Travel and places

Stories

Skills and tips

Gear

Community news

Activities

Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

*Whether you like to pull on plastic or daydream about dry rock, part of what makes bouldering rad is the minimal gear requirements. We checked with Alannah Yip [(bio here)](https://olympic.ca/team-canada/alannah-yip/), Canadian Climbing Team member and MEC Ambassador, for her favourite gear picks for the gym or the crag:*

## Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes


These [Scarpa Crux approach shoes](/en/product/5057-422/Crux-Approach-Shoes) are comfy and have Vibram rubber on the sole. That means you never have to worry about slipping when you’re scrambling up/over/around/below rocks searching for that climb the guidebook *definitely* said was around here somewhere…

*(Looking for the men’s version? The *[*men’s Scarpa Crux Shoes*](/en/product/5057-420/Crux-Approach-Shoes)* exist too.)*

## Scarpa Instinct VSR Rock Shoes


I like climbing outside in the [Scarpa Instinct](/en/product/5031-386/instinct-vs-rock-shoes) because of the stiffness and their amazing heel and toe hooking abilities. And when in Squamish, this is of great importance.

## Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush


If you want a *serious* brush, the Sumi Boar’s Hair Brush is the best one out there. With one thick end and one thinner, angled end, you can reach every nook, cranny and nubbin on those crux holds on your proj.

## Flashed Tool Bag Chalk Bucket


A [simple bouldering bag](/en/products/climbing/bouldering/chalk-and-chalk-bags/chalk-bags/c/955) that holds an entire 312g bag of Flashed chalk, plus a few brushes. What more do you need?



In my opinion, this is the best chalk on the market. It has no additives and won’t break the bank.

## Flashed Podium Chalk


This is my [favourite liquid chalk](/en/product/5059-719/Podium-Chalk) ever because it stays on and dries out my sweaty fingers for the longest period of time, hands down.

## Flashed Drifter Pad


I love the [Flashed Drifter Pad](/en/product/6005-092/drifter-pad---plain) because it’s small, light and easy to pack up when you’re moving between boulders, yet still heavy duty enough to keep you safe on your project.

## Picky Bars Smooth Caffeinator Energy Bar


I’m a terror when I’m hangry so I always bring snacks out climbing. The [Naak Caramel Macchiato Caffeine Energy Bar](/en/product/6023-234/caramel-macchiato-caffeine-energy-bar?colour=NO_COLOUR) is one of my favourite energy bars ever because it’s delicious (coffee, chocolate, hazelnuts!) and doesn’t weigh you down like other popular energy bars. It also has a stellar ingredient list so you feel good about what you’re eating.



Sometimes I struggle to stay warm when I’m out bouldering because of the long breaks between attempts. A packable warm jacket is easy to throw on over top of my climbing top and keeps me nice and toasty – I love the new [Uplink Hoodie](/en/product/6018-086/uplink-hooded-jacket), it’s warm, light and packable.

## Nalgene Wide-Mouth Water Bottle


I don’t know about you, but I climb better when I’m hydrated properly. This [Nalgene water bottle](/en/product/6020-229/nalgene-sustain-wide-mouth-water-bottle-1l) holds 1L of liquid and is the perfect size for a day outside.



## Related articles
- [15 things I wish I knew before I started climbing](/en/article/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-climbing)
- [How to choose climbing shoes](/en/explore/choose-your-climbing-shoes)
- [The gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en)



You don’t need much gear, but you do need a few basics (so choose wisely). Alannah Yip shares her favourites for the gym and the crag.

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials | MEC Blog

Gear I love: a Canadian climbing champ’s bouldering essentials

Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find the sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake. If wheels are more your jam, we’ve got new bike stuff landing, alongside burly alpine layers and gear made for speed.

Dig in to our latest picks:

## Aerobie Squidgie Disc


What’s a trip to the beach without a floating plastic disc? The Squidgie’s aerodynamic design makes for easy throwing and pinpoint accuracy no matter your skill level.



BarCountry dehydrated cocktails distill your favourite mixed drinks into compact, easy-to-carry packets. To make any hour Happy Hour, just add water and a measure of your favourite bourbon, mix and enjoy. Each waterproof pouch has a fill line, making it easy to add the perfect amount of water.

Comes in Cherry Infused Old-fashioned, Coconut-Lime Margarita and Pickled Caesar mixes.



