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Outdoor Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Activities | MEC Blog

We’re here because we all lead active outdoor lives. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

While [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is telling Canadians to stay at home as much as possible, they also say you can “go outside to exercise but stay close to home.” So how do you move outdoors in a safe way? We connected with Dr. George Farjou, Infectious Disease Specialist in Ontario, for tips on how get outside safely during COVID-19.

“Exercise supports both your mental and physical health,” says Dr. George Farjou. “We could be on physical distancing measures for many weeks, perhaps months, before they’re relaxed, so we cannot wait until we get back to our ‘normal’ everyday lives to do the activities that keep us healthy in body and soul.”

***Important note****: Always listen to the most recent advice of your local health authority, as things are changing fast. These outdoor tips apply if you: don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days, or are not in a high-risk group (*[*see Health Canada for details*](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html#p)*).*

## Keep your distance
When you’re outside, you should be practicing [physical distancing](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html) (a.k.a. social distancing). Keep a distance of at least 2 metres away from others when you’re in public). “Exercising in crowded areas is not a safe way to be active right now,” says Dr. Farjou. Some outdoorsy ways to visualize approximately 2 metres:

- 3 full-sized bike tires apart, or
- 1 adult grizzly bear apart, or
- Holding an adult ski pole out with your outstretched arm (if you could poke someone with it, they’re too close)

Heading outside solo (or with people you live with) is all good. Embrace a chance to be active with these household exercise buddies. Get your kids to bike alongside you as you run, grab your dog for a walk, or invite your roomie out for a relaxed bike ride. On tight paths or sidewalks, respect other people’s space – remember that 2m distance – instead of buzzing closely past.

Things you should not be doing? Activities that involve groups of people, like group rides, group runs, or even driving to a spot with someone from outside your household.



## Stay connected in other ways
While physical separation is a must, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected in other ways. If you’re a runner, pop in a single earbud to chat with your run buddies who are also running (but in other places). Many races, group rides and run crews are also creating virtual versions via Strava or Zwift.

## Keep it clean
Before you head outside for a walk, run or ride, wash your hands by following the [Health Canada guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/covid-19-handwashing/covid-19-handwashing-eng.pdf). “Bring hand sanitizer with you,” says Dr. Farjou, “and avoid touching your face in public. Also set a time limit for your activities instead of loitering around for prolonged periods.” Some other tips:

- Direct any surprise sneezes into your elbow (don’t spray them out into the world haphazardly).
- No snot rockets, no spitting.
- “Remember to stay hydrated,” says Dr. Farjou. Bring your own water bottle to avoid using shared water fountains.
- If you need to push elevator buttons or crosswalk buttons, use your elbow, not your fingers.

When you return home, do the hand-washing routine all over again, this time with a dose of feel-good endorphins in your system.

## Adapt your daily routine
City folks: we feel you. If you live in a dense neighbourhood, you might need to adjust your regular running paths or routes. “If you see a lot of people at the location you’ve chosen – don’t go there. Choose somewhere else,” says Dr. Farjou.

Time to adapt and overcome. “I’d usually run on the seawall in Vancouver,” one MEC staffer told us, “but I’ve totally adjusted my routes for now. Quiet side streets near my house make it way easier to physically distance from other people, plus I can just hop aside if I see someone else coming.”

Adapting your routine can also mean shifting the time you head outside. Early mornings or later evenings could be less busy in your area. Remember to stay visible with [reflective straps](/en/products/run-and-fitness/training-running-and-fitness-electronics/armbands/c/1111) or a [headlamp](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-lighting-and-accessories/headlamps-and-lighting/headlamps/c/1306), and stay aware of your surroundings ([Aftershokz headphones](/en/brand/aftershokz/products/camping-and-hiking/electronics/audio-and-video-electronics/earphones/c/1138) allow you to hear the world around you).



## Dial down the intensity
“It’s important to adapt your exercise to this ‘new normal’ period of physical distancing,” says Dr. Farjou. “We must adjust our expectations to stay active, but also to prevent harm on a public health level.”

The North Shore Mountain Bike Association (one of the community groups that MEC supports) shared thoughts that apply to mountain biking and any other activity. “Being out on the trails is a great way to try and relax; it can also be a path to the emergency room, hospital, or clinic if you take a tumble,” says their president Cooper Quinn in a [Facebook statement](https://www.facebook.com/nsmba/posts/10157229892780036). “We just can’t risk recreational injuries right now.”

To ease the burden on Canadian healthcare workers and keep yourself safe, practice low-risk activity, dial down the intensity, ease up on the speed.

> “Avoid very intense exercise that exacerbates underlying conditions like asthma or could cause an injury. We want to prevent trips to the hospital right now where many COVID-19 patients are being seen.” – Dr. Farjou
>
## Know before you go
One of the [Leave No Trace principles](https://www.leavenotrace.ca/principle-plan-ahead-prepare) is to plan ahead and prepare, and that’s definitely the case now. Before you head out, Dr. Farjou recommends you “look up ahead of time to see if the trail or park you are going to is open right now – many of them are closed currently.”

