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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

As a runner who lives in Vancouver, I end up running in the rain. A lot. I’ve run in cold rain that pelts my face like small, soggy daggers, walls of mist that somehow soak me completely, and sideways rain that efficiently drenches me on both sides during out-and-backs.

But there’s more to running in the rain than just getting wet. Once, when a soft drizzle turned into a crazy downpour, I took shelter under a bridge to wait out the worst of it. As I stood there wringing out my shirt, two other runners ducked under the bridge too. The three of us quietly hung out and smiled at the situation, steam floating off our bodies, until the deluge let up and we zipped off one by one.

That little moment of silent runner camaraderie has stuck with me for years, so chalk up “everyone becomes your run buddy” as one of the rad things that happen when you run in the rain. Here are a few more reasons to lace up and head outside, even if the weather isn’t perfect:

### You feel kind of awesome


MEC Ambassador Jim Willett says, “Running in the rain is a combination of feeling badass and feeling like Forrest Gump. The worst part about it is actually going out when it’s already raining – most people won’t. But if you’re out running and it starts raining, you’ll totally enjoy it.” One trick to heading out when it’s already raining? Momentum: if you put your shoes on and just keep moving towards the door, you’ll be 10 minutes into a rainy run before you know it.

### Everything’s so fresh and so green
Things smell fresher in the rain, especially if you’re on the trails. Trees, rocks and dirt all seem to intensify in wonderful earthiness.

### Plenty of elbow room


With the exception of determined tourists and dog walkers, most people stay inside when it rains. That means you have usually-busy run routes to yourself. This is also great if you have run-karaoke tendencies (a [waterproof case](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/electronics/camera-bags2c-tripods-and-accessories/phone-cases/c/1126) is key to keeping the music flowing).

### Zero overheating
A little rain beats running in 25°C anytime (especially if you’re someone who dreads hot summer days). Jim says, “On a warm day, it’s the best feeling in the world – it’s refreshing and keeps your core temperature down.”

### No gritty salt build-up
Ever get little pools of dried white salt crystals on your face during long summer runs? It’s all washed clean on long runs in the rain.

### Good practice for race days
Fact: it might rain on race day. Now’s the time to learn that you can control some things – like your sock choice or banana intake – but you can’t control the weather. Consider it good practice to run in the rain when you’re training for your next race.

### #rainbow
Instagrammers and run bloggers: a rainbow is like a pot of running gold. Double-taps galore.

### Puddles


If you’re running on the road, rain and puddles give your shoes a natural bath (so clean!). If you’re running on the trails, dirt and puddles mean the opposite (so muddy!), which is fun in a whole different way. Wear your darkest [run socks](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-clothing/clothing-accessories/running-and-training-socks/c/1521).

### And the best part?
After a rainy run, there’s nothing like peeling off your heavy, soaked layers and hopping in a steamy shower. Combine that feeling with a coffee, your coziest [fleece socks](/en/product/5006-505/Fleece-Socks), and the satisfaction of ticking another run off your list, and you’re hitting maximum runner’s high. Nice work.



## Related articles
- [How to choose running shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-running-shoes)
- [A beginner’s guide to trail running](/en/explore/trail-running-beginners-guide)
- [How to choose a rain jacket](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-rain-jacket)



Wet-weather running can be awesome. Check out 8 reasons to get off the couch and go for run while it's wet and rainy.

Why you should get off the couch and run in the rain

Wherever you live in our beautiful nation, one thing is pretty much guaranteed each year: snow, which is a big bonus for ski bums everywhere. But as any dedicated rider knows, each ski day is at the mercy of the weather gods (cue sacrifice to Ullr). Morning flurries can do a 180 in the afternoon and turn into a bluebird day, or temperatures can drop so low that you need a warm-up after every lap (this happened to me once at Castle Mountain – so cold).

Whatever the weather, these expert tips will tell you how to stay warm while skiing. Spring Harrison, MEC senior apparel designer for backcountry, breaks down what to wear on any given ski day:

#### Colder than a polar bear’s pajamas (really cold)
If you’re anywhere east of Chilliwack, BC, you know frigid temps. “When it comes to beating the cold, nothing is warmer for its weight than down,” says Spring, who suggests grabbing an super-lightweight piece like the MEC [Spicy Hoodie](/en/product/5037-102/Spicy-Hoodie) or [Commix Hoodie](/en/product/5036-944/Commix-Hoodie) to layer under your jacket to keep you warm. They’re made of ultra-strong ripstop nylon to resist tears and are treated with DWR (durable water repellency) to shed light snow or rain, which makes this essential even more resilient. Plus, they pack down so small you can stash it in your jacket pocket if you get too warm.



Spicy Hoodie / Chandail à capuchon Spicy

Pair your insulator with a [ski helmet](/en/products/gear/snowsports-gear/ski-gear/ski-and-snowboard-helmets/c/1512) that has closable vents so heat can’t escape, an [MEC Merino T3 base layer](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/c/1053?q=merino+t3%3Asales-rank) (our warmest merino thermal, so it’s the best base layer for cold weather) and some [super warm ski socks](/en/products/footwear/socks/ski-socks/c/1520). “It’s all about managing warmth,” adds Spring. “When you’re trying hings on, make sure everything is adjustable to prevent drafts – like cinchable cuffs or collars – and create a microclimate in your jacket. All MEC jacket hoods fit over helmets, which is great for keeping you warm on the chairlift.”

