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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

A great addition to any fitness plan, interval training alternates high intensity exercises with recovery periods over a given time period. The good thing about interval training is that it helps you get stronger for other activities like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

Whether you want to up your performance for a specific activity or find a new way to get in shape, interval training will help you make the most of your workouts.

### Before you start
Interval training isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s effective because of its high intensity approach.

According to MEC Ambassador and road cycling coach [Allan Prazsky](https://meccms.imgix.net/wp-json/ambassadors/allan-prazsky), it’s important to have a base fitness level that’s sufficient enough to properly do a series of intervals without incurring injury. Before you throw intervals into the mix, you should start with a routine of cardio and strength training to help get your body ready for this next step up.

To get the maximum benefits out of interval training, Allan also recommends that you make sure that the intervals are specific to the demands of your fitness routine or competition. These benefits include increased [VO2 max](http://runningmagazine.ca/explaining-vo2-max/) (the volume of oxygen you use), reduced blood lactate levels, better resistance to fatigue, improved neuromuscular efficiency and increased peak power.

### The right equipment


To maximize your training, you’ll want to have the right equipment on hand. This means proper [workout clothes](/en/products/clothing/c/981?f=CFSeasonalCollections%3AIndoor+Training) and footwear; a [watch](/en/products/gear/electronics/watches/c/1153?q=%3Asales-rank) for time keeping; your current heart rate and heart zone measure; and a [heart rate monitor bundle](/en/products/gear/cycling-gear/heart-rate-monitors/c/1145) that can estimate your VO2 max, outputs and recommended recovery time.

### Interval training ideas
Once you’re ready to get going, here are some workout ideas to get you started

##### 1. Tabata intervals
I have a love-hate relationship with Tabata intervals, which involve 20-second spurts of high intensity followed by 10 seconds of rest over 8 cycles. The beauty of the Tabata interval is that you can do it with just about any exercise, and it requires very little time.

I’ve found that the easiest way to keep time is to create a music mix that plays for 20 seconds and then stops for 10 seconds. Once you’ve chosen your time-keeping tool, you can warm up and decide which exercises to do. For example, you can stick to running, biking, swimming or rowing for the eight cycles, or you can add in some squats, push-ups, sit-ups or any other strength-building exercise. If you want to push yourself, try to match your distance or your repetitions during each cycle.

##### 2. Sprint for time
Another type of workout involves picking a distance (such as 100m on a track or two points on a street), and then sprinting to your chosen finish line. Once you’ve reached the finish point, walk back to the start and repeat four to ten times. Keep track of how long it takes you to sprint your distance, and try to match that time during every set.

##### 3. Sprint for distance


You can also sprint for a pre-determined time (30 seconds), rest for a pre-determined time (1 minute) and repeat 4 to 10 times. Use the same start point and try to replicate your distance during each set.

##### 4. Sprint for fun
If you just want to have some fun, you can mix up how you do your intervals. Put some music on and run for an entire song, then rest during the next one. Or you can walk for one song, jog for the next and sprint every time the chorus comes on.

If you’re feeling ambitious, then try Allan’s personal favourite interval, which he calls “Magic 8-Balls.” Do three to five eight-minute sets performed at your VO2 max. It’s important to take your time resting between each set. Allan says each break should last between 8 to 12 minutes to allow for maximum recovery. As he puts it, “They hurt so good.”

Now that you’ve got the basics, you can start incorporating interval training into your fitness plan. Good luck!

*Note: Since this type of training places big demands on your heart, make sure you check with your doctor to see if high-intensity training is alright for you. It’s also important to start slow, with a few intervals for a short amount of time.*

*Photo credits: Angela Aladro mella / Shutterstock.com, baranq / Shutterstock.com.*



## Related articles
- [How to choose an activity tracker](/en/explore/choose-an-activity-tracker)
- [Be a better runner: how to get fast with speed work](/en/article/be-a-better-runner-how-to-get-fast-with-speed-work)
- [How to choose running shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-running-shoes)



Make the most of your workouts with these interval training tips. This high-intensity workout helps you get stronger for things like climbing, hiking, running and biking.

How to do anything: Master interval training | MEC Blog

How to do anything: Master interval training

Late October and early November often signal the start of Canadian winter (the solstice is a bit behind), and for the Greater Toronto Area surf community, this time of year boasts the biggest and best waves.

“I always tell people that surfing on the lakes makes you a better surfer,” says Antonio Lennert, founder of Surf the Greats, an MEC Outdoor Nation collaborator organization. “Most of the time our waves are messy and hard to catch, but they do clean up nicely and stack up just like the ocean when the conditions are right.”

The local surf season starts in the fall and goes all the way to the spring. Fall through winter generates the biggest, most consistent waves. “The best time to surf in Toronto is during the winter when the big snowstorms come. When Ashbridges Bay works it gets really good – it’s pretty cool to be able to see the CN Tower while you’re riding a wave,” he beams. “Scarborough Bluffs has a few different breaks suitable for surfers ranging from beginner to advanced. Come fall and winter, some of those spots hold pretty big waves that look and feel just like the ocean, plus you get the natural beauty of the bluffs in the background.”



So if you’re ready to come out of Lake Ontario with icicles dripping from your wetsuit… how do you know when to head out in the first place?

