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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

[Parks Canada](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx) and MEC have been working together for over 10 years. As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations in 2011, Parks Canada (in partnership with MEC) launched the first Learn-to Camp events.

The [Learn-to Camp program](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc) connects first-time campers with the Canadian camping experience. Participants learn all kinds of outdoor skills, like how to set up a tent, use a camp stove, and safely light a campfire. The goal is to foster an appreciation for nature and set families up for a lifetime of camping memories.

Last summer, Learn-to Camp reached more than 110,000 people through overnight events and outreach activities. MEC and Parks Canada are pleased to present a few videos of the most popular Learn-to Camp topics.

## How to set up a tent
Tents are essential for any camping experience and come in all shapes and sizes. Follow these handy tips to make set-up a breeze:



How to set up a tent

Camping gear for your home away from home:

- [Tents](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tents/c/1449)
- [Sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410)
- [Sleeping pads and mats](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-pads/c/1416)
- [Camping pillows](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/camp-pillows/c/1408)

## How to start a campfire
Campfires are a great way to keep warm, cook food and set the mood for some camp games and sing-a-longs.



How to light a campfire

Find what you need to help your camp meals come to life:

- [Campfire and fire pit accessories](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/campfire-and-fire-pit-accessories/c/1796)
- [Fire starters, matches and lighters](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fire-starters-matches-and-lighters/c/1282)
- [Camp stoves and ovens](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/c/1835)

## How to set up a tarp
Wind, rain or sun? A tarp’s got you covered. Follow these tips to put one up at your campsite:



How to set up a tarp

Gear to keep sheltered:

- [Camping tarps](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tarps-and-light-shelters/c/1441)
- [Ropes and cord](/en/products/climbing/rock-climbing/ropes-cords-and-slings/static-ropes-and-cord/c/1394)
- [Bug nets and dining tents](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/bug-net-shelters/c/1442)



## Related articles
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Delicious s’mores recipes](/en/article/craft-smores-boost-your-camp-snack-game)



A few videos of the most popular Learn-to Camp topics.

Learn-to Camp with Parks Canada and MEC

E-bikes are game changers. They give you all the benefits of cycling, but with a bit of boost to tackle pesky things like hills on leisurely weekend rides or sweat-free trips around town.

Plus, owning an e-bike has the planet-friendly side effect of increasing the likelihood that you’ll reach for your helmet over your car keys. In a North American study of 1,800 new e-bike owners, 55% said they rode daily or weekly prior to owning an e-bike, but once they got an e-bike that number jumped to 91%1.



## What are e-bikes used for?
New technology has allowed e-bikes to become lighter, faster and more efficient than ever before – here are some popular reasons you might choose an e-bike:

### For commuting
You get to enjoy riding to and from work, without worrying about arriving a sweaty mess, even if your route is full of climbs. Commuting via e-bike gives you a lower carbon footprint, and gives you a dose of fresh air and exercise every day. One survey found that 28% of North American e-bike buyers bought them as an alternative to a car and not as a bike upgrade2.

### For carrying kids or cargo
Cargo e-bikes make getting heavy loads from A-to-B totally doable. With their extra cargo space, these e-bikes are great to take care of your weekly grocery shop, transport kids around town, or load up for the ultimate family day in the park.

“We bought our e-bike mainly to transport our toddler who was at daycare a 20-minute drive away… worse in rush hour,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We were tied to driving, since whoever dropped him off had to pick him up. Now, with an e-bike, we have way more freedom. Our son sits on the back and loves seeing trains and ships, all the things he couldn’t see in a car.”



### For mountain biking
E-mountain bikes make the ride up easier and faster, keeping your legs fresh and maximizing your time on the trail. They’re also handy to help you get to the trails faster (and maybe even without loading your bike in a car). Plus, if you plan to go riding after a long commute, an e-mountain bike can give tired legs the help they need to get some laps in.

### For accessibility or balancing out a group
E-bikes are an excellent way to get multiple generations or different fitness levels out on a ride together. Cyclists who may be working on their fitness can enjoy the freedom of cycling with a little electronic boost. E-bikes also allow riders to extend their pedaling years; with the right e-bike, the kids will be trying to catch up to grandma, and not the other way around.

### For riders recovering from injury
E-bikes are a helpful tool to get back on two wheels after an injury. With the electronic drive unit’s smooth torque delivery, riders can maintain an even cadence, which puts less pressure on joints. And with an e-assist, riders can keep their heart rate lower. Always make sure to talk to your doctor to find out what’s right for you in terms of recovery and exercise.

### For fun
Yep, it’s that plain and simple. With a few pedal strokes, e-bikes take you from a standstill to the rolling freedom that make you feel like a kid again. Almost everyone who hops on an e-bike for the first time gets a grin on their face when they feel what they’re all about.



## What are the different types of e-bikes at MEC?
MEC carries three types of e-bikes. All our models of e-bikes are pedal-assist, which means the electronic drive unit only kicks in when you’re actually pedaling (no pedaling = no electric assistance).

**Urban, hybrid e-bikes**: Perfect if you bike mostly on roads. If you plan to bike commute, ride around town with steep hills, or want to do urban adventures without getting sweaty, these e-bikes are for you.



**Cargo e-bike**: A two-wheeled pack horse ready to take over car duty and carry heavy loads wherever you’re heading: park, school, groceries, home improvement store, you name it.

**E-mountain bike**: Most mountain bikers will agree: the best part of riding is going down. E-mountain bikes can get up you up the mountain so you have enough steam to go down, over and over again.