#### Whiteouts and bad visibility
In whiteout conditions, two things are key. The first is making sure your [ski jacket](/en/products/clothing/jackets/ski-board-jackets/c/1027) and [snow pants](/en/products/clothing/bottoms/pants-and-tights/snow-and-ski-pants/c/1013) will stand up to lots of wind and snow. If your local hill tends to have wet snow, look for a jacket or shell with GORE-TEX, since it will stand up to sleet and pelting flakes.



The second is to wear [ski goggles](/en/ideal-for/downhill-skiing/products/gear/eyewear/c/1168?q=%3Asales-rank) with the right lenses, depending on what conditions are causing the bad visibility (for darker days, look for lenses with a higher visible light transmission, which lets more light):

- Pink lenses: great for flat, low and mid-light conditions on cloudy, overcast days.
- Yellow lenses: best for flat light and spotting moguls, ridges, jumps or uneven terrain since they filter out brightness without masking sharpness – ideal for snowy conditions.
- Amber or orange lenses: good for foggy, overcast days and will also help you spot jumps and bumps.
- Green, violet or blue lenses without any addition of black or red hue lens tints: help in partly sunny to low-light conditions by reducing eye fatigue and enhancing visual detail.

#### Half sun, half snow
On these days, layer, layer, layer. If you’re wondering how to layer for skiing, Spring has some tips. “It’s all about versatility,” says Spring. “Our most basic MEC ski pieces have synthetic insulation, so they won’t absorb sweat when you’re hiking or skiing hard, but they also won’t leave you freezing when you stop and cool down. The [MEC Obsession line](/en/brand/mec/search?q=obsession%3Asales-rank&text=obsession) has incredibly breathable insulation, which makes each piece great for long lift lines.”

The [Khione](/en/product/5044-743/Khione-Jacket) and [Centre Point](/en/product/5044-737/Centre-Point-Jacket) jackets are also great outerwear pieces for all conditions because they combine waterproofing with insulation,  plus they have a bevy of pockets to stash extra layers, socks, a thinner pair of gloves, sandwiches to eat on the chairlift – you name it.



#### Bluebird conditions and spring skiing
Keep things layered and light with a synthetic [compressible insulated jacket](/en/gender/women%27s+men%27s/ideal-for/snowsports/products/clothing/jackets/compressible-%26-insulated-jackets/c/1020?q=%3Asales-rank) and [outerwear shell](/en/gender/women%27s+men%27s/ideal-for/downhill-skiing+backcountry-skiing/products/clothing/jackets/ski-board-jackets/c/1027?q=%3Asales-rank) and pants. Make sure your jacket and pants have lots of venting so you can cool off after the sun warms you up.





For your ski goggles, these are the days for black, brown and red or vermillion lenses, which generally have lower visible light transmission. They’re ideal for bright conditions since they block out a significant amount of UV light. They may not always appear to be those colours on the surface, but may have a cool gradient or rainbow effect and can include polarization to help cut glare.

*Want to dial your ski set up even more? Learn*[*how to layer*](/en/explore/clothing-layers)*.*



## More ski articles
- [How to wash your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [How to clean down jackets](/en/explore/cleaning-down-clothing-and-sleeping-bags)



What to wear skiing or snowboarding, depending on the weather and conditions. Tips on ski jackets, pants and layers, along with ski goggles.

How to dress for ski days, from bluebird to whiteout | MEC Blog

Bluebird to whiteout: what to wear when you go skiing

Whether you’re planning a long road trip, a fall camping vacation or a first-time visit to a different city, travelling with kids is a great opportunity to build some family memories. But as any parent knows, things can get a little crazy when you add little travellers to the mix. Use this list of tips to keep everyone (adults included) happy and your trip running smoothly.

## Choose lightweight luggage
When you’re travelling with kids, it’s important to make sure that you have enough lightweight compact storage to keep their clothes, toys and snacks in order. Look for bags that can pack away when you’re not using them to save space, like the [Travel Light Duffle](/en/product/5034-452/Travel-Light-Duffle). It has plenty of room and can fold into its own pocket to stash during or away after your trip.

Even the littlest explorer wants a bit of independence from mom and dad. Equip your kids with their own [small daysack](/en/gender/girls%27+boys%27/products/gear/packs-and-bags/daypacks%2c-slings-and-school-bags/daypacks/c/1333) that has room for a toy, snack and water bottle, so that they can stay hydrated, happy and feeling grown up (and you have one less thing to carry). The [Littlelife Animal Daysack](/en/product/5027-582/Animal-Daysack) comes in neat shapes for kids that like nature. Find out what other features to look for when you’re [choosing a kids’ backpack](/en/explore/packs-for-kids).

## Pack portable fun
When you’re travelling for hours – whether it’s a long drive to your campsite or an international flight to see new cities – keep the kids entertained with a [portable game](/en/products/gear/games/c/1225) that won’t drain any batteries or need a power outlet. They’ll be too busy having fun to ask the dreaded, “Are we there yet?”

