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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5034-182/gu-espresso-love-gel)* — *[Filter](http://www.mec.ca/product/5001-889/msr-mug-mate-coffeetea-filter)* — *[French press](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-525/gsi-java-press-30-oz)* — *[Percolator](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782)* — *[AeroPress](http://www.mec.ca/product/5046-862/aeropress-coffee-espresso-maker)* — *[Pour-over](/en/product/5050-845/Collapsible-Java-Drip)* — *[Handpresso](http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-728/handpresso-wild-hybrid-espresso-machine)*

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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5034-182/gu-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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5001-889/msr-mug-mate-coffeetea-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/camp-kitchen/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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-525/gsi-java-press-30-oz) 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

**More versions**: [GSI Personal Java Press](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-518/gsi-personal-java-press), [GSI Commuter Press](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-507/gsi-stainless-commuter-javapress) and [Stanley Coffee System](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-740/stanley-ss-vacuum-coffee-system).



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[Percolators](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/camp-kitchen/coffee-makers-and-kettles/percolators/c/1782) were all the rage before electric drip machines became a staple in most households. This [stainless steel Stanley percolator](/en/product/5046-816/Stainless-Steel-6-Cup-Coffee-Percolator) 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 Deluxe 8-cup Percolator](/en/product/5050-855/Deluxe-8-Cup-Percolator) and [GSI Glacier 6-cup Percolator](/en/product/5018-691/Glacier-Stainless-Steel-6-Cup-Percolator).



At age 76, the inventor of the [Aerobie](http://www.mec.ca/product/5047-876/aerobie-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**: [Soto Helix Coffee Maker](http://www.mec.ca/product/5036-040/soto-helix-coffee-maker), [Snow Peak Collapsible Pour Over](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-748/snow-peak-collapsible-pour-over-coffee), and the [GSI Ultralight Java Drip](http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-696/gsi-ultralight-java-drip/).



For amateur or experienced baristas, the [Handpresso](http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-728/handpresso-wild-hybrid-espresso-machine) 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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-752/handpresso-domepod-case) 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](http://www.mec.ca/product/5027-752/handpresso-domepod-case) which allows you to pre-load your grinds into individual pods for each espresso, reducing your prep time at camp.

**Two more great espresso options**: [GSI Espresso Maker](http://www.mec.ca/product/5006-001/gsi-stainless-steel-espresso-maker) and the [Wacaco Minipresso](http://www.mec.ca/product/5048-901/wacaco-minipresso-gr)!

*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/brand/garmin/ideal-for/running/products/gear/electronics/watches/c/1153?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) model on her wrist – but sometimes it might be off by a kilometre so she backs it up with an [activity tracker](/en/ideal-for/running/products/gear/electronics/activity-tracker/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/ideal-for/running/products/gear/hydration/running-vests-and-belts/c/1231?q=%3Asales-rank), you can always count on this generous guy for a swig of [electrolyte-spiked fuel](/en/ideal-for/running/products/gear/hydration/beverages/c/1227?q=%3Asales-rank) 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/ideal-for/running/products/gear/food-and-drink/energy-bars/c/1178?q=%3Asales-rank), 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/ideal-for/running/products/clothing/socks/c/1034?q=%3Asales-rank) 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 [Timex](/en/brand/timex-ironman/products/gear/electronics/watches/sport-watches/c/1161?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) 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/ideal-for/running/products/clothing/jackets/running-and-cross-country-jackets/c/1026) with reflective panels, the [headlamp](/en/products/gear/lighting-and-headlamps/headlamps/c/1306?q=%3Asales-rank), the [snap-on LED bracelets](/en/products/gear/electronics/armbands/c/1111) (one on each ankle and one on each wrist) and the [turtle lights](/en/product/5006-706/Turtle-Red-LED-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/ideal-for/running/products/footwear/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/ideal-for/running/products/gear/kid-transport/strollers/strollers/c/1263?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) 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/gear/health-and-safety/first-aid-kits/c/1210?q=%3Asales-rank) 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).*



MEC picks: day hikes across Canada | MEC Blog

MEC picks: day hikes across Canada

##### What’s going on here?
Last year I rode Ridley’s ridiculously light Helium SL. I loved it, so was honestly a bit hesitant to move over to the Noah SL. Plying much of my trade in the hills, I was worried: how would the additional weight translate? On top of that, I took delivery of the Noah SL shortly before setting off for the sun-drenched shores of Hawaii’s Big Island, so didn’t have much time to acclimatize to its very different geometry and super-aero design (claimed to save 7% of wind resistance over more traditional, round-tubed designs). Truth be told, I had no idea what to expect.

