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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Every camping season, we get excited about new gear and fresh product designs – and we know we’re not the only ones. Last year, camping gear flew off the shelves at record speeds. So we thought, why not give you an early season preview of new products and top-selling camping gear at MEC?

For your 2021 adventures, here’s our list of camping gear to watch for, from new-and-exciting to trusted-for-years.

## MEC Ohm Tent


The [MEC Ohm Tent](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camping-tents-tarps-and-bivies/tents/backpacking-tents/c/1952?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=mec) is brand new – and we’re stoked on this design. The Ohm is a great option for any adventure: lightweight enough for the backcountry, roomy enough for car camping trips. It’s perfect for your first tent or if you’re looking to upgrade, and it will be available in 2-person, 3-person or 4-person sizes. Our favourite features:

- **Panoramic views**: Enormous front door unzips almost fully for awe-inspiring views.
- **Waterproof floor**: Durable DriBase™ floors keep you and your gear dry, which means no footprint required.
- **Footroom**: Angled poles mean toes don’t poke the walls, even with a thick sleeping pad.

> “We spent a long time on the design of this tent, and came up with a custom pole architecture that provides loads of usable space. I’m most excited about the roll-up fly – it gives you great flexibility for venting and of course, great views!” – Mark, MEC Label designer
>
## The North Face Wawona 4-Person Tent


Experience camping with the fam without feeling claustrophobic. [The North Face Wawona 4-Person Tent](/en/product/6011-998/Wawona-4-Person-Tent) has near-vertical walls – so you get ample room for standing and sleeping – and the large front vestibule is big enough to fit camp chairs or store tons of gear. The whole thing is remarkably easy to pitch, so you’ll be out of the car and camping in a flash.

## Thule Foothill Rooftop Tent


New from Thule for 2021. The [Foothill 2-Person Rooftop Tent](/en/product/6013-046/Foothill-2-Person-Rooftop-Tent) has a unique design: it only covers half your car roof, so there’s still space to put your kayak, surfboard or bike up top too. Huge windows and skylights give you a clear view of the sky when you’re tucked inside. It has plenty of room for two adults, but if you’re on a solo mission, the telescopic poles are still easy to set up and take down.

## MEC Deluxe Pillow


The number one luxury item for camping? A super packable pillow. If you’re ready to graduate from “fleece jacket stuffed with clothes,” then the [MEC Deluxe Pillow](/en/product/5046-842/Deluxe-Pillow) is a top-seller. It’s light and small enough for backpacking trips, and you can inflate it to your ideal pillow firmness.

> “Whenever I bring out this pillow on a camping trip, my camping buddies are jealous – and they usually end up getting one too.” – MEC staffer KB
>
## MEC Reactor 10 Sleeping Pad


The [MEC Reactor 10](/en/product/5054-576/Reactor-10-Sleeping-Pad) is one of our most popular sleeping pads for a super cushy night’s sleep – read the reviews for stories from satisfied sleepers. At 10cm thick, this is one of the most deluxe pads we carry. Prefer backcountry camping? [MEC Vectair Sleeping Pads](/en/product/6008-339/vectair-insulated-sleeping-pad?queryID=2295124c6a57e5707815cb8918e19419&colour=Fortune+Red) are best-sellers for cushy sleeps in a portable package.

> “The Reactor is my go-to pad for camping. I even slept on it at home for four months without having to add more air.” – MEC staffer Kim W.
>
## Big Agnes Torchlight and Sidewinder sleeping bags


Side-sleepers, rejoice! Big Agnes has two brand new sleeping bags made to give you more wiggle room. First up, [Big Agnes Sidewinder Sleeping Bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pillows/sleeping-bags/c/1410?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=big%20agnes&filters%5Bcustom_fields.gs_sleepingbagtemperature%5D%5B0%5D=3-season%20(-15°c%20to%20-1°c)&filters%5Bcustom_fields.gs_sleepingbagtemperature%5D%5B1%5D=summer%20(0°c%20and%20up)) with side-sleeper specific features. The hood faces the side, the bag is designed to move with you as you roll over, and the insulation minimizes pressure points while maximizing warmth. Mummy style, and available in down and synthetic.

We’re also stoked on the [Big Agnes Torchlight -7°C Sleeping Bag](/en/product/6013-366/torchlight-ul--7c-sleeping-bag?colour=Orange%2FGrey). It’s a mummy bag with two expandable side panels that give you up to 10in. of extra space – so it’s great for campers with wide shoulders, wide hips, or those who like to starfish.

> “I’m a side sleeper and I’m so excited to try the Sidewinder. I’ll finally be able to sleep without my face mashed into the sleeping bag hood.” – MEC staffer KB
>
## Nemo Victory Sunshade and Victory Blanket


Bring your own shade to beaches, parks and backyards. The [Nemo Victory Sunshade](/en/product/5064-402/Victory-Sunshade) has SPF 50 fabric and is easy to set up with breezy ventilation. If you don’t like sand between your toes, pair it with the Victory Blanket, which has a waterproof bottom and soft flannel top. The blanket makes a great floormat in a large tent, too.

## Kammok Swiftlet Stand



Get ready to lounge anywhere. The [Kammok Swiftlet Stand](/en/product/6011-072/swiftlet-portable-hammock-stand?queryID=2b9d783cb1374d24323a37c1e2e5feab&colour=Gray) turns any campsite, park, backyard or patio into a hammock zone, no trees required. Unlike some other hammock stands, this one is lightweight and portable.