There’s no height restriction when it comes to crushing it. In a world with kid-sized carbon race bikes, the Radar EV XS Sunglasses make sure the quality of their optics matches the level of their ride.



Looking for a pair of burly active pants? The Ferrata Pants take you through 4 seasons of climbing, touring and mountaineering. Warmth coupled with wind resistance is a winning combo for long days at the mercy of Mother Nature. Tons of technical features like stretch, articulated knees and an integrated webbing belt help you push further up the skin track or ascend a particularity challenging ridge.



This technical midlayer is lightweight and breathable enough for alpine terrain. Low-loft fleece provides a good level of insulation for ticking your way up a pitch, and its smooth outside slides easily under outer layers when the temperature drops or it’s time to ski down.



## Fathom Varadero Mask with Dry Snorkel


Dive and return to the surface without taking in water. This combo lets you venture deep below the surface. It’s easy to equalize and offers a great field of view. Any water that does enter can be purged through the mouthpiece valve.



Super light, super fast. These sleek racing flats stay true to the road warriors who fell in love with the originals. Secure fit, stable chassis and REVlite midsole let you eat up the road that stretches out ahead. Great for races and fast training runs.



## 808 Audio Earcanz Bluetooth Headphones


Streamlined Bluetooth headphones that bring big sound from a small package, whether you’re listening to music or taking calls.

- Up to 3 hours of music or talk time on a single charge.
- Integrated button lets you answer calls and control your music.
- 3 different sizes of ear pads and ear fins let you find the perfect fit.



## Race Face Turbine R 457/150 Dropper Post


Built on the same platform as the FOX Transfer dropper, with the aesthetics that matches the rest of your Race Face R series build. This dropper post blends a cable-actuated post’s ease of maintenance with the responsiveness and reliability of a hydraulic post. 150mm of travel, and post length is 457mm.



A premium 29er, and in fact, one of the finest 29ers available anywhere in the world. Detailed and engineered for XC excellence, the Primer’s hyperlight carbon frame and top-tier Pro Build components deliver a ride that’s competent, flickable and fully race-ready.

- i-BOX Pivot System allows for compact seatstays and a shortened wheelbase for a remarkably nimble and efficient ride.
- Buttery RockShox Pike RCT3 fork and Monarch RT3 rear shock both feature multiple travel positions for a dialled ride on any terrain.
- 1×12 SRAM X01 Eagle groupset, with GX shifter, leverages a massive 10-50 cassette.



## Outdoor Technology Calamari 3-in-1 Charging Cable


The Calamari bundles the 3 most-used charging tips into a single cable, meaning you no longer need to carry a nest of wires with you everywhere you go. Includes Apple’s Lightning tip, a USB-C tip and a micro-USB tip.



Carry your cooler on your back and free your hands to help you scramble. A seriously rugged semi-soft backpack cooler, the Hopper BackFlip is designed to hold up to 20 355ml cans and enough ice to keep your beverages cold.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a wetsuit](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-wetsuit)
- [2018 Intense bike lineup: A run down](https://www.mec.ca/en)
- [Gift ideas for people who love cabins and cottages](/en/article/gifts-for-people-who-love-cabins-and-cottages)



Weekends hanging out at the cabin or cottage are about to get more fun, thanks to Yeti cooler backpacks, dehydrated cocktail mix, and snorkels to help you find sunglasses that someone inevitably drops in the lake.

What’s new this week | MEC Blog

What's new this week

*When we learned the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus watch was first popping up in Canada at MEC, we wanted to get in on the wrist of someone who knows serious watches and logs serious kilometres outside ASAP. Enter: MEC Ambassador Nick Elson. We sent him out with freshly unpacked Garmin Fenix 5X to try it on some outdoor test runs.*

The Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire is Garmin’s latest top-of-the-line sport and outdoor oriented GPS watch (and retails for $1100). I’ve used four previous iterations of the Fenix series, so I was excited to test the 5X Plus and see how it compared. In this short overview, I’ve tried to focus on the watch’s distinguishing or new characteristics instead of covering every nuance or feature in detail.

## First up: the basics


As you’d expect, the Fenix 5X Plus allows you to record your outdoor activities. You can do this by using either the pre-programmed sport modes or by customizing your own modes so that you see exactly the data that you want during your activity. The watch includes a new GPS chipset and support for Galileo, which Garmin says will result in improved accuracy. I was generally happy with the tracks that I recorded; when I was in the forest next to cliffs I had some typical GPS glitches since there wasn’t a clear view of the sky and satellites.

