last winter I spent a few days winter camping with a new winter camping tent, down sleeping bag, sleeping pad and my friends in the Coast Mountain Range.

### Here’s the recap complete with tips for camping in winter, a gear list and more. ###

Basking in the last of the light with hut booties adorning our feet and a camping sleeping pad for a seat, we took a moment to just be. Beyond the mesmerizing natural beauty of the winterscape, the feeling of being remote, self-sufficient, in good company, prepared and so very alive is always worth acknowledging. After a few rounds of boiling water with our winter camping stove of choice, [Jetboil Flash Cooking System 2.0](/en/product/5057-344/jetboil-flash-cooking-system-20), we’d officially cooked, cleaned, hydrated and each filled a Nalgene with warm water to heat up our sleeping bags.

Cozy and comfortable while sleeping on the snow can be a reality with the right gear. This year I met MEC’s tremendous winter camping gear trio. The [MEC Nunatak 3-Person 4-Season Tent](/en/product/5061-995/mec-nunatak-3-person-4-season-tent), [VectAir UL 4S Insulated Sleeping Pad](/en/product/6020-374/mec-vectair-ul-4s-insulated-sleeping-pad-regular-unisex) and the [MEC Talon Windstopper -30 Down Expedition Sleeping Bag](/en/product/6005-010/mec-talon-windstopper-30c-down-expedition-sleeping-bag-unisex?colour=Coal). This gear combo was a game changer–it has shifted my perspective from expecting cold restless nights to snoozing in a cozy mountain oasis. Winter camping is no longer just about the location, it’s about the entire experience. Needless to say, I slept soundly perched on a mountaintop between two pals.

We spent the days ski touring, exploring and investigating the conditions. Getting eyes on a place is always such a contrast from how you envision it on a map. The contours are often more humbling than expected, wind patterns and snow acclimation specific to the season can rule certain things “in” or “out” - but the one thing that is certain is that you don’t know until you go. Approaching with curiosity and caution is key. Grateful for another successful winter camping trip filled with good company, epic terrain and cozy quarters.

### Winter camping tips ###

Okay, your turn! Let’s get you dialled for the winter camping season. Starting with packing - bring what you need, of course, and maybe pass on the extras for the first go, because those extras stack up in weight and size quickly. For absolute clarity, “extras” do not include communication devices, warm layers, first aid, or any of the other [ten essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping). A great place to start with “what to pack” is MEC’s [winter camping gear checklist](/en/explore/winter-camping-gear-checklist). Here are a few of my learned tips as well:

#### Packing tips: ####
- **Pack bulky items lower in your pack.** Heavy bulky things that you won’t be using should go in the lower middle portion of your pack where they won’t be in the way of gear you’ll want to access prior to setting up camp. Heavy items should always go lower in your pack and crank that hip belt nice and tight because that is the best place to carry weight.
- **Split up group gear.** No need for everyone to bring toothpaste and a camp stove. Manage group gear according to size. Three-person winter camping tent? Split it between the three of you, or offset it with other group gear to ensure that everyone is pulling their weight - literally. 
- **Save space.** Collapsible things are awesome - like [mugs](/en/product/6028-286/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-collapsible-cup?colour=Bone+White) or [bowls](/en/product/6028-288/sea-to-summit-frontier-ul-collapsible-bowl-medium?colour=Bone+White) because they are otherwise bulky. 
- **Bring an extra [lighter](/en/product/6029-222/duco-windproof-camper-torch-lighter) or [waterproof matches](/en/product/5061-785/uco-waterproof-matches-4-pack).** They don’t weigh much and give you peace of mind that you’re not out of luck if you drop one in the snow.
- **Stay warm through the night.** -4 degrees when you're moving and grooving feels very different than when you’re trying to snooze. Bringing some fresh dry clothes for sleeping like a base layer, gloves and socks can go a long way for a body temperature reset. Store these (along with [hut booties](/en/product/5055-859/mec-hut-booties-unisex)) in a compression sack to help save space in your pack and ensure they stay dry on the approach. 