##### How’s the build kit?
The Noah SL shipped with Shimano wunderkind mechanical groupset – Dura-Ace. With lightning fast shifting, ridiculously powerful brakes (mounted in their traditional position – as brakes should be!) and quite possibly the stiffest crank on the planet, Dura-Ace 9000 is nothing short of stellar. The Zipp 60s upped the fast ante that much more. After swapping in my own stem, seat and handlebar, I immediately felt pretty dialled.

##### 


##### Tell me about these aerodynamics.
At first glance, it’s evident that the Noah was built for aerodynamic slipperiness. Look closer, and you realize the devil is in the details. The distinctive F-Splitfork is a fascinating piece of bike tech: each fork leg features a small, narrow gap that improves airflow by pulling turbulent air away from the rotating front wheel. On top of that, the fork crown is neatly integrated into the head tube and downtube, with a small lip extension at the top trailing edge of the fork.

The meticulously shaped Kamm tail downtube features two narrow grooves running down its leading edge to channel air more efficiently across the frame’s surface. And that sculpted downtube leads to a big and beefy pressfit bottom bracket for stiffness.

The seat tube neatly wraps around the rear wheel to further reduce drag. An aero-shaped seat post features two channels running the length of the post, similar to the downtube. Lowered seat stays on the seat tube round shave grams, boost stiffness and further improve aerodynamics.



##### How’s the handling?
After logging over 700km on the Noah SL that included long climbs (Kohala Mountain Road), plenty of winding terrain, desolate stretches under full gas (Akoni Pule Highway), and frenzied sprints, I definitely put it through its paces. One thing I can say for certain is that the Noah SL’s handling is nothing short of racy; quick and razor sharp with impressive feedback, capable of carving just about any arc you throw at it.



##### The big question: were you faster?
Honestly, it’s hard to quantify aerodynamic efficiency – I have no real gauge of how to measure if I was 7% faster than I was on my Helium SL. I will say, however, that rolling at 45km/hr and throwing down an attack brings with it an immediate reaction and a sudden increase in tempo. The stiffness of the package offers exceptional get up and go, but it’s surprisingly comfortable: there’s no buzzy harshness normally associated with aero bikes. Bumps, vibrations and bigger potholes are nicely absorbed, always offering confident feedback every step of the way, without beating you up in the process.



##### Should I buy one?
If you’re looking for a race ready bike that’s just as capable ripping hair-raising crits on cobbles as it is at logging training miles with your closest buddies, the Ridley Noah SL should definitely make the top of your list. Stiff, fast, composed, sexy and surprisingly comfortable, it’s definitely a winner.



Review: the Ridley Noah SL | MEC Blog

Review: the Ridley Noah SL

At the heart of the Okanagan valley, along the edge of the Okanagan Lake sits an opportune blend of the comforts and culture of city life and the wild uncertainties of nature. An ideal home base for any type of adventure, this BC wonderland is now home to [MEC Kelowna](/en/stores/kelowna).

The awesomeness of the Okanagan Valley attracts travellers and activity junkies from around the world, including MEC Ambassadors [Sarah Hart](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/sarah-hart) and [Max Edwards](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/max-edwards).

As a professional climber, Sarah holds the area in high regard. She visits the area often to practice and train.



> “Climbing on the ‘dry side’ of the mountains is a Coastal climber’s secret weapon. When it’s raining at home (in Squamish), it’s almost certainly dry and warm in the interior. In early spring, when my gear feels mouldy from a winter of rotting in the rain, arriving at the Skaha Bluffs parking lot is like stepping out of the car into paradise. The air is rich with the smell of sage brush and the sounds of canyon wrens. Not to mention from the Skaha Bluffs, not a car can be heard anywhere.” – Sarah Hart
>


For up-and-coming Canadian mountain bike athlete Max, the trails of Kelowna offer something different than those of his hometown of Whistler, BC. He frequently travels around Canada riding and racing and he’s always on the lookout for killer riding destinations and training grounds.