## Common questions when buying an e-bike
Check out answers to a few of the top questions we hear about e-bikes:

### How far can I go on an e-bike?
Range is one of the biggest questions around e-bikes. It’s important to be aware that a lot of factors can affect your e-bike’s potential range and how long your battery will last. Hills, turning on power assist, headwinds, rough roads, and how much weight you’re carrying all impact your e-bike’s potential range. That said, a good rule of thumb uses watt hours (Wh) of your e-bike’s battery: every 20Wh will provide about 1.5km of range on even terrain at around 30kph with gentle pedaling. Some e-bike drive manufacturers have tools to estimate how far you’ll be able to go with their e-bike (like the [Bosch range assistant](https://www.bosch-ebike.com/ca/service/range-assistant/)).

There is one thing that you can do that will greatly increase any e-bike’s range… pedal! The more effort you put into the ride, the less work your e-bike must do and the farther you can go.



### What kind of regulations are there around e-bikes?
Each province looks at e-bikes a little differently, though you will see some commonalities, such as:

- Power limited to a maximum of 500W.
- Power assisted max speed of which means the e-assist helps only up to 32km/h. Any faster and it’s all you.
- Working pedals, which means the drive unit only applies torque when you are pedaling.

At MEC we only carry e-bikes that meet the features mentioned above. Be sure to know your local rules and regulations, as some provinces are stricter than others; for instance, e-bike riders in PEI require a driver’s license. Also, if you are looking at an e-mountain bike, research what your local trails allow. Most trails allow e-mountain bikes with the features outlined above, but it’s important to understand what’s permitted on trail networks before you go.

### How do I charge an e-bike?
Charging an e-bike is about as easy as charging a phone. If your e-bike has an integrated battery, simply insert the included plug into your bike’s port after you’re done your ride. If your e-bike has a removable battery, pop the battery off and bring it in with you after your ride, then simply plug it into the included charger.

### How heavy is an e-bike?
E-bikes can weigh a fair bit more than regular bikes. We include the weight of each e-bike as part of the tech specs on mec.ca. If your cycling life involves lifting a bike on and off a rack or carrying it up the stairs at the office or in your apartment building, it’s a good idea to think about weight and how you’ll get it from your house to the road.

## Bike bonuses
Buy a new bike, get free adjustments and minor maintenance for a year at any MEC bike shop. When you buy a regularly priced Cannondale bike over $2000, you get even more post-purchase perks: free bike service in-store for two full years. [See details and conditions](/en/explore/special-offers)



## Related articles
- [How to choose a bike helmet](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-cycling-helmet)
- [How to choose bike lights](/en/explore/choose-bike-lights)

*Source for*[*1*](https://www.calbike.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/A-North-American-Survey-of-Electric-Bicycle-Owners.pdf)*,*[*2*](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-and-telecom-predictions/2020/bike-technology-transformation.html)



Find out what you can use them for, along with useful things to know.

A helpful guide to e-bikes

Let’s face it: there are few other MEC products as iconic as the Rad Pants. Over MEC’s 49-year history, Rad Pants have become pretty legendary and have a bit of an infamous backstory.

They first hit the MEC catalogue in 1989, and we never expected to be carrying them for decades. We ended up discontinuing the Rad Pants in 2001, only to bring them back a season later because so many members were asking for them. Eventually, they dropped out of our assortment and seemed destined to become part of MEC folklore or relegated to a lucky thrift-store find.

Until now. Because Rad Pants are back – again.



MEC Rad Pants

## Wait – they’re really back again?


Yes. Last year, we opened the design vault to unleash a special limited run of Rad Pants, and were blown away by the response. Members scooped up nearly the entire run of MEC Rad Pants in about a day and a half.

With a response that huge, we decided to give you another chance to own a slice of history. It’s another limited run, and we’re mixing things up with a new heritage colour option: Desert Red.



## Committed to real Rads
For decades, Rad Pants have helped Canadians climb, hike, paddle, travel, bike and bask in the glory of bellowed thigh pockets. When they were discontinued, they caused tearful outpourings of love and broken hearts at Annual General Meetings, spawned online obituaries and poetry, and caused heated debates over the merits and failings of different (non-Rad) reincarnations.

When we decided to bring back Rad Pants, the MEC Label design team was committed to recreating them in their true shape, material and even with the original MEC woven label. This year’s limited run of Rad Pants is just as true to form.



There’ve been so many iterations of Rad Pants over the years that they had to dig deep into our archives to revive them. “We looked up the original pattern specs of the last incarnation of the Rad Pants in our system,” said James Brittain, MEC Design Manager, “and sent them over to the factory – without a single change to the pattern – to create our limited runs of Rad.”

After the patterns were locked down, the next challenge was to faithfully recreate the fabric. The only issue? “No one who owned old Rad Pants would let us cut up their heritage pair to send a physical sample to the fabric mill for them to recreate the raw material,” said James.



Problem-solving mode engaged, MEC designers turned to our friends at @vintage_mec. They were able to find us a pair of old MEC Rad Pants that we could chop up to give fabric samples to the mill. The new Rad Pants have the exact same fabric spec as the original versions, and the material is [bluesign® approved](/en/article/what-the-heck-is-bluesign) for a reduced environmental footprint.

> The design hasn’t changed at all from the Rad Pants you remember – even down to the old MEC logo. Plus the fabric is now bluesign-approved®.
>
Finally, as a finishing touch for these Rad Pants, the original MEC logo is back. To make sure we stayed true to the heritage label design, we tracked down the retired couple who used to own the now-closed factory that manufactured our woven labels. It turns out they had dusty boxes of original MEC woven labels tucked in the corner of their attic, which our new factory could use to recreate the design for the pants they were destined for.



## Bottom line about these bottoms
They’re back (again), but it’s a limited run (again). If you retired your old pair of Rad Pants decades ago, if you want to own a piece of MEC history, or if you’ve always wondered what all the Rad Pants hype is about, you’ve got another chance to snap up a pair.