> “I just got one and I’m super excited to take it on camping trips. I’ve already set it up in my condo to use it in chair mode for now.” – MEC staffer Kim W.
>
## Nemo portable shower



Your own private shower for the outdoors. Set up the [Nemo Heliopolis Portable Shower Tent](/en/product/6008-292/Heliopolis-Portable-Shower-Tent) with the [Helio LX Pressure Shower](/en/product/6008-291/helio-lx-pressure-shower?queryID=8977d6d67da24e3c0a107f5b927c8d98&colour=Black%2FApple+Green) inside, and wash off without flashing your camp neighbours. The water is pressurized via a foot pump, and is also great for rinsing off muddy bikes or sandy paddleboards. You can pour hot water into it for an instant shower (unlike other models that need to sit in the sun all day to heat up). Oh, and there’s a drink holder built in to the shower tent too.

> “I used this on a two-week camping trip last summer, and it was perfect for keeping clean without needing to use the showers at the campground.” – MEC staffer Kim W.
>
## MEC Ultra Lite Chair


The MEC Ultra Lite Chair packs a lot of value into the price and is so popular that it sold out the last two seasons (consider this our “don’t miss out” message). Plus it comes with its own carry bag for extra packability.

> “This little chair was my best purchase of 2020. I used it for camping weekends, bike trips, and so many park hangouts.” – MEC staffer KB
>
## Nemo Stargaze Chair


The ultimate camping chair. Nemo’s Stargaze Luxury 2.0 Chair gives you the flexibility to lean back, relax, and count stars before bedtime. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than other camp chairs, but it’s well worth it based on heaps of reviews from satisfied stargazers. Pair with a small footstool – we like the [Packlite Slacker Chair](/en/product/6008-382/Packlite-Slacker-Chair) – to kick up your feet and chill around the campfire.

## Eureka SPRK Grill


Add seared meats and grilled veggies to your camp cuisine. The compact Eureka SPRK Grill is quick to set up and takes up almost no room, so you can take it where ever you go  ̶  camping, road trips or beach picnics.

## MSR PocketRocket


The definitive backcountry stove series. Lightweight, compact [MSR PocketRocket Stoves](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/camp-stoves-and-grills/backcountry-stoves/canister-stoves/c/1286?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=msr) are reliable and simple to use, even if it’s your first time firing one up. They also come in [PocketRocket Mini](/en/product/5056-122/PocketRocket-2-Mini-Stove-Kit) and options.

> “We sell so many PocketRockets year after year – they’ve been a huge hit with backpackers and campers for more than a decade.” – MEC staffer Martin U.
>


For your 2021 adventures, here’s our list of camping gear to watch for.

2021 camping gear guide: new, top-sellers, must-haves

As an outdoor retailer, MEC is keenly aware of the environmental impacts products have during their lifecycle: making polyester yarn, dyeing fabric, producing backpacks… the list goes on and on. MEC Label has set [sustainability goals](/en/article/our-sustainability-goals-for-mec-label-products) to keep doing better, but what about other brands MEC works with?

Turns out they’re just as busy finding ways to do better. MEC asked brands and community partners to share what they’re working on this year.

Here are their responses:

## Edelrid – #ClimbGreen Initiative
We want to prove that sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on safety or performance. All products in our #ClimbGreen collection are made from more sustainable materials or offer a particularly long service life.

Some examples? Our dynamic ropes are bluesign® certified, which means 89% less water used, 63% less CO2 emitted, and 62% less energy and chemicals used during manufacturing (compared to traditional rope). We offer the only PFC-free dry treated ropes, and aim to convert all of our dry treated ropes to PFC-free by 2023. And we’ve made climbing’s first non-anodized carabiners to help reduce toxic chemicals associated with anodization.

**#ClimbGreen gear highlights**

- Edelrid Neo 3R Rope (coming to mec.ca): The world’s first recycled climbing rope. It uses 50% recycled material, which would typically go to the landfill during manufacturing.
- [Edelrid Moe III Harness](/en/product/6014-247/Moe-III-Harness): One of nine harnesses that are bluesign® certified from Edelrid, which is currently the only harness manufacturer with a bluesign certified harness.



> When you choose products made with bluesign® approved fabrics, you can feel confident that they were made in the safest possible way for the planet, workers and you.
>
## Salomon – PFC-free running and hiking shoes
Our entire collection of running and hiking shoes is now PFC- or PFC EC-free. In the textile and footwear world, PFCs have long been used for water repellency – but studies have shown that PFCs are harmful to the environment and people.

With a lot of development, we found and created less toxic solutions that ensure waterproofability and performance. It was a delicate balance to do both exceptionally well, but we’ve done it. Removing PFCs from Salomon products is good for people and the environment, and a win-win in sustainable product development.

**Popular PFC-free footwear**

- [Salomon X Ultra 4 Light Trail Shoes](/en/brand/salomon/products/footwear/c/1184?text=X+Ultra+4): For technical trails with a waterproof membrane to keep you dry.
- Salomon Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes: Built for speed with aggressively lugged soles.

> PFC-free means eliminating PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) and PFC ECs (perfluorinated chemicals of environmental concern), which are used for waterproofing but known to persist in the environment.
>
## Big Agnes – joining the Climate Action Corps
For years, we’ve focused on incorporating more sustainable materials into our products – but this year marks a change. Big Agnes recently joined the [Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps](https://outdoorindustry.org/climateaction) because we believe it’s important for our industry to work together to address climate issues and sustainability. As a smaller brand with fewer resources, it provides a framework and tools for us to measure our current impacts and helps us set future goals.

**New and innovative gear from Big Agnes**

- Big Agnes Fly Creek UL Tent: Solution-dyed fabrics mean 50% water reduction, 80% energy consumption and 80% fewer chemicals during manufacturing.
- Big Agnes TwisterCane Bio Foam Pad (coming to mec.ca): Made from sugarcane-based EVA foam that’s lightweight, warm and from a renewable resource. The sugarcane is grown in a net carbon-negative process.