#### Tips and tricks for camping in winter: ####
- **Make a platform.** Choose a place that’s fairly level and spend time stomping down the area with skis or snowshoes so it’s flat and level for the best sleep possible. 
- **Keep snow out of your tent with a dug-out vestibule entrance.** Digging down an extra foot under the vestibule makes for additional comfort for taking boots on and off. You can easily sit in the tent and take your boots on or off in the vestibule to avoid tracking snow into the tent. 
- **Secure your tent in the snow with anchors.** For anchoring your tent in the snow, you’ll notice that the consistency of the snow influences how easy it is to set a solid anchor. I like to use the [MSR Blizzard Tent Snow Stakes](/en/product/5046-304/msr-blizzard-tent-stake-kit-4-pack?colour=Red) with a bunch of extra cordlette so I can bury deeper if needed. If you run out of snow stakes, use any bags you can empty like stuff sacks, sleeping bag sacks, sleeping pad sacks, a skins bag, or similar. Fill it with snow, close it tight, tie a cordlett to it and bury it as an anchor.  
- **Bring gloves that have good dexterity** for cooking, building camp and ski touring. 
- **Fuel on the up!** This means you’ll be fueling yourself beyond whatever dinner you have in store for camp. Pocket snacks and proper nutrition en route are vital for energy management. 
- **Bring miso.** I love to bring a few extra miso soup packets in case anyone in my group needs extra calories, warmth or sodium. Any powdered soup works, this one is just my fave.
- **Adjust your layers often.** You’re in it for the long game and sweaty clothes will do you dirty. Pick sweat-wicking base layers and wear these with synthetics and waterproof layers on top for activities. When it comes time to cozy up, packable dry layers and down will be your best friend. [Learn more about how to layer here.](/en/explore/clothing-layers)
- **Boil water before bed to fill a [Nalgene](/en/product/6020-229/mec-nalgene-sustain-wide-mouth-water-bottle-1l?colour=Smoke+Grey).** Then put it at the bottom of your sleeping bag for extra warmth. Ensure it is fully sealed tight as the heat can expand the plastic and you’ll want it to be 100% leakproof before putting it in your sleeping bag. 
- **Sleep with your ski or snowboard boot liners.** Frozen liners are a no-go in the morning. I also often put damp gloves inside my sleeping bag or inside a down jacket if I’m sleeping in one so that my body temp dries them out. 
- **Bring winter-rated fuel.** Winter camping stove fuel doesn’t go as far in cold temps, be sure your camp fuel is rated for winter temperatures and bring extra - melting snow can feel like a full-time job in the cold. At least an hour-long job. 