Our community partners at CPAWS BC, shared that “in alignment with our health authorities, we are also asking that you and your families follow your provincial and territorial guidelines and don’t go to the parks.” [Parks Canada](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info), along with provincial parks in [British Columbia](http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/), [Alberta](https://www.albertaparks.ca/albertaparksca/news-events/alberta-environment-and-parks-response-to-covid-19/), [Saskatchewan](https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/places-to-go/provincial-parks/Announcements), [Ontario](https://news.ontario.ca/ene/en/2020/03/ontario-update-on-ontario-parks-operations-in-response-to-covid-19.html), [Quebec](https://www.sepaq.com/annexes/mesures-preventives-coronavirus.dot?language_id=1), [Nova Scotia](https://novascotia.com/coronavirus), [New Brunswick](https://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Products/Groups/ProvincialParks/), and [PEI](https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-provincial-parks) have all issued statements around types of closures.

Just think: when we finally get through this, the parks, trails, campgrounds and outdoor places we care about are going to seem so much sweeter.

## Love your local zone
As [Health Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html) is recommending, keep your activity close to home. All Canadian public avalanche forecasters have [discontinued service](https://www.avalanche.ca/news/all-forecasting-agencies-united-in-covid-19-response) in response to COVID-19, and search and rescue organizations are also highlighting the need for people to be [extra cautious outside](https://www.bcsara.com/2020/03/search-and-rescue-during-covid-19-pandemic-2/).

That said, close to home can still mean close to nature. Get to know the trees in your neighbourhood, the paths in your nearby park, and the signs of spring unfurling around you. One idea? MEC Leave No Trace Ambassador Taryn Eyton (who would usually be exploring backcountry routes) is instead taking this time to appreciate nature near home with her #naturephotoeveryday challenge on [@happiestoutdoors](https://www.instagram.com/happiestoutdoors/).

“Many local parks and outdoor spaces are receiving less maintenance right now,” says Taryn, “and some facilities aren’t available. Remember to bring a bag and pack out all your trash, and check out [Leave No Trace’s post](https://lnt.org/the-leave-no-trace-recommendations-for-getting-outside-amidst-covid-19/) for their advice.”

Oh – and if you’re tempted to take off to your cabin, or a small mountain or coastal town, please don’t. “An influx of visitors threatens not only to spread COVID-19,” says CPAWS BC, “but it can also overwhelm the capacity of smaller, rural hospitals. Remember, you may not show any signs of infection but still be spreading the virus.”



## Active body, healthy future
Some things are outside your sphere of control, but within it, you know what to do. Moving your body, eating right and resting are ways you can look after yourself. Plus, [ParticipACTION](https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/everything-better/heal-better) shares that exercise “reduces the time we spend dwelling on negative thoughts” – something many of us could use right now.

“I’d recommend you figure out a way to scale back, but still elevate your heart rate for 15–20 minutes, three to four times a week,” says Dr. Farjou. “My goals at this time aren’t to make drastic changes in my activity or fitness level but to at least maintain my cardiovascular health and keep my major muscle groups engaged.”

Use these tips to be outside safely. Walk your dog in a local park. Run around your neighbourhood. Cycle a new loop in your town. Do some stretching outside. Above all, take care of yourself and each other.

We’ll ride this out together.

## Related articles
- [How to stay connected to the outdoors while you’re at home](/en/article/how-to-stay-connected-to-the-outdoors-while-youre-at-home)
- [Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids](/en/article/fun-indoor-activities-for-outdoorsy-kids)
- [Tips to train for rock climbing at home](/en/article/how-to-train-for-rock-climbing-from-home)



How to keep moving during COVID-19, with physical distancing in mind. Now’s the time to work together to learn new ways of being outside when and where we can.

Tips to exercise outdoors safely while social distancing

Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

## Make a time capsule
Dig out a glass jar or box from your recycling bin and get your kids to fill it with cool things to discover years down the road. Maybe it’s a drawing of their pet, a list of things all the outdoor activities they want to try over the next 10 years, or a story about their favourite outdoor memory. Break out the construction paper, glue and markers to decorate it all up, too.

## Have a home campout
Set up camp in your living room or backyard. “We set up the tent in the backyard for our four-year-old both days last weekend,” says MEC staffer Brock. “We pulled in sleeping bags and mattresses and had a sleepover with Pooh Bear, stuffed rabbit, owl and monster. We weathered out some imaginary storms, had imaginary tea, and then the animals wrestled for what was probably 15 minutes but seemed like an hour.”

## Learn the stars
A clear night is perfect to learn constellations from your backyard. You can go the traditional route with a [star dial](/en/product/4008-584/Night-Sky-Star-Dial) (great for future camping trips). Or you can download a free astronomy app like SkyView Lite. “What I like about this app,” says MEC member Mike, “is that it connects the dots of constellations and shows an animation with the name to make visualizing the constellation easier. You can also use it to see where the moon and sun are below the horizon.”

## Pack a picnic
Pack up a cooler of goodies, lay out a blanket in your living room, patio or backyard, and dig in for a household picnic. If there’s snow on the ground, bring out [sleeping bags](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/sleeping-bags-and-pads/sleeping-bags/c/1410) and toques for a winter version outdoors (highly recommend [hot chocolate](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/food-and-drink/drinks/coffee-and-hot-chocolate/c/1581) in this case). [Camping cutlery](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/kitchen-and-hydration/cookware-dishes-and-utensils/camping-utensils-and-cutting-boards/forks-spoons-and-cutlery-sets/c/1275) gives any picnic an outdoorsy vibe.



## Plan an outdoor movie night
If the weather is warm enough, set up your laptop or tablet to stream movies in a backyard tent or on your patio. If it’s too chilly or outdoor space isn’t possible (or your wifi cuts out when you step outside), create an “outdoor movie night” inside. Kids can help set up a tent, rearrange couch cushions to make a fort, or even create a drive-in movie theatre vibe by raiding the recycling bin to make a cardboard box car to sit in.

