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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

The best presents are often things that can’t be wrapped or put in a box. Yet amid the frenetic rush of holiday gift giving, last-minute birthday hunting, and the countless other celebrations that now demand some flashy token of our love (Halloween, Easter, etc.) it’s easy to forget that the greatest gifts we ever give our children are the ones that come for free: love, time and attention.

So this year, as you struggle to choose meaningful presents from amid reams of plastic and junk – something that will bring a smile to their face, something that aligns with your values, something that builds family bonds instead adding to a landfill heap – consider doing something revolutionary, and in lieu of more *stuff* (or at least, alongside stuff) give a piece of *yourself* too, in the form of a simple IOU note.



Maybe you promise to teach your child a new skill, like how to light a fire in the rain or how to paddle a J-stroke. Perhaps you set a shared goal of biking a century ride together or learning to roll a kayak. Or plan a special weekend away where they navigate, with your help, to a distant camp. Such uninterrupted time, spent together outdoors, is invaluable for kindling curiosity, building confidence, teaching independence and perseverance, and imbuing respect for nature and an instinct for adventure.

What follows are a few simple suggestions to get your own ideas flowing. Think of these as small acts of defiance. Or perhaps, the greatest gifts of all.



### IOU a phone-free day
Our omnipresent phones may be the greatest attention-stealing devices ever invented. So why not provide your child with the antidote: a hand-written coupon, cashable at any time, requiring you to leave your mobile device behind for one entire day.

Could you do it? Sounds scary, that’s for sure. What’s really scary is that going without a phone, for just a day, can seem so daunting. Of course you can do it! No one is so important that they can’t unplug for a day. So give your precious kids 24-hours of straight up, unadulterated, undistracted you. They will love it.

### IOU a night under the stars
Camping doesn’t have to be an ordeal. No need to pack the car and head for the hills, your little one will be just as thrilled to sleep out in the backyard. Perhaps aim for August, at the height of the prolific Perseid meteor shower (it runs annually from July 17 to August 24). Or instead, maybe a new moon, when the stars are their brightest and constellations easier to identify. Maybe make it your co-mission to see the northern lights together (keep an eye on online aurora trackers and set out when conditions look promising). Whether you spot the elusive aurora borealis or not, your child will enjoy free reign to unzip the tent door at any hour of the night to peek.



### IOU tickets (to something, anything)
The [Best of Banff Mountain Film Festival](http://www.banffcentre.ca/world-tour-locations) is a great way to kindle a child’s interest in wild places and adventurous activities. Or perhaps you’ll choose tickets to the local theatre, live music or a public speaker. The important thing is that you’ve got something marked in the calendar, together.

### IOU five bike rides
Maybe you teach them to ride. Maybe you set a goal of riding 50km together by the end of the summer, and train towards it.

### IOU every run on the hill
Why not a pledge (or challenge) each other to ski every run at your local hill together, marking them off, one by one, on a trail map taped to a wall at home? It doesn’t matter how long it takes.



### IOU how to light a fire (or another skill)
Promise to teach them a fundamental skill: how to light a fire, how to paddle the stern seat of a canoe, how to safely use a knife or axe or how to read a map and navigate in the wild. Such skills build confidence and last a lifetime.

### IOU shared lessons
If you aren’t confident teaching a new skill, why not enroll in lessons and learn together? Learn to surf. Join a climbing gym. Take a photography course. Climb a mountain.

Of course the possibilities are endless. Promise to read a book under a tree. Or have a picnic beside the ocean. Go beachcombing. Or bungee jumping. Plan an overnight canoe trip. Or a month in the high Arctic. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s time spent together.

If you want to impact your child’s life for the better, whenever possible, choose memories, not stuff.



Wondering what to get your kiddo for the holidays, birthday or more? Think outside the packaging with these gift ideas for kids that aren't things.

IOU: 7 priceless gifts for kids | MEC Blog

IOU: 7 priceless gifts for kids

Every year, we show a little love to our members by offering a digital download of a rad photo captured by an MEC Ambassador. Feast your eyes on this beauty of a shot captured by Ambassador and pro ski photographer [Reuben Krabbe](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/reuben-krabbe).

At first glance, you might think it’s Batman blazing through Gotham City, but in reality, it’s skier Noah Maisonet at Lake Louise resort in Alberta. As a Calgarian, Reuben grew up skiing in the Rockies. “Going back to visit and shoot photos is always a treat,” he says.