## Layer up
It’s good to be prepared for anything the weather might bring – and this is where layering comes in handy. Layer a [fleece jacket](/en/kids-age/infants%27-%286_._24-mths%29+children%27s-%283_._6-yrs%29+youths%27-%287_._plus-yrs%29/products/clothing/jackets/soft-shell-and-fleece-jackets/c/1023?q=%3Asales-rank) under your kid’s [water-resistant outer shell](/en/kids-age/infants%27-%286_._24-mths%29+children%27s-%283_._6-yrs%29+youths%27-%287_._plus-yrs%29/features/durable-water-repellency/products/clothing/jackets/c/1018?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) to keep them warm and dry if it starts to drizzle, or just use the fleece jacket for cool nights.

Don’t forget about yourself either – it’s important for you to be comfortable when you’re wrangling the family from point A to B. A waterproof-breathable jacket with deep pockets that gives parents quick access to essential items like bug spray.

## Let kids be the chefs
Build a mobile pantry with all the fixings for trail mix in separate food containers, so that everyone can create their own combinations. You can also let the kids create a fun dessert like [s’mores](/en/article/craft-smores-boost-your-camp-snack-game) – they’ll like camping that much more when they have a say into what’s on the menu.

Pack [cutlery and bowls](/en/products/gear/camp-kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/plates%2c-cups-and-bowls/c/1277) that don’t have sharp edges, are small enough to be held by little hands and can easily flatten to save room, so that you can call on help from the whole family to make clean up that much quicker.

## Give them the chance to explore
One of the best reasons to bring kids on a road trip is so they can explore nature in new places, which means mud, dirt, leaves and puddles. Look for waterproof [boots](/en/gender/girls%27+boys%27/products/footwear/boots/c/1189) made with parents in mind that are easy to pull on and off as the weather changes. That means you can let your little ones wander (within reason!) through the woods, without worrying about wet feet.

## Prep for naptime
When you’re on a hike and the kids get tired, give your arms a break and strap them into a [comfortable carrier](/en/products/gear/kid-transport/child-carrier-backpacks/carriers/c/1260). They’ll be off their feet and shielded from the rain, giving them an opportunity to rest up for the next fun activity.

## Bring the first aid kit
Scrapes and bruises are bound to happen when you’re travelling with kids. Keep the [first aid kit](/en/products/gear/health-and-safety/first-aid-kits/c/1210?q=%3Asales-rank) on hand to help bandage any minor bumps quickly so you can get back to enjoying your vacation as soon as possible.

These simple tips will help you keep everyone happy on your next family vacation. By prepping ahead of time, you’ll have a memorable trip with the kids that’ll have you planning your next vacation as soon as you get home.



As any parent knows, things can get a little crazy when you add little travellers to the mix. Use these travel tips to keep everyone (adults included) happy and your trip running smoothly.

Essential Tips for Travelling with Kids | MEC Blog

Essential tips for travelling with kids

With busy summer vacation months behind us and peak season airline rates dropping, there’s perhaps no better time to take off and do some exploring than autumn. [MEC Ambassadors](/en/explore/ambassadors) spend a fair amount of time abroad for work and play, so we put a challenge to them: tell us where to travel now.

### [Allan Prazsky](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/allan-prazsky)


##### Where to?
Big Island of Hawaii

##### Reasons for your trip?
No better way to kick off the training season than riding and relaxing, and trolling the shores and mountains in a warm climate that constantly invites you to stretch your limits. I spent a lot of time either poolside or on white sandy beaches.

##### What gear did you bring?
[Ridley Noah SL20 Bike](/en/product/5044-418/Noah-SL20-Road-Bicycle), [Garmin Edge 520 GPS](/en/product/5045-197/Edge-520-GPS), [Castelli bib shorts](/en/brand/castelli/gender/men%27s/ideal-for/road-cycling/products/clothing/bottoms/c/1002?q=%3Asales-rank) and [jersey](/en/brand/castelli/gender/men%27s/ideal-for/road-cycling/products/clothing/tops/cycling-jerseys/c/1048?q=%3Asales-rank), [DeFeet socks](/en/brand/defeet/products/footwear/socks/c/1203?q=defeet%3Asales-rank&text=defeet), [ProBars](/en/brand/probar/products/gear/food-and-drink/c/1175?q=%3Asales-rank&text=).

##### What did you wish you’d brought?
More ProBars to get me through the long, hot miles.

##### Best thing you ate/saw/did?
The moment you land and breathe in the first sniff of humidity and warmth, you know you’ve landed someplace special. The colours here are incredibly vivid and the ambient air is a perfect temperature. The roads are exceptional with nary a pothole. Climbing up through Waimea and high into the Kohala Mountains was magical – upon cresting, I saw the open Pacific Ocean, then swooped down a long, winding decent into Hawi and returned along the rugged, rolling west coast. A must for any cyclist.

##### Travel tips?
Make sure you know about tides and sneaker waves. A tranquil ocean visit can quickly turn into a hospital visit via a large, unexpected wave.

### [Bruce Kirkby](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/bruce-kirkby)


##### Where to?
South Korea

##### Reasons for your trip?
For a writing assignment to explore and report on the burgeoning hiking frenzy that is currently sweeping the country.

