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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

Every road gives a different feeling – some inspire us to ride fast, some beckon to be explored, others encourage us to just take it in.

Ride enough, and you realize that bikes are the same way – some make you feel really fast, some scare the pants off you and (the really good ones) make you feel really happy. Combine the best bikes with the best roads, something magical happens: rides that stick with you forever.

Which is why the three of us – Geordie, Megan and I – have travelled to Southern California. The brilliant Belgians over at Ridley set us up with three rides purpose-built for tackling a wide range of road types: the race and cobble ready [Liz CR40](/en/product/5044-407/Liz-CR40-Road-Bicycle); the revamped and Paris Roubaix-proven [Fenix SL40](/en/product/5044-401/Fenix-SL40-Road-Bicycle); and the do-it-all newcomer wunderkind – the [X-Trail C30](/en/product/5043-674/X-Trail-C30-Bicycle). Over the course of a long weekend, we put each bike through its paces by tackling plenty of *pavé*, switchbacks, merciless climbs, and bucolic stretches of rolling California paradise. While power meters and heart-rate monitors are essential and useful tools for any cyclist, we haven’t brought either along. Why? Because we’re here with a simple goal in mind: to find three roads that best represent each Ridley ride we’ve brought along.

Here it is, then: 3 Ridleys for 3 Roads.



### Prefumo Canyon Road + The Fenix SL40


##### What’s the road like?
A cobbly, scarred snake of asphalt carved into rolling, densely treed hills. Undulating sections lead to steep pitches, brief descents and tight switchbacks from start to finish.

Three-quarters of the way up it opens to an astounding view of endless rolling hills and the shining Pacific to the west. Closing in on the summit, a picturesque switchback gives way to a steep ramp, another hairpin, and a beautifully exposed finishing section.

##### And that descent?
A technical delight. There’s plenty of less-than-ideal asphalt, so you have to concentrate. Outside of that, it’s just plain fun. Fast rolling sections give a roller coaster like feel, and we collectively “whoop” and “yip” on the way down.



##### Tell me about this Fenix SL40
The [SL40](/en/product/5044-401/Fenix-SL40-Road-Bicycle) is a totally revamped Fenix for 2016. Not to be mistaken with the Fenix CR, Ridley placed it between the lightweight Helium and the aero Noah. Skinny seat stays and clearance for 30mm tires give plenty of rough-road comfort, but don’t think of it as a cushy slouch – the massive BB and tapered headtube boost stiffness, while the geometry firmly places it in the realm of race bike.



##### So how is it, then?
Outstanding. It really is a convincing endurance/race bike. Climbing up Prefumo, it’s race-bike fast and responsive under hard efforts. Unlike some hard-edged race bikes, it doesn’t toss you around over rough asphalt, and you never get the feeling that it’s trying to kill you. Instead, it infectiously coaxes you to ride a bit faster, corner a bit harder and ride longer than expected

Descending Prefumo, it’s a gem. The predictable turn-in and outstanding stability nails the apex on the way down. And when riding over that scarred and gnarly asphalt? Cool as a cucumber. Brilliantly composed with race-ready climbing abilities and handling prowess, somehow it just feels built for fast European feeling roads like Prefumo.



### Figueroa Mountain Road + The X-Trail CR50


##### What’s the road like?
Nestled in Los Padres National Forest, it’s less of a road than an experience. 15km of climbing, too many cattle gates to count, ridiculously rough pavement and endless technical corners. It’s a hoot of a road, with just a hint of terror. We scope some gravel detours and get a sense of just how incredibly expansive this park is (we end up coming back three days later). You could seriously lose yourself here for days on end, exploring everything from fast asphalt, to singletrack (with knobby tires on the X-Trail), to bouts of gravel. It’s a cyclist’s dream.

##### So what of the X-Trail?
Road bike, cross bike and gravel grinder – the [X-Trail C30](/en/product/5043-674/X-Trail-C30-Bicycle) is a bit of everything. Ridley chose to push the “one bike to rule them all” notion to whole new levels. The result is a bike that feels road-bike responsive under power, yet totally competent and nimble on technical terrain. With 38mm of clearance, you can tackle cross and gravel-grinding. Looking to winter ride? No sweat. Fender eyelets make that a cinch. It is, simply put, the most versatile bike here (and, just maybe, on the market).



##### So why the X-Trail for Figueroa Road?
When climbing, it’s remarkable how much it resembles the Fenix and Liz. It’s a bit heavier and the geometry is slacker, but it never struggles to keep up, an impressive feat for a bike this versatile. When descending, it really shines.

Winding, technical and rough – descend Figueroa Road with some gusto, and it gets serious. Thankfully, the X-Trail made short work of it. The bridgeless seat stay design lends itself to a ride that’s even more compliant than the Fenix or the Liz’s – a remarkable achievement. And then, there’s the game-changer: those brakes.