## Build birdhouses
“Last weekend, we built some birdhouses,” said MEC staffer Jason, dad to two boys. “Robin nesting season is just around the corner, so it was a well-timed project for the backyard.” If you’re in in an apartment, or don’t have the tools or wood to make a real birdhouse handy, kids could construct cardboard birdhouses – it’s all about creativity and keeping busy, so sometimes the end project is just as fun when it’s craft-focused.

## Go on an animal safari
A clever way to make old toys seem new for toddlers? Present them in fresh ways. “My 21-month-year-old knows a lot of animal names,” says MEC staffer Carolyn. “When he’s not in the room, we spread out all his animal toys (on tables, shelves, window sills), so we can spot them together. I ask him ‘Where’s your bear?’ and he scans the room until he finds it. It’s pretty adorable.”

## Give little ones a daily discovery
“Toddlers have an incredibly short attention span, and they’re curious about anything they haven’t seen or touched before.” says Carolyn. “So every few days, I leave out a random new object in a place we can watch him discover it, like on the coffee table. It’s been a hit! Highly successful daily deliveries so far have included a cardboard box, a hiking backpack, and a muffin tray with reusable silicone muffin cups.”



## Have an activity treasure hunt
Sketch out a map of your house – better yet, ask the kids to do it – and set up age-appropriate activities for them to find, then mark their locations on the map. The activities don’t need to be fancy, since hunting for them adds to the adventure. Some ideas for “activity treasure” are below – be prepared to spend some time playing along, depending on the activity:

- Nature-based colouring book pages ([download some free ones here](http://meccms.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/15_CM_0008_CampBigKidsPages_EN_FA_2.pdf))
- An old hiking sock with spare buttons and fabric to make it into a sock puppet
- Trail mix challenge: what ingredients can they combine for their own special mix?
- House-friendly [camp games](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/games/c/1225), like [indoor bocce](/en/product/5062-974/Freestyle-Soft-Bocce)
- Collage art station with old magazines
- Daily bingo page of things for them do see or spot

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside activity tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Looking for things to do with your kids? We checked in with a crew of parents from MEC to see how they’ve been spending time and keeping things interesting close to home.

Fun indoor activities for outdoorsy kids

Our community cares about staying connected to the outdoors and each other, especially at this moment in time. We’re all spending a lot of hours at home these days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find creative ways to keep in touch with nature, activity and our outdoor buddies. Here are a few ideas:

## Give your gear some love
Now’s a good time to tackle the outdoor gear repair or cleaning project that’s been in the back of your mind. Some suggestions? [Re-waterproofing your hiking boots](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-waterproof-hiking-boots), [patching up a hole on your rain jacket](/en/explore/how-to-repair-a-torn-waterproof-jacket-or-pants), or [cleaning your bike chain](/en/explore/how-to-clean-and-lube-a-bike-chain) – nothing’s more satisfying than a chain that goes from creaky to smooth. Another useful project to work through is (finally) organizing your gear closet.

Check out this [full series of product care tips and videos](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance).



## Have an outdoor movie night
There are so many outdoor movies to stream that you could create an entire at-home film fest just for you (and the other people you live with, of course). Some of our favourites so far:

- **Banff Mountain Film Fest**: A curated program of Festival films, all free and online. [Watch them now](https://www.banffcentre.ca/film-fest-at-home).

- **The Dawn Wall / Free Solo double header**: Watch Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold back to back. Dawn Wall is on Netflix and for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC_u5sd4wW0) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=zC_u5sd4wW0). Free Solo is also for [rent on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l7mvdWmL2c) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=8l7mvdWmL2c).

- **Where Dreams Go to Die**: Created by The Ginger Runner, this documentary follows Canadian ultrarunner Gary Robbins at the infamous Barkley Marathons. Pure grit. [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDZdsqbcGTU).

- **Reel Rock 14**: Climbing’s biggest new films from the comfort of your couch, all for less than the cost a movie ticket with popcorn. [Watch the trailer](https://youtu.be/pssvBPFEuPE), get amped, [purchase the download](https://reelrocktour.com/products/reel-rock-14).

- **The Fifty**: Cody Townsend has a huge goal: climb and ski all fifty lines in the book “Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North America”. [Watch his web series](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSj-6RsDycxnKiIFFm0BFYoLLV5Np3K49) to follow along and [learn more](https://skithefifty.com/).

- **MEC documentary series**: Three incredible stories captured in mini-doc format. [All free and available online](/en/explore/mec-documentary-series).

## Photobook or canvas project
Step 1: go through photos from hiking trips, camping weekends, bike tours and days at the crag. Step 2: pick out your favourites to build a custom photobook online. Or choose your absolute favourite picture and order a giant version as a photo canvas print for your living room.

## Be safe if you’re out
Fresh air and exercise keep bodies and mind healthy, but it’s important to do it in a safe way. Follow [social distancing guidelines](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html), stay up to date with your local health authority’s instructions, and respect the closures for parks, trails and climbing areas. Also, dial back the intensity – this is not a time to try that new jump and end up with an injury that stresses our healthcare system further.

## Be active when you’re in
Active is a mindset. You’ll be spending plenty of time at home, but you can still find ways to create a new routine that keeps your body moving. Turn your living room into a place where you can [train for climbing](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/climbing-training-gear/c/1462), lift weights (or whatever you have), stretch out, or spin your legs on an [indoor bike trainer](/en/products/cycling/training-and-electronics/bike-trainers-and-accessories/bike-trainers/c/1463). There are tons of free online workouts available to get your heart pumping, and many local gyms are offering online options to keep the community workout vibe going.