##### What gear did you bring?
The [MEC Forge 50 Backpack](/en/product/5039-727/Forge-50-Backpack) was great for carry-on, in airports, taxis and on the trail. It easily carried all my camera gear, plus overnight equipment and food. I was impressed. My [Vasque Breeze GTX hiking boots](/en/brand/vasque/products/footwear/boots/hiking-and-backpacking-boots/c/1497?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) were lightweight and comfortable on the plane, but rugged enough for rocky overnight trails with a hefty pack. To find my way around huts, I also brought the [Petzl Tikka Headlamp](/en/product/5043-693/Tikka-Headlamp). It was great for scrambling up to high peaks for sunrise.

##### What did you wish you’d brought?
Ear plugs and my [Therm-a-rest Prolite Plus Sleeping Pad](/en/product/5041-051/Prolite-Plus-Sleeping-Pad). The Korean mountain huts are amazing, but almost always crowded, and in the big dorm rooms, someone always snores. My Korean friend insisted I wouldn’t need my pad, as the mountain huts rent blankets, but that wasn’t enough to cushion my hips and back against the wooden floors.

##### Best thing you ate/saw/did?
Korea’s hiking trails are world-class. Nearly all of them include infrastructure – ladders, cables, staircases – that has been bolted to the sheer limestone faces, which makes for exciting travel and allows access to terrain that would be otherwise inaccessible. Even within Seoul city limits, you can find soaring summits, exposed ridges and quiet forest trails sprinkled with monasteries. Korea’s food is also amazing. And while I love it all, bibimbap and barbecue are my favourites. From the busy cities to the quiet villages, I could never get enough.

##### Travel tips?
If you’re in Korea, you simply *must* go hiking. It’s that good. Don’t be intimidated by fancily dressed locals, who tend to buy the best of everything, including hiking gear – they’re very friendly. With just a simple hello, they’ll invite you to share in their elaborate mountaintop picnics. The Korean mountains are steep and rugged, so keep your distances short. The trails are wide and well cared for though, so don’t be put off. And there are plenty of hikers around who are eager to help with directions and advice.

### [Kalob Grady](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/kalob-grady)


##### Where to?
Patagonia, Chile

##### Reasons for your trip?
Exploring, adventuring and kayaking. Kayaking lets you see new and interesting places by accessing areas and locations not available otherwise. Travelling with a team of friends and discovering new rivers while also enjoying an area’s classic attractions is the best.

##### What gear did you bring?
As kayakers, our on-river gear is always important for safety and progression, but the off-water gear is where life can be made easy or hard. I brought my [MEC Tarn 2 Tent](/en/product/5027-697/Tarn-2-Tent), [Therm-a-rest Prolite Sleeping Pad](/en/product/5041-053/Prolite-Sleeping-Pad) and [MEC Phoenix -12C Sleeping Bag](/en/product/5025-633/Phoenix-Hybrid-Sleeping-Bag--12C). They’re easy to trek around with and afford me good sleeps.

##### What did you wish you’d brought?
Individual [coffee presses](/en/products/gear/camp-kitchen/cookware-and-utensils/caffeine-creators-and-kettles/c/1272) are incredible, but a large 8–12 cup press to get everyone up and at it in the morning would’ve been nice.

##### Best thing you ate/saw/did?
On an asado (outdoor barbeque), we had a dinner prepared for us by locals after finishing a day on one of my favourite rivers in Patagonia, the Futaleufu River. A sunrise one morning over the harbour in Hornopiren was spectacular. The light crested over the Andes’ peaks and beamed through clouds to create an epic effect on the boats beached by low tide. Another definite highlight was running one of my favourite waterfalls, Demshitz Drop on the Rio Nevados, and watching others successfully descend the drop for the first time as well.

##### Travel tips?
Stop in the town of Pucon. There’s a hike up El Volcan Villarica that is incredible. And off the beaten path 15 minutes out of town, the El Cani hike lets you see a massive volcano that dominates the landscape from the summit.

### [Joe Schuster](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/joe-schuster)


##### Where to?
Chile

##### Reasons for your trip?
Skiing at Valle Nevado, hanging out in Santiago and Valparaiso, and surfing and camping on the coast around Pichilemu.

##### What gear did you bring?
A whole bunch of MEC gear: the [Centre Point Jacket](/en/product/5044-737/Centre-Point-Jacket) and [Sidecut Pants](/en/product/5036-943/Sidecut-Pants), [Pom Pom Hat](/en/product/5042-139/Pom-Pom-Hat), [Volt 3 Tent](/en/product/5036-984/Volt-LT-3-Tent), [Talon -3 Sleeping Bag](/en/product/5035-436/Talon--3-Sleeping-Bag), [Fusion Wetsuit](/en/product/5021-537/Fusion-4-3-M), booties and gloves and the [Duffle Bag](/en/product/5044-007/Duffle-Bag).

##### What did you wish you’d brought?
We weren’t missing anything.

##### Best thing you ate/saw/did?
We had a great meal at a French restaurant at Valle Nevado. Also, one day we drove out to the middle of nowhere on the coast to find deserted beaches with awesome waves. We had the entire place to ourselves and were able to camp right on the beach.

##### Travel tips?
Rent a car and go visit the mountains as well as the beaches on the coast. If you want to see a city, visit Valparaiso instead of Santiago; it’s way more beautiful and all the wineries are closer.