## Arc’teryx – reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity
Our big goal is to reduce our GHG emissions intensity by 65% by 2030. This is approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative and will help ensure that Arc’teryx does its part to keep the increase in global temperatures below 1.5 degrees as set by the Paris Agreement.

What are we doing to reach this goal? As much as we possibly can! Partnering and investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency in our supply chain, continuing to build the most durable product on the market with lower impact materials, and scaling new, less carbon-intense business models like Used Gear.

**Products made with lower-impact materials from Arc’teryx**

- Arc’teryx Codetta Cinch Coat: Dope dyed backing fabric, bluesign® materials, and PFC-free DWR (durable water repellency) self fabric.
- Arc’teryx Atom LT Hoody: Dope dyed lining fabric and bluesign® approved materials.

> Dope dying, also known as solution dying, is a non-traditional dye method that adds pigment at the polymer level to save water, reduce CO2 emissions and increase fabric colourfastness.
>
## The North Face – reduce carbon impact of products by 30%
Creating products represents more than half of our carbon emissions, so we’re focusing on making our products more sustainable. The North Face is one of the largest apparel brands to set stringent science-based targets. Our goal? To reduce the carbon impact of our products by 30% by 2030.

To get there, we’re making products with recycled, regenerative, organic or renewable content. We’re partnering with our supply chain to support them in reducing their environmental impacts. Plus we’re encouraging consumers to take care of and repair gear, and are focused on eventually recycling used products into new ones.

**Recycled content in action**

- The North Face Eco Trail Tent: Made with 100% recycled fabrics, and part of the Eco Trail collection.
- The North Face Eco Trail Sleeping Bags: Made with 100% recycled fabrics, and filled with recycled synthetic or recycled down insulation.



## CPAWS – protect 30% of Canada’s land and ocean
Canada has committed to protecting 25% of its land and ocean by 2025 and 30% by 2030. Delivering on this promise would be important progress toward protecting at least half of Canada’s land, freshwater and ocean – which is what science shows is needed to conserve nature and tackle climate change.

We’re engaging the public in demanding the investments needed to achieve these goals, as well as supporting protection campaigns across the country. Ensuring that Canada follows through on its promise of nature protection, climate action, and Indigenous-led conservation will put Canada on the path to a healthy, prosperous and equitable future.

**How can people get involved?**

- [Take action](https://cpaws.org/take-action/) on the CPAWS website. Lend your voice to campaigns at the national level or run by [your regional CPAWS chapter](https://cpaws.org/about/our-people/chapters/).
- Some ways to help: [Federal Budget 2021 letter-writing action](https://action.cpaws.org/page/76225/action/1), the [Make Room for Nature petition](https://cpaws.org/our-work/parks-protected-areas/makeroomfornature/) and the joint [One Earth One Voice letter-writing campaign](https://action.cpaws.org/page/65706/action/1).

> Science shows protecting at least half of Canada’s land, freshwater and ocean is what’s needed to conserve nature and tackle climate change.
>


## Protect Our Winters Canada: climate action policies
From a climate action perspective, POW Canada is building momentum on three key policy initiatives for 2021. The first is the Canadian Climate Accountability Act, and lobbying for amendments and passage of Bill C-12. The second is carbon pricing, and the education and advocacy work to build national support in the face of legal challenges by several provinces. Finally, we’re focusing on finance and divestment, and are launching our national #BankOnNature campaign to highlight the opportunity for massive CO2 reductions through divestment.

**How can people get involved?**

- Join us! [Become a member of POW Canada](https://protectourwinters.ca/) – it’s free, it’s easy and it just might help save the world. The success of these initiatives is largely dependent on the size and engagement of our membership.

> “For 2021, we’ll build off our massive policy wins and leverage the enthusiasm of our members to push even harder for meaningful policy solutions to climate change.” – Mike Douglas, professional skier and POW Canada Board Chair
>


MEC asked brands and community partners to share what they’re working on this year. Here are their responses

Stronger together: sustainability goals from brands and partners: sustainability goals from brands and partners

Stronger together: sustainability goals from brands and partners

Almost fifty years ago, we started designing our own products. We’ve come a long way since then, and sustainability has become a major part of the thinking that goes into MEC Label designs. Sometimes, it’s an easy story to tell, like how plastic bottles can be transformed into fuzzy fleece. Other times, it’s more complicated (even a little nerdy), like choosing safer chemistry to make fabric.

To kick off Earth Month, we want to bring it all together and share where we’re heading next. We know we’re not perfect, and we want to keep doing better.

Introducing: our latest sustainability goals for MEC Label.

## Goals we’re working toward
By 2025, our big picture aim is to have at least **one environmental or social responsibility feature*** per MEC Label product.

We also have goals for specific materials and the way things are made:



### Goal: give plastic a second life

By 2023, our goal is that **50% of the polyester** in MEC Label products is **made from recycled content**. By 2030, we want to be at 100%.

By turning recycled plastic water bottles and fishing nets into outdoor gear and clothing, MEC hopes to show how useful recycled waste can be and expand the market for these materials too (did you know that Canada only recycled 9% of its plastics in 2016?). Plus, it gives old products a second life and keeps them out of the landfill.

[Learn more about recycled content](/en/explore/recycled-fibres)



### Goal: use the safest possible chemicals

By 2025, our goal is that **100% of the fabrics** in MEC Label products are **bluesign approved®**. This is a big deal, since it involves all the chemistry that goes into manufacturing fabrics.