##### The brakes?
We had reservations about disc-brakes on road bikes, but on a demanding road like this, the benefits are irrefutable. The X-Trail is running Shimano’s 105 spec hydraulic disc brakes, and it’s incredible how much they can change a road like this. For one, you can brake much, much later. It’s difficult to comprehend how much speed you can scrub before tackling frightening corners. On top of outright power, the control and modulation is unlike anything else. There are still benefits to caliper brakes (we wrote an article about the pros and cons), certainly, but our brief encounter with these discs forced us to reconsider our once stubborn opinions. On top of that, the thru-axles obliterate any sense of flex under hard braking or accelerating.

Every bike here is exceptional, but on Figueroa Mountain Road, the X-Trail is the clear winner.



##### What’s the road like?
Sometimes, pictures do a better job of telling a story than words ever can. So, here goes:



##### Oh. Wow.
Right? It’s unlike anything else. The views are nothing short of spectacular, the climb up is difficult but satisfying, and the descent is so delirious that you feel like you’re going to teeter off the edge of the world. One particularly steep and fast section gives the impression that you’re going to plummet straight into the Pacific Ocean.



##### And that Liz?
The [Liz CR40](/en/product/5044-407/Liz-CR40-Road-Bicycle) is likely the stiffest of the bunch, and has the looks and responsiveness to make it a true crit weapon. It’s a touch small for Geordie and I to ride, but Megan’s pace up Nacimiento under a hard effort demonstrates just how fast this thing is. Despite that, there are endurance bike touches throughout, and it retains the diamond shaped tubing that graces the Fenix and the X-Trail (Ridley’s unique tube design that boosts stiffness and strength).

Megan swears it’s just as stiff as race bikes she’s shredded in the past, yet retains a level of composure and comfort on the rough stuff that others can’t match. At one point, Geordie manages to scoop it from Megan for an extended test ride. He quickly falls in love with the stiffness and pink paint job, and it takes a lot of convincing for him to give it back.



##### So why the Liz and Nacimiento Road?
Think of it this way: when you were a kid, the colour of your bike *really* mattered. My first bike was neon yellow and I chose it because it was neon yellow. Why? Because it screamed fun and fast in equal measure. Whenever I rode it around the neighbourhood, there was a giddy promise of adventure and discovery. While all of the bikes on display here bring out that feeling, the Liz is one that makes you grin every single time you look at it. It taps into those feelings of adventure, discovery and excitement that we felt as kids when looking at a shiny, colourful new bike.

As a road, Nacimiento does something similar. The foaming brilliant Pacific below, the golden sunset above, those perfect sun-soaked corners and the briny wind in our faces – I’ve known Geordie and Megan for a long time, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen bigger smiles on either of them. Riding Nacimiento for the first time, we all felt like kids giddily riding around on bikes, feeling that sense of adventure and discovery that got us hooked on bikes in the first place.

The Liz captures that sensation, but so do the Fenix and X-Trail. With the advent of incredibly versatile road bikes that can go seemingly anywhere, there’s good reason to be excited, more roads than ever before are yours to ride. And while not everyone will have the chance to explore every nook and cranny of Southern California this year, that giddy feeling of discovery is always out there waiting to be found. The trick to finding it? You just gotta ride more roads.



3 Ridleys for 3 California Roads | MEC Blog

3 Ridleys for 3 California Roads

The task was simple: move from Ottawa to Vancouver in five days. With those instructions, it would have been easy to think of it as nothing more than A to B, and a 5500 km straight shot across the continent. And why not? A new job, a new city, and a new life were waiting out west. It could have been little more than one long ride.

Five days of the driver seat and the fast lane. An endless number of billboards, truck stops, and little white lines, blurred together by the vision of a single destination. But it also could have been a lifetime worth of opportunity, slipping through our fingers with each kilometer traveled. A world of adventure, passing by as fast as the road we traveled over.

See, if there’s one thing I’ve come to believe, it’s that the greatest experiences are not exclusive to the grandest plans. The moments we so deeply long to live are in no way reserved for only the most exotic trips. They are held for those who search for them, who step out of the everyday routine, and who take them. It was this simple belief that made those five days so much more than a long drive. It transformed them into an opportunity to explore, adventure, and connect with a world we then knew nothing about. It turned a car ride into a road trip, and turned the kilometers into opportunities to seek the unknown. The journey became a destination in and of itself.

Because of that simple shift, I don’t have to tell you what I think it could have been. I can show you.

It was taking moments to get back to the things that matter most:



and chance after chance to embrace the unknown.



It was taking time to make new friends:



and learning lessons in history, without stepping into a classroom.



It was places that looked like different planets,



and waking up on the side of a mountain.



knowing full well it would likely lead us astray.



It was landscapes that left us looking at this world differently



and moments we still can’t find the words to describe.



It was a reminder that some of the best things are not on the well-travelled path



and that sometimes you have to go where there is no path at all.