“As most people have seen, the lakes are usually flat,” he explains. “Our swells are often short-lived since they only last as long as the storm system moving through the area.” Antonio credits strong winds as a result of low pressure systems blowing for at least 5 hours for generating 2–3-ft waves. “When [the winds] are blowing consistently from the same direction, they push water, which creates small waves that grow larger the further they travel.”

Other wave-making factors include the depth and size of the lake, as well as air and water temperature. As Antonio explains, the colder the air and water, the least amount of wind is needed to generate waves. “That’s one of the reasons why Lake Ontario goes flat during the summer months,” he clarifies. “However, Lake Erie is the shallowest lake, which is why we can surf there during the summer.”

As hurricanes roll through the Atlantic Ocean in the fall, weather systems move through the Great Lakes, and with water and air temperatures cooling, waves start rolling in to Toronto’s shoreline on nearly a weekly basis. “As winter approaches and air temperatures go below freezing, the water temperature stays just over zero … allowing us to surf sizable waves with very little wind.”



Antonio runs Surf the Greats’ [wave forecasting workshops](http://surfthegreats.org/collections/surfaris/products/forecasting-workshop) (sometimes held at MEC stores), which give newbies and experienced surfers a wealth of information and tools to surf the Great Lakes. They include further science behind wave formation, how to understand weather maps and charts, apps to use, and even an intro to established local surf spots.

For Antonio, safety and self-rescue go foot-in-leash with chasing waves. “Having the proper equipment is rule number one. If you are a beginner, we recommend a soft top board and a warm [wetsuit](/en/ideal-for/surfing/products/clothing/swimwear/wetsuits/c/1043?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) (think 6mm thick). And understanding the conditions is key. We have different types of currents on the Great Lakes and knowing how to avoid and get out of them is very important.” Some of the area’s best surf breaks have tricky entry points and rocky bottoms, so choosing a spot you’re comfortable with is paramount to staying safe. “Never surf alone,” he says, adding that the beaches aren’t supervised in the colder months. “Go with a friend and paddle out where there are other surfers.”

The changing nature of the Great Lakes is something Antonio has come to live for, and hopes to expose more Toronto-area residents to it over the years. “They can go from completely flat to having 6-foot waves breaking in just a few hours and then stop completely shortly after. It makes the chase very rewarding.”

*Photos by [Lucas Murnaghan](https://www.instagram.com/lucasmurnaghan/).*

*Want to try surfing? Check out**MEC Outdoor Nation** and*[*Surf the Greats*](http://surfthegreats.org/)* for the latest events, and don’t forget to tag your freshwater Instagram pics with*[*#myhomewaters*](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/myhomewaters/)* to help protect Canada’s waterways.*



Tips on when and where to surf in Ontario from Surf the Greats. This Toronto-based organization aims to share the stoke for surfing in the Great Lakes, including spots like Scarborough Bluffs and Ashbridges Bay.

Ontario's Surf the Greats: winter wave forecasting | MEC Blog

Surf the Greats: catching winter waves

One breezy summer day while arriving to surf Lake Erie with friends, Antonio Lennert witnessed something startling: over a hundred dead fish washed up along the shoreline. “It was a very scary moment,” he says. “None of us had ever seen that many dead fish on the beach before.” As the group got in the water, they saw [algae all around](http://www.lakeeriealive.org/), but since they’d driven for two hours to find good waves that day, they paddled out and surfed for a couple hours anyways. “Every now and then a dead fish would pop up next to one of us,” says Antonio. “It was pretty gross and terrifying.”

The Brazilian-born surfer and community activist has been noticing more and more changes in the Great Lakes over the years, and the damage is something he desperately hopes to repair. As the founder and Chief Experience Officer of [Surf the Greats](http://surfthegreats.org/), a northern surf culture and community organization and Toronto-based MEC Outdoor Nation collaborator, he leads beach cleanups, educational workshops and meet-ups in hopes of instilling a need to act in the local surf community. For Antonio, Surf the Greats is the manifestation of passion for adventure, exploration and the power of nature – something that was ingrained in him when he grew up by the ocean in Brazil, and when he lived in California and Australia before moving to Toronto in 2009.



“[I’ve] lost count of how many times I saw people putting their lives at risk without fully understanding the dangers of our riptides,” he laments. “And water is becoming a commodity as the years go by. But surfing the Great Lakes puts us in a privileged position, [one where we] witness all the pollution in the water. And that needs to change.”

[Pollution, contamination, debris and harmful algal blooms](http://www.waterkeeper.ca/blog/2016/9/2/lake-ontario-water-colours-what-the-lakes-hue-can-tell-you) are some of the largest threats to Canada’s waterways. The blooms are particularly concerning. A result of rapid algae growth due to the presence of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, they tend to occur in late summer and early fall, and produce toxins as cells die. For surfers, paddlers and swimmers who want to enjoy the water, the health issues that result from contact with the blooms can be wide-ranging and serious: muscle cramps and twitching, nausea and vomiting, cardiac or respiratory difficulty, liver failure and even paralysis.

Antonio has witnessed the blooms first-hand. “Sometimes we leave the water covered in algae or aren’t able to surf at all because of the toxicity,” he reveals. “Although many surfers still risk their health and go in.”



