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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

“You hear us talk about it all the time, but this is really about just making it count – and that’s going to mean something totally different to each of you.” Ally Pintucci, one fourth of Vancouver-based crew [Chasing Sunrise](https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/chasing-sunrise-adventures-vancouver) (CS) has the undivided attention of 50 strangers who, just two hours earlier, checked in at the parking lot of MEC headquarters in Vancouver and boarded a bus into the unknown.

A few weeks earlier Ally and CS co-founders Gordon Swenson, Julian DeSchutter and Taylor Smith had the difficult task of choosing 50 participants from over 2000 applicants to come on an all-expenses paid mystery weekend care of [MEC Outdoor Nation](https://outdoornation.mec.ca/en/), [BC Parks](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/) and Chasing Sunrise (plus other fantastic sponsors). Now at an empty campsite in [E.C. Manning Park](http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/ecmanning/), BC – celebrating its 75th anniversary this year – the group still had no idea what was going on.

“There’s a lot more to life than being in your 9 to 5 routine,” Ally tells the crowd. “None of us play nearly as much as we should. That’s why we’re here this weekend – to live in the moment and remember how to be a kid again. Welcome to [ChaseCamp 2016](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuJWCpP7hU)!”



While cheers and claps erupt, there are a few stunned and hesitant faces in the crowd. One camper displaying a mix of surprise and delight is Gurjeet Singh. A first generation Canadian, Gurjeet is now the general manager of his parent’s 23-year-old fabric business. While he’s an avid hiker, he’s never been camping before, but the CS crew made the weekend a first-timer’s dream. Fifteen MEC tents have been pitched and stocked with MEC sleeping bags and pads. At a neighbouring log shelter adorned with a “CHASECAMP” banner, fresh, healthy lunch from Whole Foods is already being prepared by Kyle Friesen and Laura Rosset of Paleo food delivery company Fuel Your Fire (vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and gluten-free options, too). In the centre of the tent city, a MEC Outdoor Nation lounge is decked out with chairs, tables and lanterns. Between two perfectly gapped trees, four hammocks are slung in a bunk-like fashion. Parallel to a path that leads to the water’s edge, there’s a semi-taut slackline. Down at Lightning Lake a pile of floaty toys wait for a dip.

“I’ve never slept in a tent before in my life,” admits Gurjeet. “I didn’t know what that little inflatable thing underneath was, but the guys I was rooming with told me to blow into it and after a couple breaths it was done. I put it down, laid on it and was like ‘this is really comfortable.’”



The weekend starts to unfold with an epic rock-paper-scissors icebreaker game where each defeated camper has to cheer on the victor in their next battle. At the end, the motley crew of 21 to 43 year-olds are shouting through wide smiles. While they run the gamut from hyper-passionate outdoorsy types to those who have never camped before, like Gurjeet, they all have one thing in common: they agreed to go on a 36-hour adventure without a clue of what that adventure was – but Ally is keen to fill them in. An afternoon of Ultimate Frisbee, California kickball, dinner and s’mores around the fire will polish off their Saturday. Gurjeet is all over it. “You see it in the movies and you see it on TV and I’ve always wanted to go,” he says. “But being the son of an immigrant family, camping didn’t make sense to them. I haven’t had the chance to go due to school and work, but it’s what I hoped it would be – good times around the campfire, chilling by a body of water, some physical activities and having heart-to-hearts with people, in this case total strangers.”



Those total strangers have become fast friends within only a few short hours. They are travellers, plumbers, parents, resource ecologists, entrepreneurs, students, environmental scientists and self-described vagabonds, among others. They wanted in and they got it everything that came with it, including a 2:45am wake-up call from the CS crew.

Headlamps flicker through the trees on Sunday morning. Following a fresh juice and energy bar snack courtesy of Body Energy Club, everyone piles in for a short bus ride to start an 8km hike up to Cascade Lookout. Kyle and Laura are cooking bacon, eggs and hashbrowns at the top, plus brewing pots from Salt Spring Coffee – a sweet relief that no one seems to be able to put into words. As the sun crests over the mountains, lighting the sky up in shades of pink, orange and gold, the new friends hug, cuddle for warmth and pose for photos. This moment is not only the CS namesake, it’s their signature, and it’s that intangible thing that makes everyone in their community feel connected, even if it’s only over Instagram.

> “There’s something really special about catching a sunrise,” explains Ally. “It’s different from sunset because sunset is common for people; it’s easily accessible. Sunrise, however, is usually planned out and taken in alone, especially when you’re forcing yourself to peel your eyes open at the craziest of hours to catch it.”
>


The significance of the moment is not lost of Gurjeet. Later, as his buds are napping in the sun beside the lake, he reflects on the personal weight of the weekend. “My parents came from India in the 80s. We didn’t have any family here or grandparents to rely on so after school I’d go to the store. It’s a respect thing too,” he says. “Your parents did this for you – left a place where they were settled, came to a new country and started a business to give you a better life. When I saw the CS posting, I knew I had to apply. I feel like if I didn’t come out I’d be squandering the opportunity that they moved here to give me.”

For the class of [Chasecamp 2016](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyuJWCpP7hU), their opportunity and sunrise reflection came with rad extras that elevated the whole camp experience – using a [Lifestraw](/en/product/6018-750/personal-water-filter-straw?colour=dark+mountain+gray) bottle to drink right from the lake (something Gurjeet says his Mom has always told him specifically not to do), snacking on healthy bars from [Vega](https://myvega.com/) between kickball games, dancing around the campfire to Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers and not worrying about missing a moment because the entire weekend was being recorded for them by a bevy of talented photographers, videographers and staff from Hitcase.

“There are some things I didn’t know until now,” says Gurjeet. “I definitely burnt my first two marshmallows trying to make s’mores. There’s a technique to getting it right. I know now what to wear and not wear – long sleeves once the sun goes down and flip flops for comfort.”

As the group took down tents and packed their stuff to board the bus back, the gratitude for the experience was on the face of every camper. “I don’t know how any other camping experience is going to compare,” Gurjeet sighs.



The beauty of the Chasecamp weekend was that everyone who went was so willing to step outside their comfort zone. A lack of knowledge and community are big barriers for people wanting to trying something like camping, but groups across the country like Chasing Sunrise are making it happen – taking strangers into the wild and up mountains in the middle of the night so they can witness the beauty of nature one mystery weekend at a time.



For Gurjeet Singh, camping was just a cool thing he saw on TV. Then Chasing Sunrise and MEC Outdoor Nation took him on a 36-hour adventure into the woods.

36 hours in the unknown: one first-time camper's eye-opening experience

Chasing Sunrise: 36 hours in the unknown

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

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

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

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


[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 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/c/300/brands/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/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/training-food-and-drinks/energy-gels-and-chews/c/1179?filters%5Bcustom_fields.ideal%20for%5D%5B0%5D=running) 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/5061-902/super-turtle-front-light?colour=Black) 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).***



MEC Blog