And coffee just about anywhere we could get our hands on it.



It was a reminder that the “little moments” really aren’t so little.



And that we should spend just a little more time kicking back and taking it in.



It was Ottawa, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Minnesota, Badlands, Rushmore, Black Hills, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Butte, Columbia, Seattle, home and everything in between.



We saw things we didn’t know existed and learned things we didn’t know were there to learn. Felt emotions we didn’t know we could feel and created memories that will change the way we live our lives.

It was anything but A to B.



*This post was submitted by Julian DeSchutter from [Chasing Sunrise](https://www.instagram.com/ChasingSunrise/). You can keep up with Julian on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/deshoots/).*



Vancouver to Ottawa: Finding adventure at every turn | MEC Blog

Vancouver to Ottawa: Finding adventure at every turn

Want your camp-chef repertoire to consist of more than hot dogs, chips, tang and warm beer? You just need the right tools (and access to these little known secrets) to rise in the ranks from camp cook to camp chef. From smoked brie to ice-cold margaritas, we’ve compiled our go-to kitchen essentials and prep techniques for elevating a camp kitchen.



## Craft camp snacks
Sure, chips are great, but there’s a lot to be said for classy camp snacks made the slow way. See how it’s done.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Craft camping snack ideas



**The secret**: Camp Chef Popcorn Popper



## Camp hootenannies and recoveries
Our methods for lantern-lit kitchen parties and peachy mornings.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Camp hootenannies and recoveries

## Kick your camp into gear
Easily the most delicious way to get your crew out of bed in less than 10 minutes. Get caffeinated below:



Camp Kitchen Secrets: How to make Aeropress coffee



**The secret**: [AeroPress Coffee Maker](/en/product/5046-862/coffee%26-espresso-maker-with-tote-bag)



## Pro-grill techniques
Technique transforms your packable, ultralight grill from handy appliance into camp-chef secret weapon.



Camp Kitchen Secrets: Be a campfire grill mark master



**The secret**: Light My Fire Grandpa’s FireGrill

Take your camp chef game to the next level. Explore our latest camp kitchen gear and toys.



## Related articles
- [A coffee addict’s guide to camp coffee](/en/article/a-coffee-addicts-guide-to-camp-coffee)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)



We reveal a few kitchen gadgets to step up your camp culinary game.

Camp kitchen secrets | MEC Blog

Camp kitchen secrets

With the rise of camping inspiration accounts on Instagram, we all want to get in on the action. Last year we launched a hashtag to showcase favourite places to wake up in the great outdoors. Every week we shared a photo using the hashtag #FromtheTentFriday. These are some of our all-time faves to get you into the camping spirit.



##### Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario


Location: [Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/algonquin)

Get the tent: [MSR Elixir 2 Tent](/en/product/5058-188/elixir-2-person-tent)



Location: [Mt. Robson, BC](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_robson/)

Get the tent: [MEC TGV2 Tent](/en/product/5047-590/tgv-2-person-4-season-tent)



Location: [Crowsnest Pass, Alberta](https://travelalberta.com/ca/places-to-go/road-trips/crowsnest-highway/)

Similar tent: Big Agnes Flying Diamond 4 Tent



Location: [5040 Vancouver Island, BC](https://www.google.ca/maps/place/5040+Peak/@49.1918793,-125.767235,9.21z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x5489aa2ebdcfbbb1:0xce50cb94f0cf8cce)

Similar tent: [MEC Camper 2 Tent](/en/product/5042-055/Camper-2-Tent)



Location: [Brockton Point, Mount Seymour, BC](https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mt_seymour/)

Similar tent: [Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent](/en/product/6008-648/copper-spur-hv-ul-2-person-tent?colour=Orange)



Location: [Whistler, BC](https://www.whistler.com/activities/camping/)

Get the tent: [MSR Hubba NX Tent](/en/product/6016-680/hubba-hubba-1-person-tent?colour=Sahara)



##### Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Ontario


Location: [Rainbow Falls Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/rainbowfalls)

Get the tent: [MEC Volt LT 2 Tent](/en/product/6014-753/volt-2-person-tent?colour=Neutral+Grey%2FDeep+Navy)



Location: [Killbear Provincial Park, Ontario](https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/killbear)

Get the tent: [MEC Cabin 4 Tent](/en/product/5060-365/cabin-2.0-4-person-tent?colour=Antique+Moss%2FAutumn+Gold)



Location: Somewhere in [Saskatchewan](https://www.saskparks.net/reserve-a-site)

Similar tent: Burton Blacktail Tent

*Show us your favourite places to camp. Tag us on Instagram using @mec and #FromtheTentFriday for a chance to be featured.*



Your favourite places to wake up camping | MEC Blog

Your favourite places to wake up camping

Fact: sun-soaked summer days were made for hammocking.