#### My personal winter camping gear faves: ####
- **[Jet Boil:](/en/product/5057-344/jetboil-flash-cooking-system-20?colour=Fractile)** This makes the water management and hydration game easier to stay on top of and the protected flame does better in the wind and cold.
- **[MEC Nunatak 3-Person 4-Season Tent:](/en/product/5061-995/mec-nunatak-3-person-4-season-tent)** Light, easy to split into group gear, spacious vestibule.
- **[VectAir UL 4S Insulated Sleeping Pad:](/en/product/6020-374/mec-vectair-ul-4s-insulated-sleeping-pad-regular-unisex)** I’ve never been warmer while sleeping on snow.
- **[MEC Talon Windstopper -30 Down Expedition Sleeping Bag:](/en/product/6005-010/mec-talon-windstopper-30c-down-expedition-sleeping-bag-unisex?colour=Coal)** The Goretex exterior is awesome for ensuring you stay warm even if your bag gets a bit of moisture.
- **[Various compression stuff sacks for clothing/toiletries and sleeping bag:](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-quilts-and-pillows/compression-bags-and-stuff-sacks?brand=MEC)** makes it easier to find what you need and keep dry things dry.
- **[MSR Blizzard Tent Snow Stakes:](/en/product/5046-304/msr-blizzard-tent-stake-kit-4-pack?colour=Red)** because regular tent pegs don’t cut it in the snow.
- **[Garmin inReach Mini 2:](/en/product/6021-964/garmin-inreach-mini-2)** my most trusted form of communication and the battery lasts a few days.
- **[MEC Hut Booties:](/en/product/5055-859/mec-hut-booties-unisex)** because living for days in ski boots can be rough! 
- **Arc’teryx Alpha Parka:** An emergency layer for myself or if needed for rescue. 
- **[Leatherman:](/en/products/brands/leatherman)** Always at the top of my pack for quick fixes whether that’s ski bindings, cutting cord or slicing salami. 
- **[UCO Stormproof Matches:](/en/product/5026-864/uco-stormproof-match-kit)** The waterproof container is great and these matches work like a charm in every condition.
- **[Canadian Heritage Roasting Co. instant coffee:](https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6026-833/canadian-heritage-roasting-co-flash-fuel-organic-instant-coffee-dark-roast?colour=NO_COLOUR)** A necessity. 

Comfy, cozy, effortless gear makes for more time for connection, laughs, and appreciation of the experience. With the right gear, a good winter camping set-up makes all the difference and is worth the investment.

Camping in winter starts here. Learn winter camp packing tips and what winter camping tents, camp stoves, & sleeping pads that winter camping experts use.

Winter camping tips from the Coast Mountains

This Giving Tuesday we want to say thank you to everyone involved in the MEC community, whether you attended an event, snagged some Smartwool socks for Sock Week or donated to one of our Outdoor Impact partners, your involvement makes all the difference in how we’re able to show up for the planet.  

Today, we want to give a major shoutout to a few of our partners for their incredible work on this year’s outdoors initiatives. Through **partnerships** and hosting sweet **outdoors events that give back to the community**, MEC is committed to the ongoing journey of celebrating our home planet and supporting our people. Like any mission that involves breaking new trail, we could never do it alone.  

This year was full of inspiring work, fun events and important movements in support of climate change and conservation. We’d like to highlight the work of two of our Outdoor Impact partners, **Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society** and **Protect Our Winters Canada**, who have crushed some big goals this season.  

### Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society

[The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/canadian-parks-and-wilderness-society) is Canada’s only charity dedicated to the protection of public land, freshwater and ocean with a strong national and regional presence across the country. They are **Canada’s leader in conservation** and have played a lead role in protecting over half a million square kilometres.  

MEC has partnered with CPAWS since 1988. We work with their national and regional teams to provide funding and to help increase the protection of the wild spaces where we climb, camp, ski and play.  

In partnership with CPAWS, **MEC and Smartwool** have helped raise **$55,000 since 2021** through our Sock Week initiative, a week-long event where $2 from every pair of Smartwool socks sold is donated to CPAWS (up to $15,000 annually). It’s two things our MEC members love most: socks and giving back to the planet.  

Through funding these initiatives, MEC can play a small part in conservation efforts across Canada. One of these efforts became a success story earlier this year: CPAWS’s [We Can’t Wait campaign](https://cpaws.org/wecantwait/) led to the successful [protection of the Great Bear Sea](https://cpawsbc.org/charting-a-new-path-for-the-great-bear-sea-how-indigenous-nations-governments-and-communities-are-breaking-the-mould/), 30,000km2 along Canada’s Pacific shoreline. The Great Bear Sea is integral to Pacific coast ocean life and is home to orca whales, sea otters, migrating humpbacks and tons more species at risk of going extinct.  

If you’d like to get involved or donate to a CPAWS initiative, [check out their website](https://cpaws.org/) to learn more about their amazing work. You can also shop [last chance Sock Week deals](https://www.mec.ca/en/products/brands/smartwool/footwear/deals) where $2 from each pair of Smartwool socks will go directly to CPAWS. 