Wanting to enlighten fellow surfers and increase his safety knowledge, Antonio went to Costa Rica to take an open-water rescue course as well as the Surf & SUP instructor course put on by the International Surfing Association. Surf the Greats events, meet-ups and [wave forecasting workshops](/en/article/surf-the-greats-winter-wave-forecasting) are where he gets to pass that knowledge on. At a recent MEC Outdoor Nation and Surf The Greats event in the Toronto Islands called “Castaway,” 100 people gathered at a secret beach to SUP, do yoga, swim and participate in a [beach cleanup](/en/article/10-ways-to-protect-your-fave-paddle-surf-or-swim-spot). “We removed over 100lb of garbage from the beach and more than 10 tires from the lake,” says Antonio. His desire to connect people with nature through surfing goes hand in hand with a drive to care for it; it’s a new wave of thinking that plenty of Toronto-area residents are eager to catch a ride on.

“Next summer we want to expand our offerings to Prince Edward County and other parts of Ontario while growing our programming for Toronto,” says Antonio. Surf the Greats devotees and wave watchers can keep an eye on their inboxes and social media channels for sweet bonuses too, including info on pop-up shops, reggae night dance parties, surf photography exhibits and yoga classes.

*Photos by [Lucas Murnaghan](https://www.instagram.com/lucasmurnaghan/).*

*Want to try surfing and get involved? Check out**MEC Outdoor Nation** and*[*Surf the Greats*](http://surfthegreats.org/)* for the latest events and tag your freshwater Instagram pics with*[*#myhomewaters*](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/myhomewaters/)* to help share the love of Canada’s waterways.*



Meet Ontario's Surf the Greats. These Toronto-based surfers share some serious love for riding waves on the Great Lakes – find out how to join their events, workshops, dance parties and more.

Surf the Greats: for the love of waves | MEC Blog

Surf the Greats: for the love of waves

Chances are, throughout your workday, your left brain does a lot of heavy lifting. You’re setting realistic goals, coming up with unique strategies, and finding logical ways to see your plans through. And if you’re someone who loves the outdoors, you’re likely intermittently daydreaming about your next getaway. That’s when your right brain takes over. This is your free spirit side, full of imagination, keen to seek out sensory experiences, get moving, tap into your feelings and express yourself.

Everyone has a dominant side, and while right-brained types are usually considered more naturally creative, the difference between right- and left-brained is in the approach. Lefties see details first and piece them together to form a larger picture, while righties use visual reference and see a whole before working into the finer details. So, even if you may not consider yourself a “creative person,” you’re actually already tapping into your more expressive hemisphere when you’re out hiking, taking in a meteor shower, or trying not to trip on tree roots on a trail run.

MEC’s Digital Asset Administrator [Jessa Gilbert](http://www.jessagilbert.com/) is a sterling example of letting your creativity flow outside. The New York native moved to Vancouver in 2013 and has been on a constant mission to meld her love of activity with her desire to explore outside, one that saw her transition from figurative painter to landscape artist.



“This place is magic,” says Jessa. “I take my studio outside into the wilderness, bringing along my sketchbook, watercolour paper, pens, brushes – the whole gamut, just on a smaller scale – and try to replicate the feelings and the sentiments of either getting to a peak or being within the environment.” When Jessa gets back into the studio, she works with acrylic paint at a larger scale. “I think about how I show the passing of time on a two-dimensional plane; how I take the trip at large and create something that speaks to how it was, or how we look at the environment around us.”

Another crew taking the studio outside is one of MEC Outdoor Nation’s newest Toronto-based collaborators (they were granted $5000 at the 2016 Think Outside Summit). [Outdoor Studio](http://www.outdoorstudio.ca/) is all about getting young urban creatives outside and connected to nature – the group links interested parties up with wilderness guides, outdoor instructors and creative mentors on multi-day trips and excursions. The studio is run by four creatives with a passion for getting outside: graphic designers Franziska Brand and Sarah Paul, visual artist Sarah Carlson, and advertising and marketing specialist Cherie Tsang.



“Making typically happens in a four-walled studio or in front of a computer screen. As a result, many creatives are unfamiliar with the outdoors and simply don’t have the knowledge to go out and explore on their own,” explains Sarah Carlson. “The great irony is, a desire to be connected to the land is a narrative woven through the creative histories of art, design and film. Outdoor Studio is a space that allows creatives time to meditate, explore and physically reconnect to natural spaces.”

Ready to join Jessa and Outdoor Studio and let your right brain take the reins? Here’s how to get outside and start making:

#### 1. Let go of your work zone
Being creatives themselves, Outdoor Studio was finding their colleagues don’t get outside as much because of a production-focused mentality, project deadlines and a pressure to rise to the top in increasingly competitive fields. “It’s important to merge creativity and recreation because they feed into each other,” explains Sarah Carlson. “Creative blocks are challenging, and it’s important to take a breather and step outside of your work zone to recharge,” adds Cherie.

By getting outside solo, or with groups like Outdoor Studio, you’re fueling your creativity, networking with like-minded people and adding a transitionary layer to your personal practice and artistic work flow.

#### 2. Make it part of your process
“If recreation is defined as what we do when we’re not working, then we absolutely need recreation to fuel our work,” says Cherie. For Outdoor Studio’s artist mentor, Sarah Carlson, recharging outdoors is central to prepping for her next big project or exhibition. She frequents artist residencies in highly natural settings such as Algonquin Park and the Yukon.