Like many of Garmin’s watches, it includes activity tracking that will count your steps as well as things such as sleep and resting heart rate (through the optical heart rate monitor). It’ll also connect with your phone to give you notifications via Bluetooth, which allows you to surreptitiously glance down at your watch to see who liked your Facebook post when you should probably be paying attention to something else.

Finally, the watch has an impressive 32 hours of battery life while recording in 1-second GPS mode. If – heaven forbid – you’re planning to be moving for longer than that, then you can sacrifice some GPS accuracy and get up to 85 hours in UltraTrack mode.

## Maps and navigation


The Fenix 5 Plus series include full-colour maps. I think these maps and the navigation features that they enable are really the primary reason to buy one of these watches.

Not surprisingly, using the maps is a little different on a watch than on a full-sized GPS unit or a smartphone. However, once you get accustomed to toggling in and out and up and down using the watch’s buttons, they function much as you would expect from a larger device. Overall, the included maps work well and I found I could quickly glance down at the watch to orient myself to the terrain or to check which way to go if I came to a fork in an unfamiliar trail.

Because the maps contain roads and trails, the watch can actually create routes for you to follow. You put in the distance and direction that you want to go or choose a destination and, using data from other Garmin users, the watch will provide suggested courses that you can then select and follow. When I experimented with this around Squamish, BC, it tended to point me toward roads for route options (instead of trails). Knowing that, this feature could come in handy if you find yourself in an unfamiliar place; if you’re hunting for a specific route along certain trails, though, nothing beats your own route research before you head out the door.

If you’re following a course on the watch, the ClimbPro feature kicks in on the uphills to tell you stats specific to the climb that you’re on – things like how big it is and how far you are from the top. This info could be nice to know, especially during a race.



## Music
The Fenix 5X Plus has the ability to play music via Bluetooth. With a full set of maps installed, I found that I had about 9GB of space on the watch, which was plenty of room to store many hours worth of podcasts or bad pop music.

I was initially somewhat skeptical about this feature. I don’t listen to music that often and when I do, my phone seems to work perfectly fine. However, I did come to appreciate it on days where I felt like listening to music on a short run without having to worry about carrying my phone. To load audio files onto the watch, you need to plug it into your computer, so that process takes some time.



## PulseOx
One of the distinguishing features of the 5X Plus is the addition of a PulseOx function that uses a small red light to measure your blood oxygen saturation (SO2). This reading provides a piece of data not available from any other watch. But what I wanted to know is: is it useful data?

I’ve done previous expeditions at higher altitudes, and I didn’t know anything about my SO2 on those trips. To learn more about SO2, I reached out to my friend Eric, who’s currently a PhD candidate studying the effects of altitude on athletic performance. He confirmed that while SO2 does change as you go to higher altitudes, it’s also important to know that it’s highly individual and is far from a simple measure of whether or not you’re acclimatized – and listening to your body is an accurate indication of how well you’re adjusting.

For those planning to go on high-altitude expeditions, measuring your SO2 will give you some numbers to compare with how you’re feeling (and also give you an interesting diversion if you remain stuck in your tent for days on end).

## Other features
Other notable features on the Fenix 5X Plus include the ability to display live Strava segments, measure heart rate variability, and software that will predict your race times and VO2 Max. It will also connect to third-party sensors including cycling power meters and the new [Garmin inReach Mini 2](/en/product/6021-964/inreach-mini-2?colour=Black).

The Fenix 5X Plus watch also has Garmin Pay, which allows for contactless payments through the same technology that you would use to tap your credit card. (At the time of writing, there are no Canadian banks signed on to apply this technology here yet.)

## Other things to know


The Fenix 5X Plus is quite likely the most technologically advanced sport-oriented GPS watch currently on the market – it’s essentially an elegant and rugged wrist-based computer. Although I found the interface to be quite intuitive, it is a complex tool and there are lots of innovative features and functions that take a bit of time to figure out.

Like a lot of high-tech watches out there, the Fenix 5X Plus is a big, solid watch and may feel on the large side for some people. If you’re looking for a smaller package, its close cousin – the [Fenix 5S Plus](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-running-and-fitness-electronics/gps-training-watches/c/1155?text=garmin+fenix+5s&org_text=garmin+fenix+5s) – has many of the same features, minus PulseOx and with a slightly shorter battery life. The [Garmin 245 Music](/en/product/6005-021/forerunner-245-music?colour=Black) is another lighterweight option that I use for my day-to-day running.