> “Riding in BC’s interior is always amazing. Fast, wide open singletrack, lake views and trails that leave right from town… it’s truly a mountain biker’s paradise! I’m constantly blown away with how many different riding zones there are and the variety in trail styles. Kelowna’s got everything from rocky technical moves, to smooth flow trails with big built up berms.” – Max Edwards
>


Why MEC Ambassadors train in Kelowna | MEC Blog

Why MEC Ambassadors train in Kelowna

For the past six years, Canada’s current fastest marathoner* and New Balance athlete Reid Coolsaet has spent 4–10 weeks training in the small Kenyan village of Iten. This year, his sights are set clearly on Rio.

Iten, Kenya, is the “Home of Champions.” Runners from all over the world come to train at this rural town 2400m above sea level, and this is where Reid Coolsaet comes to test his limits. He runs with locals who’ve finished a marathon in 2:06 and a half marathon in under 60 minutes, and he regularly runs a half marathon’s worth of kilometers in one day, ranging from 155 to 170km in one week. *Whoa*.

When you have just a few months to go before you race alongside the world’s best athletes in Rio, there’s a necessary predictability built into your daily itinerary: fuel, train, recover.

To give us an idea of what life is like leading up to such a big event, Reid shares an in-depth look at what goes into two days of his training stint in Iten.



## Hours 0–24
##### Fuel
My goal here is to leave fitter than when I arrived – it sounds simple, but because I’ve been doing this for so many years I can tell a lot by listening to my body, and it starts with fueling.

The High Altitude Training Centre (HATC) where I stay caters to Western athletes, and today’s breakfast includes eggs, porridge, bread and pancakes, plus tea and juice. Later I dip into Club Iten, a restaurant where the wifi is good and the mango juice is fresh.

I have lunch at my friend Thomas’s house. He lives with his wife Doris and daughter Grace in a one-room apartment adorned with race medals and posters; Doris has an upcoming marathon in Tanzania. There’s no running water, just a well outside and outhouses. Their small television plays dubbed over Spanish soap operas (very popular amongst Kenyans) as we sip a sweet milky tea with heaps of sugar. We also eat pawpaw fruit, which tastes like cantaloupe, as well as potatoes and beans. It seems crazy to me how simple their life is, and although many people don’t have much here they don’t seem poor in the sense North Americans are used to – they don’t stress about things they don’t have and aren’t in debt for a lifestyle they’re trying to capture but can’t afford.



For dinner at HATC, they serve Kenyan specialties. *Ugali* is close to polenta and made from cornmeal and there’s the nutrient dense and kale-like *sukuma wiki*. Kenyan runners swear by *ugali*as a big source of energy and even cook it in hotel rooms abroad before races.

##### Train*
*
Today I’m running at my own pace. I pass children bundled up as though it’s the dead of winter. At 10–12°C in the early morning, the locals find it very cold. There are athletes of all different speeds out running, and almost all have tights and a jacket. I’m one of the few wearing shorts (very Canadian). I run 18km in an hour and 20 minutes, which is quite routine for me. My legs are fairly tired from the last few weeks of intense training, but a little soreness and fatigue is just part of the game. Later I do another 10km in 45 minutes with fellow Canadian John Mason.

I spend some time at the gym at HATC and go through my core routine, which I do 2–3 times per week. It consists of functional movements on my feet, work with a medicine ball, planks and injury prevention exercises.

##### Recover
I’ve been running up to 170km per week lately, which isn’t really high for me, but it’s enough that I feel like taking a nap. I feel very comfortable in Kenya, it’s like a second home to me. The weather, the trails, the people and the atmosphere are great.



## Hours 24–48
##### Fuel
Breakfast is functional tea and oatmeal. I dive into my stash of protein bars mid-morning and round things out with lunch of vegetable soup, fresh bread rolls, rice, lentils and salad.