## Test-drive a new camp meal
Have a cast iron pan or Dutch oven? Use them to try out a new campfire-worthy recipe in your oven. Enchiladas, cinnamon rolls, s’mores dip, skillet pizza – there’s lots of potential.

## Dig into an outdoor story
Scrolling the news has increased greatly in many of our lives. Take a break and lose yourself in a story instead of the headlines. Some reading suggestions below – and MEC Ambassador Taryn Eyton also compiled an [excellent list of women’s adventure books](https://happiestoutdoors.ca/best-womens-adventure-books/), along with tips on how to read books if you can’t leave the house:

- *Lands of Lost Borders: Out of Bounds on the Silk Road* by Kate Harris. “Beautifully written,” says one of our MEC copywriters, “and it’s got me thinking of a bike tour next year.”

- *Rowing to Latitude* by Jill Fredston. Recommended by MEC Ambassador and writer Bruce Kirkby, it covers a decade of expeditions across Arctic waters, going backwards in a modified rowing shell.

- [*Lines on a Map*](/en/product/6002-439/Lines-on-a-Map) by Frank Wolf: “His adventures are incredible,” says MEC staffer Sean. “Some of them will never be repeated, and they cover pretty much every part of Canada.”

- *Thirst: 2600 Miles From Home* by Heather “Anish” Anderson: Our MEC editor and past PCT thru-hiker just finished this one. “It’s interesting because she became the (self-supported) record holder, but without fanfare or much ego – only about 1000% grit.”

- *The Snow Leopard* by Peter Matthiessen: Another pick of Bruce Kirkby, this is a crystalline account of the author’s spiritual quest while accompanying naturalist George Schaller in Nepal’s Dolpo region in search of the snow leopard.

## Learn new knots
A few knots in your repertoire can make a big difference in your outdoor skills. A [knot-tying guidebook](/en/products/travel-gear/books-maps-and-dvds/training-guides-and-instructional-books/c/941?text=knots) gives you clear, professional instructions and tips on how to use them, or you can also browse videos online. Beginners: we recommend starting with sheet bends, square knots, figure eights, bowlines and clove hitches.



## Get to know your local birds
With a pair of [binoculars](/en/products/camping-and-hiking/tools-lighting-and-accessories/binoculars/c/900) and a bird guide, you unlock a whole new part of the outdoors. “You’d be surprised at how quickly time can pass when you’re birding,” says MEC staffer Karen, “watching and listening makes you more aware of everything outside, even if it’s just your backyard or out your window.” Apps like eBird are great to track sightings.

## Stick together, even when you’re apart
What makes the outdoor community amazing? The people. Reach out virtually to talk, laugh and videochat with your running, climbing, skiing, biking and paddling buddies.

If you used to meet up for group runs or rides, honour that same time but connect online instead of in person. Do yoga together over Zoom or other online platforms, give each other tours of your living room training set-up, and meet up on Zwift. Oh – and if you have a pet that usually joins your friends on adventures, we’d love to see their furry faces over videochat too.

Take care of yourselves and each other. We’re a community, even when we’re not outside together.

*Stay tuned to @mec social channels for skills sessions, #goodtimesinside training tips and stories to keep you connected to the outdoors.*



Tips to keep active, stay in touch with nature and look out for each other.

How to stay connected to the outdoors while you’re at home

Your climbing gym may be closed, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop training. To help you make the most of training at home, we checked in with MEC Ambassadors and staffers for their tips and tricks to help you stay climb-ready.

## 1. Build a routine and stick to it
Everybody’s regular routines have been flipped upside down. Sketch out a schedule for the next few days and stick with it to see how it works. “I’ve been keeping up with my hangboarding schedule as if the climbing gyms were still open,” says MEC Ambassador Ivan Luo. Block out workouts and stretching sessions, but also pencil in time for things to do on your downtime, like watching climbing videos ([Reel Rock 14](https://reelrocktour.com/products/reel-rock-14) is out) or calling climbing buddies.

## 2. Make the most of what you have
You likely already have a lot of what you need to workout at home. It can be as simple as a yoga mat to move around on and a set of weights. If you have real weights, great. If not, see what’s in your house. “We’re using some water bottles and milk jugs filled with water,” says MEC staffer Graham McGrenere.

## 3. Get some hangtime
If you can, get something to hang on – a [mounted hangboard](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/climbing-training-gear/c/1462) is excellent. If drilling a hangboard into your wall might isn’t an option, [portable hangboards](/en/products/climbing/gym-climbing-and-indoor-training/climbing-training-gear/c/1462) work well too (over a thick tree branch or pull-up bar). Or you can hang off a door frame pull-up bar. To make your workouts harder, add weight to your body using your climbing harness, slings and carabiners.

“The bottom of a staircase is a great place to set up a hangboard,” says MEC Ambassador Tosh Sherkat. “Make sure to leave room for your feet and hips so they’re not smashing against a doorframe. Depending on the type of hangboard you have, you may want to drill it to a piece of plywood before securing it to a stud in your wall.”