For best results, follow these instructions: Upload to your device. Look at screen. Get stoked. Turn off device. Go skiing.

#### mobile wallpaper sizes to download:
[Android – 720 x 1280](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Android_720x1280.jpg)
[Android – 768 x 1280](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Android_768x1280.jpg)
[Android – 800 x 1280](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Android_800x1280.jpg)
[Android – 1080 x 1920
](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Android_1080x1920.jpg)[Android – 1440 x 2560](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Android_1440x2560.jpg)

[iPhone 5 – 640 x 1136](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_iPhone_5_640x1136.jpg)
[iPhone 6 – 750 x 1334](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_iPhone_6_750x1334.jpg)
[iPhone 6 Plus – 1080 x 1920](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_iPhone_6Plus_1080x1920.jpg)

[iPad – 1024 x 1024](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_iPad_1024x1024.jpg)
[iPad – 2048 x 2048](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_iPad_Retina_2048x2048.jpg)

#### Desktop wallpaper sizes to download:
[1280 x 1024](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_1280x1024.jpg)
[1366 x 768](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_1366x768.jpg)
[1440 x 900](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_1440x900.jpg)
[1600 x 900](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_1600x900.jpg)
[1920 x 1200](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_1920x1200.jpg)
[2560 x 1440](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_2560x1440.jpg)
[2560 x 1600](http://meccms.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MEC_Winterwallpaper_2016-17_Desk_2560x1600.jpg)

If getting better at shooting photos is one of your goals, then check out Reuben’s post on [10 tips for great ski photos](/en/article/10-tips-for-great-ski-photos), and learn things like how to account for bright snow, pre-focus your camera, and capture an epic moment (like the one above).



Feast your eyes on this beauty of a shot captured by MEC Ambassador and pro ski photographer Reuben Krabbe (skier: Noah Maisonet). For best results: Upload to your device. Get stoked. Turn off device. Go ski.

A gift for you: ski wallpaper to get you stoked for winter | MEC Blog

A gift for you: ski wallpaper to get you stoked for winter

*In the summer of 2016, Benjamin Jordan gave a whole new meaning to the idiom “feels like flying.” With the support of an*[*MEC expedition grant*](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)*, the photographer and filmmaker soared 1000km via paraglider**from Vancouver to Calgary. The Toronto native is no stranger to unconventional ways of travel; in 2006, he rode his skateboard across Canada with three friends – a trip that led him to his passion of producing adventure travel documentaries.*

*Following months of staring at maps, obsessing over ridges, valleys, cut-blocks and logging roads, Ben walked over Vancouver’s Lions Gate Bridge, ready to make history. Here, through colourful photos and captions, he chronicles the experience:*

## Part one: the struggle


*Left:*From overconfident beginnings to humble proceedings, my first-ever flight from Grouse Mountain was not the glorious 100+km cross-country soar I had dreamt of. Instead, it was a 45-minute struggle just to stay airborne as the thermals became weaker and weaker in the sea breeze air. I spent a total of five days at Grouse Mountain before realizing it was the wrong season to fly in that region.

*Right:*Staying sane on the mountain for days at a time required me to branch out my activities. This activity is called standing on an island rock, singing at the top of my lungs.



After a last attempt to fly out from North Vancouver, I walked across West Vancouver to Lighthouse Park and made camp for the night. In some ways, this felt like the true start: bathing in the Pacific, a week of dirt already caked to my exterior, and a feeling that the worst was behind me. What lay ahead, however, was 100km of asphalt to pound out on the way to Whistler, and all uphill.



*Left:*I have two modes: hike and fly. In either mode, one thing is for certain: weight sucks. Thanks to MEC and my other amazing sponsors, I was blessed to have the lightest versions of everything I need.

*Right:*Trees, a busy highway or the sea? Hrmmmm … no, wait! There’s a tourist pullout! Looking back, I was such a fool to even attempt to fly this section. It was almost certain I wouldn’t make it to the open space in Squamish, still 30km north. Truthfully, I was lucky this pullout existed.

## Part two: now we’re flying!


After arriving in Whistler, I met up with local pilots Scott and Al. Together we hiked and flew from Rainbow Mountain. At long last, I’d escaped the effects of the sea breeze and was making real distance under wing. Together with my aerial brothers, we danced in circles up to clouds and moved steadily along our way to Pemberton for the next potential launch.



My sweet reward, after I just had my first real cross-country flight to Pemberton with top landing, was getting to stay overnight in the Marty Memorial Safety Hut on Upper Mackenzie. I don’t have the right word for the feeling of this moment, but it’s a mix of love, pride and gratitude.