*Ugali*, *sukuma wiki* and salad are on the dinner menu tonight, as well as beef stew and roasted potatoes with watermelon for dessert. It was a solid day, so I decide to treat myself to a mango and beetroot juice, too.

##### Train
Over 200 athletes use the track at Kamariny Stadium between 7 and 11am. Today’s work out begins at 9:10am and it’s hard. I prep by going through my stretching routine, listening to music and applying some much-needed sunscreen.

I lace up my [New Balance](/en/brand/new-balance/ideal-for/running/products/footwear/shoes/c/1195?q=%3Asales-rank&text=) 1400v1 racing flats and finish off my 5km warm-up around the track. I brought a slightly used pair of runners so I could give them away to a local athlete at the end of my training camp. I came here with 16 pairs and will leave with just three.



There are typically 40–50 athletes in the group I train with. About 10 guys who all have experience racing abroad are doing 15 x 1000m and are targeting 2:50–2:55 for each interval, with just over two minutes rest between them. I join in, averaging 2:55 for the first six intervals while hanging on to the back of the group.

Martin Matathi (2007 World Championship 10,000m Bronze Medalist) picks up the pace on the seventh interval and I trail the group by a few seconds. I’m pretty tired and I’d rather run with the group than fall behind, so I decide to run the first 600m of their 1000m for the last eight intervals, embracing the extra rest. They ask me to pace the last two. I’m a little nervous about screwing up, but I hit the splits right on and run 1:43 and then 1:42 while leading the remaining seven guys still in the workout.

Later, I do an easy 6km run to get my daily running volume up to 26km. I run some drills and a bunch of kids come over. They mime my running drills, lunges, high knees and jumps.



##### Recover
I venture over to Dan’s apartment for a massage. He’s a really good masseuse and only charges 500 shillings (about $7 CDN) for an hour. I’ve heard different stats but it sounds as though the average income is about $1000 CDN a year in rural Kenya, plus I’ve seen world record holders getting massages here.



In the 12 weeks leading up to the games in Rio I’d like to average around 200km per week. Physiotherapy, stretching and pool running will keep me in training mode. My goal for Rio? To finish in the top 15 in the marathon or top 10 if training is going really well.

*We’ll be rooting for you in Rio, Reid. Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look at life training in Iten. – MEC*

**Reid Coolsaet is the second fastest Canadian marathon runner ever, after Jerome Drayton (2:10:09 in 1975), and is the current fastest at only 10 seconds behind Drayton at 2:10:29. That’s pretty darn fast.*



Road to Rio: 48 hours in Kenya with Reid Coolsaet | MEC Blog

Road to Rio: 48 hours in Kenya with Reid Coolsaet

We’re pumped to announce the winners of the MEC Dirt Search. Each winning organization receives $10,000 for trail improvement, and they have some big things planned.

## Winner – Western Canada
****[Revelstoke Cycling Association](http://bikerevelstoke.org/) in British Columbia with 2,748 votes.

#### What they’ll do with $10K:
Frisby Trail Stewardship Upgrades. Our high alpine Frisby Ridge XC trail is our most popular trail with both locals and tourists alike. It sees a ton of traffic, and definitely had some wear and tear last fall in the wet weather. This will really help our efforts towards the long term sustainability of this important trail.



## Winner – Eastern Canada
[Simcoe County Mountain Bike Association](http://new.scmbc.ca/WELCOME.html) in Ontario with 4,477 votes.

#### What they’ll do with $10K:
Maintain, improve and expand our existing 100km network of single track, expand our flow trail, and improve signage for better access.



Overall, the MEC Dirt Search received over 24,000 votes, which kind of blew us away. Thank you to everyone who voted, spread the word, and showed some love for their favourite spots to ride.

##### Want to know how your community can get trail building support?
If your local riding association wasn’t featured or didn’t come out on top in the Dirt Search, we’ve got good news: this contest is just one way that MEC funds projects. Check out the types of projects we support and how to apply for grants through our [Community Contributions](http://www.mec.ca/AST/ContentPrimary/Community/CommunityContributions.jsp) program.