### [Reuben Krabbe](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/reuben-krabbe)


##### Where to?
Dempster Highway, along the Canada/US border between Dawson, YT and Inuvik, NWT

##### Reasons for your trip?
I joined my dad for the last leg of his dream journey – 633km of biking. I’ve always been surrounded by roadies and gravel grinders, and finally wanted to experience what they so loved.

##### What gear did you bring?
Camp gear and clothes: [MEC Volt 2 Tent](/en/product/5036-982/Volt-LT-2-Tent), [Jetboil stove](/en/brand/jetboil/ideal-for/camping-and-hiking/products/gear/camp-kitchen/stoves%2c-fuel-and-fire/backcountry-stoves/c/1285?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [SteriPen water purifier](/en/brand/steripen/ideal-for/camping-and-hiking/products/gear/hydration/water-treatment/c/1236?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [MEC dry bag](/en/brand/mec/products/gear/packs-and-bags/dry-bags%2c-waterproof-cases-and-portage-bags/dry-bags/c/1358?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [SPOT](/en/brand/spot/search?q=spot%3Asales-rank&text=spot), [MEC merino base layer](/en/brand/mec/products/clothing/base-layers-and-underwear/c/1053?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFfabricContent%3A95%25+or+more+merino+wool&text=), [Oakley Two Face](/en/product/5038-932/Two-Face) sunglasses.

Bike gear: [Provincial Road 222 Bike](/en/product/5042-832/Provincial-Road-222-Bicycle), [BOB trailer](/en/brand/bob/products/gear/bike-trailers/touring-trailers/c/1455?q=%3Asales-rank&text=), [Mavic helmet](/en/brand/mavic/ideal-for/cycling/products/gear/helmets/c/1221?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) and [Shimano pedals](/en/brand/shimano/ideal-for/cycling/products/gear/bike-components/pedals-and-cleats/c/842?q=%3Asales-rank&text=).

##### What did you wish you’d brought?
I wish I’d bought a proper bike fit.

##### Best thing you ate/saw/did?
I loved seeing the wildlife and diverse landscape – there are so many different mountain styles, interior plateaus, river valleys, tributaries and mountain passes. We saw grizzly bears, moose and deer. The best food we had was a regular pasta dinner supplemented with beer and smoked salmon from a camp-neighbour from Germany.****

##### Travel tips?
Test everything first, and in the manner it’ll be used in the future. Try riding your bike fully weighted for the full average distance you’ll need to travel. It will make you realize how much you want to cut from your packing list and how big the undertaking will be.



MEC Ambassadors share their favourite autumn stops. See what makes Big Island biking exceptional, what not to forget when you’re hiking in South Korea, and why to visit Valparaiso in Chile.

Where to travel now: fall edition | MEC Blog

Where to travel now: fall edition

At 70°42’25.67″N and 71°29’46.83″W, Baffin Bay is a frozen ocean of crisp white and blue. This land of rock, ice and water was carved and cleaved over two billion years from the Canadian Shield. Our team of three – Marc-Andre Leclerc, Brette Harrington and I – travelled across that same frozen expanse by snow machine toward the eastern fjords of Baffin Island to climb Great Sail Peak.

Several years in the making, our expedition finally unfolded between June 17 and August 5, 2016. The sense of adventure was palpable; with no trip reports or guidebook to direct us, we stepped into the unknown.



The hamlet of Clyde River, Nunavut, is well above the Arctic Circle, so on the summer solstice we were sent off with an endless sunset. Our guide, Levi Palituq – a local outfitter and hunter – and his team navigated us towards the Walker Arm fjord. Though conditions were deteriorating on the ice as summer and the breakup approached, our sleds managed to dodge massive cracks in the splintering ice sheet. For two days we circumvented the open water, sometimes skipping across ice chunks to help bridge the icy waters when the cracks travelled out to sea. As we approached the Sam Ford fjord, the sheer size gave the impression of entering a massive canal with 1400-metre walls. A feeling of insignificance washed over the team as the fjord swallowed us like a great whale.

When we arrived at the southern edge of the Stewart Valley, silence and a low hum settled around us like a blanket. The rising talus, endless ridge lines of granite walls, hanging glaciers and sweeping canyons made the valley seem mythical in scale.



We moved gear toward the windswept beach on the southern edge of Stewart Lake, and spent five days cautiously moving across it, finally arriving at our advanced base camp with a mountain of gear and five weeks of food. We set up our tents in a meadow of moss campion and gazed up at the crown-capped summit of Great Sail Peak. These walls had seen just two ascents until the summer of 2016, and although world-renowned athletes had climbed the face, none had come to free climb.

The logistics of free climbing in the Arctic can be extensive, but after five trips to the eastern fjords, I mapped out a strategy of travelling on the ice in late June and then waiting for the melt, which would give us the best chance of catching summer temperatures. We intentionally trapped ourselves – once the breakup started, there would be no possibility of extraction without a helicopter or icebreaker from Halifax. Our team knew the consequences and recognized the importance of being self-sufficient. We had 30 days to attempt to climb Great Sail Peak.

We hauled bags of gear and food to the wall, established an approach route to the main ledge system 300 metres up, and committed. We free climbed, jugged and hauled our way up the lower wall, free climbing seven pitches of intricate and steep climbing up to 5.12. As we were team-freeing the route, not every member needed to lead each pitch.