> Also, don’t pull on door frames because you *will* rip them off… trust me. – Tosh
>
## 3. If you can’t hang, hold
What if you can’t hang from something? “You can hold something instead!” says MEC staffer Kim McGrenere. “Use a portable hangboard, pinch blocks or anything you can find with small edges. Bring out your slings and carabiners to attach weight to the item you’re going to hold, and then hold by your side with a straight arm and your shoulder engaged.”

## 4. Use free workout videos
Browse online to see what workouts other climbers are doing, and adjust the exercises to work safely for your body – now is definitely not the time for an injury! Always start easy when you’re trying something new.

Tosh put together some of the exercises he’s using to stay climbing-ready:



Tosh Sherkat - Stay climb ready workout

## 5. Reset your goals
Now’s the time to be flexible and adjust what you may have envisioned for climbing this year. That’s totally okay – your goals will still be waiting for you on the other side of all this. “As a culture and as a community, we don’t value rest as much as we should,” says Tosh. “It’s so good for your mind and body! Let yourself take some downtime. You’ll come back stronger and more psyched.”

## 6. Don’t forget about your core
“Pushing and core exercises are my go-to,” says Ivan. “I hated doing push-ups for the longest time, but eventually I saw that they do come handy. For core, I’ve been trying to do more challenging exercises, like L-sits. They help me get better at balancing on my arms and also holding super tight on my abdominals.”



## 7. Also don’t forget about fingers and mobility
“Definitely keep up preventative care for your fingers,” says Kim. “The tools you want for extensors are thing like [grip savers](/en/product/5007-164/Grip-Saver-Plus-Exercise-Ball).”

Another key training point? Mobility work to increase range of motion and your ability to move freely without stress on the body. “Mobility is a thing not a lot of climbers do on a regular basis,” Ivan says. “I recommend everyone to start doing a little mobility a day – your body will thank you in the future.”

MEC Ambassador Tula Sherkat shares one of her favourite mobility exercises: “Lie on the ground with your feet in the air and balance a yoga block on each of the soles of your feet. Then slowly try to roll over onto your belly without letting the blocks fall. It helps with your hip mobility.”

## 8. Spread and share challenges via social media
“I’ve been doing a ton of these,” says Ivan. “Push up challenge, one arm pull-up challenge, max hang challenge, even a challenge where you try to do as many pull-ups that can fit in one 15-second Instagram story – I ended doing 12.5! What’s better than being entertained while working out and get your friends to do the same?”

## 9. Keep in touch with climbing buddies
“Lots of social media!” says Ivan. “Instagram is probably my crew’s main channel, and sometimes we’ll hop on group conference calls.” Everyone we spoke with shared just how much they appreciate staying in touch with friends – not only is it nice to hear what people are up to, it’s also a motivator to keep active and connected to the climbing community.



To help you make the most of training at home, we checked in with MEC Ambassadors and staffers for their tips and tricks to help you stay climb-ready.

How to train for rock climbing from home

When you’re shopping for outdoor gear, most of us look at cool features you can see – taped seams, cleverly placed pockets, reflective materials. But what about the stuff you *don’t* see? The vats of swirling dyes or the person mixing chemicals to make your gear waterproof?

That’s where Bluesign comes in.

Bluesign is kind of like a team of science detectives with a serious interest in safety. They’re experts that investigate the chemistry that goes into manufacturing fabrics, from the molecular level (seriously) all the way to the stuff flowing out of the pipes at a fabric mill.

It’s nerdy, it’s complicated, and we love it. If you’re the type of person who cares about how your clothes and gear are made, we think you’ll dig it too.



## Wait – why are there chemicals in outdoor gear?
If you’re looking to only wear products that aren’t made with chemicals, you’ll likely be naked. Fact is, even the most natural fabrics require chemistry. Dyes, water repellents, stain release agents – it’s all chemistry. Most of us don’t think about it since we don’t see it.

What’s extra surprising that only a tiny portion of chemistry used to make a material – about 10% – ends up in the final material. The majority is used in processes along the way, like anti-foaming agents to help make sure dyes aren’t patchy. It can end up harming the environment (emissions, waste materials or waste water) or hurting people who are working with it (carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, harsh reproductive toxins) if it’s not managed responsibly.

## How does Bluesign help?
When you choose products made with bluesign® approved fabrics, you can feel confident that they were made in the safest possible way for the planet, workers and you. MEC Label has been working with Bluesign since 2005, and we were the first Canadian retailer to become a bluesign® system partner.



## Okay, but what does Bluesign *actually* do?
Bluesign helps stop problems before they start. They work with brands (like MEC Label), fabric mills and chemical suppliers in the supply chain. The goal is to create and use the safest and most sustainable materials possible.

Good chemistry means that:

- Toxins aren’t released into air, water or on land
- People aren’t harmed by chemicals they’re handling
- There’s a lower environmental impact, since less water, energy and actual chemicals need to be used

You want to know the products you buy are free from toxic substances, and bluesign approved materials are indeed safe. But many people are surprised to learn that some of Bluesign’s biggest impacts aren’t about consumers – they’re about workers and the environment. The potential exposure to really bad stuff is so much greater to people who handle the fabrics and where they live than anything the average Canadian consumer would ever experience.

Properly managed chemistry in the supply chain protects places and people everywhere.

## Why is it so hard to keep bad stuff out?
Short answer: supply chains are complicated:



This diagram is what keeps social and environmental responsibility teams up at night. When you’re a brand trying to make a t-shirt or backpack, it’s often impossible to understand all the players involved in making your finished product.