The mission of [Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/protect-our-winters-canada) is to turn outdoor enthusiasts into climate advocates. They lead a national community of professional athletes, forward-thinking industry leaders and outdoor enthusiasts to advocate for **systemic policy solutions to climate change** with 13 chapters nationwide.  

MEC is proud to be a founding partner of POW Canada. One of our favourite annual events is the **Season Opener**, which, **in partnership with Arc’teryx**, we host at MEC locations across Canada. If you missed out on tickets this year, stay tuned for all the highlights and stories from this year’s event — we’ll have a recap coming for you. That said, we do have one spoiler we’re pumped to share with our community: this year’s Season Opener events **raised over $43,300** in support of POW’s climate action plan—that's huge!  

If you want to get involved or learn more about POW Canada and their fight for climate action, click below to check out their site. 

### All about MEC's Outdoor Impact program

CPAWS and POW Canada are part of a larger network of outdoor orgs that make up our MEC Outdoor Impact program, which includes [national partners](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/partnerships), like **Spirit North**, the **Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG)** and **Avalanche Canada**, as well as [local partners](https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/local-partners), like the **North Shore Mountain Bike Association**. We invest in groups that are actively working to break down barriers of access and increase equity in the outdoors. 

Through it all, our goal is to help:  

- **Teach** outdoor skills  
- **Protect** wild spaces  
- **Grow** the communities of people getting active outside  

Since 1987, we’ve contributed **over $48 million** (and counting) to Canadian outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives – and your support of MEC makes it all possible. If you’d like to learn more about our Outdoor Impact program or see how to get involved with one of our partners, then click below. 

A big thank you to CPAWS, POW Canada and our MEC community. Celebrating the ways we’ve shown up together in support of the planet this year.

Giving Tuesday: Showing up for our planet

Sometimes shopping for the perfect outdoors gift can feel like a scramble (minus the scenic views on the way up). There are so many activities and gear picks that it can feel overwhelming, and balancing your budget with finding the perfect gift can really get your heart rate up—anyone else feel like they need to shed a layer already? 

Luckily, we’ve got a little gift giving shortcut for you, a foolproof route to finding gifts for campers, runners, snow lovers and everyone else on your list that are guaranteed to spark adventures and unlock more memories outside. 

## How to choose the right outdoors gift 
To you, it’s a camp mug, merino hiking socks or a fleece sweater. To them, it’s morning coffee in the Rockies, miles of memories on the Bruce Trail and cozy evenings by the woodstove after a bluebird ski day. A great outdoors gift can spark countless adventures, check out our tips below to help point you in the right direction. 

1. Find their favourite activities 
Are you shopping for your belay buddy, a dawn patrol powder fiend or an ultralight thru-hiker? Understanding their passions or knowing what activities they’re interested in trying is key to finding a rad outdoors gift, but sometimes it’s a little less obvious. If your dad is a certified ski bum, he might like a pair of [MEC Hut Booties](/product/5055-859/mec-hut-booties-unisex?colour=Vintage+Blue%2FDeep+Navy) for that post-ski-boot feeling. If your roommate is just getting into bouldering, then a [chalk bag](/product/5050-925/mec-edge-chalk-bag-unisex) or [hang board](/product/5060-581/metolius-wood-grips-deluxe-ii-hangboard?colour=NO_COLOUR) could be just what their gear closet needs. If you want to keep things under wraps (pun intended), we suggest checking out their social media to see what they’re into, but if you want to take the direct approach, just ask them! 

2. Consider the conditions  
Are they year-round hikers or do they stick to summer? Are they snow lovers or is Send-tember their season? Performance is key, which means you’ve got to consider the environment and conditions where they’ll be using their gifted gear. For example, road runners and trail runners have different demands for their gear based on terrain, so make sure you get specific. *Hint:* if you’re not sure what performance needs their activity requires, our MEC staffers have all the know-how (and they love talking gear). 