We’d say that these new Rad Pants are radder than ever… but really, they’re just as rad as they’ve always been.



## Bonus facts for true Rad Pant connoisseurs
Aching for more nostalgic radness? We’ve scoured the archives for bonus Rad Pants facts and all the cheesy 90s catalogue poses you could possibly imagine.



## The pocket was perfect for 1989 tech
One of the main features of the original Rad Pants were the roomy thigh pockets. These were prime spots to keep a topo map, energy bars… or a 1980s music player. It’s true, the original pockets were sized so they’d fit a Sony Discman.

Only downside? The low pockets were near the knee, which sent your Discman ricocheting with each step (and electronic anti-skip technology wasn’t invented until 1995).

## They came in no less than 27 colours
Basic black? Sure. But Rad Pants also came in a knock-out colour palette over the years, including:

Atlantic Blue, Cinnamon Red Curry, Crimson, Black, Blue, BlueSpruce/Bluespruce, Deep Blue, Desert Red, Driftwood, Eggplant, Electric Blue, Green, Honey Beige, Jade, Marine Blue, Midnight Purple, Navy, Plum, Purple, Red, Royal, Royal Blue, Sage, Sea Green, Taupe, Teal and Turquoise.



## There was a whole “Rad program”
Rad Pants were just the beginning. There were also:

**Rad Shorts**, which hit the catalogue as **“**A short built for radical action!”

**Rad Shirts** with features like, “a long front zip eases pulling over head gear and fuzz… and a lower kanga pocket for your roo.”



**Cotton Rad Pants** with a “double bum, knit cuff, slash side pockets and wallet pocket all add up to a great, robust summer pants.” Note: we are still hazy on the benefits of a “double bum” feature.

**Radfans I, II and III fanny packs.**“These fannies are state-of-the-art,” was the cheeky catalogue caption. The Radfan III had a whopping 10.5L capacity (for context, that’s 3.5L larger than our current [MEC 8-hr Sling](/en/product/5058-233/8-Hr-Sling)).



## They have many nicknames
They were originally launched as “the ultimate movement pant,” and have been called many things over the years – some by us, some by other people. A few stand-outs:

- Baggier than a Shar-Pei puppy
- Indestructible and relentlessly unisex
- The Canadian national uniform ([source](https://rwalker.exblog.jp/4781511/))
- High fashion in the Rockies
- The trousers of my heart ([source](http://ourfamilylines.ca/ode-rad-pants/))
- MEC legend

## #radpants is a thing
Rad Pants hit the scene 30 years ago and have transcended time. Browse the [#radpants hashtag](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/radpants/) and there are some gems.

They’re true to their roots



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… and will be with you for a long time.



Thanks for the memories, Rad Pant fans. We’re looking forward to many more.



## Related articles
- [Mountain magic: 48 years of good times outside](https://www.mec.ca/en)
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)
- [How to repair a torn waterproof jacket or pants](/en/explore/how-to-repair-a-torn-waterproof-jacket-or-pants)



There are few other MEC products as iconic as Rad Pants. They seemed destined to become part of MEC folklore or relegated to a lucky thrift-store find... until now.

The legend of MEC Rad Pants

Calling everyone who loves camping! Between May 11–18, join us for The Big Camp In: a chance to transform your living rooms, balconies and backyards into the ultimate camp set-ups from coast to coast. Break out your tents, unroll your sleeping bags and enter our Big Camp In Contest for a chance to win a full set of camping gear from MEC.

To get you jazzed on camping season (even if it looks a little different at the moment), we’ve put together inspiration and ideas to recreate all our favourite parts of camping at home, from the campfire and bird songs to camp coffee and connecting with nature. Happy camp-in!



## Get a campfire going
The crackling sound of a campfire is an essential part of any night outside. Most of us don’t have access to a firepit at home, so we want to help you set the scene for a cozy night in your tent – string up some twinkle lights to substitute for a starry sky, and just press play:



Fire by the lake

## Brew up camp coffee
A camp morning is incomplete without a cup of joe – there’s something special about the ritual of it all. Whether you’re an [Aeropress](/en/brand/aeropress/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) master or prefer a French press mix-up, there are lots of ways you can get a dose of caffeine:



Who knew coffee + hot water could be so complex? Check out our blog post about [a coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee) for a full spectrum of brewing potential, whether you’re camping in your backyard or living room. Sip and soak in the moment.

## Tune into a camping soundtrack
One of the first things we notice when we get into nature is just how quiet it is. No horns honking or trucks beeping – just the wind in the trees and the people you’re with.

An informal poll of our virtual MEC staffers revealed a split in camp soundtracks. Some loved sitting around the campfire singing songs and others rather playing games and listening to their favourite playlists. Others just wanted to tune into mother nature to hear rivers flowing and crickets humming.

Whatever music mood you’re in – nature sounds or campfire tunes – we’ve got the playlist for you on the [MEC Spotify account](https://open.spotify.com/user/d1wktmvdtzsnx9kdkzg1er88t).



## Create an epic camp meal
A backyard or at-home campout means you get to go deluxe with camp meals. Forget the instant noodles – this is your chance to bust out a delectable veggie curry with toasted naan bread (or whatever recipe you dream up). If you’re indoors for a living room campout, break out your cast iron pan to use in the oven. If you’re outdoors in the backyard, dig out your Jetboil or camp stove (heads up: camp stoves are outdoor products only, so don’t fire them up inside).

To get you inspired, check out our blog post on [camping meal ideas with a twist](/en/article/camping-meal-ideas-with-a-twist), browse a [camping cookbook](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/cookbooks/c/925), or try this unique camp recipe by Vancouver chef [Shaun Maclean](https://www.instagram.com/macleanshaun/):



### Camp veggie shabu-shabu hotpot recipe
Simple yet delicious. This Japanese style hotpot would traditionally use dashi broth, but we’ve simplified it to be camp friendly. Serves two. Enjoy!