## Who will love this watch?
With all this in mind, I’d recommend this watch to anyone who enjoys experimenting with the latest technology. It’s a lot of watch – if you’re someone who wants to take advantage of all the advanced features, and is a serious outdoor user looking for the latest and greatest in GPS watches, the [Fenix 5X Plus](/en/product/5060-916/Fenix-5X-Plus-Sapphire) is an excellent choice.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who just wants to pull a watch out of its box, press a single button and don’t want to dig into details, there are lots of other [watch options](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/c/1153?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=garmin) with a set of simple features – the nice thing about watches and activity trackers is that you can choose how deep into data and tech you want to be.



## Related articles
- [What’s the best running watch for you?](/en/article/whats-the-best-running-watch-for-you)
- [19 Canadian trail races to add to your bucket list](/en/article/19-canadian-trail-races-to-add-to-your-bucket-list)
- [How to do anything: master interval training](/en/article/how-to-do-anything-master-interval-training)



Outdoor athlete and MEC Ambassador Nick Elson takes Garmin’s latest watch for a spin

Test run: Overview of the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire | MEC Blog

Test run: Overview of the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire

Waking up to the call of the loon, jumping into clear waters, falling asleep under starry skies. You shouldn’t have to be a city escape artist to get out of Toronto and into Ontario’s wild.

No car? No problem. With MEC’s partner [Parkbus](https://www.parkbus.ca/), you and your friends can explore and experience 9 of the most scenic spots the province has to offer. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

> “We’ve had so many Parkbus passengers who started as strangers and then quickly became friends after a full day of hiking and spending time outside together. We suggest you say hello and connect with others on board.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 1. Algonquin Provincial Park
People travel from all over the world to experience Algonquin’s lakes, rivers and wildlife. If you have an adventure bucket list, this park is probably on it. But how will you get there? What about the canoe? When will you get back? Parkbus has 6 different stops along Highway 60 that connect you directly with campgrounds, lodging, canoe rentals and launch points. They’ll even pick you up from the park on Sunday – now that’s full service!

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Algonquin trips](https://www.parkbus.ca/algonquin)



> “There are so many lakes in Algonquin Park – it feels endless! It’s also bigger than Luxembourg, Bahrain and many other countries.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 2. Killarney Provincial Park
If you’ve ever tried to get to this stunning spot without a car (and with a canoe), you understand – it ain’t happening. Enter Parkbus, stage right. Known for turquoise waters and white quartzite cliffs, this park is one where you’ll want to pack your camera along with your backpack or dry bags. If you’re interested in exploring this provincial park, you can get from Toronto directly to the lake, outfitter, town or campground. An awesome weekend mini-adventure.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Killarney trips](https://www.parkbus.ca/killarney)



Media Not Found

## 3. Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Looking for a white sand beach weekend getaway? Book a Parkbus, not a plane! This relaxing destination is quieter than some of its better-known counterparts, but equally as brilliant. Experience the quintessential Canadian Shield by boat or by boots right from the Grundy Lake campground. Starry night skies await.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Grundy Lake trips](https://www.parkbus.ca/grundy)



## 4. Bruce Peninsula
Dramatic limestone cliffs, vast turquoise waters, ancient cedars and rare reptiles. What more could you ask for? In this national park, there are loads of options for hiking, exploring, camping, and lodging. Let Parkbus deliver you to this serene and scenic Ontario gem.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Bruce Peninsula trips](https://www.parkbus.ca/bruce)



> “People are always amazed at how clear and crisp the water is in Bruce National Park.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 5. Georgian Bay Islands
No planes, trains or automobiles in this trip itinerary, but you will need to board a ferry. Once Parkbus drops you off at Honey Harbour, you can take a shuttle to Beausoleil Island where you’ll find campsites, hiking, mountain biking trails (plus rentals) and beaches galore. 30,000 islands is a lot of islands, so you’ve got a full weekend of exploring ahead.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Georgian Bay Islands](https://www.parkbus.ca/gbi)

## 6. Rockwood Conservation Area
Sneak off on a day trip to nature just an hour away via Parkbus. What to look forward to: canoeing on the lake (rentals are on-site), cliffs and ruins for photo opps, and hiking trails to get your feet off the sidewalk and on the trail. Pack a picnic lunch along to chill out on the beach and under the clouds.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Rockwood daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/rockwood)