We arrived on the ledge that breaks the lower face from the upper two-thirds of climbing. To our surprise, there was a team of climbers already camped there. We knew a pair of Belgians and three Italians were attempting the same wall that summer, but we hadn’t yet met and we couldn’t see them from our camp, so we’d assumed they were farther up the valley. Their team of five had eyed up the same line as us and scooped us in Baffin Island!

So we gathered our thoughts and decided to move down the wall to redirect our energies to a slender turret at the north edge of the wall, away from the main attraction and the belly of the giant.

> Climbing in Baffin Island can feel like travelling to the edge of the earth and falling off – a place where time is hijacked by light and shadow.
>
We mixed free climbing and aid climbing as we moved up, hauling our gear, cleaning the rock and rehearsing difficult moves as we attempted to establish a big wall free climb. In 150 metres, we covered granite, intrusions of diorite, feldspar and mica and even a wall of Precambrian igneous, the ancient core of North America.



The difficult pitches required multiple attempts. A series of discontinuous cracks led to a blank 30-metre traverse. The team free climbed pitches of 5.12 and 5.13 below the traverse, with Marc freeing a bold 12+ crack and a bouldery 5.13 section. We set a portaledge camp below the traverse and morale was high. Then, the storm hit.

A raging south wind blew in off Baffin Bay and mixed with a northern high pressure. With cold air aloft and the rising topography in the fjord, we got slammed. The forecasts had been consistently inconsistent and we were trapped. We hunkered down, tapping into our self-preservation and survival modes. We waited, sure it would pass, but soon any lingering morale morphed into festering. On first few days of the storm, the winds blew any remaining optimism out to sea – then snow and rain arrived and continued for five days. Wall life was desperate; our portaledges acted as sails and my lighter single ledge was buffeted so hard it swiveled 180 degrees numerous times. Snow accumulated below and above, turning the turret into a popsicle. Out of options, we had to make a move: up, or down.



Clad in GORE-TEX and puffy jackets, Brette started us off. She launched across a dramatic traverse above our ledge camp, establishing the team in a faint and shallow corner system. We continued upwards by freeing more difficult corner pitches and leading in blocks, with the leader and second free climbing while the third jugged with a pack. But the free climbing was short lived, as the steepness of the wall gave way to incipient seams and the sky started to transform into drifting layers of fog and rain.

We resorted to mixing aid and free climbing, pushing up tight corners and face seams connected by wet cracks. Brette led an ugly and wet overhanging off-width and handed the sharp end to me. The summit of the turret was guarded by a series of chimneys drenched in snow and a fresh layer of verglas – definitely the team’s psychological crux of the route. We’d been climbing in the rain for hours and were cold, wet and faced with a couple hundred metres of frosted and iced-up chimneys. Morale was low.

This didn’t feel like rock climbing, but more like mixed climbing with rock shoes. I stemmed and pressed up the cracks, and avoided the low-angle ledges covered in ice by climbing the cracks on the side walls. The pitches came together but only because we knew we wouldn’t get a second chance.



The summit of the turret jutted up in three sharp nipples and we extracted ourselves from the chimneys onto a shoulder with easy access to the glacier on the back side. The true summit loomed in the rain clouds above, another couple pitches of wet but moderate climbing. We left it for another day later in the trip. We dropped our gear and peered over the edge, swallowing our stomachs in the process, and reflected on the sheer size and emptiness that loomed below us.

The clouds parted to show the remnants of the storm, snowdrifts overflowing from the glacier, and fresh white on all the peaks. We celebrated with some forgotten food at the bottom of my pack, hugged and watched the sun rise over the black, glistening walls and snowy glaciers to the north.

*Joshua Lavigne’s Baffin Island Great Sail Peak climb was made possible by*[*MEC Expedition Support*](/en/explore/outdoor-impact)*.*

*In early 2018, Marc-Andre Leclerc and his climbing partner were reported missing in the Medenhall Towers of Alaska. Tragically, the climbing community has lost these two respected and experienced alpinists; they will be remembered and greatly missed.*



Ambassador Joshua Lavigne on the Arctic’s greatest big wall.

Baffin Island: Great Sail Peak Expedition | MEC Blog

Baffin Island: Great Sail Peak

Not so long ago, Anna Pearson woke up at 2:45am, walked 8km up to Cascade Lookout in Manning Park, BC, and watched the sun slowly creep up from behind the mountains, turning the sky shades of gold, rose and powder blue. There’s no doubt that morning’s sunrise meant something special to all 50 strangers who witnessed it as a part of MEC Outdoor Nation and [Chasing Sunrise](/en/article/chasing-sunrise-36-hours-in-the-unknown)’s [Chasecamp](/en/article/chasing-sunrise-36-hours-in-the-unknown) weekend, but for Anna, it meant something different.

As she later recapped on her personal blog, [*Daily Insanity*](https://www.dailyinsanitycollective.com/blog-1), “… taking on new adventures, meeting new people and exploring the world … was my way of showing the monsters that lived inside my head that I was in control of my life and that they would never be able to stop me from pursuing my happiness.”

The Ottawa-based McGill University grad has spent the past five years coming to terms with her clinical depression and generalized anxiety disorder, following what Anna describes as a breakdown and emergency situation over a summer during university. Now, with a healthy routine in place, she bravely chronicles her thoughts on relapse, remission and therapy on the blog, and touches often on a core part of her daily practice: exercise and outdoor activity. “I’ve been doing ballet since I was 4 years old, but I kind of stopped when I went to school,” she says. “Now, being active is hugely important to my daily routine – hiking absolutely has its advantages. My friends say they’ve never seen me so happy.”