#### 3. Tap in to your senses
“I find clouds have such personality, they have this pulsing liveliness, and sometimes they really open up for you,” says Jessa. “I usually look far in the distance so I can see everything.” Here, she details more of her thought process when she’s in making-mode:



#### 4. Streamline your pack list
No matter what you’re doing out in the wild, some practical items should be a given: a [sturdy pack](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/c/1326?q=%3Asales-rank) with a [rain cover](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/rain-covers-and-pack-liners/c/1344), a [hydration bladder](/en/products/gear/hydration-and-water-bottles/bladders%2c-reservoirs-and-accessories/c/1229) (your cap can be helpful with watercolours), a [headlamp](/en/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/headlamps/c/1306?q=%3Asales-rank) if you want to keep at it after dusk, and a warm jacket like the MEC [Spicy Hoodie](/en/product/5037-102/Spicy-Hoodie) or [Commix Hoodie](/en/product/5036-944/Commix-Hoodie).

Carry a sketchbook (you can even get [waterproof ones](/en/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/journals-and-writing-materials/journals-and-writing-materials/c/934)), a couple of pens and a pencil (in the winter your ink may freeze). If drawing isn’t your jam, then bring any materials that allow you to explore and make in the wild. Outdoor Studio suggests watercolours, pastels, carving tools and a camera.



“I bring a what is basically a [travel pouch](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers/c/1354) with a couple brushes, pens, a pencil, a couple sketchbooks and a disposable film camera,” says Jessa. “Plus secret items like sparklers to mix it up and keep things light.” She also recommends making sure your watercolour set is non-toxic (acrylics are not compatible with Mother Nature), using a mechanical pencil so you don’t have to worry about a sharpener, and grabbing a Moleskine notebook for dry days. “The elastic band keeps the notebook closed and the pouch in the back can hold small drawings,” she says.

#### 5. Get ready to learn
“[Being outside] has taught me to be grateful for the environment I live in,” says Jessa. “Sitting there and really being patient and taking the time to actually *look*. So often we interpret things through our smartphones and devices – we’re just snapping an image and moving on, and I think its important slow things down, appreciate what’s around you and just wait. See what the clouds do, see how the colours change, think about how the environment feels and affects you. It’s also great for keeping your hand-eye coordination going.”

#### 6. Leave your insecurities at the door
Don’t worry about making things perfect. Everybody was an amateur at some point in their life, but it’s through the struggle of making that you find change and growth.

“When people say ‘I can’t paint’ or ‘I can’t draw’ or ‘I don’t know how to look at art,’ – it’s really just about letting go,” explains Jessa. “The way you experience and interpret it is totally authentic. It’s not about how you relate to anyone else’s skill or what’s good or bad. If you’re out there and you want to be creative, you should just do it. There’s no reason not to.”

She adds that it’s important to acknowledge that you even *have* the opportunity to be creative. “It’s freeing to just try to play. Doodle and have some fun; keep it light. You don’t start out creating masterpieces, you start small and build.”



Feel like you can’t put a view into words? Make outdoor art instead. Get tips and inspiration from artist Jessa Gilbert, who brings her studio into BC’s backcountry, and Outdoor Studio, a Toronto-based crew of creators.

How to do anything: Make art in the wild | MEC Blog

How to do anything: make art in the wild

Let’s start with the hard part: it’s pronounced *hue-gah*. Now that that’s out of the way, what the heck is it? Hygge is the Danish word for good times and nice feelings when you’re enjoying food, drink and warmth with good company. So even if this is the first time you’ve heard of hygge, chances are you know precisely what it’s all about.

Enter our own little tribute to hygge. Whether you’re looking to share a hygge-filled afternoon with friends, or to want just get outside more this winter, we’ve put together a handful of activity based ideas for gettin’ hygge with your favourite activities this season (sorry, we had to).

#### First, a few hygge essentials:
**Lights:**The image of friends and family huddled around a fire or candles while lost in conversation is quintessential hygge. Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, consider lighting a few extra candles – [lanterns](/en/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/lanterns/c/1307?q=%3Asales-rank) do the trick too – to create extra ambience.

**[Cozy things](/en/products/c/100?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFSeasonalCollections%3AStay+cozy&stay-cozy=all):** This one’s a given. Nothing says hygge like sweats fresh out of the drier on a cold afternoon, or your favourite pullover fleece in a packed coffee shop before heading to the hill.

**Warm drinks:** [Cocoa](/en/product/4017-938/Fair-Trade%26-Organic-Instant-Hot-Chocolate%2C-Milk), apple cider, hot toddies, mulled wine, tea, you name it. Hot drinks = hygge, so plan your mug situation accordingly.

**Say hygge all the time:** Seriously. Just saying the word feels cozy. Do it, and bask in the warming power of language.

#### Skiing and snowshoeing
Few activities match the hygge-potential of skiing or snowshoeing. Picture this: you and your pals return from cross-country skiing to an A-frame cabin amidst snow-sprinkled pine trees, where a woodstove burns bright and hot drinks are steaming. You clomp inside to warm your chilly feet and bask in it all. Perfection!