> “One thing people are always surprised about in Elora, Rockwood and Kelso is how close the natural world is to Toronto.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 7. Elora Gorge
Bring your bathing suit and water shoes when you head to Elora Gorge on a day trip. There’s tubing down the Grand River and swimming at the Elora Quarry, about a 20-minute walk from the Elora town Parkbus drop-off point. Prefer dry land? You can also stretch your legs on short walking trails and soak in “gorge” views.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Elora Gorge daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/elora)



## 8. Christie Lake and Hamilton waterfalls region
Waterfalls: worth the chase. On summer weekends, the region around Webster Falls, Tews Falls and Dundas Peak is a popular place to visit thanks to its awesome scenery. “The great thing about this destination,” say Alex and Boris, “Is that while you can visit very popular waterfalls at Spencer Gorge, you can also find solitude and explore trails and waters of Christie Lake, which is connected to Spencer Gorge by a free park shuttle.”

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Christie Lake daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/christielake)



You could spend all summer scoping out hiking and camping from your homebase of Toronto, and you don’t need your own car to make it happen. Wherever you head out, make sure you’re prepared:

## Tips before you go
- If you’re not sure where to begin, or hesitant to go on your own, look into [Parkbus ActiveDays programming](https://parkbus.ca/activedays) for group outings, where you spend the day exploring together (and meeting new people).
- If you’re new to hiking, check out a [hiking or camping workshop](https://events.mec.ca/find-an-event?activity%5B%5D=40&type%5B%5D=13&city=%22Toronto%22+%22North+York%22&store=%22Toronto%22+%22North+York%22) to learn the essentials.
- Stay safe and be prepared. Check out the weather before you leave, tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan to return, and bring first aid supplies and proper clothing. For more tips, check out [day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners) and [how to plan for overnight hikes](/en/explore/planning-for-overnight-hikes).
- Tip: For overnight destinations, print your ticket. Phone batteries can run out and you may want a printed copy handy.



## Related articles
- [Hidden gems: 6 awesome campsites in Ontario](/en/article/hidden-gems-6-awesome-ontario-campsites)
- [Your guide to canoe trips in Algonquin Park](/en/article/your-guide-to-canoe-trips-in-algonquin-park)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)



No car? No problem. See where to get into nature from the city, no personal vehicle needed.

9 sweet spots to hike, canoe and camp from Toronto without a car | MEC Blog

8 sweet spots to hike, canoe and camp from Toronto without a car

The verdict’s in (and it’s a good one): you don’t need a car to experience some of BC’s best parks and trails. Thanks to MEC’s partners at [Parkbus](https://www.parkbus.ca/) – a service that connects Canadians with national and provincial parks – and transit options, getting out of Vancouver and into nature has never been easier, even if you’re car-free. Which means the only question left is: where to this weekend?

> “If it’s your first time using Parkbus, look through our site to figure out which destination is right for you. Are you an experienced hiker? Or maybe you’re just looking for an easy daytrip to relax and take a small break from city life?” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 1. Alice Lake Provincial Park
Located in the Squamish region just off the Sea-to-Sky Highway is this swimming, floating, camping and all-round good times park. In summer, Alice Lake Provincial Park is a popular spot for Vancouverites who want to enjoy nice weather – so why not head out for a daytrip with Parkbus? The Four Lakes Trail is a relaxing 6km path that loops around Edith Lake, Fawn Lake and Stump Lake, and will have you work up just enough of a sweat for the cool waters of Alice Lake to seem inviting.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Alice Lake daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/alicelake)



## 2. Bowen Island
If you want a break from the mainland, Bowen Island is a natural playground just a short bus and ferry ride away. Once you land at Snug Cove, you’ll find a couple of hiking trails within reach. Killarney Lake loop is nice for beginner hikers, as it’s a short walk from the ferry terminal and about 10km in total around the lake and back.

If you’re more experienced and want a challenge, the hiking trail up Mount Gardner is a full-day option. The view from the top offers a whole different perspective of Howe Sound, the Sunshine Coast, West Vancouver and Burrard Inlet, all in one.