Set up your rig and sway away – the #hammocklife is the good life. To celebrate our favourite way to snooze through an uncomplicated afternoon, we cherry picked our top hammock shots from across the internets. Hammock away this summer, but remember to use wide [nylon webbing systems](/en/product/5058-404/Python-Hammock-Straps), and make sure where you’re hanging approves hammocking, okay?

Looking for a hammock setup of your own? We’ve got you covered.



Editor’s note: be careful when hanging off deadfall! Looks like this setup was solid, but be super careful out there.



##### We’re collectively dying to see this forest canopy view.


##### Probably not taken during the heat of summer.


##### Quite possibly the best high-alpine hammock mate of all time.


##### Hemingway in a hammock. As classic as it gets.


*Show us your favourite hammock set up. Tag us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/) using @mec for a chance to be featured.*



## Related articles
- [Camp in comfort: ways to improve your next escape](/en/article/camp-in-comfort-ways-to-improve-your-next-escape)
- [The best camp gear for your small apartment](/en/article/the-best-camp-gear-for-your-small-apartment)
- [How to choose a sleeping bag](/en/explore/choose-your-sleeping-bag)



Fact: sun-soaked summer days were made for hammocking. Get inspired.

Next-level hammock set-ups | MEC Blog

Next-level hammock set-ups

Some say camping without beer is just sitting in the woods. Most MEC staff feel the same way about camping without coffee. As of this summer, we carry more than 100 different kinds of coffee-making products. So to help campers get their buzz on we created a guide to outdoor coffee creating to help you drag yourself out of your tent and get appropriately caffeinated for a day of camping shenanigans.

A warm cup of joe is like warm company in the morning while you wait for a fellow camper to start the fire and whip up a skillet of scrambled eggs, or while you scrounge through the cooler for a leftover hot dog wiener from last night’s dinner.

Some coffee addicts are more selective than others, so use this spectrum – ordered from most expedient to most refined – to help you narrow your options and match your coffee style.



*[Gel](/en/product/5034-182/espresso-love-gel)* — *Filter* — *[French press](/en/product/5040-518/personal-java-press?colour=Blue)* — *[Percolator](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782)* — *[AeroPress](/en/product/5046-862/coffee%26-espresso-maker-with-tote-bag)* — *[Pour-over](/en/product/5050-845/Collapsible-Java-Drip)* — *Handpresso*

For example, if you prefer a bolder, grittier coffee then opt for the French press or reusable filter. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a cleaner, brighter flavour, you might prefer the pour-over or AeroPress method as part of your camp coffee routine. Read on for more details, coffee lovers.



At first sight, the [espresso gel](/en/product/5034-182/espresso-love-gel) might be the least appealing; however the 5-star reviews tell us there’s more to this untraditional ‘spro than meets the eye. Reviewers describe the taste as “just awesome” and “more like a dessert.” Plus, you can get your caffeine boost in about 7 seconds, without ever boiling a cup of water. Give it a try and let us know if you’re feeling the espresso love.

**Method**: Tear open package. Squeeze in mouth. Swallow.

**Fussiness level**: Completely and utterly unfussy

**Flavour profile**: Gooey, chocolatey

**Bean grind**: None. It’s the easiest way to get caffeinated, even easier than chewing on a handful of beans.

**Pro tip**: These are gluten and dairy free. Can double as dessert.



A re-usable, submersible filter made of mesh is almost as simple as it gets. We like the MSR Mug Mate Coffee Filter version. You can brew your favourite cup o’ joe with minimal fuss and bother. Just put in a few scoops of your select roast, pour in boiling water, and voilà, fresh coffee.

**Method**: Dump grinds into filter. Pour boiling water over top

**Fussiness level**: Minimal fuss

**Flavour profile**: Bold, gritty, rich

**Bean grind**: Coarse

**Pro tip**: For slightly less gritty coffee, remove the filter from your cup after 1.5 minutes. Works for tea too.



Want to make a lot of coffee in a hurry? The [French Press](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/french-press-coffee-makers/c/1784) is your new camping companion. Make almost 1L of seriously good coffee. We carry several styles of the French Press and the [GSI Java Press](/en/product/5040-518/personal-java-press?colour=Blue) is one of best reviewed. The plunger has a silicone ring to eliminate stray grounds from getting in the brew. Plus, the insulated nylon cozy keep things hot in case you like sleep later than the early birds among your camping crew.

**Method**: Dump grinds into pot. Add boiling water. Cover. Wait a bit. Press.

**Fussiness level**: Not very fussy

**Flavour profile**: Thick, gritty, rich

**Bean grind**: Coarse


Media Not Found

[Percolators](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782) were all the rage before electric drip machines became a staple in most households. This [stainless steel GSI percolator](/en/product/5058-514/glacier-stainless-steel-9-cup-percolator?colour=Stainless+Steel) is tough enough to withstand boiling over an open flame. Plus the ergonomic handle makes for easy pouring even for the sleepiest of campers.