3. Know their experience level 
Skiers who are earning their turns on resort groomers won’t need ski skins or split boards for hiking up in the backcountry, the same way ultralight thru-hikers will want technical, lightweight gear – so that cast iron pan might be better suited for a campground chef, instead of your partner’s plans for the PCT. 

4. Choose from practical vs. novelty  
We’re all about outdoors gifts that delight ([Chalktopus](/product/6023-123/midnight-lightning-chalktopus) anyone?), but when it comes to the outdoors, often the most practical gifts spark the best adventures. To you, socks, camp mugs and hey, even tents, can sometimes feel like a boring gift, but unwrapped in the right hands, they become miles of comfy hiking trails, a hot chocolate up at the cabin or the number one spot to hang their headlamp on a starry Algonquin night. 

5. Make it personal 
Is there a trip you want to take together? Winter rock climbing in Utah with your belay partner , a family camping trip in Garibaldi, hiking the Bruce Trail – the right outdoors gift could be the adventure-fuel you’ve been looking for. If you want to add a personal touch, you can always get something engraved or gift a gear piece that reminds you of a shared memory, past trips taken together or a favourite type-2- fun campfire story. 

6. Go with a gift card 
Letting them [choose their own adventure](/product/5027-227?colour=Waves%7CVagues) is an underrated gift and perfect for far away gifting. Besides, what’s more fun than picking out gear for your next mission? Pro tip: go with them and make a day of it. The fun doesn’t have to start at the trailhead, sometimes the adventure kicks off in the camp section picking out [freeze-dried Pad Thai]/product/5053-600/happy-yak-vegetable-and-peanut-pad-thai?colour=NO_COLOUR) together.  

**TL;DR:** Shop by outdoor activity, consider what adventures they are looking forward to and if you’re stumped, [head to your local MEC store](/stores) and ask a staffer. 

## Best outdoors gifts by activity  
Our top gift picks for campers, cyclists, runners, skiers and more.  These picks make our best-sellers list every year and they camp out at the top of wish lists everywhere. Fun, practical, newly released or favourites from top brands—each of these picks have their own claim to fame. 

## Best gifts for campers and hikers 

[MEC Hut Booties](/product/5055-859/mec-hut-booties-unisex?colour=Vintage+Blue%2FDeep+Navy)
Like sleeping bags for your feet, these are perfect for some post-hiking-boot bliss. 

[Black Diamond Moji Lantern](/product/6017-045/black-diamond-moji-lantern?colour=Octane) 
Small enough to fit in your pocket and still give your tent or picnic table plenty of light. 

[MEC Ultra Lite Chair](/product/6018-577/mec-ultra-lite-chair?colour=Alpine+Green)
Comfort for backcountry and campground hangouts alike. 

[Jetboil Flash Cooking System 2.0](/product/5057-344/jetboil-flash-cooking-system-20?colour=Fractile)
Boiling water in about 100 seconds – this is a game-changer. 

[Garmin inReach Mini 2](/product/5057-344/jetboil-flash-cooking-system-20?colour=Fractile)
No cell service? No problem. Stay connected while they roam. 

[Hydrapak Seeker Water Container 2L](/product/6013-959/hydrapak-seeker-water-container-2l?colour=Sutro+Green) 
Packs down to almost palm-sized for paddling tours and road trips. 

[MEC Vista 28L Pack](/product/6026-658/mec-vista-28l-pack-unisex?colour=Black)
A durable workhorse for day hikes and commutes.

## Best gifts for cyclists 

[MEC 10-in-1 Folding Tool](/product/6024-336/mec-10-in-1-folding-tool?colour=Silver)
For that friend whose garage doubles as a bike shop. 