**How to get there**: Jump on the [257 Translink bus](https://nb.translink.ca/text/route/257/direction/WEST) from downtown Vancouver heading west to Horseshoe Bay. The [ferry to Snug Cove](https://www.bcferries.com/schedules/mainland/biva-current.php) costs $10.45 for foot passengers, and has a super short crossing time of only 20 minutes.



## 3. Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief
Hiking the Chief is no walk in the park, but this ever-popular ascent offers incredible panorama views of the Squamish Valley, with just a few hours of uphill effort. If you’re looking for an easy scenic picnic spot, spend the afternoon at Shannon Falls. The base of the falls is just a short stroll from the parking lot.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Stawamus Chief/Shannon Falls daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/shannonchief)



> “One thing people are always surprised about by Shannon Falls and Stawamus Chief is that you can hike from one to the other along the connector trail – you can visit two parks in one day!” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 4. Cypress Provincial Park
Cypress Park: so close to the city, but unless you have a car, so far… until now. Hop aboard Parkbus for a daytrip to hiking trails, refreshing lakes and bigtime viewpoints. Bowen Lookout, St. Mark’s Summit, Cabin Lake and Eagle Bluffs are a few of the dayhike options. Be ready for a workout – there are steep sections – and make sure you’ve got your route planned and know the conditions, since backcountry access is close.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Cypress Park daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/cypress)



> “There are so many places from Vancouver worth exploring, but if we had to pick an easy and beautiful daytrip it would be Cypress Provincial Park. It’s near the city, and offers plenty of hiking opportunities and stunning scenic views.” – Alex and Boris, Parkbus co-founders
>
## 5. Garibaldi Provincial Park
This challenging 18km round-trip to Garibaldi Lake rewards hikers some crazy alpine views (you may have seen it pop up in your Instagram feed). If you’re in good physical shape, you can do the full hike in one long day, but this isn’t a wise choice for new hikers or anyone slowly building up fitness. It’s a long climb with many switchbacks until you reach the payoff: Black Tusk above, lake scenery ahead, and remote wilderness all around.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Garibaldi daytrips](https://www.parkbus.ca/garibaldi)… make sure you’re ready before you sign up, as it’s a tough hike and you don’t want to miss the bus for its return back to the city.



## 6. Joffre Lakes Provincial Park
Well-loved for the 3 turquoise lakes along the trail – Lower, Middle and Upper Joffre lakes – this hike is a great way to experience the rugged alpine area north of Whistler. The trail to Upper Joffre Lake is 10km return, so it’s possible to tackle all 3 lakes in a single day.

Joffre is by far one of the most popular trails in the area, which means it’s extra important to follow the [principles of Leave No Trace](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly), and pack out everything that you bring into the park. “We’re working with BC Parks to make sure Parkbus is a positive force and part of the solution. One bus takes off up to 50 vehicles off the road, and Parkbus passengers are educated about Leave No Trace principles as well as safety info onboard the bus to help ensure they leave minimal negative impact in the park,” Alex and Boris from Parkbus shared.

**How to get there**: [Parkbus Joffre Lakes daytrip](https://www.parkbus.ca/joffre)



With so many destinations to choose from, don’t let the lack of a car discourage you from going on an adventure to the local mountains. As with any hike, it’s important to be prepared:

## Tips before you go
- If you’re not sure where to begin, or hesitant to go on your own, look into [Parkbus ActiveDays programming](https://parkbus.ca/activedays) for group outings, where you spend the day exploring together (and meeting new people).
- Stay safe and be prepared. Check out the weather before you leave, tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan to return, and bring first aid supplies and proper clothing. For more tips, check out [day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners).



## Related articles
- [Hidden gems: 6 awesome BC campsites](/en/article/hidden-gems-6-awesome-campsites-in-bc)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [How to pack a backpack](/en/explore/how-to-pack-a-backpack)



Thanks to Parkbus and transit, getting out of Vancouver and into the mountains without a car has never been easier.

Escape the city to these Vancouver trails, no car required | MEC Blog

6 Vancouver hikes that you can hit up without a car

Garmin fans: it’s in. Top billing on this week’s fresh sheet goes to the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire – and lots of other good stuff is landing too. Check out the latest, including a cooking pot that collapses flat to save space, Fjallraven Greenland Wax, the most fun your dog could ever have with recycled bike tubes, and more.