But most of us don’t have regular access to picturesque cabins; instead, the only thing we’ll be cozying up to after skiing is our friend’s butt as we’re packed into the backseat of someone’s car.

Luckily, you can still create hygge on the trail and the ride home. First, step up your trail-snack game by packing a picnic: crackers and fancy cheese, some baked goods and hot beverages (enjoy these [delicious suggestions](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter)). Then, pick a quiet spot near the trail and make a bit of a fuss: lay out a blanket, hang some lights up like a crazy person, or – provided no one’s around – bust out some hygge-friendly jams. Sure, these items will make your pack *significantly heavier*than normal. But whatever, hygge is all about creating a special, memorable atmosphere with good people.

For post-ski hygge luxury on the drive home, pack your favourite pair of cozy sweats or flannel, and bring a blanket for the backseat crew. Between that and a blazing car heater (or a fireplace if you’re lucky), you’re in for good hygge times.

##### **Ski or snowshoe hygge checklist:**
- [Vacuum bottles](/en/products/gear/hydration/vacuum-bottles/c/1232?q=%3Asales-rank) (and maybe a [flask](/en/products/gear/hydration/flasks/c/1230?q=%3Asales-rank)) with tasty beverages
- [Packable speakers](/en/ideal-for/fun-and-games/products/gear/electronics/radios-and-music-players/c/1167?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) (just make sure other folks aren’t around)
- Comfy clothes for afterwards

#### Running


When the holiday season kicks in, weekly workouts often get disrupted and you might not see your go-to run buddy or run crew as much.

Ready to buck that trend? Hold a run-hygge party! Bamboozle your running pals to bundle up for a brisk jaunt. Pick a route that end at your place. Make sure simmering mulled wine and treats are waiting. Simple, sure, but it’s amazing how satisfying classics like good food and drink can be after a workout. Combine that with a solid-gold group dynamic, and you’ve got a recipe for hygge success.

Or organize a solstice night-run with headlamps, lanterns and hot drinks in your running pack to kick-start the hygge vibes. Because when it’s dark and cold, friends and a gaggle of bobbing headlamps provide a world of warmth.

##### Run hygge checklist
- Warm [winter running layers](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-clothing/c/1573) and cozy [toques](/en/ideal-for/running/products/clothing/accessories/headwear/winter-hats-and-toques/c/1000?q=%3Asales-rank)
- [Headlamps](/en/ideal-for/running/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/headlamps/c/1306?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) for dark nights
- A [running pack](/en/ideal-for/running/products/gear/packs-and-bags/daypacks%2c-slings-and-school-bags/c/1332?q=%3Asales-rank) to bring hot apple cider as a surprise at the turnaround point

#### Yoga


With parties and vacations, there’s a chance you’ll get behind on your practice at this time of year. To keep your yoga hot streak going, create a makeshift home yoga studio – hygge style. Choose a room or corner, set up some moody lights or candles, and turn up the heat for a bit (if you’ve got a fireplace, all the better).

To keep the spirit of hygge strong, invite a friend of yours who’s been hesitant to join you at yoga. Sure, a session in front of the fireplace while talking your pal through a few poses won’t present the most challenging class ever. But the feeling of sharing something meaningful with good people will stoke some hygge vibes.

##### Yoga hygge checklist
- Soft lighting from candles or [lanterns](/en/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/lanterns/c/1307?q=%3Asales-rank)
- A gift in the form of a [yoga mat](/en/products/gear/training-gear/mats%2c-blocks-and-yoga-equipment/c/1468) for your friend
- Post-practice [Patagonia pullover](/en/brand/patagonia/products/camping-and-hiking/c/1549) (probably the comfiest pullover ever)

#### Indoor climbing


Because climbing’s so social, simply heading to the gym around the holidays feels special. To boost the good vibes, say hello to someone new, bring goodies from your favourite recipe, or take a family member or friend climbing for the first time. Or, be the chalk fairy: sprinkle a bit of chalk in everyone’s chalkbag. (You can never have enough chalk.)

Got a hangboard at home? Invite your climbing friends over and bring climber-ly flare to the affair. For every steaming mug of mulled wine poured, make encourage your friends to hop on the hangboard and do a dead-hang, pull-up, L-hang or whatever. Oh, and tell your guests to bring candles. Because hygge.

##### Climbing hygge checklist
- [Unicorn Dust chalk](/en/product/5049-435/Unicorn-Dust-Fine-Chalk-142g) to spread chalk-magic
- [Climbing guidebooks](/en/ideal-for/climbing/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/guidebooks/c/932?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) to gather around and plan next year
- [Hangboard](/en/product/5021-029/Simulator-3D-Hangboard), as a good reason to invite your climbing crew over

#### Just being outside
At a certain point, long days of relative inactivity and indulgence are going to happen in winter. Why not shake things up a bit and share the great hygge outdoors? Keep it simple – bundle up with friends and go skating, bring along a beverage or two to the sledding hill, go [stargazing](/en/product/4008-584/Night-Sky-Star-Dial) on crystal clear nights, convince your whole family to go for a walk as the snow falls – whatever! Part of hygge is creating meaningful experiences fueled by the warmth of good company. Somehow, getting outside together always seems to make that happen.



Things are about to get seriously cozy. Learn what the heck hygge is, and how to bring it to life with some of your favourite winter activities.