**Method**: Fill chamber with grinds. Add boiling water. Wait and watch the knob as the water becomes coffee.

**Fussiness level**: Medium fuss, patience required

**Flavour profile**: Smooth, mild

**Bean grind**: Coarse

**Pro tip**: When you’re done making coffee, remove the ground chamber and use the base pot to boil hot water for oatmeal or to re-hydrate meals.

**Other great percolators**: [GSI Pioneer 12 Cup Percolator](/en/product/5046-068/pioneer-12-cup-percolator?colour=Blue) and [GSI Glacier 6-cup Percolator](/en/product/5018-691/Glacier-Stainless-Steel-6-Cup-Percolator).



At age 76, the inventor of the [Aerobie](/en/product/5047-876/pro-ring) flying ring decided he wanted a way to create a single perfect cup of coffee without turning on the electric coffee machine. After 40 iterations, the [AeroPress coffee maker](/en/product/5046-862/Coffee%26-Espresso-Maker) was born. The AeroPress is arguably one of the best ways to make coffee while camping or at home. It delivers a perfect cup with crema and all, and weighs less than the average hiking boot. Coffee snob approved.

**Method**: There are several different styles, but you could try this one: Dump one scoop of grounds into the chamber. Add splash of water to bloom. Wait 20 to 30 seconds. Add the rest of the water filling to the top. Stir. Wait 45 to 60 seconds. Place microfilter in the basket and twist onto plunger. Plunge.

**Fussiness level**: The multi-step AeroPress process is a welcome ritual and celebration for refined coffee addicts. If you were to make a fuss about one thing while you’re camping, let this be it.

**Flavour profile**: Smooth, clean, crisp

**Bean grind**: Fine

**Pro tip**: Rinse your AeroPress filter once it’s in the basket to get rid of any paper flavour. Pre-heat your mug by swishing it with hot water.



Drip coffee has become widely available and most local coffee shops and roasters. It’s one of the simplest ways to deliver a clean and bright cup of coffee without all the bells and whistles, especially this 5-star rated [GSI Collapsible Java Drip](/en/product/5050-845/Collapsible-Java-Drip) version. It’s a civilized compact drip setup that brews coffee for 1 to 2 groggy campers, and collapses into a flat portable circle.

**Method**: Place filter in cone. Add grounds. Add a splash of boiling water to bloom grounds. Wait 20 to 30 seconds. Add the rest of the water is a swirling motion.

**Fussiness level**: It’s not fuss; it’s a labour of love.

**Flavour profile**: Clean, crisp, delicate

**Bean grind**: Medium-coarse

**Pro tip**: Place the cone directly over your travel mug so the coffee stays hot for longer.

**More pour over style coffee makers**: [Sea To Summit X-Brew Coffee Dripper](/en/product/6006-869/x-brew-coffee-dripper) and the [GSI Ultralight Java Drip](/en/product/5018-696/ultralight-java-drip).



For amateur or experienced baristas, the Handpresso will get you the perfect shot, and impress your fellow campers. It may look a bit like a bike pump, but it makes a fine shot of espresso topped with perfect crema.

**Method**: Pump the unit up to the green bar. Pour in boiling water. Fill the DomePod with ground coffee or ESE pods. Lock on the lid and press out the elixir of life (aka high quality espresso).

**Fussiness level**: Once you find the perfect grind, prepare your pod, heat your water to 92 degrees, and give it just enough pressure, this tool will work better than an expensive Italian espresso machine. Worth the fuss.

**Flavour profile**: Clean, crisp

**Bean grind**: Fine

**Pro tip**: Pick up a DomePod case which allows you to pre-load your grinds into individual pods for each espresso, reducing your prep time at camp.

**Another great espresso option**: [GSI Moka Espresso Pot](/en/product/5056-108/moka-espresso-pot?colour=Stainless+Steel)!

*If you found this post helpful, share it on social. And don’t forget to tag @mec in your camp coffee photos on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/mec/).*



## Related articles
- [Gift ideas for people who really, really like coffee](/en/article/gift-ideas-for-people-who-really-really-like-coffee)
- [How to choose a camp stove](/en/explore/choose-your-camp-stove)
- [Camping checklist](/en/explore/camping-checklist)



Use this spectrum – from expedient to refined – to match your outdoor coffee style.

A coffee addict's guide to camp coffee

Regular runners know that Canada’s pathways, roads and sidewalks are a never-ending parade of pace-chasing misfits. Popular run routes are full of *those runners* – ones who’ve become an archetype in run circles. While we couldn’t cover all of the different running personalities, there were a few particular roadies that stood out from the pack:

## The Stats Addict


She pre-maps her run routes online and has the latest [Garmin](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/c/1153?filters%5Bbrand%5D%5B0%5D=garmin) model on her wrist – but sometimes it might be off by a kilometre so she backs it up with an [activity tracker](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/fitness-and-activity-trackers/c/1110), which coincidentally links up to her Garmin as well. She’ll tell you how it changed her whole routine – did you know it can track your stats, monitor your sleep and prompt you to move when you’ve been sedentary for too long? You can also earn badges and compete with friends. All these slick devices link up to the apps on her phone that she carries during her run (for her power run playlist and to track each 5K on RunKeeper and Strava, of course). Oh, did she mention the heart rate monitor that clips right into her bra?