It’s a lesson those involved in Canadian charity [Jack.org](https://www.jack.org/) know well. Alexis Lahorra and Jacob Halloran are young leaders with the organization, and help start conversations to end the silence around mental health issues. “I wish people knew that we all have mental health,” says Alexis. “Although 1 in 5 young people will live with a mental illness in their lifetime, 5 in 5 of us have mental health and we all need to care for it.” It’s a sentiment that Jacob echoes. “Just like our physical health, our mental health can fluctuate from well to unwell,” he says. “I’d love for everyone to know that it’s okay to fluctuate across this spectrum.”

Truly, the two go hand in hand. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the [Canadian Mental Health Association](http://ontario.cmha.ca/mental-health/connection-between-mental-and-physical-health/) describe mental and physical health as “fundamentally linked,” further noting that key aspects of prevention of poor mental health include “increasing physical activity, access to nutritious foods … and fostering social inclusion and social support.” A recent [Stanford University](http://news.stanford.edu/2015/06/30/hiking-mental-health-063015/) study also found quantifiable evidence that “walking in nature could lead to a lower risk of depression.”

For Alexis, who has faced depression and anxiety as a result of cyberbullying, being outdoors not only decreases her stress levels, but ups her overall happiness. “There is something so soothing and relaxing about being around trees, mountains and fresh air,” says the Montreal resident. “I like to bring a journal with me. I use that time to disconnect, reflect and enjoy the moment.”

Jacob is adamant that people should not have to suffer in silence because of the stigma that surrounds mental health and mental illness, and sees himself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. “Love is love, and health is health,” he states. As a marathon runner based in Halifax, he sees activity as his go-to for mental health self-care. “I love distance running because it offers me a chance to lose myself in the moment and let go of daily stresses. Spending time outside helps me keep my life in perspective.”



Youth from Jack.org’s national network recently met with their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Victoria, BC, while the couple was on their second Canadian tour; an event that will surely help quell lingering public stigma about mental health.

Continuing the discussion is something that is vitally important to Alexis, Jacob and Anna. “I always knew I wanted to share [my story],” says Anna, who first divulged her personal experience in a McGill student publication before starting her blog. “Total strangers wrote to me, sharing similar stories,” she says. It’s something that happens more frequently now as a result of *Daily Insanity*. “It’s not always about giving advice,” she says of being there for strangers. “I just try and listen and be there as a support. I let them drive the conversation.”

One piece of advice Anna is quick to give, however, is not to introduce activity at a vulnerable time. She admits to initially taking up running as a coping mechanism for her depression and anxiety, eventually developing an eating disorder and an injury. She suggests recreational group activities as a first step because they come with built-in community and support. “When you recover from a downward spiral,” says Anna, “you realize all the little things you take for granted, and the outdoors has a way of really highlighting that.”



Having recently reconnected with a friend from high school who had reached out and said she’d faced similar struggles, the two are back from a hiking and camping trip through Lake Louise, Banff and Field. At home, she donates her time as a karma yogi at her local studio and gets outside often at Gatineau Park, which she calls a hidden gem. The active moments afford her the clarity she needs to see her mental health clearly. “It makes me think about what matters,” she says. “What I really want.”

*MEC was proud to provide youth mental health organization*[*Jack.org*](http://jack.org)* – and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge – with*[*MEC Alpine Ally*](/en/product/5042-392/Alpine-Ally-Jacket)* and*[*Hydrofoil*](/en/product/5053-812/Hydrofoil-Stretch-Jacket)* jackets for an official Royal Tour event in Victoria Harbour, BC.*

*Top photo credit: [Ivan Calderon](http://www.ivancalderonphotography.com/).*



Forget the 6-pack – being active has serious benefits for your mental health. Anna Pearson and Jack.org's Alexis Lahorra and Jacob Halloran share their personal stories.

Why being active outdoors matters more than ever | MEC Blog

Why being active outdoors matters more than ever

Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail or biking around Paris in search of the flakiest croissant, employ these rad travel hacks from MEC staffers and Ambassadors to make the most of your time on the road.

**1. Go light.** Pack everything you need (nothing you “might” wear), then remove half – you’ll be surprised how freeing it is to go with less. Bonus tip: [fast-drying, no-iron shirts](/en/product/5040-129/Overlook-Long-Sleeved-Shirt) are a saving grace on hot days (wear them damp and still look good at dinner), and [merino wool](/en/products/clothing/c/981?f=CFfabricContent%3AMerino+wool) is naturally odour-fighting for long stretches on the road.

**2. Kiss your comfort zone goodbye.** Embrace curiosity and ditch your traditional notions of time and schedule. In fact, leave your watch at home.

**3. Say yes.**Yes is the password to awesome – dining with locals, moonlit skinny-dips in lakes or trail runs through the rainforest.

**4. Don’t bring t-shirts.** Instead, buy them at your destination. Once you’re home, they’re wearable souvenirs.

**5. Watch your back(pack).** If you’re travelling with a checked backpack, get a cover – like this handy [Skyway Airline tote](/en/product/5030-444/Skyway-Airline-Tote) – to protect the straps and buckles from overzealous luggage handlers and rollers at airports. Some bags even have straps that tuck away.