How to get hygge outdoors (and more) | MEC Blog

How to get hygge outdoors (and more)

No matter what winter activities you’ve got planned, you’ll need to think of ways to keep warm while you’re crunching on trails in snowshoes or building snowforts all afternoon. The right combo of [clothing layers](/en/explore/clothing-layers) is key, but there’s another factor that we often overlook: hot beverages.

The 7 sweet and savoury ideas below are best enjoyed in a [vacuum bottle](/en/products/gear/hydration/vacuum-bottles/c/1232) when you’re surrounded by a dusting of snow or hanging out fireside after a long day on the hill. Stay toasty with one of these piping hot options:

#### Hot apple drink
Go beyond tea, coffee or hot chocolate with this vitamin C-enriched [hot apple drink](/en/product/4001-913/Hot-Apple-Drink) with a trace of spice. The best part about this drink is how simple it is to make: add a pouch and hot water to your mug, stir and enjoy. It’ll help you get cozy and it doesn’t have caffeine, which makes it great for late-night sipping after a long day of snowboarding.

*Mug suggestion: Something lightweight to pack along to the ski hill, like the [GSI Microlite UL Vacuum Bottle](/en/product/5050-246/Microlite-500ml-UL-Vacuum-Bottle).*

#### Chili and spice hot chocolate
While hot chocolate is the classic winter drink, you can kick things up a notch by adding some spice. A mix of cocoa powder and cinnamon with a hit of ginger and chili, this [hot, spicy drink](/en/product/5036-149/Organic-Fair-Trade-Chili%26-Spice-Hot-Chocolate) – along with some ginger cookies – will help you perk up after an hour at the sledding hill.

*Mug suggestion: [Thermos Direct Drink Bottle](/en/product/5050-876/Direct-Drink-Bottle-470ml) has a pop-top latch that’s easy to use with gloves on.*

#### Lentil soup
Don’t limit your mug to sweet stuff. A hearty vegan option, this organic [lentil soup](/en/product/5001-738/Lentil-Soup) includes onions, garlic, various herbs and a drop of curry. You can enjoy in the pouch it comes in, which means all you have to do is fill up your insulated mug with hot water and pour it in. No dishes required, which means less stuff in your backpack when you glide along cross-country ski routes.

*Mug suggestion: [Thermos Leak-Proof Insulated Bottle](/en/product/5022-044/Leak-Proof-Insulated-Bottle) to keep your water hot for up to 15 hours.*

#### Potato cheddar soup


If you want a creamy option that doubles as an outdoor lunch for your snowshoe walk on quiet trails, try this [potato cheddar soup](/en/product/5049-466/Creamy-Potato-Cheddar-Soup). Made of potatoes, cheddar cheese, red bell peppers and green onions, this soup will satisfy both your taste buds and your desire for something warm and filling. Like the lentil soup, you can mix in the pouch. Plus it serves 2 for sharing.

*Mug suggestion: [Klean Kanteen Classic Insulated Bottle](/en/product/5043-690/Classic-SS-Vacuum-Insulated-Bottle-590ml), which can hold enough hot water for the potato soup pouch.*

#### Butter tea
Called “po cha” in Tibet, this tea is a traditional drink made with yak butter, milk, salt and tea leaves (since yak butter’s likely tough to find, you can use regular butter). Start by boiling water with 2 tea bags in a large pan until the water is dark brown in colour. Then add milk and continue boiling. Blend with some butter and salt, and transfer it all into your mug. Need more guidance? Here’s a [recipe](http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/11/yakkety-yak-tibetan-salty-butter-tea.html).

*Mug suggestion: A wide-mouth option, like the [Stanley Vacuum Trail Mug](/en/product/5043-396/Vacuum-Trail-Mug), for easy sipping and cleaning.*

#### Yerba mate


A caffeinated South American drink, [yerba mate](http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/03/what-is-yerba-mate-how-to-brew-mate.html) (pronounced *yer-bah mah-tay*) is traditionally prepared by steeping dry yerba mate leaves in hot – but not boiling – water inside a hollow calabash gourd, and then is sipped through a metal straw. Since not everyone has access to a mate gourd, you can make it at home and pour the finished product inside an insulated mug to enjoy on a break when your thighs are burning mid-ski day.

*Mug suggestion: [Urban Elements Tea Tumbler with Infuser](/en/product/5013-838/UE-Tea-Tumbler-with-Infuser) has a built-in strainer to handle tea leaves.*

#### Hot toddy
A classic drink, the [hot toddy](http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/hot-toddy-233821) features a nip of rum, whiskey or brandy mixed together with hot water and honey. You can also add some lemon or ginger ale for an extra twist. It’s a nice option to warm up quickly after an afternoon of cross-country skiing, or a way to cap off a winter full moon walk.

*Mug suggestion: A bottle with a lid that doubles as a cup (like this [Thermos Plaid Compact Vacuum Bottle](/en/product/5041-429/Plaid-Compact-Vacuum-Bottle-470ml)), along with a [fancy flask](/en/products/gear/hydration/flasks/c/1230?q=%3Asales-rank) for any special additions.*

After you’ve been outside working up a sweat on the trails or just building snowmen in the park, a piping hot beverage is a great way to unwind. Forget the usual hot chocolate and try any one of these tasty drinks for something a little bit different.