Bluesign approved fabrics are made in the safest possible way for the planet, workers and you. MEC Label has been working with Bluesign since 2005, and about 80% of our fabric is currently bluesign-approved – so we’re well on our way.

[Learn more about Bluesign](/en/article/what-the-heck-is-bluesign)



### Goal: make a difference in workers’ lives

By 2025, our goal is to have **50% of MEC Label clothing made in a Fair Trade Certified factory**.

Fair Trade is a way to make a local impact in a global economy. For every Fair Trade Certified product sold, MEC pays a premium into a fund for factory employees, who vote on how to use the funds based on community needs.

[Learn more about Fair Trade Certified](/en/explore/fair-trade)



### Goal: all recycled hang tags, all the time

Hang tags are the paper info tags attached to MEC Label products. As you can imagine, we create a *huge* amount of them each year. By 2023, our goal is to use **100% post-consumer recycled paper** in every single hang tag – this saves energy and water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Good news: we’re already 80% of the way there.



## Goals we’ve achieved so far
We’ve ticked off a few goal boxes already, and we’re still committed to:

- **More environmentally friendly natural fibres**: All of the cotton in MEC Label products is always organically grown. Organic cotton has a reduced energy demand, uses far less water via irrigation, and means less nutrients leaching from the soil. Another natural fibre we use is Tencel®. It’s created from pulp sourced from trees grown on Forest Stewardship Council certified farm, and the process to create it is non-toxic and closed loop. [Learn more about natural and organic fibres](/en/explore/natural-and-organic-fibres).

- **100% Certified Responsible Down**: Since 2016, MEC Label has only sourced down from birds that are responsibly raised and cared for, and we prohibit live-plucking and force-feeding. [Learn more about animal welfare](/en/explore/animal-welfare).

- **100% LWG Certified leather**: Any leather in MEC Label products is certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). The LWG aims to improve the environmental impact of the leather industry and promote traceability. Knowing where leather hides come from is important, because deforestation can be connected to cattle ranching in some parts of the world.



**By that we mean recycled content, organic content, Fair Trade, PVC-free, Responsible Down Standard, Responsible Wool Standard, preferred Lyocell, rechargeable, Leather Working Group, or bluesign®-approved materials.**



How we’re trying to make a difference in the outdoor gear we create for you.

Our sustainability goals for MEC Label products

Camping season is so close we can almost taste the s’mores, smell the forest, and feel the morning breeze. You better believe we’re counting down the days, so we want to spread the excitement with plenty of tips to get prepped for camping season.

## Book your campsites early
MEC is proud to call Parks Canada one of our community partners. Details and exact dates for each Parks Canada campsite location are available on the [Parks Canada reservations site](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve). Provincial park campsite reservations launch dates vary across Canada, so check your region to see when you can start to book.

Pro tips for campsite reservations:

- **Plan ahead**: Do your research and choose campsites up front, so when booking opens, you’re ready to go. Reservations sell out fast.
- **Be flexible with timing**: Long weekends book up quickly. Consider a mid-week trip or regular weekends, and have a few dates to choose from when you’re booking.
- **Try somewhere new**: Check out Parks Canada’s list of [10 alternatives to Canada’s most popular national parks](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/10-options) to discover a hidden gem.
- **Check back again later**: Didn’t get your spot? Cancellations happen and campsites might be released again for you to hop on it.
- **Learn the basics**: If you’re new to camping, especially at national parks, check out Parks Canada’s [Camping 101 guide](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/hebergement-accommodation/camping-101) for info on services, reservations, etiquette and more.
- **Get a Discovery Pass now**: Buy now from your local MEC store for unlimited admission at more than 80 Parks Canada locations that typically charge a daily entrance fee.



## Organize and restock your gear
New to camping? Check out our [camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist) and [backpacking checklist](/en/explore/backpacking-checklist) to gear up. If you have existing camping gear, now’s the time to restock and assess. It’s also a great time to consider upgrades based on your goals. Maybe that means a down sleeping bag, a cushier sleeping pad, a lighter tent, a faster boiling stove – you get the idea.

**Things to replace and stock up on early**:

- [Camp fuel](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/stoves-fuel-and-fire/fuel/c/1283)
- [Camping meals](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/camping-meals/c/1180) and [camp coffee](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581)
- [First aid supplies](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/first-aid-kits-and-supplies/c/279) – take a look to see what’s missing
- [Water treatment drops or tablets](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-water-treatment/water-filters-treatment-and-tablets/water-treatments-and-tablets/c/1243?merchbox=kitchen-water-treatments)
- [Sunscreen](/en/products/travel-gear/sun-protection/c/1216) and [bug spray](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bug-spray-and-bug-nets/bug-spray-and-insect-repellent/c/500) (check expiry dates if you have bottles from last year)
- [Batteries](/en/products/travel-gear/travel-electronics/batteries/c/1113) for headlamps, GPS, etc.
- Biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, scrubber pads

**Tips for pre-season gear checks:**

- **Inflate your sleeping pad** to check for leaks; same with camp pillows
- **Fire up your camp stove** to make sure it’s working; white gas/multi-fuel stoves need regular maintenance
- **Set up your tent** to make sure all poles and pegs are accounted for, and that there are no holes. Sweep out last season’s dirt while you’re at it.
- **Look (and smell) your sleeping bag** and liner – is it finally time to give it a wash?
- **Re-waterproof** your gear, like jackets, rain pants and hiking boots.
- **Organize your camp cooking supplies** and make sure they’re clean



## Plan your camp meals
Fact: camping food goes way beyond spider dogs (but they’re definitely fun). Before you even pull your campstove out of storage, you can get inspired for fresh-air meals by researching new recipes online or browsing camp cookbooks. You could even prep camp snacks and backcountry meals at home with a food dehydrator – new goal for the year, perhaps? And don’t forget about the coffee. Grinders and hand-pump espresso can take your brew from functional to fantastic.