**Ingredients**

*F**lavouring mix*

- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 pack miso soup mix

*Broth and veggies*

- 1L mushroom broth
- Shiitake mushrooms, destemmed and cut in half
- Carrots, thinly sliced rounds
- Sweet potato, thinly sliced
- Radishes, cut in half
- Napa cabbage, cut into eight
- Yau choy (or other similar green veggie), cut in half lengthwise
- Green onions, cut in 2in. lengths, and split the bottom white portion down the middle
- Tofu, cut in 1in. cubes (spicy marinated tofu is Shaun’s personal favourite)
- Cilantro leaves
- Rice noodles, pre-cooked, cooled and tossed in a bit of oil to prevent sticking

**Instructions**

1. Set up your camp stove on a safe, stable surface you can sit around. Make sure to use a stove that’s sturdy and won’t tip over – a flat [car camping stove](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-ovens/car-camping-stoves/c/1281) is a good option.
1. Turn your stove on medium, place a large pot with broth on top. Allow broth to come to a simmer, then turn down to medium low to keep broth at a low simmer.
1. Add flavouring mix. Once its dissolved, get your veggies and tofu ready, but don’t toss them all in.
1. With hotpot, you eat the vegetables as you cook them – sort of like a soup fondue. Vegetables will cook at different speeds, so add the hearty ones first (sweet potato, carrots, radishes) and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add the delicate greens later, since they’ll only take a minute or two. Cook in waves as you eat – it means nothing gets overcooked.
1. Once all the veggies are cooked and eaten, add the rice noodles to the leftover broth, heat fully, and split as a final course.

**Recipe extras**

For a meat-based version, use beef broth and add thinly sliced meat or dumplings. Asian supermarkets often have frozen pre-sliced meats that only need about a minute of cook time in the broth. Dumplings usually only take 4–5 minutes to cook.

Play around with different types of vegetables. Root vegetables do particularly well, as they soak up flavours of the broth. Try taro or lotus root, yams, squash, leeks, broccoli to see what you like.

Like spice? Add chili paste or diced chilies – especially nice in cold weather.



## Find ways to connect with nature
One of the best parts of camping is waking up in the morning, opening your tent and taking a minute to appreciate the epic view… which is bit tougher to do when you’re camping next to your couch or back door. An at-home campout presents an interesting opportunity to notice the nature is around you – birds outside your window, moss on the trees, bugs in the grass.

MEC Ambassador and artist Charlie Easton ([@charlieeaston](https://www.instagram.com/charlieeaston/?hl=en)) believes the small things in nature tell the most memorable stories, and ultimately inspires his art. A challenge from Charlie? “Slow down and notice,” he says. “Notice the reflection in a puddle or the way a cloud dances from your window. No matter where you are, if you take time to notice you’ll have a more profound memory of that moment and feel more connected to nature.”

**Charlie Easton’s nature connection challenge:**

- Look out your window or go to your backyard.
- Pick something big like a tree, the garden or the sky.
- Notice the small things – focus in on something you didn’t originally see. Maybe it’s a shadow or the leaves of your favourite flower. Notice the things you find beautiful and inspiring.
- Jot it down, draw it, appreciate it.



The Big Camp In - Charlie Easton, Connecting to Nature

## Play some camp games
Have some fun! Card games, nature scavenger hunts and tossing a frisbee are all classics. Check out our [camp games collection](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games/c/1225) for more ideas for your camp in. Some of your usual games might not be easy to do when you’re camping in your backyard or living room, so now’s the time to try something new. Here’s an idea for a no-supplies-needed game to get you, your family, and everyone in your Zoom camp chat moving:

### How to play Action Syllables
A simple, fun game to get everyone up and moving:

- Ask each camper to choose an action/move for every syllable of their name. For example, Sarah has two syllables in her name, so she pats her head for one syllable and spins around for the second syllable.
- After the second camper does their name, the whole group repeats and does Sarah’s moves again.
- The actions keep building as you take turns, and next thing you know, you and your fellow campers have a new dance routine!



## Create camp memories, even if you’re apart
Even if your favourite camping crew is far away, you can still spend quality time and make memories during a camp-in. Some ideas to connect with friends and family during your camp-in:

- **Video slide show**: Video call a camping buddy to re-hash favourite outdoor memories together. If you’ve got photos, you can even do a little video slide show from your living room tent.
- **Plan for real life trips**: Call or Zoom a friend from the comfort of your backyard tent to map out a future trip. All you need are guidebooks, maps and an open mind.
- **Unplug**: Ditch technology for a night (there’s no wifi when you’re camping, remember?) and be in the moment. If you’re solo, journal, draw or read. If you’re with your family, partner or roommate, play games, invent camping s’more recipes or scope out the stars.

Whether you’re in your living room or backyard, grab your hut booties, set up your tent and get ready the most outdoorsy night in yet.



*Joining The Big Camp in from BC? The BCCDC Foundation for Public Health (a charitable partner to the BC Centre for Disease Control) is hosting a BC Stay -t-Home Campout on May 16 with a $5 “camping fee” donation to the fund. If you’re interested, check out their [stay-at-home campout site](https://bccdcfoundation.org/bc-stay-at-home-campout/).*



Join us for The Big Camp In with these tips to set the camp scene in your living room or backyard.

How to create the ultimate campout at home

We’re here because we all lead active outdoor lives. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

While [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is telling Canadians to stay at home as much as possible, they also say you can “go outside to exercise but stay close to home.” So how do you move outdoors in a safe way? We connected with Dr. George Farjou, Infectious Disease Specialist in Ontario, for tips on how get outside safely during COVID-19.