## The One Who Can’t Stop Fueling


Never without a [run belt or hydration vest](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-packs/hydration-vests-and-belts/c/1231), you can always count on this generous guy for a swig of [electrolyte-spiked fuel](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-food-and-drinks/energy-and-recovery-drinks/c/1176) when you hit the wall or to share some [gummies](/en/ideal-for/running/products/gear/food-and-drink/energy-gels-and-chews/c/1179) while you’re stretching. During your dynamic warm-up, he’s checking his inventory. In his bottles? Plain water, coconut water and lemon-lime sugar-free hydration drink (the chocolate milk is stashed in his car for post-run recovery). Shorts pockets house [bars](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-food-and-drinks/energy-and-protein-bars/c/1178), the performance-enhancing fruit-nut-chocolate-ones, naturally. From some hidden zips he pulls out gels, dissolving tablets and energy balls. Wait. Where the heck did that banana come from? He’s not even wearing a jacket!

## The Wall of Flesh


At first you mistook him for a streaker. Coming towards you along the path, his [shorts](/en/ideal-for/running/products/clothing/bottoms/shorts/c/1014?q=%3Asales-rank) are barely there, his [socks](/en/products/run-and-fitness/running-and-training-footwear/running-socks/c/1521) are invisible, and his shirt came off after 30 seconds of warm-up walking. If the sun’s out, the guns are too. Any semblance of a top (which was probably small, cropped or had mega-size arm holes that showed off his side bod) now dangles effortlessly from his waistband. His bravado is backed up by a few strategically placed tattoos and a healthy glistening of sweat. You suspect he never closes the blinds at home.

## The Racer


She’s got her race calendar synched up with her work vacation calendar, and a bucket list of her must-do marathons, including the Big Six. Boston is checked off – you might have it guessed by the fact that she’s dressed head to toe in last year’s merch. (Just to be clear, she only wears it for training, never on race days.) She’s superstitious about race rituals, and always shows up at startlines in her lucky [shorts](/en/ideal-for/running/products/clothing/bottoms/c/1002?q=%3Asales-rank), wearing her trusty [sports watch](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-electronics/watches/sport-watches/c/1161) and fueled by a plate of spaghetti as her pre-race meal. When talk turns to travel, she admits to scheduling her trips around training, start lines and chasing medals to add to her hefty collection.

## The Lite Brite


Prepare to be blinded. Between the hi-vis [jacket](/en/products/run-and-fitness/clothing/running-and-fitness-jackets/c/1026?filters%5Bcustom_fields.features%5D%5B0%5D=reflective%20details) with reflective panels, the [headlamp](/en/products/run-and-fitness/headlamps/c/1306), the [snap-on LED bracelets](/en/product/6009-186/slaplit-rechargeable-led-slap-wrap) (one on each ankle and one on each wrist) and the [turtle lights](/en/product/5061-911/super-turtle-rear-light) tied on to her laces that strategically bounce light back to her reflectively patterned pants, this safety conscious strider is intent on being *seen*. If she wasn’t part of your pace group you’d likely mistake her for a foot-propelled neighbourhood taskforce. And since she is part of your pace group? You’re secretly stoked, because dark December runs feel about 800 lumens brighter with her around.

## The 365er


This dedicated runner never sees sub-zero temperatures, 20cm of fresh snow, shimmering heat waves, or the occasional wind warning as any reason to turn to the treadmill. He’s got complicated and complex [layering systems](/en/explore/clothing-layers) for every potential weather system and adjusts his run time based on the hourly forecast. He also speaks fluent meteorologist, knows all the cold fronts and where they’re coming from, and keeps his [slip-on spikes](/en/products/footwear/accessories/traction-devices/c/1204) handy in case of icy patches. Falling into the global pack known as “streak runners” (people who run every single day, no matter what), this runner lives by the credo, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”

## The Whole Dang Family


Never mind that readying the [run stroller](/en/products/kids/child-transport/strollers-and-accessories/c/1261?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=running) for an outing is a production in itself, this team has the prep routine down to a science – and that’s just the start of their workout. With tires filled, [first aid kit](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/health-and-safety/first-aid-kits-and-supplies/first-aid-kits/c/1210) stashed, diapers, bottles, snacks and doggy bags on hand, they’re off in a flurry of running shoes and wheels. The toddler should be sleeping soundly for the next 30 minutes (hopefully), so it’s prime time for fresh air. Taking turns pushing the stroller, running the dog and keeping an eye on their kiddo riding a bike beside them, they operate like a well-tuned relay team – just with a few more goldfish crackers and juice boxes.