## Brush up on Leave No Trace
With so many more people camping, it’s incredibly important to look after wild places. [Leave No Trace Canada](/en/explore/leave-no-trace-canada) is dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation and is one of MEC’s community partners. To get started, learn the [7 ways to hike and camp responsibly](/en/article/7-ways-to-camp-and-hike-responsibly).

Leave No Trace (LNT) involves more than just packing out your orange peels – though you should definitely do that. When you understand the principles, you can plan for things like storing food away from wildlife and knowing how to poop in the backcountry. Some of our favourite LNT friendly gear items:

- [Portable trowel](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/bath-and-sanitation-products/urination-devices-and-toilet-shovels/c/812): To easily dig a 15cm (6in.) deep cathole 60m/200 ft. away from water sources when nature calls.
- [Binoculars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/binoculars/c/900): To respect wildlife, give them space, and observe from a distance.
- [Lantern](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/headlamps-and-lighting/lanterns-and-candles/c/1307): To minimize campfire impacts in the backcountry, while still having a cozy light source.



## Get ready for the backcountry
Car camping has a ton of benefits (hello, full-size pillows). But being in the backcountry is pretty darn amazing – it’s just nature, your gear, and a blanket of stars. It’s one of the most memorable ways to enjoy the outdoors.

If you’re new to backcountry camping, our article on [how to plan your first overnight camping trip](/en/explore/planning-for-overnight-hikes) is loaded with tips to get started. You can ask friends, research online, and read guidebooks to find a good beginner backcountry trip for you. Remember to look into what type of backcountry permit or reservation you need for the trail and backcountry site you have your eye on.

Since you’ll be carrying everything, good hiking gear is important. Look into [MEC Label gear](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/c/1549?filters[brand][0]=mec) and clothing for high-quality items at a great value. You could also ask friends to borrow their gear, or look into secondhand gear to save some bucks.



The countdown is on. Follow these tips to hit the campground running.

The best ways to get ready for camping season

To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re sharing the stories of inspiring women who have found their place outdoors – and who want to inspire others to do the same. Get to know **Anita Naidu**, **Sandy Ward** and **Yuki Tsubota** and their thoughts on everything from goals to gear. Find out what power they tap into, their biggest breakthrough moments, advice on getting outside and more.

To cap it all off, learn about the MEC-funded women’s expedition grant from The Royal Canadian Geographical Society to spark future adventures.

## Anita Naidu
*MEC Ambassador and mountain biking coach who’s also an electrical engineer, award-winning humanitarian and aspiring astronaut.*[*@abrownpanther*](https://www.instagram.com/abrownpanther/?hl=en)



Becoming the first professional mountain biker of my ethnicity was by far my biggest breakthrough in the outdoors. Because I never saw anyone of my race (particularly a female!) choose this path, the absence of role models meant there was no prescribed ritual for what I wanted to do. There were many instances when I questioned if it was even possible. But more importantly, becoming the first pro of my ethnicity has allowed me to offer up my skills in service and my hard-earned insider privilege to help others be more included.

The greatest power that women can tap into in the outdoors is a defiant refusal to be less than who we are. So much of what’s established isn’t organically empowering for women and girls – it’s vital that we build systems of empowerment in the outdoors and beyond. Whenever doubt creeps up, which is natural in mountain sports, I tap into my own ideological coordinates of what’s possible, which helps bend the sharp edges of fear and hesitancy.

> The greatest power that women can tap into in the outdoors is a defiant refusal to be less than who we are.
>
### How do you approach goals?
So much about goals – whether they’re personal, career, adventuring or athletic – isn’t just about fulfilling them, but knowing which goals are worth setting. What’s served as a guiding light has been to ask myself if what I’m doing is helping me become the person I want to be in five, ten years? Because our most valuable currency is attention and energy. Do not waste either on anything that does not bring you closer to living your highest ideals. Some goals are worth pursuing even if you don’t attain them… if they bring you closer to the best version of yourself.



### When are you happiest outside?
I’m joyous in the outdoors when I’m a part of someone else’s best day. Personally, thriving comes from experiencing the unknown, whether it’s endless airtime, the sound of my edges slashing untracked powder, or placing the final piece of gear on a new climb. In all these cases, you don’t know how it’s going to turn out until it’s over, so it forces you to be comfortable with ambiguity. That joy is only surpassed by the happiness of guiding others through their challenges with uncertainty and helping them reach their outdoor goals.

> Some goals are worth pursuing even if you don’t attain them… if they are goals that bring you closer to the best version of yourself.
>
### Anita’s gear recommendations
- **MEC Trailboost Merino Crew Socks**: Incredible after a cold surf or with a layer of wool socks for skiing or snowboarding.
- [**MEC Merino long sleeve**](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layer-tops/c/1055?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=mec&filters%5Bcustom_fields.Gender%5D%5B0%5D=women%27s): Great under a bike jersey for cooler fall biking and bouldering days.
- [**Fleece leggings**](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants/fleece-and-sweatpants/c/275?filters%5Bcustom_fields.Gender%5D%5B0%5D=women%27s): Must-haves for trail running, cross-country skiing or under mountain bike shorts on winter rides.

## Sandy Ward
*Snowboarder, photographer, climber, mountain biker and backcountry mentorship team co-lead for Indigenous Women Outdoors. [@sutik.maqa7](https://www.instagram.com/sutik.maqa7/)*



The biggest breakthrough I’ve had recently was being put in the spotlight as an Indigenous female splitboarder. That may seem small, but by showcasing Indigenous athletes we are giving Indigenous youth role models to look up to – hopefully that will inspire them to go for it and achieve goals that may have seemed impossible. I’ve been very lucky to have some amazing snowboarders and skiers help me out along the way, including Marie-France Roy, Leah Evans and Claire Smallwood.