However short (less than 40km) my first two flights were, they ended with spectacular top landings, higher than where I’d launched that day. At this point, I was not only 2300m above sea level, but I was also set up for an east launch, which allowed me to take advantage of the morning sun the following day. Coffee, oats, ramen noodles and the occasional visiting marmot were base camp staples.



A stark realization I found myself having again and again on this journey was how much it sucks to become dehydrated. And I don’t mean thirsty, I mean dry mouth, dry throat, hallucinating, not knowing up from down and making bad choices dehydrated. It happened from time to time, as I could only carry 2L of water in my normal bladder and certain hikes didn’t lend themselves to streams, so when I spotted a watering hole, I got up in it.



*Left:*Having flown for 12 years, I can safely say that most launches don’t really intimidate me anymore, but this cliff was giving me vertigo like something else.

*Right:*I’m proud of my rustic tech, but the weight of my camera stabilizer (a must) was too much for the system and kept flipping upside down.



After what was the most remarkable day of this entire project – a 140km straight shot over pure wilderness and the entire West Kootenay region – I just couldn’t resist an aerial jam session.



Successfully crossing over the Pinnacle Watershed in Monashee Provincial Park was a heart-stopping experience. Although there were still over 20km to glide to safety, little else was on my mind when I spotted the emerald lakes and snowy peaks.



*Left:*Ever since my first time driving from Banff to Radium ten years ago I dreamt of this day. While Kootenay National Park is a no-land, no-launch zone, I knew that wouldn’t be a problem.

*Right:*I felt as though my heart might stop from the beauty of this moment. Not one minute before I was on the verge of tears, when I realized I’d gotten myself way too low in a bad spot. Then, I was reminded why I’m so addicted to this incredible sport – I was dealt a wildcard that not only allowed my passage onward, but left this scene as a parting gift.



It was late when I began hiking up Cougar Creek toward the Lady MacDonald trailhead and set up camp for the night without the shelter of my cozy tent. I woke up at sunrise with the Three Sisters watching over me.

## Part three: home free


Whenever I step up to launch, I struggle with the feeling that I will just bomb out, landing at the base of the mountain in frustration. But time after time, a greater force proves me wrong, which makes my fantasy of crossing this mountainous divide as real as anything. This photo captures my first climb from Lady MacDonald. I knew then, without a shred of doubt, I’d get beyond the mountains.



After 37 days of massive mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and man-eating crevasses, I had completely forgotten that any other type of landscape existed. Like warping through space to an entirely separate planet, there I was: staring at a level horizon with farm fields as far as the eye could see. Ironically, now that there was no danger to avoid, I couldn’t figure out where to best fly and bombed out shortly after arriving in the flats.



*Left:*I set up camp along the famous Bow River. No longer concerned about running out of food, I spoiled myself with two packs of ramen noodles and a piece of chocolate to celebrate.

*Right:*Alberta had been struck by storms almost every afternoon all summer. Though it would have been nice to fly all the way to Calgary, I was happier beholding the power of these mammoth storm cells from the ground.



MEC was the first business to hop on board this project and the catalyst for many of my other sponsors to do the same. Having begun my journey from the flagship MEC location in Vancouver, it felt right that I complete it by arriving at the MEC Calgary store.



### 

Ben made history as the first paraglider to take a solo flight over Canada’s southwest mountains and the first person to vol-biv (that’s fly-camp) from Pacific to prairie. MEC was proud to support his journey via [expedition grant funding](/en/explore/outdoor-impact). Way to go, Ben!

Curious about what he brought along? Check out his [full gear list](http://benjaminjordan.com/adventure/xbc-gear).



*This is a highlight reel of Ben’s original photo essay. Check out the full story on*[*benjaminjordan.com*](http://benjaminjordan.com/photo/xbc/)* and follow him on*[*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/benjaminjordanadventure/)* for updates on his forthcoming film about the trip.*



Adventurer Benjamin Jordan is the first person to paraglide solo over the entire span of Canada’s southwest mountain ranges. See awesome photos and captions from his expedition.

39 days in the air: paragliding from BC to Alberta | MEC Blog

39 days in the air: paragliding from BC to Alberta

Looking for a fresh start to your year? Look no further than the polar dip, the popular annual tradition of dunking yourself in cold water with fellow weirdos to welcome the New Year.