## Garmin Fenix 5X Plus Sapphire


Big news: if you’ve been waiting for this watch in Canada, it’s finally at MEC! Equipped with a larger battery and advanced heart rate technology, the 5X Plus is ready for your toughest races and training sessions. Some highlights:

- Improved Elevate™ optical heart rate monitor sensor lets you train without a chest strap and provides blood oxygen saturation level information.
- Includes Canadian map data, with room for more maps.
- Trendline™ routing uses Garmin Connect’s database of athletes’ routes and tracks to find the most popular way to get you where you’re going, letting you train like a local, wherever you are, on or off-road.
- Round-trip mapping: choose the distance you want, and the Fenix plots course options to take you out and back to where you started.
- Holds up to 500 songs. Download playlists via iHeartRadio or Deezer streaming services, or drag and drop MP3s from your computer through Garmin Express.
- … and a heap of other features.



The XPot pairs a durable and heat-efficient hard anodized aluminum base with a stepped silicone body to create a lightweight collapsible pot. Folding down to a mere 4cm thick, the Xpot 2.8 frees up valuable backpack real estate for more important items (like chocolate).



Keeps your drink at the temperature you want. Triple-insulated walls keeps drinks cold for up to 25h or hot for up to 12h, and won’t sweat on you. The wide-mouth opening accommodates most ice cubes.



Lights in 2 seconds and burns for up to 30 minutes, making them an ideal way to kickstart your campfire or BBQ. Waterproof design is perfect for your emergency kit or those camping trips where Mother Nature is in a foul mood.



Pants that will get you set for the (inevitable) soggy North Shore conditions a few months away. The seams are taped, the zippers won’t let water in and they’re cut for coverage as you ride. Best of all, the venting panel won’t make them feel like you’re wearing a garbage bag.



The Big Squeeze knife has an intuitive and easy to use sheath: simply reach for your knife, tighten your grip around the handle, and your knife is free. The blunt tip reduces the chances of puncturing yourself or your equipment.



What’s squeaky, super fun and made of recycled bike inner tubes? This awesome dog toy. Plus, it floats!



A Tour de France special edition pair of Look KeO Easy pedals (just in time for le Tour kicking off in July). A great choice for riders looking for a first pair of clipless pedals, or those looking for a simple pedal, they’re lightweight, easy to get in and out of, and feel stable.



Looking to boost the waterproofness of your Fjallraven G-1000 garments? Enter Greenland Wax. Rub it on, melt it in, and get ready to enjoy your favourite G-1000 jackets and pants, rain or shine.



## Related articles
- [Hiking with your dog](/en/explore/hiking-with-dogs)
- [Backpacking food and meal planning](/en/explore/backpacking-food-and-meal-planning)
- [Mountain biking gear checklist](/en/explore/mountain-biking-gear-checklist)



Big news! The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is here, along with dog toys made from recycled bike tubes, collapsible cooking pots, Tour de France pedals and lots more freshies.

*“I would be lying if I didn’t say I had a huge pit in my stomach as soon as I saw it,” MEC Ambassador Sarah Hart says about her first good look up North Howser Tower and the line ahead: All Along the Watchtower.*

*Watch the story of two climbing soul-sisters – Sarah Hart and Jenny Abegg – on their ascent of this mega route, and what it means to attempt a huge, remote summit in the Bugaboos together.*



MEC Ambassador Sarah Hart climbs huge, remote route in Bugaboos

*We followed up with Sarah to find out more about this route:*



**What was your state of mind going into this climb?**

Climbing on the west side of the North Howser Tower had been a goal I’d built a long-term plan around to prepare and get fit for. I had a lot of desire to climb this particular route. The west side of the Howser Tower in the Bugaboos feels like the Canadian version of Patagonia, and being back there feels like you’re really in the mountains, alone.



**How do you stay focused when you’re tired and still have tough pitches ahead?**

That’s why alpine climbing is so cool – I feel like the situations and positions that the sport puts us in forces us to have 100% focus. I actually don’t have to try very hard to be emotionally and mentally present. It happens naturally for me. I’ve been told in the past that mountain-Sarah is much more pragmatic and calculated than everyday-Sarah, who tends to be a little goofy with a “whatever-happens-happens” approach.



**What was going through your mind on the ridge?**

I was exhausted and pretty much just wanted to get to the top, and get off. Half the journey is getting up, but the other half is getting down safely and efficiently. There isn’t time or energy to waste on savouring it. It’s all business for Sarah-on-a-mountain-top.