Surrounding myself with other strong like-minded women has enabled me to achieve so many things. A great example is meeting Myia Antone and starting up [Indigenous Women Outdoors](https://www.indigenouswomenoutdoors.ca/), which has been an amazing experience. We empower more Indigenous women to get involved in winter sports by breaking down the barriers around accessing knowledge and gear. We all raise each other up, and in doing so, we can achieve amazing things. Showcasing real people just out having a good time makes the outdoors seem more achievable.

> Surrounding myself with other strong like-minded women has enabled me to achieve so many things.
>
### What advice do you have for women who want to get outside more?
Just get out and go for it! Find one or two friends and learn together. Hiring a guide is a great way to learn – they have so much knowledge to share, from simple tricks with gear to how to read terrain. It doesn’t matter what activity it is, hiring an experienced guide for a day or two will give you so much more confidence to go out on your own eventually.

Also, be kind to each other and lift each other up. The outdoors can be a challenging and scary place, and we can all learn from each other’s lived experiences.



### What’s your favourite place outdoors?
The peak of a mountain on my traditional territory. Up the Duffey, I can see all the mountains around me where my ancestors travelled in all seasons. The traditional names have stories behind them that we can still learn from. I love to learn these stories, as they make me feel more connected to the land.

> Be kind to each other and lift each other up. The outdoors can be a challenging and scary place, and we can all learn from each other’s lived experiences.
>
### Sandy’s gear recommendations
- [**Base layers**](/en/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/base-layers-and-underwear/c/273): A base layer can make or break your day. Something warm, and breathable is important, like MEC AirGrid base layers.
- [**Lightweight puffy**](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/hiking-clothing/hiking-jackets/c/420): I never leave home without it. Something like the [MEC Boundary Light Down Jacket](/en/product/6019-623/boundary-light-down-jacket) – super packable, lightweight and warm for mountain top snack sessions.
- [**Insulated bottle**](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/water-bottles-and-travel-mugs/water-bottles/c/1233?filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=insulated) **with hot tea**: A great treat for a bit of energy, and makes your friends envious as you bust out a hot beverage on a cold day in the mountains.

## Yuki Tsubota
*MEC Ambassador, skier and two-time Olympian. When she’s not on the slopes, she’s biking, camping or SUPing.*[*@yuki_tsubota*](https://www.instagram.com/yuki_tsubota/)



As women, we are all connected. I’ve never met a woman who I didn’t share something with; shared experiences or emotions can turn a stranger into a friend. I love listening to women, hearing their stories, adventures, obstacles they’ve had to overcome, and finding a bit of myself in her.

I find when I get out with a group of women, there is such powerful energy. When I used to be in the competition scene, the days I learned the most were the ones when I skied for fun with a bunch of girls. We all hyped each other up and fed off one another.

> I find when I get out with a group of women, there is such powerful energy.
>
### Who is someone that’s inspired you?
I will always and forever look up to Sarah Burke. She was a big reason why I chased my dreams to become a professional skier. She always encouraged young girls to follow their dreams and believe in their skiing ability, and I believe that will continue for generations to come.



### What advice do you have for women who want to get outside more?
Don’t be intimidated! I know it’s a lot easier said than done, but we all started out new to the outdoors at some point and it’s never too late to begin. I hope I can encourage more women to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Being outside and doing physical activities is so good for your mind and body that everyone should be doing it.

I think if we can grow mentorship programs, that’s the best, safest and most encouraging way to get someone out. There is such a great women’s outdoor community that’s growing every day, and it’s something I plan to continue to be a part of. I’ve found the majority of groups to be welcoming and encouraging, you just have to get out and meet them. Reach out! Don’t be shy.

> We all started out new to the outdoors at some point and it’s never too late to begin.
>
### Yuki’s gear recommendations
- [**MEC Synergy Jacket**](/en/product/6000-459/Synergy-HD-Gore-Tex-Jacket): I’ve been wearing it for the past couple of seasons and it hasn’t let me down once. A good shell is crucial for the backcountry, especially in wet coastal weather.
- [**A multi-use tool**](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-and-accessories/knives-and-tools/multi-tools/c/1291): I never leave home without one – it’s saved the day numerous times.

## Women’s Expedition Grant
MEC is proud to partner with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society as the exclusive gear outfitter for the [**Women’s Expedition Grant**](https://rcgs.org/programs/expeditions/apply-for-funding/). If you know a woman with big expedition goals (maybe even you?), this is an awesome opportunity. This grant encourages leadership and participation by women on expeditions in Canada, and provides funding for expeditions where all participants are women.

Grant funding applications are due at the beginning of each calendar year. Since expeditions require plenty of planning, now is the perfect time to start poring over maps, building a team, and pulling together an ambitious expedition proposal to [apply for funding](https://rcgs.org/programs/expeditions/apply-for-funding/) by the January 7, 2022 deadline.

Need some inspiration? The most recent RCGS Women’s Expedition Grant recipient supported by MEC was Melanie Vogel. She set out to hike 18,000km alone across Canada – from the Atlantic to the Arctic to the Pacific oceans – on the Great Trail, the longest recreational trail in the world.



To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re sharing the stories of inspiring women who have found their place outdoors – and who want to inspire others to do the same.