MEC works with Bluesign to help us make more responsible choices when we’re sourcing fabrics. If a factory we want to work with isn’t part of the bluesign system, we make the introduction so Bluesign can jump into science investigation mode. They dig into what chemistry is used, how chemical mixtures are formulated, and how it’s all being handled.

The reality is that most brands don’t know what’s in their supply chain. MEC has a goal of using 100% bluesign approved materials, and 88% of the materials we use for apparel and sleeping bags are already bluesign approved. We’re also working at understanding more of the players in our own supply chain. We currently know tier one factories and subcontractors (e.g., creating finished products), and tier two material partners (e.g., turning raw materials into fabric), and [share our supplier list publicly](/en/explore/factories).



## Who are these science experts?
The people at Bluesign are a technical bunch. Many are chemical engineers or have PhDs in chemistry to deeply know chemicals and be able to audit chemical facilities. One group even specializes in something called homologation, which is a fancy way of saying chemical assessments and ratings. Bluesign Technologies AG is based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and has team members all over the world.

## What can MEC members do about all this?
Good news: your choices have an impact. We recognize that no individual, organization or brand is perfect (including MEC – we’re on a sustainability journey where the end goal is always evolving), but individual actions are a great place to start. Some ideas from our sustainability team:

- **Buy less**: Purchase fewer things, go secondhand, rent, borrow, and use what you have more.
- **Look for quality**: When you do buy new, look for well-made stuff that’s built to last.
- **Be curious**: Who made your gear? If a brand is claiming something, who’s verifying those claims, and what numbers back it up?
- **Think brands over items**: Look for brands that have a solid track record in sustainability (like being involved with Bluesign, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Fair Trade and more) instead of a shiny new “green” product that was created without other aspects in mind.



## Related articles
- [How-to articles and videos for gear repair](/en/explore/product-care-and-maintenance)
- [Tent vs. tee: the carbon footprint at MEC](/en/article/tent-vs-tee-the-carbon-footprint-of-outdoor-gear)
- [Fair Trade Certified at MEC](/en/explore/fair-trade)



It’s nerdy, it’s complicated, and we love it. If you’re the type of person who cares about how your clothes and gear are made, we think you’ll dig it too.

What the heck is Bluesign?

Whether you’re new to climbing, a 20-year veteran or somewhere in between, it’s important to develop an internal dialogue that helps motivate you to reach your full potential. Just like you can train your muscles, you can train your brain.

I’ve been working on reframing thoughts and I’ve noticed how it changes the way I approach climbing. Here are some thoughts I’ve found myself repeating, and some tips to flip the script.

## Comparing yourself to others
**If you think**: “Wow, that person’s really strong. They just sent that problem so easily. How’d they do that? I’ll never be that strong.”

Essentially, this thought comes down to walking into the gym and feeling like everyone around you seems to know what they’re doing – except for you. But the reality is that everyone around you was once a beginner or new to a tough climbing problem too. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do (now), think about how much work and practice that person put in to get to where they are, and challenge yourself to do the same.

**New way of thinking:** “Wow, that person’s really strong! They just flashed that problem. I want to get better too, so I’m going to keep on trying and training.”



## Feeling stuck (and alone)
**If you think**: “I’ve tried this problem a million times and I’m not getting *anywhere*. This is so hard – I can’t figure it out. What am I doing wrong? I want to send this before that other person does.”

While it’s human to feel competitive and can motivate you to push yourself, there are times when those feelings can actually work against you and cause you to miss out on real benefits of collaboration with your climbing peers. When you open yourself up to work with other climbers who are at your level (or even a little stronger), you’re able to access their skills and strengths that you might not have yet.

**New way of thinking:** “I’ve tried this problem a million times and I’m not getting anywhere. That person is doing nice work on that cross move. I’m going to ask them how.” … “Hey – how did you bring your left hand up? I’m going try that, thanks!”



## Feeling stuck (and maybe a little jealous)
**If you think**: “Ugh, they flashed that problem. I’ve been working on it all night and they just flashed it.”

Yes, it’s hard to spend an hour trying the same problem and not make any progress, only to have someone walk up and do it without breaking a sweat. It can almost feel like they’re shoving it in your face. However, a good climber who wants to improve will set those feelings aside to carefully watch what that person is doing and pay close attention to how they move between the holds. Then, take all that beta and try to apply what you’ve observed into your own climbing.

**New way of thinking:** “Wow, they flashed that problem. They turned their right hip in and dropped their left foot to get to that right hand hold. I’m going to rest for 10 minutes and give that a shot.”



## Putting yourself down
**If you think**: “This is so hard. I suck.”

While thoughts like this may seem inconsequential in the moment, they can keep you from getting better at climbing if they become a habit. It’s normal to feel frustrated, especially when your brain knows what it wants to do but your body has other ideas. It’s important to take a break from the problem or route when it gets to the point where you’re putting yourself down. Goof around with friends, listen to music or try another climb. Get out of your own head, and if you come back to the route, you’ll feel less weighed down by your own expectations.

**New way of thinking**: “This feels so hard. Let’s get some music going and go for a walk. When my brain feels less weighed down, I’m going to give it another go and whatever happens, happens.”



## Zeroing in on bad holds
**If you think**: “Okay, redpoint time. I’m cruising through these moves. Ugh – I hate this hold. I should readjust. No, no good, my left hand is getting tired. Where are my feet? I’m screwing this up, why is this hold so bad? I’m pumped, I’m off!”