[Muc-Off Bike Care Essentials Kit](/product/6018-233/muc-off-bike-care-essentials-kit?colour=NO_COLOUR)
To keep their bike looking and riding in tip-top shape. 

[DeFeet Aireator 6in Taco Socks](/product/6027-181/defeet-aireator-6in-taco-socks-unisex?colour=Avocado+Green)
If they have a post-ride taco spot, this is for them. 

[MEC Provincial Saddle Pack](/product/6026-429/mec-provincial-saddle-pack?colour=Cast+Iron)
For bikepackers and steel cowboys who put your camper van’s mileage to shame. 

## Best gifts for runners 

[Hoka Bondi 8 Road Running Shoes](/product/6020-024/hoka-bondi-8-road-running-shoes-womens?colour=Black%2FBlack)
For when the training cycle swaps roots and rocks for rolling pavement. 

[Salomon Active Skin 4 Set Pack](/product/6028-810/salomon-active-skin-4-set-pack-unisex?colour=Red+Dalhia%2FHighRisk+Red)
If they use the 3D map on Strava, they probably need one of these.  

[Salomon Soft Flask 500ml XA Filter](/product/6028-810/salomon-active-skin-4-set-pack-unisex?colour=Red+Dalhia%2FHighRisk+Red)
Help them filter on the go and carry less water on races and ultras. 

## Best gifts for snow lovers

[Smith Squad Goggles](/product/5055-595/smith-squad-goggles-unisex?colour=White+Vapor%2FChromapop+Eve)
A rimless design for a massive view. 

[G3 Tension Strap](/product/5061-116/g3-tension-strap?colour=Universal+Red)
Holds skis together for the skin up even in deep-freeze temps. 

[GoggleSoc Goggles Cover](/product/6004-578/gogglesoc-goggles-cover?colour=POW+21)
Protects ski goggles and comes in a flurry of patterns.  

[Black Crows Meta Ski Poles](/product/6026-349/black-crows-meta-ski-poles-unisex?colour=Orange%2FWhite)
Lightweight in tons of colours for spotting in deep pow. 

## Looking for more outdoors gift ideas? 
Explore mountains of gift ideas in our **MEC Holiday Catalogue.** It’s chock-full of inspired gear picks to help you spark a lifetime of adventures. 

How to find the best outdoors gift for everyone on your list. Mountains of gift ideas for campers, skiers, nature lovers and more.

Gift the outdoors. Spark adventures.

The ultimate outdoors gift guide

 As we celebrate a decade of partnership with Fair Trade USA™, we’re proud of the progress we've made together. Over the past 10 years, MEC has been committed to building a more equitable, fair, and sustainable future, improving working conditions across our supply chain. This milestone is a chance to reflect on how our partnership with Fair Trade USA™ has transformed not just our sourcing practices but the lives of the workers who make MEC products.   

### Fair Trade at MEC: a growing commitment  

Our commitment to Fair Trade continues to evolve. From MEC label clothing to hard goods, we've integrated Fair Trade into more areas of our supply chain. This helps us stay responsive to our suppliers' needs while encouraging them to improve their practices. We're also expanding our Fair Trade offerings—both through our MEC Label and other socially conscious brands.   

### Impact beyond borders  

Navigating global sourcing means dealing with different labour laws and cultural norms, which can create challenges. Certain groups—women, young adults, and migrant workers—often face extra barriers to equal opportunity. That’s where Fair Trade makes a difference.  

Through Fair Trade Worker Committees, elected representatives from certified factories have a voice in deciding how Fair Trade premiums (extra amount paid to the worker’s fund on each product MEC sources from the Fair Trade certified™ factory) are used. These committees ensure that all workers have their say, whether it's for healthcare, education, community programs, or workplace safety improvements.  

The program also focuses on building skills. Training in financial literacy and skill development helps workers and their families improve their livelihoods, creating lasting change in their communities.   