**Any memorable behind the scenes moments?**

I sure do have a favourite off-the-camera moment. On the summit ridge, [filmers] Josh and Delano were well ahead of us because Josh has been on that ridge many times and knew where to go. Jenny and I had never been up there, so we were getting lost and wasting some time navigating the complex ridge. I rounded a corner at one point, very tired, and Josh and Delano were waiting for us all smiles. Josh had the camera out. I looked up at him and said totally straight-faced, “Now is not the time to film, Josh.” Ha! I think he was a little surprised at my directness. We definitely laughed about that one on the way back to Applebee.



**What were your most trusted pieces of gear on this climb?**



**MEC Light Obsession**: I never really took this jacket off. I’m a sweaty person when I’m moving, but this jacket, more than most others, breathes well. I definitely put it through its paces on this trip. **(If you’re looking for other breathable insulated layers, check out more [ultralight insulated jackets here](/en/products/clothing/jackets/insulated-jackets/c/270?filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=ultralight).)**

**MEC Alpinelite 32L Backpack**: There will never be another Genie Pack, but this sure gets pretty close. It’s super minimal but still a very comfortable pack that hauled well in the upper corner pitches.

[**Petzl Micro Traxion**](/en/product/5027-141/Micro-Traxion-Pulley): One of my most cherished and trusted pieces of gear, especially for long routes in the mountains. The versatility of the Micro Traxion makes it useful for so many scenarios: hauling, simul-climbing, rescue systems, etc.



## Related articles
- [Gear I love: one pro climber’s summer essentials](/en)
- [How to wash waterproof jacket or pants](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [Story: I did a 5-month ski traverse with my Mom](/en/article/i-did-a-5-month-ski-traverse-with-my-mum)



Watch the story of two climbing soul-sisters – Sarah Hart and Jenny Abegg – on their ascent All Along the Watchtower, and what it means to attempt this huge, remote route in the Bugaboos together.

Video: Climbing All Along the Watchtower | MEC Blog

Video: Climbing All Along the Watchtower

Looking for an adventure hat? Need portable power in your pocket or your cottage? The latest batch of products at MEC tick those boxes, plus plenty more. Check out what’s piqued our interest this week:

## Fenix HL40R Headlamp


With Fenix’s first rotary lens system, you can dial in the perfect beam, from flood to spot and everywhere in between. There are 7 brightness modes to choose from, including a reading mode. A boost mode of 600 lumens is great for scoping lines, or for helping you figure out what just made that noise outside your tent.



Toss your buddy a cold drink on day 3 of your epic adventure and reach instant legend status. From frontcountry to backcountry, this cooler can take it all. 40% lighter than similar-sized hard-sided rotomoulded coolers.



Tired of looking for a plug? The Sherpa 15 lets you keep an extra charge in your pocket. With USB-C and micro-USB tips, you can keep your must-have devices topped up for all-day adventures and long-haul flights. 4-level LED power indicator lets you know how much power you have left.



Made of old plastic bottles and wild rubber – each pair contains about 3 recycled plastic bottles. Veja is about minimalism and innovation, and operates on the principles of radical supply chain transparency, fair trade and ecologically sound practices.



With a solid resume of adventures behind it, the Tilley Hat is a Canadian icon, and the best-selling Airflo Hat is no exception.

- UPF 50+ protection shields your head when there’s no shade in sight.
- Broad brim and DWR finish keep you dry when storm clouds gather.
- Stealthy pocket in the crown holds extra cash or your passport for those times you don’t want to wear a money belt.



Known for its reliable and rugged power solutions, Goal Zero is a household, van-hold or yurt-hold name among off-grid adventurers. The Yeti 1000 lives up to expectations, using lightweight (vs lead-acid) lithium batteries to give you on-grid convenience no matter where you are.



Made from organic cotton and Tencel, the Rya V-Neck resists wrinkles and is a comfy option for your everyday routine.



ChromaPop® lenses deliver exceptional clarity, high contrast and dynamic colour optimization, making them great for challenging light conditions. Hydroleophobic lens coating helps protect the lenses from smudges/droplets and repels water, making them easier to clean.



## Related articles
- [How to choose a headlamp](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-headlamp)
- [Travel checklist](/en/explore/travel-checklist)
- [What’s new: last week’s edition](/en/article/whats-new-this-week-6)



Just in: Canadian-made Tilley hats, portable power, vegan sneaks, Pelican coolers and more. See what’s landing at MEC.