*Photo credits: SyhinStas / Getty Images, RyersonClark / Getty Images, Aneta_Gu / Shutterstock.com*



Looking for hot drink ideas? Go beyond coffee and cocoa with these sweet and savoury suggestions – they pair great with skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or just hitting up the sledding hill.

7 delicious ways to stay warm outside this winter | MEC Blog

7 delicious ways to stay warm outside this winter

My dad, Gerald Krabbe, has been a long-distance bike tourer for many years – he rode Vancouver to Halifax in the 2000s; his group of friends does a week-long mountain tour each summer; and he led a Jasper to Banff bike ride for students at his school for many years. My grandfather was a road rider too. It’s in our blood.

This past summer, he had planned a massive month-long ride from Waterton Lakes National Park where Alberta meets Montana, through BC and into the Yukon, finishing at the Arctic Ocean in Inuvik ([route map](https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/48.9981749,-113.6607486/Inuvik,+NT/@64.5711881,-140.1206752,7.99z/data=!4m24!4m23!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-114.9570373!2d50.5528624!3s0x53705cfaf57b940f:0x3d16390c7319d877!3m4!1m2!1d-117.3965548!2d52.4158645!3s0x539d53b2ffc72a03:0x4e57f172b2c1f70!3m4!1m2!1d-139.363867!2d64.040939!3s0x5148e173ea265e6d:0xa83963031b90cdc7!1m5!1m1!1s0x5114923f95f996d1:0x522391a237afb784!2m2!1d-133.7230177!2d68.3607437!3e1)). The trip would total more than 3800km of riding. My mom didn’t want to see him go solo on the last 633km of dirt road between Dawson, YT, and Inuvik, so naturally, I volunteered to join him. I’d ride my motorbike from my home in Squamish to Dawson, where I’d pedal with my father for the last 8 days.

Two weeks prior to meeting him, I wrote down some thoughts:

“[I’ll join my dad at] the part of the trip where he’ll be at his fittest, where he’ll have his patterns of movement dialed and rehearsed into a smoothly oiled drivetrain of efficiency – where he’ll grow more excited every day as the idea and scent of the ocean comes near. Right at the culminating week, a road biking virgin will stumble into his grand tour, ineffectively using mountain bike terminology to try and relate to his experience.”

I was scared of what I should be scared of, but I didn’t take my own self-deprecating humour seriously enough.



My faded red KLR would suffer through relentless days of full throttle road travel. Yes, there are flights to Whitehorse and Dawson, but if this weapon is in your garage, why not make an adventure of it? Half of my ride north was spent retracing the route my dad had pedaled days and days earlier. Along the way I’d describe him to gas station attendants and tourists, and without fail they’d remember and tell me how interesting and amazing his journey sounded. Then they’d look at my bike-on-a-bike and say, “Well, it’s no question where you get your ideas from.”



*Left:* Rain and long haul truckers were my main fear along the first 3000km trek from Squamish to Dawson.

*Right:* There are very few places you’ll find gas, groceries or people in this remarkably varied and stark region. In seeing the Northern Rocky Mountains I immediately regretted my need to pass through them quickly.



The Alaska Highway is teeming with wildlife. From the perch of my jalopy I saw a grizzly and three cubs, nearly 100 indifferent bison hanging out in the ditch, a porcupine that wanted to pop my tires and a moose with a rack bigger than my arm span.



*Left:*Holding your body up on a motorbike can make you feel worse than you may imagine. Luckily, Mother Nature put Liard River Hot Springs on my itinerary as I flirted with the Yukon border.

*Right:*I nearly dropped my camera into the spring after I snapped this and heard some tourists on the far side piping up about a bear lumbering through the woods only 15m from the water’s edge.



News of the worst floods in years reached us shortly after I arrived in Dawson and met my dad. With people and cars stranded and a ferry out of commission, we headed to Diamond Tooth Gerties to watch cancan shows shoulder to shoulder with overly excited tourists.



*The*sourtoe. A questionable right of passage in Dawson: whiskey of your choice, toe in whiskey, whiskey to mouth, toe to lips, shudder, laugh, regret.



*Left:*Twenty-four hours after being told Dempster Highway could be closed for weeks due to flood damage, we pedaled out with low expectations and high hopes.

*Right:*By 8am on the second morning, we had passed the highest point on the Dempster.



*Left:*Camp failure. Due to several poorly-tuned features on my bike-trailer combination, a lack of training prior to the trip and two aggravated knees, I had to give up the ride on day three.

*Right:*Failure didn’t mean entire failure – my goal was to join my dad on his massive journey and help get him to the finish line. Though my bike was heading south in the bed of a truck, I would carry on by thumb, hitchhiking as my father rode his bike.



*Left:*A math teacher’s cycling tour is prone to be a little more digit intensive than other riders. He dubbed his trip “#49to69at59” for riding the 49th parallel to the 69th parallel at 59 years of age.

*Right:*Just after I met my dad in Dawson, he admitted somewhat sheepishly that he was having a ludicrous amount of fun on the journey – so much fun he almost felt guilty and indulgent. This shot is from the last day after he sees me climb out of a stranger’s car and he coasted down to the final river crossing of the entire journey. I have no doubt the same silly smile was plastered on his face for the entire last day, even if no one was there to see it.