“Exercise supports both your mental and physical health,” says Dr. George Farjou. “We could be on physical distancing measures for many weeks, perhaps months, before they’re relaxed, so we cannot wait until we get back to our ‘normal’ everyday lives to do the activities that keep us healthy in body and soul.”

***Important note****: Always listen to the most recent advice of your local health authority, as things are changing fast. These outdoor tips apply if you: don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days, or are not in a high-risk group (*[*see Health Canada for details*](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#p)*).*

## Keep your distance
When you’re outside, you should be practicing [physical distancing](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html) (a.k.a. social distancing). Keep a distance of at least 2 metres away from others when you’re in public). “Exercising in crowded areas is not a safe way to be active right now,” says Dr. Farjou. Some outdoorsy ways to visualize approximately 2 metres:

- 3 full-sized bike tires apart, or
- 1 adult grizzly bear apart, or
- Holding an adult ski pole out with your outstretched arm (if you could poke someone with it, they’re too close)

Heading outside solo (or with people you live with) is all good. Embrace a chance to be active with these household exercise buddies. Get your kids to bike alongside you as you run, grab your dog for a walk, or invite your roomie out for a relaxed bike ride. On tight paths or sidewalks, respect other people’s space – remember that 2m distance – instead of buzzing closely past.

Things you should not be doing? Activities that involve groups of people, like group rides, group runs, or even driving to a spot with someone from outside your household.



## Stay connected in other ways
While physical separation is a must, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected in other ways. If you’re a runner, pop in a single earbud to chat with your run buddies who are also running (but in other places). Many races, group rides and run crews are also creating virtual versions via Strava or Zwift.

## Keep it clean
Before you head outside for a walk, run or ride, wash your hands by following the [Health Canada guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/covid-19-handwashing/covid-19-handwashing-eng.pdf). “Bring hand sanitizer with you,” says Dr. Farjou, “and avoid touching your face in public. Also set a time limit for your activities instead of loitering around for prolonged periods.” Some other tips:

- Direct any surprise sneezes into your elbow (don’t spray them out into the world haphazardly).
- No snot rockets, no spitting.
- “Remember to stay hydrated,” says Dr. Farjou. Bring your own water bottle to avoid using shared water fountains.
- If you need to push elevator buttons or crosswalk buttons, use your elbow, not your fingers.

When you return home, do the hand-washing routine all over again, this time with a dose of feel-good endorphins in your system.

## Adapt your daily routine
City folks: we feel you. If you live in a dense neighbourhood, you might need to adjust your regular running paths or routes. “If you see a lot of people at the location you’ve chosen – don’t go there. Choose somewhere else,” says Dr. Farjou.

Time to adapt and overcome. “I’d usually run on the seawall in Vancouver,” one MEC staffer told us, “but I’ve totally adjusted my routes for now. Quiet side streets near my house make it way easier to physically distance from other people, plus I can just hop aside if I see someone else coming.”

Adapting your routine can also mean shifting the time you head outside. Early mornings or later evenings could be less busy in your area. Remember to stay visible with [reflective straps](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-running-and-fitness-electronics/armbands/c/1111) or a [headlamp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-lighting-and-accessories/headlamps-and-lighting/headlamps/c/1306), and stay aware of your surroundings ([Aftershokz headphones](/en/brand/aftershokz/products/camping-and-hiking/electronics/audio-and-video-electronics/earphones/c/1138) allow you to hear the world around you).



## Dial down the intensity
“It’s important to adapt your exercise to this ‘new normal’ period of physical distancing,” says Dr. Farjou. “We must adjust our expectations to stay active, but also to prevent harm on a public health level.”

The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (one of the community groups that MEC supports) shared thoughts that apply to mountain biking and any other activity. “Being out on the trails is a great way to try and relax; it can also be a path to the emergency room, hospital, or clinic if you take a tumble,” says their president Cooper Quinn in a [Facebook statement](https://www.facebook.com/nsmba/posts/10157229892780036). “We just can’t risk recreational injuries right now.”

To ease the burden on Canadian healthcare workers and keep yourself safe, practice low-risk activity, dial down the intensity, ease up on the speed.

> “Avoid very intense exercise that exacerbates underlying conditions like asthma or could cause an injury. We want to prevent trips to the hospital right now where many COVID-19 patients are being seen.” – Dr. Farjou
>
## Know before you go
One of the [Leave No Trace principles](https://www.leavenotrace.ca/principle-plan-ahead-prepare) is to plan ahead and prepare, and that’s definitely the case now. Before you head out, Dr. Farjou recommends you “look up ahead of time to see if the trail or park you are going to is open right now – many of them are closed currently.”

Our community partners at CPAWS BC, shared that “in alignment with our health authorities, we are also asking that you and your families follow your provincial and territorial guidelines and don’t go to the parks.” [Parks Canada](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info), along with provincial parks in [British Columbia](http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/), [Alberta](https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/alberta-environment-and-parks-response-to-covid-19/), [Saskatchewan](https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks/Announcements), [Ontario](https://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2020/03/ontario-update-on-ontario-parks-operations-in-response-to-covid-19.html), [Quebec](https://www.sepaq.com/covid-19/), [Nova Scotia](https://novascotia.com/coronavirus), [New Brunswick](https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Groups/ProvincialParks/), and [PEI](https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-provincial-parks) have all issued statements around types of closures.

Just think: when we finally get through this, the parks, trails, campgrounds and outdoor places we care about are going to seem so much sweeter.