Dirt Search: who won the grant gold | MEC Blog

Dirt Search: who won the grant gold

A long time ago, preparing for one of my first trips to the mountains, I bought a pair of [MEC Ferrata Pants](http://www.mec.ca/product/5029-910/mec-ferrata-pants-womens/). At the time, I didn’t know much about anything. Truthfully, I bought the pants because they looked cute. It wasn’t until an expedition to India, Pakistan and Peru that I realized there was something unusually tough about their Schoeller soft shell fabric. My Ferrata Pants wore me into the ground before I came close to wearing them out. The only drawback? A tendency to bag out over time. By the end of a trip, they didn’t have the same shape and fit they started with, and they held moisture. So along with having a baggy bottom, the pants got heavier and more restrictive as I sweated. Not ideal.

Fast-forward to today and I’ve got a much improved pair of Schoeller Dynamic pants in my quiver: The [MEC Constantia](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-133/mec-constantia-pants-womens/) – the brainchild of my good friends Spring Harrison (MEC Designer) and Katy Holm (MEC Product Line Manager). Understanding the strengths and limitations of the fabric, Spring and Katy did a masterful job of designing pants as durable as the Ferratas while solving issues of breathability and fit. The Constantia doesn’t bag out and it doesn’t hold moisture. Not even a bit. The durability of Schoeller means you can bash your knees against granite, dirt, tree branches, bricks, and whatever else without catching or tearing. Beyond that, they do a compelling job of combining urban style with lightweight alpine function.



So, what will I do with these pants this summer? The Constantia’s skinny silhouette and 4-way stretch, means I’ll be using them around home in Squamish for days bouldering, sport climbing, and long routes on the Chief (and some espresso sipping at the Adventure Centre). The low-profile means I won’t be wearing them over long johns or mountain boots, but for fast and light alpine missions they’re going to be my not-so-secret weapon.

*Thanks Sarah, you inspired us to put together a brief visual guide to the last 40-or-so years of MEC climbing pant excellence.  – MEC editors.*

#### The Constantia/Highpoint


Ridiculously durable with good looks to boot, the Constantia and [Highpoint](/en/product/5040-122/HighPoint-Pants) might be the most high-performing and bombproof soft shell pants we’ve ever produced. Plus, the simple design means you can maintain a low-profile in the city, too.



With the [Arque](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-123/mec-arque-pants-mens/) and [Sanchali](http://www.mec.ca/product/5040-132/mec-sanchali-knicker-womens/), MEC designers sought to create a casual looking pant with serious cragging potential. Between the stellar colour offerings and grade-pushing technical details, they manage to hit the sweet spot between heel-hooking flexibility and micro-brewery aestheticism (heck, the Arque managed to sneak it’s way into MEC Climbing Ambassador [Joshua Lavigne](/en/explore/mec-ambassadors/joshua-lavigne)‘s heart last year).



#### The Ferrata Pant (2001 – still going strong)


The older sibling of the Constantia/Highpoint, the [Ferrata](/en/product/5029-910/Ferrata-Pants) have reached cult status thanks to their insane durability and activity-to-activity versatility. Expect to see them at the crag, on bicycles or high in the alpine.



#### The Rad Pant (1989 – whenever they finally wear out)


Ah, The Rad Pant. Originally deemed “the ultimate movement pant,” Rad Pants can still be spotted in the wild today. Having spanned every jewel tone and earthy shade imaginable, Rad Pants featured a built-in belt, elasticized cuffs and harness-compatible thigh pockets for stashing PowerBars and your Disc-Man.



#### Rainbow Neon Lycra (so big in 1984)


The year is 1989, and Lycra has been the go-to climbing choice (for sport climbers at least) for nearly a decade. Now available in such stellar colours as Zebra, Neon Pink and Slithery Snake Skin, the MEC-brand Lycra Tight manages to unlock previously unheard of climbing grades and abilities in extreme high-stepping.



#### Homemade, patched or thrifted (timeless)


It was the 70s. It was a different time. Climbing pants weren’t really readily available, so the best option was to create your own, find some white painter’s pants or wear some thick nylon track suit bottoms. Tight-fitting wool knickers were also acceptable.



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