If you’re ready to redpoint your project, you should have a good understanding of the holds you’ll be grabbing and the moves you’ll be making off them. I find it helpful to envision myself climbing the entire route from start to finish. I picture getting to that bad hold, already knowing that it’s not going to feel as good as I like, accepting that and committing to holding it and moving on. I prepare myself to not spend too much time readjusting, since I know that will only tire me out and there’s nothing more to be had from it.

**New way of thinking**: “Okay, redpoint time. I feel good, I’m cruising through these moves. Left hand hold, right foot out, catch that right hold! Yeow, that felt good!”



Climbing is a strength *and* skill based sport. While it’s easy to get caught up in the latest party tricks posted on Instagram, putting work into observing your thoughts and working on changing your mental game for the better will help bring your climbing to the next level. Which may be just as satisfying as doing a one arm pull-up. Maybe.



## Related articles
- [What it’s like to be a pro comp climber in Canada](/en/article/what-its-like-to-be-a-pro-comp-climber-in-canada)
- [Crag etiquette: do’s and don’ts of climbing outside](/en/article/crag-etiquette-the-dos-and-donts-of-climbing-outside)
- [15 things I wish I knew before I started climbing](/en/article/15-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i-started-climbing)



Whether you're new to climbing, a 20-year veteran or somewhere in between, it's important to develop an internal dialogue that helps motivate you to reach your full potential.

Mental strategies to improve your climbing

“When I first heard about Recco’s new helicopter-mounted detector in Europe, I got excited about its possibilities,” says Mark Knight, part of the MEC Label design team. “Our local search and rescue team had over 130 calls that year, and this new technology seemed to offer huge potential for helping volunteer SAR teams find missing or lost people in the backcountry.

“If we could champion this cause, we could help get a detector here to support local search and rescue teams.”

Fast-forward a few years to today, and helicopter-mounted Recco technology is finally in Canada – along with [Recco-equipped backpacks](/en/features/recco-system/products/camping-and-hiking/packs-and-bags/c/1564) that make you searchable. These backpacks range from compact day hiking bags to fully loaded backpacking options.

See the story behind it all, and how this new technology can be used:



RECCO x MEC

## Where is Recco being used?
Search and rescue teams in a few Canadian regions – Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, southeast BC and Alberta – are currently able to request access to use the helicopter-mounted Recco detector system (it’s also in some parts of Europe and the United States). The helicopter-mounted detector allows searchers to cover a square kilometre in about six minutes by air, even over thick trees or mountainous terrain.

If Recco sounds familiar, it’s because this technology also shows up in winter backcountry ski gear to help organized rescue and ski patrol in avalanche burial situations. Avalanche rescue detectors are smaller handheld devices (note: they are *not* a substitute for [avalanche safety gear and training](/en/explore/avalanche-safety-gear-and-training)).

The evolution to a larger helicopter-mounted detector means you can search much farther and faster, and also opens it up to all-season wilderness searches.

## How does Recco work?
Recco is a two-part system: detector and reflector. The detector emits a radar signal that bounces back when it hits a reflector (kind of like shining a flashlight onto a mirror). Reflectors are small, lightweight, don’t need batteries to work or be activated, and they can be embedded into gear. When a person wears clothes or a backpack with a Recco reflector, they become searchable by the detector.

## How to stay safe when you’re hiking
Search and rescue is a last resort. Before you hit the trail, it’s incredibly important to:

- **Prepare before you go**: Start with these [day hiking tips for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners). Research your route and choose a trail that works with your fitness and outdoor skill level.
- **Gain outdoor skills**: Check out [free or low-cost hiking clinics](/en/explore/hiking-and-camping-events) at MEC. We cover lots of topics, from how to use a GPS to packing for an overnight hiking trip. Local hiking groups are also a good way to learn from more experienced hikers.
- **Bring proper gear**: The [10 essentials](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping) are a must, even if it’s just a short hike. Good hiking footwear and layers. First-aid kit.
- **Leave a trip plan with a trusted friend**: [AdventureSmart](https://www.adventuresmart.ca/tripplan.htm) has a trip plan template and app to get you started. Make a note on your trip plan if you’re bringing Recco-equipped gear.



## Related articles
- [The 10 essentials for hiking and camping](/en/explore/the-10-essentials-hiking-camping)
- [Day hiking for beginners](/en/explore/day-hiking-for-beginners)
- [Backpacking basics: how to plan an overnight hiking trip](/en/explore/planning-for-overnight-hikes)



Finally in Canada: Recco detection via helicopter. Find out how it works, where it is, and how this could be a game-changer in the backcountry.

These backpacks can help search and rescue find lost hikers

Vancouver is where MEC started. Over the last few decades, we’ve had a few homes in this city – a VW van, room 14C in the Student Union Building at UBC, the Dominion Building, Kitsilano, Cambie, Broadway. Now it’s time to take the next step in the place where it all began.

It’s time to say hello to your new **MEC Vancouver flagship store at 111 East 2nd Avenue** (at Quebec Street) in Olympic Village… and to bid a fond farewell to the Broadway store that served us for 25 years.

We’re proud to be able to share this new space with you because it takes what we care about as an outdoor retailer and brings it to life. We’re strong believers in sustainability, and the new store is packed with green building features. We have a goal to connect people with the outdoors, and there are community and local shout-outs throughout. We’re huge into gear and advice, and this space gives us a chance to share all that in a new way.

Thank you for decades of support – here’s what to look forward to in your new MEC Vancouver flagship store:

## 1. Climbing is bigger than ever
MEC wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for climbing – it was the reason we started in 1971. So we knew that incorporating climbing into a flagship store was an absolute must. Solution? Build a bouldering wall.