## Love your local zone
As [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is recommending, keep your activity close to home. All Canadian public avalanche forecasters have [discontinued service](https://www.avalanche.ca/news/all-forecasting-agencies-united-in-covid-19-response) in response to COVID-19, and search and rescue organizations are also highlighting the need for people to be [extra cautious outside](https://www.bcsara.com/2020/03/search-and-rescue-during-covid-19-pandemic-2/).

That said, close to home can still mean close to nature. Get to know the trees in your neighbourhood, the paths in your nearby park, and the signs of spring unfurling around you. One idea? MEC Leave No Trace Ambassador Taryn Eyton (who would usually be exploring backcountry routes) is instead taking this time to appreciate nature near home with her #naturephotoeveryday challenge on [@happiestoutdoors](https://www.instagram.com/happiestoutdoors/).

“Many local parks and outdoor spaces are receiving less maintenance right now,” says Taryn, “and some facilities aren’t available. Remember to bring a bag and pack out all your trash, and check out [Leave No Trace’s post](https://lnt.org/the-leave-no-trace-recommendations-for-getting-outside-amidst-covid-19/) for their advice.”

Oh – and if you’re tempted to take off to your cabin, or a small mountain or coastal town, please don’t. “An influx of visitors threatens not only to spread COVID-19,” says CPAWS BC, “but it can also overwhelm the capacity of smaller, rural hospitals. Remember, you may not show any signs of infection but still be spreading the virus.”



## Active body, healthy future
Some things are outside your sphere of control, but within it, you know what to do. Moving your body, eating right and resting are ways you can look after yourself. Plus, [ParticipACTION](https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/everything-better/heal-better) shares that exercise “reduces the time we spend dwelling on negative thoughts” – something many of us could use right now.

“I’d recommend you figure out a way to scale back, but still elevate your heart rate for 15–20 minutes, three to four times a week,” says Dr. Farjou. “My goals at this time aren’t to make drastic changes in my activity or fitness level but to at least maintain my cardiovascular health and keep my major muscle groups engaged.”

Use these tips to be outside safely. Walk your dog in a local park. Run around your neighbourhood. Cycle a new loop in your town. Do some stretching outside. Above all, take care of yourself and each other.

We’ll ride this out together.

## Related articles
- [How to stay connected to the outdoors while you’re at home](/en/article/how-to-stay-connected-to-the-outdoors-while-youre-at-home)
- [Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids](/en/article/fun-indoor-activities-for-outdoorsy-kids)
- [Tips to train for rock climbing at home](/en/article/how-to-train-for-rock-climbing-from-home)



How to keep moving during COVID-19, with physical distancing in mind. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

Tips to exercise outdoors safely while social distancing

Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

## Make a time capsule
Dig out a glass jar or box from your recycling bin and get your kids to fill it with cool things to discover years down the road. Maybe it’s a drawing of their pet, a list of things all the outdoor activities they want to try over the next 10 years, or a story about their favourite outdoor memory. Break out the construction paper, glue and markers to decorate it all up, too.

## Have a home campout
Set up camp in your living room or backyard. “We set up the tent in the backyard for our four-year-old both days last weekend,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We pulled in sleeping bags and mattresses and had a sleepover with Pooh Bear, stuffed rabbit, owl and monster. We weathered out some imaginary storms, had imaginary tea, and then the animals wrestled for what was probably 15 minutes but seemed like an hour.”

## Learn the stars
A clear night is perfect to learn constellations from your backyard. You can go the traditional route with a [star dial](/en/product/4008-584/Night-Sky-Star-Dial) (great for future camping trips). Or you can download a free astronomy app like SkyView Lite. “What I like about this app,” says MEC member Mike, “is that it connects the dots of constellations and shows an animation with the name to make visualizing the constellation easier. You can also use it to see where the moon and sun are below the horizon.”

## Pack a picnic
Pack up a cooler of goodies, lay out a blanket in your living room, patio or backyard, and dig in for a household picnic. If there’s snow on the ground, bring out [sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410) and toques for a winter version outdoors (highly recommend [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581) in this case). [Camping cutlery](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/camp-dinnerware/eating-utensils-and-cutlery-sets/c/1275) gives any picnic an outdoorsy vibe.



## Plan an outdoor movie night
If the weather is warm enough, set up your laptop or tablet to stream movies in a backyard tent or on your patio. If it’s too chilly or outdoor space isn’t possible (or your wifi cuts out when you step outside), create an “outdoor movie night” inside. Kids can help set up a tent, rearrange couch cushions to make a fort, or even create a drive-in movie theatre vibe by raiding the recycling bin to make a cardboard box car to sit in.

## Build birdhouses
“Last weekend, we built some birdhouses,” said MEC staffer Jason, dad to two boys. “Robin nesting season is just around the corner, so it was a well-timed project for the backyard.” If you’re in in an apartment, or don’t have the tools or wood to make a real birdhouse handy, kids could construct cardboard birdhouses – it’s all about creativity and keeping busy, so sometimes the end project is just as fun when it’s craft-focused.

## Go on an animal safari
A clever way to make old toys seem new for toddlers? Present them in fresh ways. “My 21-month-year-old knows a lot of animal names,” says MEC staffer Carolyn. “When he’s not in the room, we spread out all his animal toys (on tables, shelves, window sills), so we can spot them together. I ask him ‘Where’s your bear?’ and he scans the room until he finds it. It’s pretty adorable.”

## Give little ones a daily discovery
“Toddlers have an incredibly short attention span, and they’re curious about anything they haven’t seen or touched before.” says Carolyn. “So every few days, I leave out a random new object in a place we can watch him discover it, like on the coffee table. It’s been a hit! Highly successful daily deliveries so far have included a cardboard box, a hiking backpack, and a muffin tray with reusable silicone muffin cups.”