### Looking ahead  

As we plan for the next decade, we’re focused on partnering with suppliers who share our commitment to ethical production. Both in our MEC Label products and in the brands and gear we sell, we continue to work towards expanding our commitment to Fair Trade. 

Shop MEC Fair Trade Certified products [here](/en/products?facets.Product%20sustainability=Certified%20Fair%20Trade%20Product).  

We’re excited to continue driving positive change in our supply chain and the broader industry. MEC remains committed to social responsibility and inspiring others to join the movement for responsible and ethical practices.  

For annual updates on how MEC is tracking, check out our latest [sustainability progress report](/en/explore/sustainability-progress). 

Learn about Fair Trade at MEC as we look back on the progress we made.

10 Years of Fair Trade at MEC: Reflecting on our Journey 

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the hidden features of the gear we sell: chemistry.  

When you’re shopping for outdoor gear, most of us look at cool features you can see – taped seams, cleverly placed pockets, reflective materials. But we’re uncovering the behind the scenes of the stuff you *don’t see*, like the vats of swirling dyes or chemistry that makes your gear waterproof. 

### Wait – what does chemistry have to do with outdoor gear?  

If you’re looking for products that aren’t made with any chemicals, you’ll likely have a hard time. Even most natural fabrics require chemistry. Dyes, water repellents, stain release agents – it’s all chemistry. Most of us don’t think about it since we don’t see it. 

### What’s the problem with chemistry?  

Not all chemistry is bad -- chemistry can underpin the technical innovations in products and materials that we love. Some chemicals, however, also have negative consequences on human health and the environment.  

What’s surprising to most people is that only a tiny portion of the chemicals used to make a material – about 10% – end up in the final product. The majority are used in processes along the way, like anti-foaming agents to help make sure dyes aren’t patchy. These chemicals can end up harming the environment (e.g. emissions, waste materials or wastewater) or hurting people who are working with them (e.g. carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, harsh reproductive toxins) if they are not managed responsibly. 

Global supply chains are extremely complex, and managing chemistry at every step of the way is a tall task. So at MEC, we look to the experts and work with companies like bluesign® to help us out.

### How does bluesign® help? 

Bluesign® is a company that works on chemical management with players across each step of the supply chain. They work with brands (like MEC Label), fabric mills, and chemical suppliers, with the goal of creating and using the best chemistry possible. 

Good chemistry means that: 

- Toxins aren’t released into air, water or on land 

- People aren’t harmed by chemicals they’re handling 

- There’s a lower environmental impact, since less water, energy and actual chemicals need to be used 

Bluesign® aims to cut out harmful chemicals before the manufacturing processes even start. One way to look at bluesign® is through the analogy of baking cookies for someone with a nut allergy – bluesign® would make sure nuts weren’t in the raw ingredients, or in the kitchen, and label it “nut-free,” instead of leaving it to us to test a baked cookie to see what’s inside. 

Bluesign® focuses on the inputs for textile processing: they audit the bluesign® certified sites (or facilities) for the raw materials, chemicals and energy going in and the waste, water and air emissions going out, which helps to reduce environmental impacts and improve the health and safety of workers.  

### What can MEC members do about all this? 

Good news: your choices have an impact. We recognize that no individual, organization or brand is perfect (including MEC), but individual actions are a great place to start.  

Products with [bluesign®-approved materials](/en/products/collections/promotions/bluesign) are a great way to know the fabric in that product is safe and free from the most harmful substances and had a direct positive impact on the people who made the item and their local environment. 

MEC Blog

Canadian brands we love at MEC

Going for it: Breaking barriers in ice climbing

Season Opener 2024 recap: POWerful speakers, epic films and so much more

Winter camping tips from the Coast Mountains

Giving Tuesday: Showing up for our planet

The ultimate outdoors gift guide

10 Years of Fair Trade at MEC: Reflecting on our Journey

Bluesign® spotlight at MEC

10 Years of Fair Trade at MEC: Reflecting on our Journey 