*Illustrations by [Suharu Ogawa](http://www.suharuogawa.com/).*

***Want to get road running? [Start with shoes](/en/explore/how-to-choose-running-shoes).***



Do you see yourself in any of these road running characters?

Which Runner Are You?

*Follow MEC Ambassadors and staff as we list some of our favourite hikes across the nation, east to west.*

### Nova Scotia
#### Left Middle Head Trail


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Haley M.
*Distance:* 3.8km loop
*Duration:* 1–2 hours

Middle Head Trail is located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, not far from Ingonish Beach and just beyond the popular Keltic Lodge. Gorgeous and winding, the trail guides hikers all the way to the end of the peninsula. Along the route there are diverse plants and rock formations, signage that explains the history of the path and some breathtaking sneak peeks of the Atlantic through an occasional break in the trees. At the end you’ll likely see birds nesting and whales playing just off of the high cliffs, making it a choice spot for a picnic lunch.



#### Cape Split Trail


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Emily H.
*Distance:* 16km return
*Duration:* 4–5 hours

Just a 40 minute drive from Wolfville, the Cape Split Trail is beautiful and meandering. You won’t find any crazy steeps here, just amazing views of the ocean through lush trees. At the end of your 8km walk out to the point, you’ll see crazy jutting rock formations, two different ocean currents smashing into each other and a comfy perch to enjoy your lunch.

*Find more ideas in [Atlantic region hiking books and maps](/en/ideal-for/day-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFreferenceRegionality%3AAtlantic+Provinces)*



### Quebec
#### Le Sentier des Pionniers, Mont Sainte-Anne


*Recommended by:* MEC Ambassador Louis Rousseau
*Distance:* 6km return
*Duration:* 2 hours

Just 30 minutes from Quebec City, Mont Sainte-Anne rises up from the shores of the Saint Lawrence River, offering spectacular views of Charlevoix region to the east and the city to the west. Le Sentier des Pionniers is a favourite route to the summit, with more shade and less wind than neighboring trail La Crête, plus plenty of spots to enjoy a snack while you observe Orleans Island. The trail is a great option for trail runners as well, since you can finish in 30-40 minutes and you can catch a ride down from the summit if the gondolas are open.



#### Acropole-des-Draveur dans le Charlevoix


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Nadine D.
*Distance:* 10.4km return
*Duration:* 4–6 hours

Those up for a challenge will dig this day hike that comes with 800m of vertical gain. From the forest floor to the summit, you’re surrounded by lush mountain foliage and climb a couple of kilometers of stone steps. Bonus: chance encounters with caribou are a fun precursor to views of the Rivière Malbaie and surrounding mountains.



#### Rocky Rouge Trail, Mont St-Hiliare


*Recommended by:* MEC Staffer Melanie S.
*Distance:* 9.6km return
*Duration:* 3.5 hours

Wide and teeming with lush trees, Rocky Rouge Trail is a nice and easy day hike from Montreal. Plan your trip to reach Hertel Lake around lunch – its glassy surface is an ideal spot to relax in nature with an alpine sandwich. Higher up the path narrows and starts to show its roots – literally – before offering up awesome views of Montreal, the low lands and the other Monteregian hills at the summit.

*Find more ideas in [Quebec hiking books and maps](/en/ideal-for/day-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFreferenceRegionality%3AQuebec)*





### Ontario
#### Mono Cliffs Provincial Park


*Recommended by:* MEC Ambassador Jim Willet
*Distance:* 3–10km return, depending on route chosen
*Duration:* 1–3 hours

With the famed Bruce Trail running through it, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is truly picturesque. There are lots of side trails – walk through a canyon on Spillway Trail or along 30-metre cliffs on Cliff Top Trail – to make a beautiful morning or afternoon hike. There are some technical aspects in spots, but for the most part it’s a nice accessible area that lends itself to people of all different skill sets, making it perfect for beginners and those with less outdoor experience.

#### The Bruce Trail, Tobermory to Little Cove


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Shane V.
*Distance:* 13.4km return
*Duration:* 3 hours

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked path, spanning more than 890km on the main route and encompassing over 400km of side trails. While it may be known for its scenic strolls, the trail can be quite technical too. Take off early in the morning on a summer day when the quiet atmosphere makes it easier to spot wildlife and be sure to layer over a swimsuit so you can take a dip once you spot the crisp, clean waters of nearby Georgian Bay.

#### The Bluff Trail, Awenda Provincial Park


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Kathryn T.
*Distance:* 13km return
*Duration:* 3.5 hours

Located approximately 150km north of Toronto, the Bluff Trail in Awenda Provincial Park is a real favourite. Get lost in its lush, tree-covered trails that lead to beautiful views of the Georgian Bay coastline. While not very technical, the trail’s charm is in its accessibility and more adventurous hikers can spend the day rock hopping along the shoreline instead. The trail can be accessed from several points in the park, so you can make each visit your own.