## Have an activity treasure hunt
Sketch out a map of your house – better yet, ask the kids to do it – and set up age-appropriate activities for them to find, then mark their locations on the map. The activities don’t need to be fancy, since hunting for them adds to the adventure. Some ideas for “activity treasure” are below – be prepared to spend some time playing along, depending on the activity:

- Nature-based colouring book pages ([download some free ones here](https://www.coloringnature.org/))
- An old hiking sock with spare buttons and fabric to make it into a sock puppet
- Trail mix challenge: what ingredients can they combine for their own special mix?
- House-friendly [camp games](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games-and-gifts/games/c/1225), like [indoor bocce](/en/product/5037-788/backpack-bocce)
- Collage art station with old magazines
- Daily bingo page of things for them do see or spot

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside activity tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids

Your climbing gym may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop training. To help you make the most of training at home, we checked in with MEC Ambassadors and staffers for their tips and tricks to help you stay climb-ready.

## 1. Build a routine and stick to it
Everybody’s regular routines have been flipped upside down. Sketch out a schedule for the next few days and stick with it to see how it works. “I’ve been keeping up with my hangboarding schedule as if the climbing gyms were still open,” says MEC Ambassador Ivan Luo. Block out workouts and stretching sessions, but also pencil in time for things to do on your downtime, like watching climbing videos ([Reel Rock 14](https://reelrocktour.com/products/reel-rock-14) is out) or calling climbing buddies.

## 2. Make the most of what you have
You likely already have a lot of what you need to workout at home. It can be as simple as a yoga mat to move around on and a set of weights. If you have real weights, great. If not, see what’s in your house. “We’re using some water bottles and milk jugs filled with water,” says MEC staffer Graham McGrenere.

## 3. Get some hangtime
If you can, get something to hang on – a [mounted hangboard](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/climbing-training-gear/c/1462) is excellent. If drilling a hangboard into your wall might isn’t an option, [portable hangboards](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/climbing-training-gear/c/1462) work well too (over a thick tree branch or pull-up bar). Or you can hang off a door frame pull-up bar. To make your workouts harder, add weight to your body using your climbing harness, slings and carabiners.

“The bottom of a staircase is a great place to set up a hangboard,” says MEC Ambassador Tosh Sherkat. “Make sure to leave room for your feet and hips so they’re not smashing against a doorframe. Depending on the type of hangboard you have, you may want to drill it to a piece of plywood before securing it to a stud in your wall.”

> Also, don’t pull on door frames because you *will* rip them off… trust me. – Tosh
>
## 3. If you can’t hang, hold
What if you can’t hang from something? “You can hold something instead!” says MEC staffer Kim McGrenere. “Use a portable hangboard, pinch blocks or anything you can find with small edges. Bring out your slings and carabiners to attach weight to the item you’re going to hold, and then hold by your side with a straight arm and your shoulder engaged.”

## 4. Use free workout videos
Browse online to see what workouts other climbers are doing, and adjust the exercises to work safely for your body – now is definitely not the time for an injury! Always start easy when you’re trying something new.

Tosh put together some of the exercises he’s using to stay climbing-ready:



Tosh Sherkat - Stay climb ready workout

## 5. Reset your goals
Now’s the time to be flexible and adjust what you may have envisioned for climbing this year. That’s totally okay – your goals will still be waiting for you on the other side of all this. “As a culture and as a community, we don’t value rest as much as we should,” says Tosh. “It’s so good for your mind and body! Let yourself take some downtime. You’ll come back stronger and more psyched.”

## 6. Don’t forget about your core
“Pushing and core exercises are my go-to,” says Ivan. “I hated doing push-ups for the longest time, but eventually I saw that they do come handy. For core, I’ve been trying to do more challenging exercises, like L-sits. They help me get better at balancing on my arms and also holding super tight on my abdominals.”



## 7. Also don’t forget about fingers and mobility
“Definitely keep up preventative care for your fingers,” says Kim. “The tools you want for extensors are thing like [grip savers](/en/product/5007-164/Grip-Saver-Plus-Exercise-Ball).”

Another key training point? Mobility work to increase range of motion and your ability to move freely without stress on the body. “Mobility is a thing not a lot of climbers do on a regular basis,” Ivan says. “I recommend everyone to start doing a little mobility a day – your body will thank you in the future.”

MEC Ambassador Tula Sherkat shares one of her favourite mobility exercises: “Lie on the ground with your feet in the air and balance a yoga block on each of the soles of your feet. Then slowly try to roll over onto your belly without letting the blocks fall. It helps with your hip mobility.”

## 8. Spread and share challenges via social media
“I’ve been doing a ton of these,” says Ivan. “Push up challenge, one arm pull-up challenge, max hang challenge, even a challenge where you try to do as many pull-ups that can fit in one 15-second Instagram story – I ended doing 12.5! What’s better than being entertained while working out and get your friends to do the same?”

## 9. Keep in touch with climbing buddies
“Lots of social media!” says Ivan. “Instagram is probably my crew’s main channel, and sometimes we’ll hop on group conference calls.” Everyone we spoke with shared just how much they appreciate staying in touch with friends – not only is it nice to hear what people are up to, it’s also a motivator to keep active and connected to the climbing community.



To help you make the most of training at home, we checked in with MEC Ambassadors and staffers for their tips and tricks to help you stay climb-ready.

How to train for rock climbing from home

Our community cares about staying connected to the outdoors and each other, especially at this moment in time. We’re all spending a lot of hours at home these days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find creative ways to keep in touch with nature, activity and our outdoor buddies. Here are a few ideas:

## Give your gear some love
Now’s a good time to tackle the outdoor gear repair or cleaning project that’s been in the back of your mind. Some suggestions? [Re-waterproofing your hiking boots](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-waterproof-hiking-boots), [patching up a hole on your rain jacket](/en/explore/how-to-repair-a-torn-waterproof-jacket-or-pants), or [cleaning your bike chain](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-lube-a-bike-chain) – nothing’s more satisfying than a chain that goes from creaky to smooth. Another useful project to work through is (finally) organizing your gear closet.