We give the newness of the next calendar year a lot of weight. Expectations are high, resolutions are at the ready and we’re all set for a fresh start – a feeling perhaps no better symbolized than by a polar dip. For the unfamiliar, a polar dip or polar bear swim is the act of submerging oneself into a body of water during the height of winter purely for that *carpe diem*, you-only-live-once, why-the-heck-not feeling,  much to the delight (or horror) of nearby spectators.

Sound crazy? Hear us out. It’s a perfectly exciting answer to the inevitable “what did you do for New Year’s?” question and certainly the flip side to the house party/staying in and splitting growlers and burritos option. If you do plan on burning the midnight oil, there’s no better next-day wake up than cannonballing in -5°C (or colder) weather.

The payoff? Bragging rights, and hopefully, a fuzzy towel and something deliciously warm to sip afterwards.

## Where to polar dip
Polar dips are best experienced with a group of similarly enthusiastic friends and strangers. Luckily there are lots of organized polar bear swims across Canada to join in. Before you change your mind, here are some places to get your swim on:

#### British Columbia
[Victoria New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim
](http://www.tourismvictoria.com/includes/events/New-Year-s-Day-Polar-Bear-Swim/10193/)[Vancouver Polar Bear Swim
](http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/polar-bear-swim.aspx)[White Rock Annual Polar Bear Swim
](http://www.whiterockcity.ca/EN/main/community/events/events/161290/annual-polar-bear-swim.html)[Peachland Polar Bear Swim](http://www.peachland.ca/polar-bear-swim)

#### Alberta
[Calgary Ice Breaker Polar Dip
](https://calgaryicebreaker.com/)

#### Ontario
[Ottawa Chill
](http://searsgreatcanadianchill.ca/ottawa-polar-bear-dip-home/)[Toronto Polar Bear Dip
](http://torontopolarbear.com/)[Oakville Polar Bear Dip](http://www.polarbeardip.ca/)

#### Nova Scotia
[Halifax: Herring Cove Polar Bear Dip](http://www.herringcovepolarbeardip.com/)

Have any others? Post the link on our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/mec) to share with our community.

## 5 polar bear dip essentials
- [Travel towel](/en/products/gear/camping-and-hiking-gear/bath-and-sanitation-products/towels/c/811): It’ll have you dry in no time and stashes easily in your bag.
- [Vacuum bottle](/en/products/gear/hydration-and-water-bottles/vacuum-bottles/c/1232): Filled with [something delicious](/en/article/7-delicious-ways-to-stay-warm-outside-this-winter), of course.
- [Waterproof case](/en/products/gear/electronics/camera-and-electronics-cases/phone-cases/c/1126): To capture #polarbeardip.
- [Warm jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/c/1018?q=%3Asales-rank) and [pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants-and-tights/c/1005?q=%3Asales-rank): Bring something to cut the wind chill.
- [Toque](/en/products/clothing/accessories/headwear/winter-hats-and-toques/c/1000): Because there’s nothing more Canadian than rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time.

*Note: If you take the plunge, stay safe! Here are some [polar bear swim safety tips](http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/7EDDFC6B-766C-4707-922B-FDCFB45CD886/0/polar_bear_swim_safety_tips.pdf) to keep in mind.*



Get Canadian by rocking a bathing suit and toque at the same time. Use this list to find a polar bear swim near you.

Where to polar dip (and why) | MEC Blog

Where to polar dip (and why)

There’s a stack of old MEC catalogues in our office and online, and I’ve mined through the pages to find gems from the 1970s onwards. Here’s a look back at the evolution of style for ski outfits over the last four decades – we’ve come a long way.

### Ski pants and jackets
**Evolution: lighter, stronger, stretchier**

When it comes to outer layers, one of the biggest changes over the years involves the fabrics. When neon ruled, ski suits were padded and oddly stiff. In the past few decades, ski jackets and pants have become more lightweight with lots of stretch for easy movement, and are also more durable. “The whole point of good gear is that you don’t feel like you’re wearing it,” says MEC Production Coordinator Nicholas L.



*Left to right:*Water-repellent and windproof Nyldown and Supermicroft gear, circa 1992 MEC winter catalogue, alongside some layers from this year, including the [MEC Steepside Jacket](/en/product/5044-736/Steepside-Jacket) and [Khione Jacket](/en/product/5044-743/Khione-Jacket).