The power of women in the outdoors

If you’re lucky enough to meet Coree at a future trail race, you’ll likely see him rocking his signature Speedo and a friendly smile. As a member of The North Face athlete team, Coree usually spends plenty of time gearing up for start lines – so what happens when most races are cancelled, as was the case in 2020?

For Coree, it meant creating his own start line: a fastest known time (FKT) attempt on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. This route is a whopping 1,846 kilometres – more than twice as long as Ontario’s epic Bruce Trail – and it got even tougher with a mid-run injury.

Watch Coree in action and read more about his post-midnight running fuel, people he hopes to inspire, and his advice for runners facing the uncertainties of 2021.



PERSPECTIVES: Coree Woltering | The North Face

### MEC: How did you get into ultrarunning?
**Coree:** I was first introduced to trail/ultrarunning when I moved to Boulder, Colorado, to try and become a professional triathlete. I started hanging out with some trail runners, and one suggested that I crew and pace him at the Leadville 100 Mile. I had no idea where Leadville was, or what it meant to crew or pace, but I agreed to it. The experience at Leadville was so awesome that I decided to quit triathlon and focus on running.

### What challenges did you face to get to where you’re today?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. In college, I thought a marathon was “too long” and always said I’d never run one. I absolutely loved my first 50K, and signed up for my first 50-mile the week of Silver Rush 50M. I missed the podium at Silver Rush by 52 seconds, and I think that was what got the fire burning for trails and ultras. I wanted to become a sponsored athlete, but I didn’t really know anybody in the industry, what races to focus on, and had no idea how to move forward. Learning the process was probably the biggest challenge.

### Who do you want to inspire?
One of my big goals is to inspire more people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, and women to join in the outdoors. As a kid, and even as a young adult, I had no idea that trail racing was a sport. I had watched a few seasons of Eco-Challenge and never imagined that would be something I would do. I want everybody to feel like they have a place in the outdoors.

### The North Face has a new line of trail running and hiking shoes, Vectiv – were you involved with product testing?
I’ve been running in the Vectiv shoes since May 2020. They’ve been used on everything from the Ice Age Trail, to the Presidential Traverse, to Flagstaff, Arizona, and now the trails of Las Vegas. I’m impressed with the Vectiv, but my favourite is actually the Vectiv Enduris — I love the cushioning in them, as most of the stuff I have been doing has been longer efforts. The Flight Vectiv is a pretty wild ride with the carbon plate. Personally, I’ve noticed the most impact on uphill running and the flats.

*Stay tuned: the [Vectiv line](/en/brand/the-north-face/products/footwear/shoes/running-and-training-shoes/c/294?text=vectiv) is coming soon to mec.ca, including Coree’s favourite: Vectiv Enduris trail runners.*



### What’s your must-have gear for running?
The one piece of gear I have with me 90% of the time is The North Face Flight Futurelight Jacket *(editor’s note: [Futurelight](/en/products/c/100?f=CFSeasonalCollections%3AFuturelight+collection) is The North Face’s most advanced waterproof-breathable fabric)*. It’s a rain jacket, but also great in wind. Illinois fall/winter/spring weather is so unpredictable that I use this a lot on cool, windy mornings, and then stuff it in my pack as the day warms up. It’s also great when unexpected rain or snow showers roll in.

### It’s after midnight and you’ve been on the trail for hours… what’s your go-to trail fuel?
Hahaha – the first thing I’m reaching for is some Red Bull with ginger ale. That’s always my go-to late in a 100-mile race. If I was on the trail alone, I’d probably get out a beer stashed in my pack, a UCAN energy bar, and a Snickers. During my Ice Age Trail FKT, after midnight was mostly crispy chicken sandwiches and cheeseburgers from gas stations.

### What are your favourite ways to recover from a race, FKT challenge or major event?
My favorite recovery foods are a nice cold beer, a milkshake, and a burger or tacos. Then I’ll take a few days off running and either bike, hike, or maybe just watch Netflix. I don’t have a set recovery protocol, as I feel different after each effort. The main thing is to get some calories in, get my feet up as soon as possible, and then focus on sleep.

### What tips would you give to runners who want to move up in their sport?
To the athlete trying to level-up or get sponsored, I’d say stay the course. In COVID-times, races aren’t happening often, so it’s a bit harder to get noticed for a standout performance. But you can still go after fastest known times or other personal projects. Sure, fast times and solid results are important, but so are the stories behind them.

### What running goals and plans do you have 2021?
I’ll be attempting to set an FKT on the Arizona Trail and racing Expedition Oregon. So I guess my running goals are to continue to become a better runner, but also expand my outdoor skillset.

### Any final advice for runners during the uncertainties of 2021?
Training doesn’t need to be epic. If you feel like running, go for a run. If you don’t feel like running, that’s okay too. You won’t completely lose fitness by taking some time off, and you can always get it back. Just be patient and kind with yourself.

*Well said. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Coree, and best of luck with all your 2021 goals.*



Watch Coree's fastest known time (FKT) attempt on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin. This route is a whopping 1,846 kilometres – more than twice as long as Ontario’s epic Bruce Trail – and it got even tougher with a mid-run injury.

Meet Coree Woltering – and his 1,846km trail run challenge

As an avid filmmaker and photographer with 30 years of experience behind the lens, Dudley has worked with everything from grizzly bears and sequoia trees to water quality scientists and cowboys. Along the way, he’s written a few books as well, including *Black and Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places* and *What’s That Wildflower? A Beginner’s Guide to Wildflowers*.

**Check out Dudley’s tips to capture better photos when you’re outside, no matter what kind of camera you have:**

## Feel the photo
I’m always mindful of the need to have an emotional response to some of the images I’m taking. If I feel nothing when I click the shutter, I can’t really expect the viewer to feel anything either. Photos that feature inclement weather are a strong one… snow storms, raging rain storms on water… there is natural power in those events, and I try to capture that.