Check out this [full series of product care tips and videos](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).



## Have an outdoor movie night
There are so many outdoor movies to stream that you could create an entire at-home film fest just for you (and the other people you live with, of course). Some of our favourites so far:

- **Banff Mountain Film Fest**: A curated program of Festival films, all free and online. [Watch them now](https://www.banffcentre.ca/film-fest-at-home).

- **The Dawn Wall / Free Solo double header**: Watch Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold back to back. Dawn Wall is on Netflix and for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC_u5sd4wW0) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=zC_u5sd4wW0). Free Solo is also for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l7mvdWmL2c) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=8l7mvdWmL2c).

- **Where Dreams Go to Die**: Created by The Ginger Runner, this documentary follows Canadian ultrarunner Gary Robbins at the infamous Barkley Marathons. Pure grit. [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDZdsqbcGTU).

- **Reel Rock 14**: Climbing’s biggest new films from the comfort of your couch, all for less than the cost a movie ticket with popcorn. [Watch the trailer](https://youtu.be/pssvBPFEuPE), get amped, [purchase the download](https://reelrocktour.com/products/reel-rock-14).

- **The Fifty**: Cody Townsend has a huge goal: climb and ski all fifty lines in the book “Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America”. [Watch his web series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSj-6RsDycxnKiIFFm0BFYoLLV5Np3K49) to follow along and [learn more](https://skithefifty.com/).

- **MEC documentary series**: Three incredible stories captured in mini-doc format. [All free and available online](/en/explore/mec-documentary-series).

## Photobook or canvas project
Step 1: go through photos from hiking trips, camping weekends, bike tours and days at the crag. Step 2: pick out your favourites to build a custom photobook online. Or choose your absolute favourite picture and order a giant version as a photo canvas print for your living room.

## Be safe if you’re out
Fresh air and exercise keep bodies and mind healthy, but it’s important to do it in a safe way. Follow [social distancing guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html), stay up to date with your local health authority’s instructions, and respect the closures for parks, trails and climbing areas. Also, dial back the intensity – this is not a time to try that new jump and end up with an injury that stresses our healthcare system further.

## Be active when you’re in
Active is a mindset. You’ll be spending plenty of time at home, but you can still find ways to create a new routine that keeps your body moving. Turn your living room into a place where you can [train for climbing](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/hangboards-training-gear/c/1462), lift weights (or whatever you have), stretch out, or spin your legs on an [indoor bike trainer](/en/products/cycling/training-and-electronics/bike-trainers-and-accessories/bike-trainers/c/1463). There are tons of free online workouts available to get your heart pumping, and many local gyms are offering online options to keep the community workout vibe going.

## Test-drive a new camp meal
Have a cast iron pan or Dutch oven? Use them to try out a new campfire-worthy recipe in your oven. Enchiladas, cinnamon rolls, s’mores dip, skillet pizza – there’s lots of potential.

## Dig into an outdoor story
Scrolling the news has increased greatly in many of our lives. Take a break and lose yourself in a story instead of the headlines. Some reading suggestions below – and MEC Ambassador Taryn Eyton also compiled an [excellent list of women’s adventure books](https://happiestoutdoors.ca/best-womens-adventure-books/), along with tips on how to read books if you can’t leave the house:

- *Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road* by Kate Harris. “Beautifully written,” says one of our MEC copywriters, “and it’s got me thinking of a bike tour next year.”

- *Rowing to Latitude* by Jill Fredston. Recommended by MEC Ambassador and writer Bruce Kirkby, it covers a decade of expeditions across Arctic waters, going backwards in a modified rowing shell.

- *Lines on a Map* by Frank Wolf: “His adventures are incredible,” says MEC staffer Sean. “Some of them will never be repeated, and they cover pretty much every part of Canada.”

- *Thirst: 2600 Miles From Home* by Heather “Anish” Anderson: Our MEC editor and past PCT thru-hiker just finished this one. “It’s interesting because she became the (self-supported) record holder, but without fanfare or much ego – only about 1000% grit.”

- *The Snow Leopard* by Peter Matthiessen: Another pick of Bruce Kirkby, this is a crystalline account of the author’s spiritual quest while accompanying naturalist George Schaller in Nepal’s Dolpo region in search of the snow leopard.

## Learn new knots
A few knots in your repertoire can make a big difference in your outdoor skills. A [knot-tying guidebook](/en/products/travel-gear/books-and-maps/training-guides-and-instructional-books/c/941?text-knots) gives you clear, professional instructions and tips on how to use them, or you can also browse videos online. Beginners: we recommend starting with sheet bends, square knots, figure eights, bowlines and clove hitches.



## Get to know your local birds
With a pair of [binoculars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/binoculars/c/900) and a bird guide, you unlock a whole new part of the outdoors. “You’d be surprised at how quickly time can pass when you’re birding,” says MEC staffer Karen, “watching and listening makes you more aware of everything outside, even if it’s just your backyard or out your window.” Apps like eBird are great to track sightings.

## Stick together, even when you’re apart
What makes the outdoor community amazing? The people. Reach out virtually to talk, laugh and videochat with your running, climbing, skiing, biking and paddling buddies.

If you used to meet up for group runs or rides, honour that same time but connect online instead of in person. Do yoga together over Zoom or other online platforms, give each other tours of your living room training set-up, and meet up on Zwift. Oh – and if you have a pet that usually joins your friends on adventures, we’d love to see their furry faces over videochat too.

Take care of yourselves and each other. We’re a community, even when we’re not outside together.

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside training tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



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