**6. Two words: ear plugs.** ‘Nuff said.

**7. Embrace the pause.** Bad weather and indoor days happen. Lift your spirits with playlists, an e-reader, podcasts or a [sketchbook](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-and-hike-accessories/notebooks-and-pens/journals-and-writing-materials/c/934).

**8. Keep a record.** Write it all down – from the epic hiking sandwich to the time your only dinner companion was a street cat – take photos or videos, and collect ticket stubs or brochures. Don’t want to carry paper memories along? Mail them home as you go.

**9. Be grateful.** Being rude to a customer service agent will never get you to your destination faster. If your travel plans get screwed up, take a deep breath and remember how lucky you are to be able to travel in the first place.

**10. Little things make a big difference.** Use SeatGuru.com to stake out a comfy airline seat, bring a [packable travel pillow](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-sleeping-pads-quilts-and-pillows/pillows-and-pillowcases/c/1408) and wear comfortable shoes. Pack a [squishy water bottle](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/water-bottles-and-reservoirs/water-bottles/collapsible-bottles/c/1534) to stay hydrated through security.

**11. Roll with it.** Don’t be afraid to wait until you’re at your destination to book any local tours or excursions. You’ll often find better deals and recommendations from fellow travellers.

**12. Speak up.** Learn “hello,” “thank you,” and “coffee, please” in the local language. When all else fails, Pictionary your way through.

**13. Depart in good health.** Before you take off, make sure you’re set for dental work, prescriptions and vaccinations. Be sure to leave space between your appointments and your departure date in case anything needs a follow-up. And always get travel insurance.

**14. Don’t be afraid to travel solo.** You’ll be surprised how savvy you truly are when left to your own devices, plus it’s easier to meet locals and other travellers.

**15. Think beyond your hotel safe.** Scan and email a copy of all your important documents and IDs either to yourself or a friend or family member in case anything goes missing.

**16. Travel isn’t a competition.** The point of leaving isn’t to launch a new career as an Instagram star. Go for you. See what you came to see, be open and maybe don’t even take a photo. Nobody needs picture proof that you’re #blessed.



## Related articles
- [The ultimate travel pants](/en/article/the-ultimate-travel-pants)
- [How to choose a travel adapter](/en/explore/how-to-choose-a-travel-adapter)
- [Roll or fold: packing tips from the pros](/en/article/roll-or-fold-packing-tips-from-the-pros)



Use these savvy travel tips, packing hacks and life lessons to get ready for some of the best times (and memories) of your life.

16 rad travel hacks from adventurous Canadians

Are you hanging onto downhill skis so skinny they’ve been mistaken for cross-country skis? Is your toque so old and ratty that your friends have tried in earnest to throw it away behind your back? Have you tried to resell your banged-up 1997 ski boots without any takers?

We say show off your true ski bum ways and repurpose the gems you’ve accumulated over the years. Here’s how to upcycle them into something cool.

#### 1. Espresso shot ski


Give this boozy ski-lodge necessity a caffeinated twist – your friends will thank you when you wake them up super early for first tracks. Remove the bindings and deck out your used plank with espresso cups instead of shot glasses. Don’t forget to grab a [portable espresso maker](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/espresso-makers/c/1781) for cabin trips, and sip carefully – it’s hot.

#### 2. Burning Man goggles


Dance your shoulder-season cares away with a bunch of strangers/new friends in the desert under some rainbow lenses made for serious sunlight. Especially handy in dust storms on the playa.

#### 3. Ski fence


A classic, no doubt about it. Start your own by sourcing old gear from your social network, or donate yours to a local hill so your old skis live on at the resort. Requires commitment, but the end result is worth it.

#### 4. Wall art


Forget pricey art prints. All you need is an empty wall, a couple mounts and you’re the coolest collector on the block.

#### 5. Ski pole wind chimes


Nothing like the sweet clang of metal sticks to send you off into a snowy daydream.

#### 6. Toque tea cozy


There’s something extra cozy about a pompom on top of your speckled enamel tea kettle filled with earl grey.

#### 7. Hiking poles


Not collapsible, but no less effective. Bonus: zero adjustments required (although removing your powder baskets is advisable).

#### 8. Boot and helmet planters


To complement the ski wall art, of course.

#### 9. Portable growth chart


Track your kiddos’ vertical gains without having to lose that sentimental piece of doorway trim when you move homes.

#### 10. Pay it forward
You know that friend who is always saying that they don’t have the gear, money or time to make skiing happen? Passing on your stuff as a gift gets them one step closer to the slopes.

*If these quirky second-life hacks aren’t your jam, donate them to your local thrift store or get in contact with your local hill to see if they can recycle or reuse your stuff.*



## More ski articles
- [How to wash and re-waterproof your ski jacket](/en/explore/caring-for-a-waterproof-jacket)
- [How to choose and fit ski boots](/en/explore/how-to-choose-ski-boots-and-bindings)
- [How to choose downhill skis](/en/explore/how-to-choose-downhill-skis)



Have old ski gear buried in your garage or gear closet? Find out how to upcycle skis, boots, toques and more into something cool.

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