Another obvious change? The cuts and designs themselves. “Today’s jackets have built-in snow skirts so you don’t have to wear bib pants or a one-piece suit,” says Nicholas. The colours have also evolved since the classic royal blue/jade/red palette (but solid turns never go out of style).



*Left to right:* The “Co-op Powder Fiend Wind Suit” made its debut in 1987, and “The Extreme Fiend” followed shortly after. Both were lightweight for their era, with lots of zipper options for ventilation, and were made to “break the breeze during spring and fall, and shed powder in winter.” Fast-forward 25 years to the jackets like the [Patagonia Reconnaissance](/en/product/5047-563/Reconnaissance-Jacket).



### Base layers
**Evolution: performance plus patterns**

While you can’t ignore how badass past styles were – along with the photoshoots – it’s intriguing to see how base layers have changed over the years. Wool, nylon, cotton and polypropylene were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. In the 1990s, our catalogue said that “technology has hit lowly long johns in a big way” with Lycra added to the fabric “for a smooth and comfortable fit.”



*Left to right:* MEC Light-Weight Underwear in classic ivory or purple from 1993. Today’s patterned base layers, the [MEC T2 Long-Sleeved Crew](/en/product/5043-644/Merino-T2-Long-Sleeved-Crew) and the [T1 Long Johns](/en/product/5033-447/T1-Long-Johns).



*Left to right:* More classics from the archives, including silk layers that were “truly unsurpassed in this age of synthetics in its divine feel” (1992/93 MEC winter catalogue), and some made with wool, cotton and polyester blends and polypropylene (1982-83 winter catalogue).

Today’s base layer fabrics include recycled polyester and merino wool that’s soft and itch-free. “Back then, wool was thicker and not necessarily oriented toward performance,” says Nicholas.  Modern fabrics wick moisture away from your body, plus many feature anti-microbial treatments to help keep them smelling fresh after ski weekends, and some even have UV protection. Another bonus? They come in prints as well as solids.



*Above:*[MEC base layers](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/underwear%2C-long-johns-and-base-layers/c/1053) come in a 3-tiered system to categorize them from coolest to warmest (T1, T2 and T3), and give you the choice of synthetic or merino wool.

### Headwear
**Evolution: more cozy, less cowl**

From balaclavas to toques, headwear basics haven’t changed too much over the decades. You could even argue that some of the prints and colours from the past are showing up again today. Some things that have changed? Well, we no longer carry cowls (below, bottom right)…



*Left to right:*Balaclavas and toques from the 1981/82 MEC winter catalogue, and a round-up of headwear from the 1992 catalogue.

… and we’ve become a lot more strategic about the placement of certain fabrics. For example, today you’ll find wool beanies lined with soft fleece around the ears, which increases the cozy factor. There are even [goggle compatible facemasks](/en/search?text=goggles+facemask) that attach with magnets, so you don’t look like a lobster at après.



*Right:*Some retro style showing up in today’s toques, like the classic-looking [MEC Pom Pom Hat](/en/product/5042-139/Pom-Pom-Hat) and the [Patagonia Powder Town Beanie](/en/product/5053-228/Powder-Town-Beanie).

### Kids’ wear
**Evolution: over two decades of little rippers in MEC Toaster Suits**

If you can believe it, kids who wore the first one-piece MEC Toaster Suits are now in their twenties… which means they may very well have their *own* kids in Toaster Suits. It’s like a child’s rite of passage signifying the start of an epic snow season. While there have been plenty of tweaks and improvements to the design over the years, it’s quite timeless and keeps kids so comfortable they’ll fall asleep wearing it in the stroller or on the ride home.

If only they came in adult sizes.



*Left to right:* Some classic kids’ ski style from the back page of our 1981/82 winter catalogue, and the MEC Toaster Suit as seen in our 2009 winter catalogue.

The [MEC Toaster Suit](/en/features/hood/search?text=toaster+suit) is still going strong (along with the [Toaster Parka](/en/search/?text=toaster+parka) and [Toaster Bib Pants](/en/product/5047-840/Toaster-Bib-Pant)) and ready to get handed down to the next generation of little rippers.



New school vs. old school. Which do you prefer? In the end, it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing, as long as you’re warm and comfortable, have a good crew and are set for a day on the hill.



## More ski articles
- [What to wear when you go skiing](/en/article/bluebird-to-whiteout-how-to-dress-for-ski-days)
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)



What you wear when you go skiing has come a long way – it’s throwback time. See some vintage ski clothing plucked from the pages of the MEC catalogue, compared side-by-side with looks from today.