The wall was designed by Impact Climbing, and the custom design was inspired by one of our favourite hangouts: the Stawamus Chief in Squamish. Use the wall to try out climbing shoes or bring your own pair to do some crushing. The first batch of problems were set by MEC Ambassador Tosh Sherkat and staffers.

***Heads up, members**: We’re taking precautionary steps due to COVID-19, so we’re pausing use of our bouldering wall for the moment. It’s super hard for us to keep climbing holds germ-free and we take your health seriously. Thanks for your understanding.*



MEC Vancouver store climbing wall

> “Having any place that brings people together to do something is community building in its essence. I’ve been gym climbing since I was 10 years old, and I love it because of the community.” – Tosh
>
Problems range from beginner-friendly V0 to a “very compy” Ambassador challenge.

## 2. There’s a sweet community space
Helping people learn new skills or getting folks inspired to get outside is something we’ve been doing for years. When we were dreaming up floor plans for Vancouver, we wanted to create a community space that didn’t feel like an afterthought stuffed in a corner.

Swing by Basecamp to see what we created – it’s our open-concept community hub where you can join a learn-to experience, chat with folks flipping through hiking guides, make connections with interesting people at community events, and spark ideas for your next outdoor trip.



## 3. It’s green on the inside
We’ve been “greening” buildings for more than a decade, and sustainability is a major part of the new Vancouver store. The mass timber superstructure is what most people notice first, and this renewable building material comes with added benefits of storing carbon and being easy to reuse at the end of its life. But there are more green building features you don’t see. A few highlights:

- **Putting rain to work**: The roof captures rainwater that funnels into an underground cistern to provide up to 80% of the water used for flushing toilets.
- **A renewable day in the neighbourhood**: We’re connected to the innovative [Neighbourhood Energy Utility](https://vancouver.ca/docs/planning/renewable-energy-neighbourhood-utility-factsheet.pdf) system, which recovers heat from untreated urban wastewater (a sanitized way of saying sewage). It’s renewable and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.
- **Less is more**: This space is designed to use almost one-third less energy than the standards set out by the national energy code for buildings. Some of the largest savings come from high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.



## 4. … and it’s green on the outside
It wouldn’t be MEC without a hefty dose of green. In the back alley, we’ve put in bird-friendly and Salmon-Safe landscaping with native and naturalized species, some of which are fruit-bearing to give foraging birds a place to snack. Plus, there are a couple of tiny nesting boxes. Up top, there’s an extensive green roof.

## 5. Mountains are front and centre
Mountains: we love them. We want people to start thinking about their next alpine adventure before they even step inside, so there’s metal mountain artwork front and centre. Anyone who loves peaks as much as we do will want to know where they’re from – it’s the Freshfield Icefield in the Rockies, north of Golden, by Vancouver-based outdoor photographer Jordan Manley.



## 6. We’re recognizing where we live
Once you step inside, you’ll see a permanent land acknowledgement to recognize the Indigenous lands we work and play on – something we also did at our MEC Toronto flagship store. As you make your way through the store, you’ll also find a profile of local outdoor leader Myia Antone of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and the legend of the Two Sisters.



## 7. You’ve got options
Transportation-minded members, take note: our new location is just as easy to get to as our old Broadway store. If you’re taking transit, the new MEC Vancouver is just a 7-minute walk from Main Street-Science World Station, and lots of buses (3, 8, 19, 84) drop you almost at the front door. If you’re biking, you can roll in via separated bike lanes on Quebec Street. If you’re coming by car, there are three levels of parking, including 16 electric vehicle charging spots.



## 8. There are secret murals
Even if you don’t drive to the store, you’ll want to peek in the parkade. We asked Vancouver-based artist Jessa Gilbert to create two massive murals – one is a view from Kits, the other is the North Shore’s rich green rainforest. “These murals are a way to celebrate Vancouver,” she says.

> “When I moved here, I was completely awe-struck by the mountains, the scale of the terrain, and the density and the textures of the forest here. I hope when people see the piece, it feels playful and can inspire them to get outside.”
>
Along with being a muralist, Jessa is an MEC Ambassador, backcountry guide and a freshly certified scissor lift operator in order to reach the top of those enormous walls. “Painting a mural is a lot more of a physical and logistical challenge than people might realize.”



MEC Vancouver murals by Jessa Gilbert

## 9. We rolled in some history
We’ve done a lot since 1971, so it felt right to recognize how far we’ve come in the new store. As you wander through the new space, keep an eye out for a few historic highlights from the last few decades, and get the scoop on why a VW van is parked inside the store (hint: it’s got an old-school store connection).

Getting the van *into* the store is a whole other story, which involved removing the rear fender and roof rack, folding in the sideview mirrors, and squeezing through the front doors with about an inch to spare on either side. Phew.



MEC Vancouver Relocation

## 10. There’s a better bike and ski shop space
Part of loving your gear is maintaining your gear, so we wanted to build out our new bike and ski shop. It’s now a large, welcoming space that allows for smooth drop-offs, pick-ups and payment of your bike tune-up or ski waxing. You’ll see mechanics and ski techs in action from the floor, and there’s an even bigger bike and ski shop behind the scenes as well.

We can’t wait to see you there – this space is awesome.



Check out 10 of our favourite things (and some behind-the-scenes stories) from the new MEC Vancouver store in Olympic Village.

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