## Be prepared to get very dirty
Where public land regulations allow, I like to go where the animals go, sometimes even following wild game trails. I like immersive perspectives. Sometimes that means rolling in the dirt, laying on my belly, or being knee deep in a river. Embrace the space, and be prepared to see better photos.



## Have patience
Slow down your body and mind, and tune into nature on nature’s time. When you’re out there, listen and look closely. That’s when the great photos start. You’ll notice the way light falls on things, textures of plants, smaller insects, shapes, and natural patterns. For me it’s all so therapeutic. Going birding, sitting by the water, or on a slow hike in the woods are good ways to practice patience. They force you to slow down and be present.



## A camera is a camera
A camera is nothing more than a tool to show others how *you* see the world around you. Don’t think you have to buy the latest mirrorless camera and expensive lenses. If you do, be prepared to sell your photos to pay off that gear. Seriously, though, the best camera is the one you have at the time. For many of us, that’s a phone.



## Gear recommendations
Over my three decades of shooting, I’ve used just about every camera manufacturer out there. In 2016, I switched from Canon to Sony. I think Sony is leading the way with their mirrorless cameras. For stills, I shoot the Sony A7 III. For video, I shoot the Sony FX6 cinema camera. I prefer Sony glass but would have no problem picking up Sigma or Tamron glass.



## Don’t look through the lens
Sometimes I don’t look through the lens when I click the shutter. I learned this when I was an embedded photographer. I had a 15–30mm lens I later called “The Magic Lens.” I would set it around 15 to 20mm, hold it in front of me, and click the shutter. It didn’t matter how high or low I held it. I’d click the shutter and preview the shot. It was a way to surprise myself.



## Bonus tip: Getting started with photography
The easiest way to get into photography is to spend time photographing things you love or are passionate about. Your skills will improve much faster that way. I got into nature photography by way of birds because I’m an avid birder. You could use your phone, an old flea market film camera, or whatever you can find that fits your budget.



## Related articles
- [10 tips to stay active outside, even when it’s cold and wet](/en/article/tips-to-stay-active-outside-even-when-its-cold-and-wet)
- [How to choose and fit a backpack](/en/explore/choose-and-fit-a-backpack)
- [How to wash waterproof jackets and pants](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



Advice that works, no matter what kind of camera you have. Learn from pro photographer Dudley Edmondson, who loves all things natural and wild.

7 tips on how to take better outdoor photos

In 2020, we shared the progress and setbacks we’ve faced while doing the work to become a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. Many of the actions we’ve taken so far have been out in the open, such as representing communities of colour in our imagery (since 2018), boycotting Facebook and Instagram to Stop Hate For Profit (June to October 2020), and committing to the [Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge](https://www.insolidarityproject.com/the-pledge) (since 2018).

We knew it was time to go deeper. To get more personal and peel back the layers of hidden biases. Here’s what we’ve been working lately on to create change within MEC:

## Recent progress
- **Unconscious bias training for staff**: Amil Reddy, a Certified Canadian Inclusion Professional, led the first set of training to store managers and head office staff. It was a powerful session – we explored privilege, systemic inequalities, cross-cultural communication and our own unconscious biases. The goals are for staff to feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, for leaders to accept teams with authenticity, and for everyone to broaden their perspectives at work and in the world. We’ll be rolling out similar training for every MEC staffer across Canada by summer 2021, including a focus on inclusive member service.

- **Toolkits for staff**: We compiled an evolving collection of resources for staff so they can continue to learn from the lived experiences of others.

- **Challenging the status quo**: We pushed our staff benefits program to include more gender options for staff.

- **Recognizing important days**: As significant days appear on the calendar, we’re highlighting them with staff on our internal site, based on a collaborative calendar shared with our DEI committee. A few examples: Transgender Day of Remembrance, Pride Month, Diwali, International Women’s Day, and Remembrance Day with a focus on the contributions of Black, Indigenous and queer communities.

- **Better understanding of staff diversity**: Our annual staff surveys can now help us better understand our diverse workforce. We’ve introduced a way for staff to let us know what communities they belong to, if they wish to share. These surveys are anonymous and optional.

- **New store signage**: We’ve installed respectful workplace signage to let staff and members know we’re committed to creating an environment free of bias or discrimination. If anyone observes actions inconsistent with this commitment, the signage asks them to contact the store manager or Member Service Desk.

## What we’re working on next
We’ve been hard at work to make change happen, and we still have more work to go.

- **More inclusive hiring practices**: We’re working to support the introduction of anonymized screening for potential candidates, where names and genders aren’t visible to prevent unconscious biases from affecting decisions.

- **Higher standards for accessibility training**: On January 25, we’ll be launching new accessibility training for staff (with a focus on store staff). Accessibility training standards vary by province, and this new training will elevate all staff across Canada to the highest standards.

- **More ways to celebrate and recognize differences**: We want to elevate awareness of the wide-reaching cultures and beliefs that make up our MEC staff teams. Some ideas include book clubs, social meetings and opportunities for people to connect, explore diverse views, discuss thought-provoking topics, and learn from each other.

Our journey is far from over. Unlike a hiking trail or summit, there is no destination when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion – it’s always evolving, and we can always do better. We commit to keep doing the work so that everyone can see themselves outside.

For more details on what we’re learning and the actions we’ve taken so far, visit our [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion page](/en/explore/diversity-equity-and-inclusion).



What we’ve been working on to create change at MEC.

Update on our diversity, equity and inclusion commitments

Spend $200+ online and get a $50 voucher by email for your next in-store purchase. Ends July 11.