Over a couple thousand kilometers, some things will wear out, some things will change, and some things will grow.



### 

*This was MEC Ambassador [Reuben Krabbe](/en/ambassadors/reuben-krabbe)’s first road ride – his comfort zone is trails on his*[*mountain bike*](/en/ideal-for/cycling+mountain-biking/products/gear/bikes/c/854?q=%3Asales-rank)*. MEC lent him the*[*MEC Provincial Road 222 Bike*](/en/product/5042-832/Provincial-Road-222-Bicycle)* for his Dempster Highway journey with his dad.*



MEC Ambassador Reuben Krabbe joins his dad on a bucket-list bike tour in Canada, including the Dempster Highway in the Yukon.

Dempster Highway: biking, bonding and sour toes | MEC Blog

Dempster Highway: biking, bonding and sour toes

Most essential backpacking lists are 80% common sense ([backpack](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/luggage/travel-packs/c/1353?q=%3Asales-rank), comfortable shoes, [pillow](http://www.mec.ca/en/ideal-for/camping-and-hiking/products/gear/sleeping-bags%2c-quilts-and-pillows/pillows-and-pillowcases/c/1408?q=%3Asales-rank)) and 10% necessity ([adapter](http://www.mec.ca/en/ideal-for/travel/products/gear/electronics/chargers-and-adapters/adapters/c/1133?q=%3Asales-rank), [organization cubes](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers/c/1354), [stuff sacks](/en/products/gear/packs-and-bags/travel-pouches-and-packing-organizers/c/1354)). That leaves 10% wiggle room in your pack for a couple extras that’ll make your trip that much sweeter. After all, what’s trekking through the French Alps without a few sun-warmed sessions in your hammock along the way?

#### For chilling beside famous monuments
Bring your [chef-iest tools](/en/products/gear/camp-kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/knives-and-food-prep/c/1276?q=%3Asales-rank) to picnic all over the EU like a pro, from slicing through a wheel of brie under the Eiffel Tower to grating fresh parmesan over a local pie by the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Bonus points for playing [tunes](/en/products/gear/electronics/radios-and-music-players/c/1167) to set the mood and setting up your [slackline](/en/products/gear/training-gear/slacklines/c/1469) when you’re done eating.

#### For reliable, delicious coffee every damn day
Depending on your plans, you might not have time to make it to a local café for a fresh cup – or you might want to save your coffee money for something more substantial (see: last-minute deals to Lisbon). Pack your [Aeropress](http://www.mec.ca/product/5046-862/aeropress-coffee-espresso-maker/) to get the best of every bean, no matter where you’re staying.



#### For crisp action shots
Selfie sticks don’t always cut it (especially when jump shots are involved) and your picture-perfect travel moments deserve more than a repetitive top-down vantage point. Bring a [grippy, flexy tripod](/en/products/gear/electronics/camera-bags%2c-tripods-and-accessories/tripods-and-camera-mounts/c/1129) that sits solidly on uneven surfaces and can even hang from branches.

#### For coastal swims and surf sessions
Spy on fish in scratch-free goggles as you [snorkel](/en/products/gear/snorkel-gear/c/1417) the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean; keep your [feet warm](http://www.mec.ca/product/5021-652/mec-moque-boots-low-unisex/) as you catch Celtic Sea waves in Newgale, Wales; or [towel off](/en/ideal-for/travel/products/gear/bath-and-sanitation-products/towels/c/811?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) after a moonlit swim at one of Barcelona’s sandy beaches.



#### For taking in the view
Anyone with a good pair of [hiking boots](http://www.mec.ca/shop/hiking-and-backpacking-boots/50131+50835/) and a [hammock](/en/ideal-for/travel/products/gear/camp-and-beach-furniture/lounge-hammocks/c/1484?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) knows incredible vistas pair best with a little kick back. Whether you’re in the endless shade of Germany’s Black Forest or the rolling hills surrounding the Dolomites in northern Italy, you’ll never see two nearby trees quite the same again.

#### For wine country walks and tastings
If you’re hitting the El Camino, you best bring a wine vessel. You can get fancy and grab one with a nesting stem for [red](http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-641/gsi-glacier-stainless-nesting-red-wine-glass/) or [white](http://www.mec.ca/product/5021-502/gsi-glacier-stainless-nesting-wine-glass/), or grab a [stainless steel mug](http://www.mec.ca/product/5046-086/gsi-glacier-stainless-camp-cup-300ml/) and cover it in stickers from each stop. If it’s more your thing to follow Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail, pack a [flask](/en/products/gear/hydration/flasks/c/1230). Rehydrate later with a [vacuum bottle](/en/products/gear/hydration/vacuum-bottles/c/1232) that keeps water cold for hours.

#### For being spontaneous
Hopping from city to city? Invest in a [hostel membership](http://www.mec.ca/product/5010-891/hostelling-international-membership-kit/). With thousands of hostels all over Europe, there are plenty of options and it saves you some bucks. Don’t worry about your gadgets going dead while you’re figuring out your next stop – a [powerbank](http://www.mec.ca/product/5033-759/power-pond-1c-powerbank/) keeps USB devices charged (and doubles as a flashlight).



Packing for a big trip to Europe? These sweet extras will elevate your adventures. From portable espresso to grippy tripods, see what made our list.

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