The evolution of ski style | MEC Blog

The evolution of ski style

It’s the time of year when our excitement for snow on the ski hill is picking up momentum (kind of like a giant snowball). Naturally, that means a lot of skiers – newbies and powderhounds – are thinking about gear.

If you’re just learning to ski or want to upgrade your gear, it can be daunting to sort through the various models to find which skis suit your style. Exhibit A:



MEC Ski selection



Enter: the MEC ski quiz. You’re only a few questions away from finding the right pair or skis to carve, rip and shred your local hill.

[*Take the ski quiz to find your perfect skis*](/en/products/gear/snowsports-gear/ski-gear/skis/downhill-and-backcountry-skis/c/1403)



Here’s how to find your perfect skis, whether you’re a powderhound, a newbie, or need something to cut the chatter through the chunder monkeys.

What skis are right for you? | MEC Blog

What skis are right for you?

We’ve all heard it before: the [science of happiness](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3043858/world-changing-ideas/the-science-of-why-you-should-spend-your-money-on-experiences-not-thing?utm_source=facebook) tells us that we gain maximum satisfaction from getting out and doing things. The reason? A huge part of who we are stems from the sum total of our experiences. Travel, bike rides, beach days, hikes and the like end up becoming an ingrained part of our identity, and we begin to identify with what we do. What better boost for the people you love the most?

Here are experience-based gift ideas centred around having a great time:

### National or provincial park visit
Now’s the time to send your favourite outdoor buddy an invite for a camping, hiking or paddling trip to one of your favourite parks – and to mark your calendar for the day that campsite reservations open (heads up: regular fees still apply for camping and reservations). If your campground of choice is booked, it’s the perfect chance to try a new spot.

### Lessons for a new activity
Have someone special in your life who’s always wanted to try SUPing, skiing, climbing or mountain biking? Lessons are the best way to help get them started. Learning from an expert not only gets your giftee familiar with the ins and outs of safety, but it also helps them build a strong foundation for athletic progression and meet other newbies who are taking up the same sport.

### A tune up
Give the gift of smooth rides. Whether your loved ones are partial to planks or wheels, any pair of skis or bike will inevitably need a tune up to keep them in working order. MEC stores offer professional [ski shop services](/en/explore/ski-shop) and competitive rates. Our bike shop techs service all makes and models and can recommend a [bike tune-up package](/en/explore/bike-service) that best fit your rider’s needs.

### A weekend escape
There’s nothing quite as refreshing or relaxing as a weekend away, especially when someone else (like you) takes care of all the planning and details. Some ideas? Book a rustic cabin, [playful yurt](http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/media/ltc-dlc/ltc-dlc04/ltc-dlc04f.aspx), ski weekend, traditional hotel or something totally different you find listed online – like an airstream or treehouse – and make the most of the wilderness or city. Bring some boardgames and wine, and leave your phone on airplane mode.

### Race entry
Have a devoted runner or rider in your life? Help them get a head start on their goals by grabbing them race entry. Bonus points if you choose a race or ride away from your hometown so you can combine it with a weekend escape.

### Drop-in passes
Gym membership sales surge every December, with lots of people resolving to devote their lives to fitness in the New Year, but numbers start flailing again as early as February. Instead of getting someone a membership that might not suit their year-round exercise habits, grab them a couple of drop-in pass to their favourite spin studio, bouldering gym, community centre, swimming pool or crossfit box.

Some ideas: [Passport to Prana](https://www.passporttoprana.com/) is in 7 Canadian cities, and lets pass holders try every yoga studio in their city once for maximum *om* output. In Toronto and Vancouver, [ClassPass](https://classpass.com/) lets attendees try out a wide selection of fitness studios for a flat monthly rate.

### Passes to your local snow resort


Whether it’s already cold and white or snow has yet to fall, nothing quite gets a powderhound as excited as a day on the slopes. Pick up a lift ticket for the snow-obsessed someone in your life (or two if you want to join them), so they can tuck through trees at Tremblant, carve corduroy at Blue Mountain, or run laps at Lake Louise.

### Equipment rentals
Know someone who’s interested in tackling a new sport but isn’t ready to commit to all the equipment it takes to make it happen? Offer the gift of a gear rental so they can try out a new activity, like snowshoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding.



Gift ideas for the active, outdoor-loving person in your life. According to the science of happiness, these experiences will make people smile. See how to make it happen.

Experiences to give this holiday

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://vimeo.com/161072374), 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.

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