*Find more ideas in [Ontario hiking books and maps](/en/ideal-for/day-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFreferenceRegionality%3AOntario&text=)*



### Manitoba
#### Hunt Lake Trail, Whiteshell Provincial Park


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Tara K.
*Distance:* 12.6 km return
*Duration:* 3 hours

Following the shores of Hunt Lake and West Hawk Lake, this trail starts you out almost on the border of Ontario and travels through spectacular Canadian Shield territory. There are some amazing rock formations you can climb in the first half hour of the hike, with steep sections giving way to awesome views. Foliage is on full display here – white pines grow in this area and their roots cover the majority of the trail as you trek to Indian Bay.

#### Tamarack Loop of Epinette Creek Trail, Spruce Woods Park


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Ken B.
*Distance:* 10.5km
*Duration:* 5 hours

Mixed grass prairie, boreal forest and sand dunes converge on this unique trail. There are cacti, the northern prairie skink, evergreen trees and rare tall-grass prairie plants along the way. The Tamarack loop can be completed in a day along with many other accessible loops, while the full Epinette Creek Trail is long enough for a multi-day trip.  Lovely scenery and yes, even hills, await.

*Find more ideas in [hiking books and maps for the Prairies](/en/ideal-for/day-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFreferenceRegionality%3APrairies&text=)*



### Alberta
#### Sentinel Pass, Lake Louise


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Calvin Q.
*Distance:* 12km return
*Duration:* 7 hours

The Sentinel Pass trail takes you on an easy stroll through a beautiful larch forest, past famous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, as well as two other small, high alpine lakes. With rocky sections, around 700m of elevation gain and steep switchbacks in the last section – the view from the top is stunning year round. The best time to go is late September to early October when there are fewer people and the larch forest turns a brilliant orange. You can take it easy by staying in Larch Valley or make it more difficult by scrambling up the peak of Mt. Temple.

#### Wilcox Pass, Jasper


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Kaitlyn R.
*Distance:* 12km return
*Duration:* 5 hours

Right across from the Athabasca Glacier and close to the Columbia Icefield, the weather can be touch-and-go here, with snow being a regular occurrence into June or even July. The elevation gains are quick, so it doesn’t take long to be treated to standout views in every direction. Due to the popularity of the hike, the trails have become wider and worn, so it’s important to stay on the trail to avoid damaging the surrounding area. You may be lucky enough to spot big horned sheep, too.

#### 


### British Columbia
#### The Butte, Kimberley


*Recommended by:* MEC Ambassador Bruce Kirkby
*Distance:* 2.5km return
*Duration:* 1–2 hours

Known locally as “the Butte”, this short, gentle hike leads through the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Pine Butte Ranch grasslands to a lookout atop a Lone Pine Hill. Hikers are rewarded with 360-degree off-the-charts views: the Rocky Mountains to the east, the Purcells to the west and up and down a grand stretch of the Rocky Mountain Trench, which separates the two ranges. The hike is good year round, but arguably the best time of year to go is mid-May, when blooming arnica carpet the grasslands and hillsides. The area is great for birding too, and you might even spot elk and or a badger on the plains.



#### High Creek Falls, Squamish


*Recommended by:* MEC Amabassador Roz Groenewoud
*Distance:* 12km
*Duration:* 5 hours

High Creek Falls can be pretty steep – small scrambles and sections with rope included – but the payoff is well worth it. Beautiful waterfall outlooks and magnificent views of the Squamish Valley are a welcome bonus to the peaceful feeling of being on a lightly developed trail. This is a best kept secret around the Vancouver area, since some of the more famous Squamish hikes feel like a highway with lots of people, but spotting another group of hikers here is unlikely; so, don’t tell too many people about it.



#### Joffre Lakes, Pemberton


*Recommended by:* MEC staffer Ardeen D.
*Distance:* 11km return
*Duration:* 5 hours

There are a few alpine lake hikes in BC worth noting, but none offer the quick and easy access that Joffre Lakes does. Just a few minutes from the parking lot off Duffey Lake Road you’ll reach the first of three turquoise lakes. A nice intermediate trek up into the forest and through a boulder field leads you to the middle lake, which is great for a blast of cold if you’re into a dip on a hot summer day. Only 20–30 minutes further you’re at the upper lake, enjoying glacier views as a backdrop.

Find more ideas in *[BC hiking books and maps](/en/ideal-for/day-hiking/products/gear/books%2c-maps-and-dvds/c/922?q=%3Asales-rank%3ACFreferenceRegionality%3ABritish+Columbia&text=)*



*What’s your favourite day hike? Tell us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/mec).*



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